Barbados is a stylish and popular holiday destination which has justifiably earned its reputation as an ideal year-round choice for a relaxing break in the sun. With white sand beaches on the ‘Platinum’ west coast and more rugged scenery in the east, local rum shacks and gourmet restaurants, family-friendly activities and adults-only options, the island caters for all requirements.
Barbados is also home to an excellent range of top quality accommodation – whether you are seeking a luxury 5 star resort, a small boutique hotel, a quiet all-inclusive retreat or a family-friendly self-catering apartment, you will be certain of finding something to meet your requirements.
If you would like further information on any of the properties mentioned, or to discuss your next holiday to the Caribbean, please call us on 01752 880880 or email [email protected].
WHEN TO GO
Barbados is a great holiday destination all year round, although it is worth noting that some hotels do close for the months of September and October. The average temperature remains fairly constant at around 26 – 27°C daily, with sea temperatures of around 28°C. Rainfall does increase during the summer months, however this tends to be just the one shower every few days, which can be intense but usually only lasts for a few minutes!
WHAT TO DO
- St Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway
St Nicholas Abbey presents a rare opportunity to visit a working sugar plantation. During your visit you have the opportunity to witness the grinding of sugar cane, the traditional distillation process and the barrelling in bourbon oak casks that produces the magnificent St Nicholas Abbey Rum. Not forgetting the tour of the magnificent Great House and the stunning tropical gardens. An exciting new addition is the steam train journey which takes you through the plantation fields and mahogany woods, offering expansive views of the east coast of the island.
- Andromeda Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are located on the east coast of Barbados and are part of the Barbados National Trust. These stunning gardens were established by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner and are home to an abundance of tropical flowers and unique trees as well as hummingbirds, butterflies and monkeys – a real delight.
- Rum Distilleries
Rum has been produced in Barbados for over 350 years and Barbados rum in particular has been recognised as one of the finest (and strongest!) in the world. The Mount Gay Distillery was founded in 1703 and is considered to be the world’s oldest rum. At the Visitor Center you can discover the secrets of rum-making, hear pirates tales, and more importantly – sample award-winning rums for yourself!
- Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave is a spectacular underground space with spectacular mineral formations on the floors and from the ceilings, streams of running water, waterfalls and deep emerald pools. Visitors can opt to explore the vast cave system in electric trams with the chance to get up close to rock formations at certain points, or for the more adventurous, the eco-adventure tour allows you to don a head torch and hard hat following the narrow corridors on foot (or hands and knees!)
- Garrison Savannah
The historical Garrison Savannah is located close to the capital, Bridgetown. It has been the home of horse racing since 1845, prior to which the officers of the British Regiment who were stationed here used it as their parade ground. Surrounding the Savannah are brightly coloured houses which now contain the Barbados Museum and the Barbados Gallery of Art, both of which deserve a visit for those who have an interest in the island’s history and culture.
WHERE TO EAT
- The Fish Pot
One of our top recommendations and a firm favourite with the Tropic Breeze team is the Fish Pot restaurant, connected to Little Good Harbour Hotel. It is located directly on the water’s edge with breathtaking views, fantastic local produce and friendly service. Guests can opt for both casual lunches and candlelit dinners, although we highly recommend getting there for a sunset drink!
- The Tides
Located on the water’s edge, and set in a breathtaking property which was once a classic Bajan seaside home built after the 2nd World War, The Tides is now one of the most popular restaurants in Barbados. Renowned for the impeccable service, stunning architecture and fresh Caribbean seafood dishes, it is easy to see why they have so many loyal guests – booking is absolutely essential!
- The Lone Star
Perfectly positioned along a great stretch of beach on the famous ‘Platinum Coast’, the Lone Star Restaurant is renowned for its idyllic beach setting, celebrity clientele and buzzy yet laid back atmosphere. A magnificent staircase leads you down into a relaxed dining area, where the team serve up a fusion of European fare with Caribbean influences, an array of mouth-watering salads and much-loved timeless Lone Star Classics.
- Cin Cin by the Sea
Cin Cin is a contemporary and elegant restaurant offering alfresco dining with stunning views of the boats coming in and out of Bridgetown and out across the west coast of Barbados. This trendy hot spot features an air-conditioned lounge bar with an expansive glass wall allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted views, while enjoying the superb Mediterranean-style cuisine with a Caribbean twist.
