LOCATION:  Fresh from a revamp of its public areas, Colony Club is one of the best options on Barbados’ west coast for a luxurious but informal place to stay. The hotel sits on a gorgeous powder-soft beach in a prime position right by the bustling village of Holetown.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: A friendly welcome and bright and airy lobby set the scene for this laid back hotel.The beach can get crowded during busy periods, but the large swimming pool and tropical gardens more than compensate. The pool meanders around the hotel’s whitewashed buildings, with sun loungers dotted in pairs, offering guests a sense of space and privacy even in peak season.

THE FACTS: With gentle pastel shades and simple furnishings, the resort’s unshowy elegance extends to its 96 bedrooms. It’s worth splashing out for a junior suite with a pool view – our outside day bed was an idyllic place to escape to from the midday sun. A recent refurbishment has added stylish new outdoor seating and a swim-up bar, complementing the Laguna Restaurant which lays on weekly lobster and jazz evenings.The Colony Club is one five hotels in the Elegant Hotels group, and guests can take a free water taxi over to Tamarind and the House – you might even spot a turtle along the way.

WOW: The hotel can arrange a beachfront meal for two and private catamaran cruise for couples celebrating a special occasion.

A GOOD BASE FOR: The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the shops and restaurants of Holetown, home to Limegrove, a new luxury shopping centre.Snorkelling and sailing are available from the hotel’s Aqua School, with two new activities this year: a stand-up paddle turtle tour and guided snorkelling at FolkestoneWater Park.For clients seeking relaxing and unpretentious surroundings, with friendly if somewhat unhurried service, the Colony Club is hard to beat.

PRICE: Rates start from £210 per room per night.

colonyclubhotel.com