Some travellers love the velvet sand & crystal water, some like lounging under the shadow of a swaying palm tree, and others like the picture-perfect scenery that flourishes all around them. Regardless of what you like about Barbados, it’s no doubt that all of these things have the potential to plaster a Cheshire-cat smile on your face.
So, I guess that’s what we’re doing with this article! We’re going to finally figure out if everybody loves Barbados for the same reason as most do or if there are any underlying aspects of the island that we might be overlooking.
If you’ve been living under a rock this whole time and haven’t got the slightest idea about the island then to sum it up it’s basically:
- Euphoric beaches (water sports) +a lot of rum (fist-pumping nightlife + history)= Barbados
(yeah, I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to SUM it up…get it?)
But don’t worry, I’m not just going to leave it at that! We’re going to be exploring each aspect of that equation. Giving you everything you need to know about the paradise that’s been glowing brighter than ever under the sun’s smile.
Suggested Read: The Caribbean Island: The perfect beach holiday
The Beaches
There’s nothing that comes close to the heart-string towing experience travellers get from the shores of Barbados (Watching the Notebook comes close though). With glistening turquoise bays, carpets of white powdery sand, the endless sounds of the wind and evocative views of sunsets, the beaches of Barbados offer so much in such a little space that it catapults it miles ahead than the regular beaches that you can find just about anywhere else.
Here are some of the best beaches you should set your sights on!
Bathsheba
Nope, we’re not talking about the witch from The Conjuring, there’s nothing satanic or sacrificial here, just some good old beachiness! That’s right, Bathsheba is rugged Barbados at its best. The beach welcomes you with powerful waves, long stretches of sand, and natural pools carved out of the inshore coral, which is fantastic for soaking in as the water swirls around like a giant whirlpool bath. This beach isn’t for the faint of heart though, the water isn’t safe to swim since the waves are a little too spectacular for a traveller’s taste.
Bottom Bay Beach
As you walk down a set of stairs through a cut in the cliffs, you’re embraced by a stunning scene that leaves you at a loss for words. Too much? Nope. Not for Bottom Bay Beach. It’s never too much for Bottom Bay Beach. With imposing cliffs, majestic waves and an atmosphere that’s worth more than you can imagine, you’re sure to have your fill of sun & sand here.
Crane Beach
The setting at Crane Beach put merely, is blissfully ideal. The sand has a captivating pink hue and is backed by tall coconut palms. Nearby, cliffs protrude from the shore and on top sits an elegant hotel that looks down on a wide crescent of the beach. There’s no better shore to spend a lazy beach day in!
The Beaches of Carlisle Bay
The beaches of Carlisle Bay are also popular among tourists. Brownes Beach, Bayshore Beach and Pebble Beach are all enriched by green spaces, calm waves and a variety of restaurants. There are no other places for a family-friendly beach day than these right here.
But wait, we’re not done with this part of the equation just yet. Sea sports have been subjected to a significant amount of demand recently, and here’s what you should know about that!
Watersports
In the many beaches of Barbados, you’ll be able to take part in a plethora of sea activities, unless of course, you’re a landlubber – then you might want to skip this part.
- Scuba Diving – Why? Because darling it’s better down where it’s wetter, take it from me (yeah, I know it sounds weird out of context but is that really my fault? I was just trying to reference a Disney Classic). Anyways, Barbados is basically every divers dream. Make sure you take a plunge you’ll never forget!
- Windsurfing – Wind hunters probably know this already but is that going to stop me from repeating it? No – Barbados is one of the top windsurfing locations in the world. Consistently excellent conditions – steady wind and gentle waves in a reliable and ideal setting make Barbados a must-visit spot for any serious windsurfer.
- Kitesurfing – The wind isn’t just for the windsurfers, if they claimed it was, it’d be rather selfish; kitesurfers can have a blast on Barbados too. All the things that make the island ideal for one make it perfect for the other.
- Surfing – You don’t have to be Kelly Slater to enjoy surfing in Barbados. If trying things out of your comfort zone is what this trip is all about then I suggest you give it go – just don’t go surfing without knowing any of the basics!