- Oistins Fish Fry
A visit to Barbados is not complete without experiencing a Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry. This is where both Bajans and tourists gather to party the night away while enjoying delicious local cuisine in a less formal setting. The BBQs are fired up and traditional food such as barbecued pig tails, marinated mahi-mahi and fried breadfruit chips are grilled in front of you while you enjoy a particularly punchy rum punch from the bar.
- Café Luna
Café Luna is an award-winning restaurant on the rooftop of Little Arches Boutique Hotel, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Using local, sustainable and organic produce the chefs create international cuisine for guests to enjoy alfresco as they watch the sun set and continue to dine under the stars. A truly magical romantic experience!
WHERE TO STAY
Little Good Harbour
Little Good Harbour is an intimate and stylish boutique hotel which incorporates a restored 18th century fort and a small fishing village on the island’s north west coast. Guests can spend their days lounging by one of the two swimming pools which are set in the property’s beautiful gardens, swimming and snorkelling in the warm sea, indulging in treatments in the serene Little Spa, or getting out and exploring the island.
Stay 7 nights from £1,175pp on B&B
* includes complimentary private transfers, exclusive to Tropic Breeze guests
Little Arches boutique hotel
Bursting with colour and full of character, Little Arches is an intimate adult-only boutique hotel on the south coast, close to the small fishing village of Oistins. The property is made up of just 10 rooms and suites, each individually designed with tropical décor and beautiful local artwork. Many of the suites extend onto a terrace, balcony or private garden area, with some also boasting their own private plunge pool or Jacuzzi.
Stay 7 nights from £1,275pp on B&B
Colony Club by Elegant Hotels
One of our most popular hotels in Barbados, Colony Club is surrounded by seven acres of lush tropical gardens as well as a cascade of four lagoon shaped swimming pools. Occupying a prime beachfront location on the west coast and exuding a timeless elegance, the resort boasts luxurious rooms and suites each with their own private terrace or balcony, some with direct access to the lagoon pool and others located just steps away from the sea. Guests can be as active or as relaxed as they want to be while being pampered by the beach and pool ambassadors.
Stay 7 nights from £1,349pp on B&B
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Located on one of the finest beaches on the west coast, the luxurious Fairmont Royal Pavilion offers excellent service, fantastic facilities and superb dining options. Perfect for couples and families, in addition to half a mile of superb beachfront, a freshwater swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, there are complimentary non-motorised watersports on offer such as sailing, kayaking and snorkelling trips.
Stay 7 nights from £1,549pp on B&B
Saint Peter’s Bay luxury resort & residences
Perfect for families, Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences is set on the unspoilt north west coast and consists of luxurious residences that combine the facilities of a resort with the flexibility of a villa style holiday. The one, two and three bedroom residences have stunning views over the pristine white sandy beach which is often home to nesting turtles that return year after year. For those who don’t want to self-cater, there is a restaurant on site, as well as a beachfront swimming pool and a range of watersports.
Stay 7 nights from £1,625pp on B&B
*based on 4 adults sharing a 2 Bedroom Premium Beachfront Villa
Cobblers Cove
Originally a plantation house, Cobblers Cove combines the charm of an English country house with Bajan style and character. The hotel is set in its own tropical gardens overlooking a white sandy beach on the northwest coast of the island, and is located within walking distance of Speightstown with its cafes, small museum and church. There are also a range of complimentary activities on offer at Cobblers Cove including sailing, snorkelling and kayaking.
Stay 7 nights from £1,749pp on B&B
Tropic Breeze specialises in creating holidays to resorts we know and love. We maintain a close relationship with each hotel, allowing us to offer you the very best deals. If you would like further information on any of our properties or a quote please call us on 01752 880 880 or email [email protected]
Tropic Breeze offer fully bonded and protected holidays, whether booked with flights via our ATOL 5615 or for accommodation only holidays with our ABTA Y5401. This means you can rest assured that your Tropic Breeze holiday is safe and secure.
Author KatieCategories Best places to go on holiday, Caribbean, Caribbean Offers, Reviews