So, you’ve got your heart set on a Caribbean holiday? Now, it’s just a case of deciding where to go. But with over 20 absolutely stunning destinations to choose from, picking just one for the holiday of a lifetime may seem somewhat overwhelming.
Well, whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family-friendly getaway, an adventure, a relaxing beach holiday, or some mix of the above, or whether you are in search of an extraordinary cultural experience, we’re here to tell you why Barbados ticks all the boxes and is the destination of choice for so many holidaymakers each year.
Destination Barbados
Barbados, the most eastern of the Caribbean islands, is a place steeped in history, full of ambiguities and subtleties.
One renowned scholar of the Caribbean wrote this of Barbados, “Of all the countries of the Greater Caribbean, Barbados has most successfully combined a deep respect for tradition with a constant attempt to modernise.”
Renowned for stable governance and a just society, one need not look farther than the exemplary manner in which Prime Minister Mia Mottley has handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors to the island can enjoy peace of mind as far as their general safety is concerned.
But there’s more…lots more. The island has it all.
You’ll receive a truly warm welcome from the friendly Bajans who are always keen to show visitors a good time. Then there’s the perfect year-round fine weather that allows visitors to enjoy the many beautiful beaches encircling the island.
With its well-established culinary scene, holidaymakers can have their pick when it comes to mouth-watering local delicacies such as grilled flying fish, cornmeal cou-cou, or spicy coconut bread, not to mention an impressive array of international offerings.
And let’s not forget that it’s Barbados where rum was invented in 1703. So head to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre and the historic St. Nicholas Abbey Great House, built in 1658 for a tipple of the best.
Access All Areas – Getting To Barbados
Whether you are visiting from North America, Europe, Asia or the Middle East, Barbados is one of the most easily accessible islands in the Caribbean.
There are direct flights to Grantley Adams International (BGI) Airport in Bridgetown from a number of major US cities including Boston, New York, Miami and Fort Lauderdale which will get you to your island destination in less than 5 hours.
The same goes for European travellers flying in from London, Manchester, Frankfurt and Munich. And for those who plan on arriving in style, the island is well-accustomed to catering to private jets and yachts.
With Barbados being a sought after destination, it is featured on many cruise ships itineraries. The cruise terminal is conveniently located a mile west of Bridgetown’s centre with its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the western hemisphere’s oldest synagogue which has been beautifully restored and of course there’s the great shopping and general bustle of the island’s capital.
And for those who prefer to captain their own vessels, Barbados’ private marinas and yachting facilities are world-class, with Port Ferdinand and Port St Charles on the north-western coast.
Where To Stay – Feel Right At Home On Your Island Vacation
It’s important to find the perfect home away from home but with legendary Bajan hospitality close at hand you can’t go wrong in Barbados. For foodies, the island offers everything from great little beach bars serving fresh local fish cutters to the most beautiful seaside restaurants that you could wish for, serving excellent cuisine using the finest produce. Barbados’ restaurants are in many respects what sets it apart from other Caribbean islands.
Regardless of personal preferences and budgets, there is sure to be an accommodation option to suit every type of holidaymaker visiting Barbados.
From modest bed and breakfasts, self-catering beachfront apartments and villas to luxury experiences, Barbados has something for everyone.
Attractions Galore – Things To See and Do in Barbados
Whilst it’s totally possible to spend your holiday soaking up the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches, there is a lot more to Barbados than just sun, sea and sand. Barbados, although small, is an island of sharp contrasts. If you can tear yourself away from the placid tropical charm of the palm-fringed white beaches of the west coast, you only have to travel a few miles to get to the picturesque wildness of the rugged windswept east coast, its beaches pounded relentlessly by the surf of the Atlantic Ocean, with the awesome backdrop of the hills and cliffs above it. There you can surf at the world-famous ‘Soup Bowl’, or go hiking, cycling, or horse-back riding… or just chill.
On the eastern side of the island you should not miss the extraordinary beauty of the Flower Forest or Hunte’s Gardens.
Driving around Barbados is much easier than many of the other Caribbean islands which means that having an island adventure is a must and one such outing should include a trip to the extraordinary Harrison’s Cave, where you travel in a tram deep underground to see the natural wonders of flowing streams, deep pools of crystal-clear water and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. And don’t forget to stop in one of the numerous ‘rum shops’, those popular Bajan bars, and chat with the locals over a drink of rum or beer.
Sports enthusiasts will be in their element in Barbados as the island boasts a strong sporting culture centred around a variety of pursuits ranging from cricket, golf, sailing and rallying to polo and horse racing. And the sea has a lot more to offer than simply swimming. The diving is excellent and easy to access near the coast or you can simply snorkel over the reefs and swim with the turtles, often off a catamaran that has a rum punch and a good lunch at the ready. For the keen windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts the south coast offers perfect conditions and water skiing on the west coast is ideal. For those that want a unique dry adventure underwater, the mini submarine is a fun outing.
Experience Barbados
Barbados is steeped in history. So if it’s culture you’re interested in, head for the country and visit some of the lovingly restored ancient plantation houses like St Nicholas Abbey or Sunbury, or the Morgan Lewis windmill, one of the only two intact and restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. Or spend a day in historic Bridgetown taking in the Parliament buildings and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, first built in 1654 and one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Then visit the Garrison Historic Area, original site of the largest British military complex in the Caribbean that hosts well-preserved buildings of historical and architectural interest, such as St Ann’s Fort, the Barbados Museum, and George Washington House, where the future president stayed when he visited Barbados for two months in 1751.
Of course, there is another side to the island’s culture too. Reggae, calypso and soca feature in the island’s festivals, the main one being Crop Over which culminates in the festival day of Kadooment with fabulous costumes and an infectiously joyous island vibe.
Although there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Barbados, it’s the Bajans themselves and their friendly island vibe that keeps visitors coming back.
Who knows? You may even bump into world-famous Bajan singer, Rihanna, home on one of her frequent trips to refresh her spirits.
Whatever your vibe is, Barbados is sure to satiate your appetite for great food and a good time.
Whether its culture and heritage, luxury experiences or adrenaline-fuelled adventure you are after, this island won’t disappoint. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Book your Barbados holiday today.
Good times are guaranteed!
