Dreaming of Barbados? Sun, Sea and So much more

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First visit to the Caribbean?

Barbados is a great island for first time visitors to the Caribbean as it’s just what most people imagine a Caribbean island to be – clear azure waters, beautiful sandy beaches, glorious sunsets on the west coast, delicious food and rum punches galore (other cocktails are available!)

The Caribbean islands each offer a unique vibe and Barbados truly lives up to it’s reputation as a friendly, warm and relaxed island with a laid-back atmosphere and echoes of it’s British colonial history.

Most visitors head to the West coast where the beaches are gentle, calm and relaxed and much of the time the sea is like swimming in a bath, as it’s so lovely and warm. The East coast has a much more rugged, wild feel as it’s faces the Atlantic Ocean.  This also means there’s more of a breeze there so it’s slightly cooler, which can be a relief when the humidity is high.

Of course, Barbados is the perfect place to unwind on a beach, but that’s not all it’s got going for it.  It’s very family friendly so when we went as a multi-generational group everyone was happy and there’s lots to do if you want to explore beyond the sand.

What to see & do

We happened to be there during their Crop Over festival which was originally to celebrate the sugar harvest and culminates at Grand Kadooment Day when up to 20,000 revellers take over the streets for a parade interspersed with floats pumping out loud music.  It’s worth a visit just to see the dancers in fantastic carnival costumes and elaborate head-dresses.  It being late July / early August it does get very hot, so I’d recommend taking lots of water, wearing a hat and finding a shaded spot from time to time to cool down a bit.

Another unforgettable experience, and Barbados institution, is Friday fish fry at Oistins – a large market with street food stalls and communal seating where the food is of course fried but delicious, and the atmosphere lively.

Our boat trip included a fantastic experience swimming with turtles, which I’d highly recommend provided you choose a responsible operator to see them in their natural habitat.  A trip inland gave us a glimpse of it’s green interior and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve has a walk-through aviary, lots of reptiles, deer and Barbados Green Monkeys to see.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Obviously while on Barbados it’d be rude not to try the rum! You can visit a distillery – Mount Gay being the most well-known – or just sample them on your own.  You’re never far from a rum punch!

On the island, the restaurants vary widely from the expensive, high-end, internationally-renowned to more local Bajan restaurants.  Our family got a particular kick out of a restaurant called ‘Pig on de Rock’ which was a local barbecue joint – simple but very tasty. Of the high end restaurants my favourites were The Cliff and the Fish Pot where the food is delicious but also the settings are beautiful right, on the waterfront.

The hotels also range from the ultra high-end or small boutique hotels, to all inclusive resorts and which is best for you will depend on your personal preference.  All inclusive makes a lot of sense if you’re going to stay on resort and enjoy the restaurants and activities there.  As a larger family group, the Tamarind worked brilliantly for us as watersports are included, which is great if you’re travelling with children and being able to snorkle straight off the beach is a real treat too. They also run boats up and down the coast to their other resorts if you’re fancying a change of scenery.

Couples might prefer the hideaway feel of the Coral Reef Club – perhaps indulging in a suite with a plunge pool or if you really want to splash out, how about staying at the world-famous Sandy Lane which offers activities galore such as tennis courts, padel courts, water-skiing and three golf courses!

And Breathe….

If you’re in need of a calming Bajan beach vibe, have a look at this West Coast webcam and imagine yourself stepping into the crystal waters – I defy your shoulders not to drop a little.

Especially perfect for a bit of winter sun and warmth, Barbados is definitely one of those places that will leave you with fond memories and after you’ve been once, you’ll want to return again and again.