Marriott International is completing a long-awaited chapter in its Barbados expansion, confirming that two well-known beachfront resorts — Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove — will reopen in 2026 as all-inclusive properties under its Tribute Portfolio brand.
The relaunch marks a significant milestone following Marriott’s 2019 acquisition of Elegant Hotels, a deal that not only reshaped Barbados’ resort landscape but also helped launch Marriott’s wider push into the all-inclusive segment across the Caribbean and beyond.
While several former Elegant Hotels properties have already returned to operation — including The House, Waves Resort & Spa, Treasure Beach, and the recently reopened Colony Club — Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove remained conspicuously closed. Their absence was felt, particularly given their prime beachfront locations and loyal followings. That gap is now set to close.
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Completing the Elegant Hotels story
Marriott confirmed this week that both resorts will reopen as
- Turtle Beach, Barbados, A Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
- Crystal Cove, Barbados, A Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort
Their return comes as part of a broader wave of resort development on the island, with Barbados shaping up for a strong 2026 that will also include new openings such as the highly anticipated Royalton Vessence.
These are not fringe properties being revived. Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove have long played distinct roles in Barbados’ tourism offering — one as a family-focused south coast resort, the other as a relaxed west coast retreat. Their relaunch restores balance to areas where demand never truly faded.
Turtle Beach: South Coast energy, family-forward comfort
Turtle Beach sits along a wide stretch of sand near St. Lawrence Gap, one of Barbados’ most active and walkable areas. The setting blends beachside ease with proximity to dining, nightlife and entertainment, making it especially appealing for families who want options beyond the resort gates.
The property is built entirely around suites rather than standard hotel rooms, giving stays a more spacious, unrushed feel. That layout has always been central to its appeal — families spread out, mornings feel calmer, and even at higher occupancy, the resort rarely feels crowded.
As an all-inclusive, Turtle Beach is designed for flexibility rather than rigid scheduling. Meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, non-motorised water sports, kids’ club access and fitness facilities are all included, allowing guests to shape their days naturally. Beach and pool ambassador service keeps the focus outdoors, where most guests spend their time.
Dining is spread across multiple venues through a Dine Around Programme, reinforcing the sense of variety that defines the south coast. The beach itself is also part of the experience, located in an area known for seasonal sea turtle nesting — a quiet reminder of the island’s natural rhythms.
Rather than reinventing itself, Turtle Beach is returning as what it has always been: a spacious, beachfront, family-oriented resort in one of Barbados’ most lived-in coastal districts.
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Crystal Cove: West Coast calm and coastal simplicity
On the island’s west coast, Crystal Cove offers a very different rhythm. Built around a sheltered cove, the resort feels compact and village-like, with the sea visible from almost everywhere on property.
Rooms and suites feature balconies or terraces, many facing directly onto the water. Everything is close and intuitive — guests step outside and immediately find themselves at the beach, the pool, or a dining space without long walks or navigation.
Crystal Cove’s all-inclusive offering centres on outdoor living. Premium dining and drinks are included, along with Wi-Fi, both motorised and non-motorised water sports, and attentive beach and pool service that allows guests to settle in for the day without interruption. A water taxi links the resort to select sister properties along the west coast, adding variety without the need for a car.
For those who like to stay active, the resort includes a fitness centre, two floodlit tennis courts, and scheduled yoga and Pilates sessions. Some days begin with guided beach walks; others wind down with evening tennis. Participation is optional, never imposed.
Families are also well catered for, with the Flying Fish Kids Club welcoming infants through preteens. Children have their own space while remaining close to the heart of the resort, allowing parents to relax nearby.
Meals are structured through a Dine Around Programme, encouraging flexibility rather than routine. Guests are welcomed with a Bajan cocktail on arrival — a small but telling detail that reflects Crystal Cove’s long-standing emphasis on warmth over spectacle.
Its reopening restores a much-needed all-inclusive option to the west coast, where such offerings have been comparatively limited despite steady demand.
Why Tribute Portfolio makes sense
Reintroducing both resorts under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio allows them to retain their individuality while benefiting from global visibility. These are not uniform, standardised resorts. Their identities remain shaped by location, layout and long-standing guest loyalty.
Notably, Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove will become Marriott’s first Tribute-branded all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean — a region where most of the company’s all-inclusives fall under the Marriott or Autograph Collection brands.
For Marriott, the relaunch completes the Barbados strategy that began with the Elegant Hotels acquisition. For the island, it brings two established beachfront resorts back into circulation, each resuming a role it has historically filled well.
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Opening dates and pricing
Crystal Cove will reopen first and is already accepting reservations for stays beginning February 1, with opening rates starting at approximately $1,016 per night on an all-inclusive basis.
Turtle Beach is scheduled to follow, with bookings now available for stays starting May 1. Opening rates begin around $363 per night.
Together, the two reopenings signal a renewed confidence in Barbados’ all-inclusive market — and the return of two resorts that many travellers have been waiting to welcome back.
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