The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Barbados

It goes without saying that Barbados is our favourite Caribbean Island, but here are just a handful of reasons why....

The People 

Its a known fact that Bajan people are some of the friendliest in the world! With a welcoming and laid back culture you'll be sure to see plenty of smiles & lots of laughter. Its part of the islands charm, and makes it a definite favourite tourist destination. 

The Beaches 

Crisp blue waters, soft white sand, blaring sunshine, is the ideal image of a relaxing beach, Barbados beaches are truly beautiful whether you want a peaceful day sunbathing, or a day of water sports you can do both! What more could you want? Well, actually this leads on to our next reason.....

The Best Rum Punch! 

Now, you'd be mad to go to Barbados without trying their famous rum punch! Fruity deliciousness, with a good kick! Once you've had one, you'll be hooked and happily sipping the night away.

(warning - take it easy, they are stronger than you think!)

The Turtles 

A popular one for the bucket list!

 Turtle spotting, & swimming with turtles are the most wonderful experiences for the whole family, creating fantastic memories. A chance to visit these fascinating creatures in their own environment, not one to be missed! 

The Sunsets 

Whether you're on a romantic trip, or a family holiday make sure you watch the sunset! 

Take a stroll along the beach, or find a beach front restaurant (better still, from one of our beachfront villas!) and take in the array of colours and beauty, its a perfect Instagram opportunity! 

If you're looking for your perfect villa to experience this beautiful island visit our website and contact our experts: 

www.elegant-barbados.com

Visit our social media sites for more inspiring images: 

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*Images provided by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. 

Foodie Guide To Barbados

When it comes to finding great food on your travels the Caribbean island of Barbados may be small but it has a big variety of amazing foods and flavours! From lobster spring rolls to the Worlds best (we promise) macaroni pie; Barbados is a fantastic foodie haven with unforgettable restaurants, cafes and beach shacks serving Delicious local and international dishes you wont be able to resist.

In this guide to the best foodie hot-spots in Barbados, we will reveal five restaurants that might not be the most publicised or famous but offer the very best food that we have found on our trips around the island, all served up with beautiful sea views.

13/59 Port Ferdinand

Port Ferdinand is a prestigious yet welcoming luxury resort where visitors and owners can park their private yacht at their front door. The menu at 13/59 is ever changing and evolving with each season with imaginative and innovate style dishes whether you visit just for a relaxed brunch or an evening of live music and high-end dining.

The tables are booked for the night, so when you arrive, you can stay with your guests all evening if you wish. The atmosphere has a lovely relaxed elegance and the Barbecued pork buns, lobster popcorn, eggs Benedict, grilled lobster tail are some of the delectable delights to taste whilst dining by the relaxing marina. 

Round House Barbados

Located in the historic, rugged east coast of Barbados in the stunning Bathsheba; Round House has been a popular restaurant with both locals and visitors for 100 years! The unique scenic location with commanding views over the Atlantic coast, just one minute walk to the famous 'Soup Bowl' surfers paradise beach. 

This popular restaurant offers casual dining all day long with a menu that emphasizes fresh, and locally-sourced ingredients for its signature soups, salads, and sandwiches. We recommend sitting outside to see some of the best views on the island as well as watching the surfers take on the waves.

Nishi Barbados

Dine under the stars as you enjoy Nishi's award-winning British, Caribbean and Japanese dishes. Owned by British hosts Paul and Steve, this award-winning restaurant has mastered the British classics such as the humble pork pie as well as earning a reputation for their fabulous traditional sushi bar and latest trends in Japanese cuisine. 

With three dining areas you will be spoilt for choice with three dining areas to choose from but we recommend dining in the courtyard offering a relaxed atmosphere to mingle and have a lovely evening with friends. The menu reflects the owners 'passion for good food, good wine and the good life'. The flavours are inspired by tropical fruits and vegetables and the bounty of the Caribbean sea! 

