When it comes to islands, Barbados proves hard to beat. Beloved for its white-sand beaches, bluest of blue clear waters, culture, cuisine and chill vibe, Barbados also claims bragging rights as the culinary capital of the Caribbean with more than 400 restaurants and eateries. If rum is your thing, the island is the birthplace of the spirit and home to the world’s oldest distillery, Mount Gay Rum Distillery, dating to the early 1700s.

Dive and snorkeling afficionados will have their fill of underwater thrills, as will those who can’t get enough watersports including surfing; kayaking; or time at Rascals Waterpark, the Caribbean’s largest floating aqua park. But as much as Barbados revolves around the sea — after all, it boasts more than 80 beaches — there’s more to the island’s story. Explore Harrison’s Cave, a limestone marvel with underground streams, waterfalls, and otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites. Another cool site, Animal Flower Cave opens directly into the Atlantic Ocean as the only accessible sea cave in Barbados.

© Richard Semik | Dreamstime.com

Need more action? There’s zip lining, guided electric pedal-assisted mountain bike tours and hiking in Coco Hill Forest. Consider an off-road ATV tour (warning, the terrain in places is quite rough, like an amusement park ride gone awry) around the island to take in iconic sites such as Ragged Point Lighthouse, the movie set-like scenes of sea and massive rocks at Bathsheba Park, and epic splashing at Little Bay and Cove Bay. Mother Nature impresses in a way you likely haven’t seen anywhere else.

For a slower pace, take a walking food tour in historic Bridgetown (don’t leave the island without some macaroni pie), visit Barbados Museum in 19th-century military prison buildings or experience sunset with a cocktail as you sail on a catamaran.

You might also enjoy St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, completed a few years ago and part of St. Nicholas Abbey Great House Plantation and Distillery. The hour-long train ride takes you through the plantation and includes a Victorian steel trestle bridge, views of the west and north of the island, and more. If you’re a Rihanna fan, you know she grew up in Barbados; take a spin down Rihanna Drive and you’ll see a monument honoring her and the home where she lived.

Looking for a tranquil spot? Head to Hunte’s Gardens with its exotic flora and fauna, ponds, fountains, and many varieties of birds.

One more reason to love Barbados: The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Saint Lawrence Gap is the mecca for nightlife, food and drink. Any night, but especially Fridays, you’ll want to be in Oistins for the Fish Fry, the gathering spot for some of the best seafood on the planet. I vouch for Pat’s Place, but don’t take my word for it: The continuous, long line provides proof enough.

Hunte’s Botanical Gardens © Bryn Lerwill | Dreamstime.com

The flying fish (one of the national dishes) and the rice and peas (some of the best ever), washed down with a Banks Beer, show off Barbados at its best. People from all over the globe gather for the party in Oistins. Young and old, all having a good time dancing to a DJ playing reggae, calypso and soca, will make you want to work off your dinner. You can also walk around and shop at the vendors selling unique arts and crafts worth taking home.

While any time makes a great time to visit Barbados, you might want to go during signature events such as the Crop Over Festival, Barbados Food & Rum Festival, Run Barbados (featuring a 5K, 10K, midnight fun mile run and walk, half marathon, and marathon), IFBB Roger Boyce Classic amateur bodybuilding competition, and the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro surfing competitions.

If there’s one thing you won’t like, it’s when the time comes to pack your bags to go home. The best way to beat those blues is to immediately plot your return.

© The Rockley Barbados by Ocean Hotels

LODGING

HILTON BARBADOS RESORT
Enjoy history including the 17th-century ruins of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Needham’s Point Lighthouse, plus luxury at eforea Spa and Bajan-inspired fine dining at The Grille. An impressive collection of murals by local artists tells the Barbados story.
Needham’s Point,
Saint Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados
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THE ROCKLEY BARBADOS BY OCEAN HOTELS
You’ll love all the local flavor in this boutique hotel’s design, such as the island’s bus stop signs, Bajan sayings on throw pillows and local artists’ work everywhere. The Dine & Sign program permits you to dine at select restaurants and charge your meals directly to your room. Near Rockley Beach.
Rockley Main Road,
Christ Church, Barbados
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WYNDHAM GRAND BARBADOS SAM LORD’S CASTLE RESORT
Get the royal treatment perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This beachfront all-inclusive boasts proximity to a 19th-century castle. Hit the pickleball and tennis courts and pamper yourself at Island Essence Spa.
End of Belair Road, Long Bay,
Saint Philip, Bridgetown, Barbados
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DINING
CHAMPERS
Champers is a long-time favorite of locals and visitors. Sit upstairs in the elegant dining room and enjoy the romantic mood with views of the water’s edge. Order a signature mango tango and feast on traditional dishes like West Indian curry shrimp. Champers’ tiramisu is a must, the restaurant’s art gallery a bonus.
Skeetes Hill, Bridgetown,
Christ Church, Barbados,
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LA CABANE
At this hipster haunt steps from the beach, a DJ plays music at lunchtime. Take a selfie in a tree swing while you wait for the signature Six Road cocktail (Bajan rum, pineapple purée, honey, black pepper, lime and aromatic bitters). Try the Batts Rock taco filled with the catch of the day, cucumber, parsley and feta.
Batts Rock Beach, Saint James,
Bridgetown, Barbados
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QP BISTRO
You’ll remember this place long after you’ve gone home. Ocean views wow from every seat. Start your evening in the seaside lounge with a Bajan Wreck starring the island’s Mount Gay rum. Go for Caribbean pumpkin curry with chicken or pan-seared monkfish. The service is special but not fussy, and live music makes for a perfect night out.
Highway 1, Derricks,
Saint James, Barbados
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Animal Flower Cave © Helioscribe | Dreamstime.com

INFO TO GO

Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European and Latin American gateways. Similarly, many cruise lines include Barbados on their itineraries. Taxis are readily available for transportation to and from the airport. Book a ride using the pickUP Barbados app, and a driver will pick you up anywhere and take you to your destination.