BARBADOS: The Only Travel Guide You Need!

TRUTH MOMENT! As a native Floridan, I’ve been to tons of islands in the Caribbean. While they are all unique in their way, I can’t say that I had many expectations of Barbados (Bim as the locals say), before visiting.

However, I am glad I went in without doing too much research because I was blown away at the beauty, cuisine, and hospitality of the island!

If you haven’t already, add Barbados to you Travel List. And while you’re planning, check out this Blueprint for all the “must-dos” while on the island!

Here Are A Few Fun Facts About Barbados:

The name Los Barbados, meaning ‘Bearded Ones,’ was given to the island by the Portuguese. It is presumed that the island was named after its fig trees which seem to have a beard-like appearance.

Barbados finally gained full independence in 1966 after being granted internal autonomy in 1961.

The beauty of this island’s tradition is its richness and excellent balance of old and new traditions drawn from West African and British traditions that formed the Island. The people of the island are warm, fun and friendly.

Legend has it that the Spanish had once set out to conquer Barbados, but as the mission captain approached the island, he looked through his telescope and saw what he thought to be hundreds of white soldiers with long spears and therefore decided to abandon the mission. Interestingly, these white soldiers he thought he saw were only what is known as Sugarcane arrows, and this saved Barbados from a potential war.

Due to the historical significance of the sugar cane crop, there is a major annual cultural festival of Barbados called Crop Over which signifies the end of the sugar cane crop harvest. The festival is held throughout July and ends in Grand Kadooment Day parade on the first Monday in August.

NOTE: My Spirit Animal and Bajan princess, RiRi (Rihanna) is from this beautiful Barbadian island, and she hardly misses this carnival. Who knows? You might just run into her on your next visit to Barbados!

Best Places To Eat:

Daphne’s: Named one of the “Top 10 Most Popular Restaurants in the Best of Barbados” by Zagat Guide, Daphne’s promises ‘Elegant Dining’, as it gives you a calm and relaxing atmosphere with its ocean front view. It has hosted celebrity guests including Simon Cowell, Rihanna, Claudia Schiffer, and Gerard Butler.

Try to house passion fruit cocktail! So so yummy!

Address: Hwy 1, Paynes Bay Beach, Barbados

Website: daphnesbarbados.com

Phone Number: 246-432-2731

Cocktail Kitchen: Located at Saint Lawrence Gap, Christ Church in Barbados, the Cocktail Kitchen brings you great food and great drinks and guess what? The Top Chef prepares the food at the Cocktail Kitchen in the Caribbean ‘Chef of the Year’, Damian Leach! EVERYTHING we had on the menu was next level amazing. I’m dreaming of the desert as I type this!

Address: Cocktail Kitchen, Saint Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, Barbados

Website: ckbarbados.com

Phone Number: 246 622 3017

Brunch at Eco Lodge: This a secret gem has one of the best brunches I’ve had – ever. Not to mention the incredible views! Eco Lodge is seated on the hills, overlooking the seascape of the east coast in the charming village, Bathsheba. Eco Lodge offers a calm, serene and intimate environment. And for you folks that have dietary restrictions, don’t worry. Eco Lounge has got you covered.

Eco Lodge is also a small boutique hotel, while I didn’t stay here, I will the next time I am in Bim!

Address: Tent Bay, Barbados, St. Joseph

Website: ecolifestylelodge.com

Phone number: 246 433-9450

What To Do While In Barbados:

Hastings Rock Beach: Looking for an ideal spot to swim, snorkel, or kick back with a cold brew and a good book or magazine? The Hastings Rock beach is the perfect match for everything for everybody. Relax on the soft beach sand under the shade of the swaying palms as you soak in the beauty of the environment and clear water. You can take a stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy unforgettable sea vistas, get on a catamaran cruise and immerse yourself in the many underwater and onboard activities.

Address: Hastings, Barbados.

Hastings Beach With The Gals!

Interactive Food Demo With Chef Craig: While the interactive food demo was done primarily for us, Chef Craig is a world-renowned Chef on the island. One of the BEST things he made was the curry chicken salad. Talk about mouth- watering?! I’ll likely dream about it tonight.

For inquiries on interactive food demos, catering, and more, follow the Chef on IG @ChefCraig_246.

Learning How To Cook Bajan Food with Chef Craig!

Nikki Beach Barbados: Nikki Beach Barbados sits on 1.4 acres of pristine beachfront and features a restaurant, pool and beach club with oceanfront seating for up to 200 guests. Guest amenities include a swim-up octagon wet bar, oversized luxury pool beds, and VIP cabanas, valet service, ample parking, showers and changing rooms. Diners will enjoy Nikki Beach’s globally-inspired cuisine and signature sushi boats, dishes with local flair, fresh fish and seafood, an on-site rotisserie and our world famous Nikki Beach Mojito.

Experience the top entertainment with Nikki Beach’s prominent music program featuring resident DJs, an in-house saxophonist, percussionist and violinist, and over 50 speakers, which keep the property jamming. Talk about a GOOD time?! Grab a few friends, reserve a cabana, and make a day of it!

