Barbados

The Caribbeanist’s Barbados

Top 5

1. On Sundays, head over to the Atlantis Historic Inn for its famous authentic Bajan/Caribbean buffet lunch. Travel via bus from Speightstown to Bathsheba, in the parish of Saint Joseph, on the wild Atlantic side of the island. Your travel companions will be local families who have been to church in their Sunday best, and you’ll catch sight of villages that you wouldn’t see if staying in the main tourist areas.

2. Visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery Visitor centre in Bridgetown. It is reputed that Barbados, in 1703, was the first place in the world to produce rum. The abundance of molasses combined with the culinary ingenuity of early settlers, and their legendary thirst for alcohol, led to the development of rum production.

3. A must is a Friday evening jaunt to Oistins, a small fishing village in Christchurch on the south coast. The local fishermen cook their catch of the day, which they serve with big helpings of macaroni pie (the Bajan staple) and lots of fresh salads. It’s a rustic setting, not fine dining, but the atmosphere is lively and the fish as fresh as can be.

4. Experience the impressive Harrison’s Cave at Saint Thomas Parish, with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Then head for the Barbados Wildlife Reserve in Saint Peter Parish, where you can roam freely among the animals (Barbados green monkeys, brocket deer and peacocks). Spend the rest of the day wandering around the beautiful Andromeda Botanical Gardens in Bathsheba, a six-acre garden with one of the Caribbean’s largest collections of tropical plants.

5. A day trip sailing around the Grenadines is an unforgettable experience and we can help arrange it for you. Fly from Barbados to Union Island. There, you’ll board a catamaran and set off for Palm Island to swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach. You’ll then sail to Mayreau and Salt Whistle Bay before reaching the stunning Tobago Cays for more swimming and snorkelling with the turtles on Horseshoe Reef before finally returning back to Barbados.

Call us on07795 673 822

Sandy Lane

Set on a magnificent beachfront on the chic west coast at Saint James, Sandy Lane is justifiably feted as one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant hotels. It is certainly the hotel in the Caribbean favoured by celebrities and discerning travellers alike. Holiday at Sandy Lane and you’ll be treated like royalty, with impeccable service and supremely comfortable rooms and suites. When you’re not being served exotic cocktails by the pool or enjoying the superb cuisine, there are 45 holes of golf to play, a terrific children’s club and a fabulous state-of-the-art spa.

From £3655pp

Colony Club by Elegant Resorts

Surrounded by seven acres of lush tropical gardens, the AAA Four Diamond Colony Club offers a haven of peace and tranquillity. The interiors exude a colonial atmosphere with trademark white-washed wooden ceilings, coral stone walls and gardens leading onto the white sand beach. Dining at the open-air Laguna Restaurant is what the Caribbean is all about – a warm gentle breeze, tasty cocktails, wonderful cuisine and sunsets that will live with you forever.

From £1839pp

Coral Reef Club

Set in twelve acres of lush landscaped gardens, Coral Reef is one of the premier resorts on Barbados’ west coast. The epitome of West Indian elegance it is renowned for its impeccable service and fine cuisine. The O’Hara family have lovingly run this award winning plantation style resort for over 50 years.

From £1815pp