The Atlantis Hotel

This is one of our favourite restaurants on the island, especially for their Sunday lunch buffet! The Atlantis hotel overlooks the stunning Tent Bay in Bathsheba and is synonymous with high quality food and sunset cocktails. 

The legendary buffets are held every Wednesday and Sunday when these feasts of Bajan delight are popular with locals as well as visitors to the island. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner - this sea view restaurant offers appetising food dramatic coastal setting and incredible cocktails for a deliciously authentic Barbados experience. 

Apsara Samudra

Think that it's just Caribbean/American or European style food in the Barbados? Think again! Apsara Samudra is a renowned Indian and Thai fine dining restaurant in St Lawrence's Gap. This beautiful, waters edge restaurant serves up delicious, authentic Asian cuisine cooked up by the Thai and Indian born chefs...so they know their stuff! 
The atmosphere and food are magical as you outside on the tropical terraces looking out to the gentle lapping waves of the Caribbean sea. 

Even more tempted to visit Barbados? Take a look at our incredible luxury villas on the island for an unforgettable holiday to the Caribbean. 

The Top 5 Barbados Family Holiday Villas

Family holidays can create some of your favourite memories that will stay with you forever, no matter what age. Are you dreaming whisking your loved ones off to paradise? Leave the miserable weather, everyday routine and stressful office to spend quality time with your loved ones in one of the happiest places on earth - Barbados! Play on the beach 'til sunset, swim with tropical fish and sea turtles and explore the lush green rain-forests as you enjoy a truly memorable and relaxing holiday for all the family in Barbados.

For some inspiration we have hand-picked our top five, favourite luxury family villas for you. 

Villa Sunwatch

2 pools and connecting water slide

Childrens play house

Bright open spaces with inside and outside dining areas

6 bedrooms

View Villa Sunwatch on our website for more details and images. 

Villa Bluff House

Close to tennis, golf, watersports

Access to the beach

Butler, cook, maid

6 bedrooms

View Villa Bluff House on our website for more details and images.  

Villa West Haven 

Direct beach access

Great outside lounge area

Close to shops and amenities

4 bedrooms

View Villa Westhaven on our website for more details and images.  

Villa Casablanca

Private tennis court

Swimming pool

Access to Sandy Lane golf club and beach club

7 bedrooms

View Villa Casablanca on our website for more details and images. 

Villa Calliaqua

BBQ area

Large pool

Near golf and restaurant

5 bedrooms

View Villa Calliaqua on our website for more details and images.  

Barbados is not just a holiday destination for grown ups. There is plenty to experience, see and enjoy for the little ones too! What better place to introduce the kids to new cultures, cuisines and activities than the best Caribbean island? Forget the stress of trying to find a sunbed at the busy hotel pool or having to put up the sofa bed every night and instead, find your perfect private, home from home with a luxury child friendly villa that all the family will love! 

Contact our award-winning Barbados specialists today, who have unrivaled knowledge of the island and the best villas available!

The 8 best waterfront restaurants in Barbados

The Cliff, St James

Arguably the most famous restaurant on the island, The Cliff has some of the best views and fine dining Barbados has to offer...with a waiting list to match! To get your spot on the prestigious terrace where you can look out to breath-taking, panoramic sea views off the cliff whilst watching sting rays dancing in the water below; make sure you book a few weeks in advance. For those who would love to arrive in style from their yacht, there is a small private dock and (fairly steep) stairs leading up the cliff to the restaurant. Minimum spend is $265 BDS per person for two courses, the price is worth the incredible five star food and service, so save your visit for truly special treat and celebration on your holiday. See a sample of their menu here. 

The Beach House - St James

The Beach House is a beautiful beachfront restaurant on the platinum coast that serves 'cool drinks and great food all day and into the night' as stated on their website. This may be a lesser known than the Cliff but it certainly has exceptional views and food to offer! Sip an ice cold cocktail as you relax and take in an incredible sunset from the terrace before perusing the wonderful menu of island classics and international cuisine. See the Beach House evening menu here.

