Barbados US

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romantic escape | family friendly | A foodie's paradise | sustainable travel

Barbados is one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean, with gold beaches, crystal-clear waters and a vibrant history. There are so many ways to enjoy this West Indies island. Spend your days spotting wildlife such as green monkeys, sea turtles, singing birds and whistling frogs. Explore coral reefs and wander through botanical gardens filled with stunning flowers and plants. Discover colorful colonial buildings and shop for handmade crafts, paintings and sculptures. Once the sun goes down, dance the night away to live music while sipping a glass of world-famous Bajan rum. Barbados caters to both romantic getaways and family-friendly vacations; it’s also a haven for tourists who want to travel sustainably. Book for travel between April 16-Sept. 30, 2024 and you can receive digital credits worth up to $200 (BBD$400) on experiences across the island. (Click on the link for official details as well as terms and conditions.)

Of course, there's also the romantic option of strolling hand-in-hand on the beach and getting pampered at the spa. (Some of the best spas can be found in Saint James Parish and Mullins.) The sunsets in Barbados are unparalleled, with hues of orange and magenta; look for a sunset cruise to take in the views from the sea. End your nights with a drive-in movie, a beachside candle-lit dinner, stargazing or dancing to live music—there is truly never a dull date night in Barbados. Unsurprisingly, Barbados is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, with numerous resorts offering packages to facilitate your big day and an array of adults-only hotels for the ultimate sophisticated honeymoon.

Barbados

You’ll find authentic Barbadian rum everywhere you go, especially since this island is where rum was first developed. Pay a visit to a rum distillery to learn about the spirit’s history and see how it is made. One popular destination is Mount Gay’s, which is the oldest commercial distillery in the world and exports its rum to 180 countries. Sip it straight or try the local rum punch, a mix of dark rum with lemon juice, water and bitters, along with a nutmeg garnish. Mauby is also a Barbadian favorite; its name comes from the mauby tree, as the bark is boiled with spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Those with a sweet tooth should book a tour of the Agapey Chocolate Factory, where you’ll see how Bajan dark chocolate is produced from start to delicious finish.

Bajan food reflects the rich cultural history of the island, with a cuisine that incorporates African, Indian and European influences.The ‘fish fry’ is a popular tradition in Barbados—and an amazing way to meet people, dance, have some drinks and of course, indulge in some mouth-watering food. Local dishes include conch, snapper, flying fish and barracuda with sides such as Cou-cou, plantain, mac pie, fried breadfruit and rice and peas. You’ll also find fish cakes all over the island; the popular snack is made from deep-fried salted cod and is a go-to for a quick bite while exploring the sights. It's worth planning your visit around the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, happening each October. Events, pop-up restaurants and constant feasting are all on the menu as the island's top mixologists and chefs (as well as foodies from around the globe) come together to celebrate all things culinary.

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Another must-see is the Animal Flower Cave, named for the sea anemones found in the cave’s pools. Spend a day swimming, exploring and having the most fun science lesson ever; you’ll learn that the walls of the cave are colored gradients of green and brown, reflecting the oxidation of copper and iron. Walk along the cliffs surrounding the Animal Flower Cave to take in views of the northern coast of Barbados. There’s a large park for children, along with local stores selling souvenirs to bring back home. During the summer, families from all over the world travel to Barbados for the Crop Over Festival, a popular and culturally significant event which marks the end of the sugar cane growing season. Embrace culture, music, art, food and dance during this large celebration, which takes place every summer.

Barbados beckons to families with its promise of exciting excursions, bountiful nature and rich history. Many of the resorts in Barbados are all-inclusive and provide activities for children, along with seamless excursion options that include tour guides and transportation. Get lost underwater on the award-winning Atlantis submarine day tour, a truly unique experience with breathtaking underwater views. There are options during the day and evening, and you’ll explore colorful coral formations, curious marine life and an underwater shipwreck. Kids will also love the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, located in Saint Peter Parish. At the reserve, you’ll spot birds, iguanas, snakes, mara and tortoises, and you’ll have the opportunity to feed fruit to friendly green monkeys. This is a self-guided tour, so your family can wander at your own pace. Entrance to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve also grants free admission to the nearby Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station.

Family Friendly

The natural beauty of Barbados provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway, whether your tastes run to adventure, cultural immersion or relaxing on the beach. Thrill-seeking couples can spend their days paddleboarding and parasailing; there are also plenty of schools that provide classes and equipment for surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Escape on an electric bike ride together for an authentic glimpse of Barbados or splurge on a helicopter tour for unforgettable aerial views of this magnificent island. Sites such as the Barbadian Military Garrison and the Saint Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway take you back in time, and you can make shared discoveries at cultural destinations including the Gallery of Caribbean Art, the Arlington House Museum, Sunbury Plantain House and the Harry Bayley Observatory.

Home to so many beautiful beaches, tropical plants and captivating wildlife, Barbados is one of the leading destinations for eco-tourism in the Caribbean. There are laws in place to protect natural sites and wildlife, along with interesting volunteer opportunities for visitors. Many travelers opt to volunteer with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, which protects and conserves turtle populations such as the endangered hawksbill sea and leatherback turtles. There are also beach and ocean cleanup initiatives, where locals and travelers work together to keep the coast trash-free. With regards to accommodation, there are a plethora of lodges, hotels and resorts that are committed to reducing their ecological footprint. Keep an eye out for ‘Green Globe’ certified and ‘Travelife Gold standing’ accommodations, as they are recognized for their commitment toward environmental protection and sustainability.

Inland, nature-lovers should seek out the Flower Forest Botanical Garden, where tropical birds and green monkeys play among heliconias and hibiscus flowers. You can also visit what is believed to be the birthplace of the grapefruit—Welchman Hall Gully. This tropical forest is home to a cascade of colorful flowers that are native to the island. Ensure that your itinerary includes Harrison’s Cave, a geologist’s dream adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. And in Barbados, it’s fine to go chasing waterfalls as you take a hike or a guided tour through a park, reserve or a forest. Some of the most-renowned places to enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados include Coco Hill Forest, Turner Hall Woods, Carlisle Bay Marine Park, PEG Farm and Natural Reserve (PEG stands for People Environment and Growth), along with Chancery Lane Swamp. Exploring these sites will leave you in awe—especially since you’ll see the initiatives in place that promote sustainable tourism and keep Barbados beautiful.

romantic escape | family friendly | A foodie's paradise | sustainable travel