- Sailing – Of course, why not? There are charter operators offering everything from completely customised personal sailing to fully crewed day cruising, might as well do it while you’re at it. Who knows when you’ll get a chance like this?
Now that we’re done with that, let’s move on to something a bit more satisfying & the next part of our holiday equation, also known as rum.
Attention rum fanatics
Barbados loves rum. If you do too, then consider it a match made in heaven. It’s the kind of scenario where some would say “if you took a trip to Barbados and didn’t try it? Then did you even visit Barbados in the first place?” From taste-testing to casual night-outs drowning in rum, there’s much to look forward to! Oh, did I forget to mention that they have an entire festival for it as well? Scheduled to take place from the 29th of October till the 1st of November 2020, the Barbados Food & Rum festival bestows a series of flavourful memories on everybody who celebrates. It’s a complete feast for the senses as chefs and mixologists create the best version of their dishes and beverages you’ll see, giving a perfect chance for you to immerse yourself in the Bajan culture.
Nightlife scene
Live while the night is young! Take a jaunt and visit EDM-dropping nightclubs, jovial street parties, thriving local bars & pubs for the time of your life. Now, that’s something you’ve probably heard a lot; but Barbados wakes up when the sun goes down, the atmosphere is ripe with energy and let’s just say that for some, the partying doesn’t stop until it’s bright outside. Less formal and vastly popular nightlife locations can be found in St Lawrence Gap for drinking, dining and live music, especially on weekends. Other vital venues to seek are Mullins Beach Bar, First Avenue Holetown and Harbour Lights. Be sure to get in with the groove at these places on your night out.
Suggested Read: Exotic getaway in the Caribbean Islands
Historical sights
Yeah, Barbados isn’t that big on the history factor, but if you want to look beyond the beaches, then make sure your eyes land on:
- Bridgetown – Well, of course, I mean, there’s no way you’re visiting Barbados and not taking a stroll in Bridgetown. It’s easy to see why Bridgetown is a favourite cruise stop for travellers. The capital is an Instagram-worthy scene of bridges and a boardwalk running along a river dotted with sailboats and catamarans, while waterfront cafes offer sweeping views over the city’s Parliament Square. But underneath that is the past that is essential in Barbados history.
- Fustic House Estate – One of the real treasures of the Caribbean, Fustic house represents the ideal union between the luxury of antiquity and contemporary wonders. Spread across 11 acres with sprawling grounds, duck ponds, dive pools and a veritable forest, this monument is sure to stun anyone who wishes to embrace its vicinity.
- Arlington House Museum – This museum offers a unique opportunity to experience life in a bygone era! Housed in a restored eighteenth-century building, the Arlington House is an interactive three-story museum that is both educational and engaging, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly day out with the kids.
With that, we finally come to the conclusion of the equation – which just gives you a brief idea of what your holiday in Barbados could be!
Notable visits
You’ll need a place to crash, a place that sets the tone of your holiday and a place that makes you sigh with happiness after a long day of exploring – no better place does this better than the Sugar Cane Hotel! The island of all things sunshine indeed offers an array of accommodation options, but I find this to be top-tier, affordable and comfortable all at once, A.K.A the perfect trifecta.
Plus, it’s not that far away from something you’ll need every day! Most visitors would give anything to savour the local flavours of Barbados, meaning you’ll likely want to do the same. So, I’ve highlighted a few restaurants that you might want to check out on your trip! All of these restaurants specialise in both local and contemporary cuisines! Going beyond the border with the flavour of some of their dishes and sticking to the usual with some. However, one thing you’ll find to be a constant in all of these places would be the tantalising verve of seafood being served.
- Dockside
- The Fish Pot
- Orange Street Grocer
- Fisherman’s Pub
- The Cliff
If you would like to learn more please leave a comment, send us an email or give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help you out prepare an itinerary for your beach holiday. Also, let us know what part of Barbados stands out to you the most! Is it the beaches, the admiration of rum, nightlife, history or something else?
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