Champers, Christ Church

Champers, known as the best restaurant on the south coast, has a romantic Caribbean ambiance as it sits on top of a cliff giving you fantastic, surrounding sea views. From their beautiful terrace you will also overlook the stunning Accra beach, or if you prefer to sit indoors you will be treated to delightful, fascinating art work covering the walls. View Champers dinner menu here. 

Cin Cin by The Sea

Cin Cin is another popular hotspot on the island. Pronounced 'chin-chin', this restaurant is an incredible contemporary and al-fresco restaurant with gorgeous, modern interiors and breath taking views of the west coast. We highly recommend reserving a table on the terrace but if you prefer to relax in the open plan interior, you will be surrounded by a glass wall stretching the length of the building to let every visitor enjoy the spectacular sea views from inside and out. The food is a delectable blend of European and Caribbean dishes. View the Cin Cin by the Sea dinner menu here. 

Atlantis, St Joseph

Fresh, authentic Bajan and Caribbean cuisine, The Atlantis is famous for its West Indian buffet held every Wednesday and Sunday, this is a popular with both the locals and visitors - so you know its definitely the best around! There is also an a la carte menu which changes every week, boasting the use of only local, fresh ingredients and meats. Whether you sit in the open plan restaurant or out on the terrace, you will have spectacular views of the rugged east coast beach. See The Atlantis lunch and dessert menu here. 

Cafe Luna

Situated on the rooftop of the Little Arches hotel, Cafe Luna invites you to dine under the stars in Christ Church.  Experience a taste of the Mediterranean in Barbados as you enjoy al-fresco dining with a panoramic view of the Caribbean sea. Chef 'Moo' is a multi-talented man, known for cooking some of the best food on the island as well as being a fabulous musician! Depending on how hungry you are feeling, you can choose from a great selection of truly delicious 'small, 'medium' and 'large' dishes. View the Cafe Luna dinner menu here.

The Fish Pot, St Peter

The Fish Pot is one of our personal favourite places to eat in Barbados. Located within an old fort directly on the water's edge, the Fish Pot has a wonderful relaxed island vibe with its large picture frame windows facing the sea. The chefs here take a purist approach to cooking by choosing to use fresh ingredients in their best form, enhanced with local flavours. We recommend the lobster ravioli and amazing lamb shank whilst sitting next to the fabulous pastel green shutters looking out to the horizon. See the Fish Pot lunch menu here. 

Daphne's

One of the the only 'true' waterfront dining experiences on the island, Daphne's has quirky, jazz inspired interiors and a fantastic terrace with panoramic views. We recommend having a pre-dinner cocktail allowing you to relax and try the signature watermelon whilst taking in the incredible view of the sunset and Payne's bay. The menu offers a modern take on Italian classics with Barbados seafood and style! View Daphne's dinner menu here. 

Many of our luxury Barbados villas have incredible beachfront dining that you and your friends can enjoy from the comfort of your own home! Our award-winning island specialists have unsurpassed knowledge of Barbados and the best the island has to offer. Get in touch today to talk to our experts about your dream Barbados holiday.

Like Rum? Love Barbados!

‘There’s a time and a place’ is the slogan of the oldest rum in the World – Mount Gay Rum from Barbados. The birthplace of the Caribbean’s favourite liquor is definitely the ‘place’ to try it for the first time or enjoy it for the 100th time. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a lucky few weeks; there is plenty of time to get in the spirit!

How did it start?

Rum is a huge part of the Bajan history and culture with many cultural heritage sites to discover the story of sugar and rum. Due to the islands mainly flat landscape and good soil, Barbados has successfully grown sugar from mid-17th century. Rum was actually first created, in very early form, by plantation slaves as they discovered that molasses (a byproduct of the sugar refining process) could be fermented into a crude liquor called ‘rumbillon’ In 1703, an English businessman set up the world’s first properly commercial rum distillery in Barbados which refined the liquor into delicious rum…That man was Sir John Gay, with the now world renowned Mount Gay Rum.

