Highlights
Beaches and Watersports
The beaches in Barbados are superb. The west coast – known as the Platinum Coast for its powder-fine white sand and crystalline waters – is the most sought-after area. All of our featured five-star luxury hotels here have a beachfront location, meaning you can stroll straight from your terrace to your sun-lounger, and the calm waters make perfect conditions for watersports. Many of our featured hotels offer options including kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, banana boat rides and water-skiing, but you could venture out to the east coast and the south’s contrasting reef-protected beaches – perfect for snorkelling, exsunken wrecks and surfing the fantastic waves.
Mount Gay Rum Distillery
Being the birthplace of rum, very few people leave without at least tasting the island’s favourite tipple. A favourite day out for many visitors is Mount Gay Rum Distillery. Here, discover the origins of one of the world’s most famous rums, perfected over 300 years.
Dining
Food here is a feast for the senses – traditional Bajan dishes and international fine dining are colourful works of edible art. The Bajan style is a blend of African, Caribbean, West Indian and European flavours and many hotels serve Caribbean feasts, from spectacular buffets to chic fine dining in luxe mahogany dining rooms. For gourmet meals, there are many restaurants on the west coast with outstanding reputations: Daphne’s, where the southern Italian style of cuisine is authentic and beautifully prepared, and the service is a blend of attentive, warm and friendly, while The Cliff is well-established, the menu selection trendsetting and the food richly delicious.
Sport
Golf is a major draw on Barbados. The most famed course is the Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, designed by Tom Fazio and boasting rolling green fairways and beautiful ocean views. Royal Westmoreland is a championship course with all the professional amenities you could need, while Apes Hill Club, which opened in 2009, welcomes players of all abilities to its immaculately kept course. Cricket is the island’s second sporting passion. As the national sport, great pride is taken in the belief that some of the finest players of the West Indies team hail from Barbados. The Kensington Oval is where you can see big, international matches during the season.
Harrisons Cave
Harrison’s Cave is a crystallised limestone cavern system with flowing streams, cascading waterfalls and pools of water still enough to see your reflection. It is one of Barbados’ most interesting natural wonders and visitors can take a one-hour tram tour to explore.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Stroll along forested trails and observe plants, trees and free-roaming animals and birds, such as the Bushy-tailed Mongoose, Brocket Deer, pelicans, tortoises and flamingos. At around 2pm you may also catch sight of the island’s Green Monkeys, which usually visit the reserve for feeding time. There is also a walk-through aviary housing a variety of exotic birds, iguanas and cages with large pythons and boas.
Heritage and History
Barbados has, perhaps, the most fascinating heritage of the Caribbean islands, with very strong links to Colonial Europe. Many historic buildings have been immaculately preserved, and make for a fascinating trip back in time. St Nicholas Abbey is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere – a beautifully restored plantation home built in 1658, those with an appreciation for architecture will be intrigued. You may also wish to visit George Washington House for an insight into how Barbados played a role in the settlement of America, or those travelling with families could venture to Arlington House Museum in Speightstown for a more interactive museum experience.
Culture
Friendly, fun and full of natural charm, the culture of Barbados is something to get swept away with. Jazz, reggae and calypso music are the soundtrack here, and as the sun goes down, parties can be found across the island for those looking to get a taste of local life. The First and Second streets of Holetown are gaining a reputation for being the new hotspots and offer a variety of bars and restaurants, but it is the colourful Holetown Festival, with historic parades, pageants and stalls full of artisan crafts and wares, that many come here for.