So much fun at Nikki Beach Barbados!

Tiami Catamaran Cruise: There’s no point in coming to the Caribbean if you’re not going to hop on a boat for a day! Climb aboard a breathtaking catamaran and set sail on the crystal clear waters of Barbados with Tiami Catamaran Cruises. Including unlimited rum punch (Be careful! It’s yummy and will sneak up on you!), buffet style lunch, and lots of great music!

Address: The Shallow Draught, Bridgetown, Barbados

Website: tiamicatamarancruises.com

Phone Number: 246 430-0900

You Can’t Come to Barbados and NOT Do A Catamaran Ride!

St. Nicholas Abbey: Barbados is widely acclaimed to the birthplace of rum and the award-winning St. Nicholas Abbey has built a premium rum brand with a 350-year history. They offer the famous Rum Tour that covers a 30 minute guided tour of the Great House, circa 1650 and museum, viewing of a 1930s movie of life on the plantation, and complimentary beverage and also, a personal tour of the Factory, Steam Mill circa 1890 and Distillery “Annabelle” with Mr. Larry Warren, Owner and Distiller.

PS: Pre-booking and pre-payment only. So be sure to make fore plans to visit St. Nicholas Abbey.

Address: St. Nicholas Abbey, Cherry Tree Hill, St. Peter, BB 26007, Barbados, West Indies.

Website: stnicholasabbey.com

Phone Number: 246 422-5357 | 246 422-8725

The Entrance of St. Nicholas Abbey

Huntes Garden Tour: Centrally located in lush hills of St. Joseph’s, the Huntes Garden was founded by the legendary horticulturist, Anthony Hunte and offers a tour around beautifully landscaped gardens, where antiques and statues mingle with rare exotic plants, and gentle opera and classical music softly waffle through the air. Anthony Hunte has such a bright spirit, and you might meet him around the gardens serenading tourists with fascinating tales and a glass of rum punch with fragrant juice of freshly squeezed fruits.

Address: Hunte’s Gardens and Nursery, Castle Grant, St. Joseph, Barbados, W.I.

Website: huntesgardensbarbados.com

Phone number: +246- 433-3333

Lots of Photos Ops at Hunte’s Garden!

LickRish Food Tours: The LickRish Food tour claims to offer the most exciting and belly-filling cultural food tour in Barbados. The signature tour is the Original Bajan Walking Food Tour. The walking tour takes place in Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados and offers visitors a chance to learn the history and culture of Barbados with experienced guides while tasting the local cuisine. A group of 12 or fewer people is taken on the tour by experienced guides, and there are about 8 or more tastings, bites, and sips.

Talk about a perfect balance between the taste of the Bajan food scene, and a taste of the history of unique Barbados.

The tours run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address: Bridgetown, Barbados.

Phone number: 246 622-1886 | 1 800 656 0713

Website: lickrishfoodtours.com

Best Places To Stay in Barbados:

The Club Barbados: Ideally located oceanfront on Barbados’ West Coast, The Club offers terrific Rooms and Suites, including Garden and Ocean View, a luxurious Spa & Salon, three freshwater swimming pools, All-Inclusive dining and drinks, water sports, entertainment, and the warm hospitality Barbados is famous for.

Perfect for couples, honeymoons, friends, and family (16 years of age and older), The Club is your perfect Caribbean vacation getaway. Enjoy the best of Barbados, with excellent dining, shopping, beaches, tours, and excursions just minutes away.

Address: Saint James Beach, Barbados

Phone number: +1 866-317-8009

Website: TheClubBarbados.com

The Club Barbados

The Hilton Barbados: The Hilton Barbados Resort is among the world’s premier destination hotels and certainly one of the best Barbados hotels. With two of Barbados’ most beautiful beaches on its doorstep, this Barbados hotel invites guests to relax in paradise Built on the site of a 17th-century military fort; this well-preserved structure maintains its original cannons. Now used as a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions, the relic of Charles Fort is an unforgettable part of Barbadian history. Admire breathtaking views of the ocean from any of the 350 comfortable, stylish guest rooms. The hotel is located five minutes from the capital and 20 minutes from the airport.

Address: Needham’s Point, Bridgetown BB 11000, Barbados

Phone number: +1 855-605-0316

Website: hiltonbarbadosresort.com

The Hilton Barbados

Sea Breeze Beach House: The Sea Breeze Beach House is a luxury all-inclusive Barbados resort on a beautiful beachfront, where you can relax and play on the South Coast of Barbados. This gorgeous resort offers exceptional Bajan service, a breath-taking oceanfront view and it’s within proximity to the popular Ostin’s Fish Fry.

Find out why people are obsessed with their adult Jacuzzi and get involved in fun activities like water sports, snorkeling, surfing, tennis, golf and more.

Address: Sea Breeze Beach House, Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church, Barbados BB15 031

Phone Number: 246 428-2825 011 | 44 203-868-9916 | 1-888-964-0300

Website: sea-breeze.com

Sea Breeze Barbados