Festivals

Not surprisingly, rum is a big part of any celebration or festival in the Caribbean. ‘The annual Food, Wine and Rum Festival’ a 4 day foodie and booze fuelled event celebrating the best culinary and alcoholic delights – from pairing food and wines to cooking demonstrations, pop up food stalls and of course beach parties!

The most popular festival, completely dedicated to sugar and rum is Crop Over Festival. These attracts thousands of visitors all over the globe for 3 weeks of events and parties, originally created to celebrate the end of a good sugar crop season. If you can only visit for a short period during this festival then make sure its for the big finale, The Grand Kadooment. This when you will see the famous colourful headdresses, feather crowns and huge crowds dancing in the streets to the early hours! 

Other smaller festivals to mark in the diary are the Holetown Festival, which commemorates the first settlement in Barbados in February and Oistin’s Fish Festival which celebrates the islands brilliant fishing industry.

Distilleries and tours

The most popular choice of distilleries to visit is the Mount Gay Rum Visitors Centre which is located in Bridgetown’s Port. Here you will have a tour guide explaining the distillery’s history, watch a short film and rum tasting throughout. We recommend spending a little extra for the Cocktail tour that finishes with a cocktail making masterclass with the mixology masters of rum! Top tip – Buy your rum to take home here, it’s cheaper than at the airport!

In the hills of St Peter you will find St Nicholas Abbey you will find the oldest plantation house in Barbados. This stunning building has a rich history of rum production and the current owners still produce their own rum. You get to explore the Jacobean style house (built in 1660) filled with antiques and a small cinema showing you how island life was in the 1930s….and more rum tasting of course!

Finally, in eight beautiful acres of former plantation land you will find the Foresquare Rum Distillery which occupies the former St Philip sugar factory dating back to 1636. This is a fantastic entertainment venue with the landscaped parks and perfectly restored plantation buildings. There are several attractions on the grounds including he sugar machine museum, folk museum and bottling plant. Self guided tours are free, allowing you to wander at your leisure on the signposted walking tour.

Rum Shacks

You will find Bajan rum served all over the island, usually accompanied by calypso music and a big smile…at any time of day! There are more than 1500 rum shacks across the island, which equates to more than one in every village! These rum shops are simply made and brightly painted with a drink brand and are as much as a part of the Bajan culture as pubs are to the Brits! 

Pick up a shot or small bottle of rum as you enjoy some home cooked island food and get to know the lovely, friendly locals and even get challenged to a game of dominos! Why not see the best rum shacks on offer and experience a fun afternoon on a Rum Shop Tour.

Crop Over Festival Guide

As the weather heats up, its time for Crop over Festival, one of the biggest and brightest celebrations in Barbados! This colourful festival spans over the month of July, ending in early August with the incredible 'Grand Kadooment' parade which is filled with elaborately dressed dancers, bright carnival costumes and lively calypso bands. This is definitely one of the most exciting times of year to visit the island with thousands of visitors from around the World coming to join in the famous Bajan celebrations! 

Brief history of Crop Over Festival

Crop Over Festival dates back to the 1780's,when Barbados was the World's largest producer of sugar. At the end over every sugar crop season, the hard working harvesters would have a big celebration to mark another successful sugar cane harvest. 

As the sugar industry declined on the island, so did the celebrations and in the 1940's the festival was completely stopped for nearly 30 years. In 1974, Crop Over Festival was brought back to life by the Barbados Tourism Authority to become a celebration of Bajan culture and its rich history. 

What on during the festival?

The Crop Over Festival runs for 24 days every summer, starting on the second Saturday in July with a colourful parade through Bridgetown. Giant colourful floats, carnival bands and decorated carts ride through the town to the National Stadium where the opening gala is held. Here a sugarcane king and queen are crowned, who used to be chose as the most productive sugar crop workers of the season.

Throughout the 3 weeks, there are various parties, concerts, food festivals and other fun events to be enjoyed. Music is always a central point of the festival with the sound of calypso, soca and steel drums filling the air. 

