Pristine idyllic beaches can be found on every Caribbean island and Barbados is no different. Head to Bridgetown’s Carlisle Bay, Browne’s Beach and Pebbles Beach or Christ Church’s Miami Beach and Accra/Rockley Beach.
Barbados is also the birthplace of rum and pop star Rihanna, who was born and raised here and was recently named ‘Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary’ for the island.
What should I do there?
Bridgetown has enough fascinating historic sites to earn it the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour of the capital will likely include National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square and home to Lord Nelson’s statue), St Michael’s Cathedral, the Bridgetown Jewish Synagogue and Parliament Buildings.
Similarly, Garrison Savannah – a historic military base – is worth checking out, with its beautiful Matthias Church, St Ann’s Fort ruins and the Savannah race course, which is still used for many sporting activities today. It’s a great place to fly a kite, go jogging or just watch the world go by.
Rum fans will love it in Barbados. The island is home to the Mount Gay Distillery, which was founded in 1703 making it the world's oldest remaining rum company and serving as solid supporting evidence for its ‘birthplace of rum’ claim. Several other distilleries can be found on the island including St Nicholas Abbey and Foursquare Distilleries, as well as an estimated 1,500 rum shops across the island.
Oistins is a town on the country’s south coast, and on a Friday night, Oistins Bay Gardens plays host to ‘fish fry,’ an informal outdoor grill using fresh Bajan ingredients, prepared right in front of you. Whether you’re looking for seafood, meat or a vegetarian option, you’ll find a vendor to pile your plate high with delicious island food.
Who would love it here?
Whatever the budget or whatever you want to get up to, Barbados is sure to please all.
Where could I stay?
Sandy Lane (one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious resorts), Fairmont Royal Pavilion (renovated in 2018), Cobblers Cove (reminiscent of an English country house hotel and part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection).
“Barbados is an island of contrast, suited to anyone and to any budget. During my first visit, days were spent lazing on the public beaches mixing with locals, sharing bottles of rum outside ramshackle homes with chickens running around our feet and wonderful loud Afro Caribbean music blaring out beats from huge speakers. The local Bajan community is both warm and friendly, and the people are always providing a happy and genuine smile. It is a safe place to visit, with a very low crime rate.”
Helen, Travel Counsellor