Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Fairmont Royal Pavilion sits in St James on the west coast of Barbados, on the Platinum Coast, directly on a white-sand beach. It is part of Fairmont, within the Accor group.

The hotel lists 72 oceanfront rooms and suites, all directly on the beach, plus villa suites set back in the gardens, including a three-bedroom villa. The gardens are lush enough to have their own weekly tour. Dining centres on two signature restaurants, Palm Terrace and Taboras, with a beach club bar and grill and a sunset bar. For couples, the appeal is a mid-sized beach hotel with the backing of a big international group.

The hotel has four wedding settings, among them Palm Terrace, the Tropical Gardens and North Beach, with beachfront and oceanfront ceremonies both on offer. The maximum is 200 guests, and the hotel's sample grand celebration is built for 150. Menus run from cocktail receptions to plated dinners and buffets, using local, sustainably sourced ingredients. The hotel suggests booking 12 to 18 months ahead. Ask the team which setting suits your numbers, the music curfew, legal paperwork and what each package includes.

With 72 rooms and suites on the beach and villa suites in the gardens, a mid-sized wedding can sleep largely on site. Larger groups should ask the team about other west coast hotels. Garden tours, beach dinners, afternoon tea by the sea and the fitness centre fill the downtime, and some room types include airport fast track. Parking is free for guests. Grantley Adams International Airport is about 21 km away, and the concierge can book airport transfers that include fast track.