The last week of the festival is when the more popular events take place. Bridgetown Market Street Fair is a food and music festival with plenty of food stalls, an arts fair (great for souvenirs!), Barbadian cooking contests and calypso music. 


The Big Finale

The finale weekend is the biggest party weekend of the year in Barbados! It starts with the wild Pic-o-de-crop calypso competition finals with extraordinary costumes, body paint and livebands which finishes with a spontaneous street party!  The next morning the Foreday Morning Jam takes place with 3.5km of dancing through the streets. On Sunday you can enjoy the Cohobblopot calypso show from the winners of the Party monarch. 

The Grand Kadooment, which is Bajan for “Big Deal” or “Big Fuss,”where various groups and individuals compete with themed costumes and song for titles including the Calypso Monarch, Road March Monarch, and Sweet Soca Monarch. Here is where you will see the famous pictures of people in headdresses, feather crowns and carnival outfits for the epic parade of live music, fireworks and partying through the night. There's no standing and watching here, so be prepared to dance til dawn!

Top 10 fun things to do in Barbados (Part 2)

Drive around island

After a couple of days dedicated to remaining horizontal, listening to the lapping waves as you lie on the beach, it’s time to explore what this magnificent Caribbean island has to offer! Renting a car in Barbados is really easy. Rental companies can deliver to the airport, to your hotel or you can pick it up from their offices.  This is the best way to see the island to allow you to go at your own pace and being able to make random pit stops to enjoy the view or just for a good looking rum or food shack! Alternatively to explore in style, we can arrange a private driver for you.

Deep sea fishing

For those who love the adrenaline rush and battle of reeling in a big game fish; Barbados has some of the most varied and exciting deep sea fishing. Off the shores of Barbados, you are likely to catch the infamous barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin (don’t worry it’s Dorado) as well as blue and white marlin! December to April are the best times to catch the big game and most Barbados fishing packages include transport, refreshments and equipment.

Rum tour

Rum is a major part of the Caribbean culture and way of life. Even visitors to the island will discover their new favourite drink at happy hour - A rum punch! Rum is one of the biggest exports with two household hold names – Cockspur and Mount Gay. Did you know that Mount Gay Rum is the oldest rum in the World? We highly recommend visiting the Mount Gay Rum distillery which offers a great insight into the history, how it is made and a some free tasters throw in!

The signature tour is $10 which allows you to take a look round the distillery with children but we would suggest the Cocktail tour at $50 USD which includes a rum cocktail making class and transport back to your accommodation (no children allowed). The tour guides have infinite knowledge that they love to share with you along with a healthy dose of Bajan humour and charm!

Diving

Explore over 150 shipwrecks and colourful reefs that are full of life as you scuba dive in Barbados. The most popular diving sites are ‘The Stavronikita’ and Carlisle Bay where you can come face to face with the feisty barracuda, beautiful rays and giant eels as you explore the depths of the Caribbean sea!

Harbour lights show

For a colourful, energetic and fun filled night of entertainment, we recommend the Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza. With great food and fantastic entertainment, the dinner show at Harbour lights is a brilliant night for all ages. Spend the evening dancing in the sand to the live band after watching watching performances from stiltmen, fire eaters, acrobatic green monkeys and limbo queens! A fun night out for all of the family.  

Planning Your Dream Barbados Wedding? Top 5 Things To Consider.

Barbados is a fairy-tale destination for your dream wedding. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate beachfront ceremony with a candle-lit aisle and the gentle lapping waves, or an incredible celebration with silver service at a five star resort; Barbados is the perfect choice for your perfect, incredibly special day. 

Organising all aspects of a wedding can be stressful, especially in a foreign country... but it doesn't have to be! Below, we have created a list of the top 5 things to take into account when planning your big day on the island to make sure it is as perfect as possible. 

1. Timing

This is one of the most important aspects to consider as there are only two seasons in Barbados - wet and dry! The wet season starts from June through til October with tropical storms occasionally appearing during this time so is best to be avoided! 

