Barbados

Martina Forde 04 April 2018
If you are thinking of going away somewhere special I would 100% recommend Barbados. With blue skies, turquoise seas and dusty white sand it is the perfect place to relax. I have been to Barbados many times with friends and when my children were younger (7-12 years old) We had some fabulous holidays here. Be it a romantic holiday, the perfect honeymoon, family holiday, golfing trip or that special birthday trip with the girls, Barbados will not disappoint.

Barbados boasts some of the very best accommodation in the Caribbean including hotels, resorts, guest houses, self-catering apartments, holiday homes and luxury villas. There is an abundance of accommodation every budget. You can choose an all-inclusive resort, Or maybe you prefer not to be tied to one place and would prefer your hotel on a half board basis, which would include bed, breakfast and evening meal. Or you can choose just bed and breakfast and pay for your meals either in the hotel or at one of the many restaurants on the island. All these options are available at various hotels ranging from 3 stars to 5 stars.

Barbados self-catering hotels and apartments offer the comfort of a hotel room combined with the convenience of your own cooking facilities. Most are located on/near the beach and are especially suitable for families. There is also a wide selection of luxury villas and cottages available for rent throughout Barbados. Many of these villas and cottages are located on or near the beach.

Rum Shops:

It is rumoured that for every church you find in Barbados (and there are a lot of churches!), you will also find a rum shop. A traditional Barbadian staple, the rum shop has been on the island for close to 300 years! It is an integral part of Bajan culture and the perfect place for a drink (rum, of course), a ‘lime’ locals love to gather here and are always up for a chat. Walking into any rum shop you are guaranteed to spot at least one group of elderly men, throwing back some drinks, playing dominoes and regaling anyone who will listen to their stories of Barbados back in the day. This is one of the best ways to learn more about the island, over a glass of this sugarcane derived liquor and with a plate of macaroni pie and flying fish – food, friends and fabulous rum – just lovely.

In the evening after a lovely day lazing by the pool or on the we have often watched the sun set from Ramshackle or Dippers – two friendly beachside bars where we drank rum punch (be warned this Bajan cocktail often includes enough rum to knock you for six!). You can also choose to dance the night away at Harbour Lights – to paraphrase Bob Marley, when it includes rum punches aplenty, “everything is going to be all right”. Similarly, St Lawrence Gap – Barbados’ infamous bar strip – is another great location to enjoy a good night out. St. Lawrence Gap, a 1.3 km stretch of road in the parish of Christ Church, is famous for its fine restaurants, diverse accommodation, lively nightlife and excellent shopping. ‘The Gap', as it is commonly known, is a place where various cultures meet and merge ... it is an experience that should not be missed!

If you’re in Barbados on a Friday or Saturday night, don’t miss the legendary Oistins Fish Fry. The small fishing village opens its doors to tourists and locals alike, all of whom flock here for the barbecue fish and rum drinking, to a backdrop of reggae, pop and country music. I would recommend Oistins time and again as a must-visit in Barbados with countless food stalls serving an abundance of fresh fish, grilled or fried (sometimes right in front of you), the market is packed on Friday and Saturday nights with locals and tourists. And if you want to see some serious dancing just watch the locals. They take dancing to a whole different level.

Beaches: Every beach in Barbados is publicly owned, that means that you’re allowed (and encouraged) to visit every single one! The best thing about Barbados is that there’s so much to see and do if you choose to be active yet, on the flip-side, if you prefer a little rest and relaxation one of these many beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. As a tropical island Barbados is home to many beautiful beaches. Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made from finely ground coral forming a clean fine grain.

The Turtles:

If you are in Barbados at the right time I highly recommend to take a moonlight cruise to see turtles nesting. Pregnant turtles come out of the water to lay their eggs in the soft sand along the shore. So if you are in a turtle nesting area, walk gently! When the eggs hatch the tiny new-born turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to sea. I had the pleasure of experience this on a few occasions in Barbados. It was truly magical sight to see.