The 'high and dry' season, with the most visitors to the island, is from December to April. If you choose to marry during this seasons you will want to reserve hotels, villas and venues as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Also aim to send out your 'save the dates' up to 12 months in advance so that your guests can find the best rates for their flights and accommodation as prices will increase quickly.

2. Local Wedding Planner

Planning and delivering your perfect wedding in a different country can be difficult, especially with a time difference and 'island time'! We recommend hiring a local expert who 'on the ground' with excellent knowledge of the areas and venues, being able to give you a first hand account of everything and can help organise your perfect wedding down to the finest details.  

3. Arranging Marriage License

Getting married in Barbados is easy as there is no required length of stay or waiting period. We would recommend visiting the Ministry of Home Affairs a few days before the ceremony where the application for a marriage license has to be made in person, with signatures from a witness for the bride and groom. Both parties have to apply in person, which will require certain documents that can be found on the Government of Barbados website. 

4. Heat

If you're planning an outdoor wedding in Barbados the you must keep in mind the heat of the warm temperatures for your guests and when organising catering, flowers and drinks. It is best not to choose butter-icing on your wedding cake as this can melt and the cake will then possibly collapse. Choose a menu that will not 'wilt' too quickly in the heat and be sure to taste test before they are served to make sure the Caribbean spice isn't too much for your guests! 

5. Visit Before The Big Day

We definitely recommend visit the island at least once before the wedding to view the best venues, taste menus, secure reception spaces and hotels or private villas for both you and your guests. This is a great chance to also meet with local suppliers such as florists, photographers and caterers. Any excuse to visit Barbados is a good excuse!

Top 10 fun things to do in Barbados (Part 1)

Catamaran snorkeling tour

Setting off from Bridgetown port and along the coast with a friendly crew, you will race the amazing flying fish to the best snorkeling spots on the island. First stop – diving in to feed our local friends the sea turtles! Definitely one of the best experiences in Barbados! Followed by a delicious buffet lunch and free bar (don’t go ‘overboard’ on the rum!). Sunbath as you sail along the platinum coast before snorkeling over beautiful reefs and wrecks. We highly recommend the fabulous Tiami Catamaran, we loved our day with them!

Horse-riding on the beach

Head off the beaten track to see the tropical beauty of the island you can’t see by car! There are a variety of scenic and exciting trail rides along the beaches and countryside of Barbados, for those with any level of horse riding experience. The east coast of the island is ideal for horse-riding with its scenic views, miles of coastline and cool breeze. The west coast offers tranquil trails along beautiful beaches.

Oistin's fish fry

This brilliant Friday night bonanza is one of the activities we highly recommend to all of our clients! Oistins is a busy fishing town on the south coast which is the hub of food and entertainment popular with both locals and visitors on a Friday night at the fish fry.  The food is incredible here, with nets full of fish (mahi mahi, marlin, swordfish, flying fish) being emptied straight onto the BBQ - you couldn’t get fresher food! There are plenty of places to sit and dine, great little hut bars, blasting reggae beats and dancing! Great place for an informal meal to people watch and immerse into the bajan culture.

Surfing lessons

Have you always wanted to try surfing or just love to shred the waves? Barbados is a fantastic place to learn or a great place to perfect your ‘pop up’ technique if you are in intermediate.  The waves may not be huge (apart from the Soup Bowl on the east coast – leave that to the pros!) but you will have plenty of fun with friends and family whilst you try to stay up! We recommend Barry’s surf school which offers $75 for a beginners less which includes all day surfing, transport and equipment.

Wildlife reserve

Barbados doesn’t have a zoo…is has something so much better – A wildlife reserve! Head into the rainforest in St Peter to walk with, watch and feed the freely roaming Barbados animals. There are a variety of colourful birds such as parrots and flamingos, reptiles such as snakes and tortoises (even a crocodile or two if you can spot them!) and the famous green monkeys. The friendly monkeys are free to leave the reserve as they please but always ‘swing by’ but feeding time in the afternoon so head up later in the day to make sure you meet them!

To book your stay on this stunning Caribbean island, get in touch and book with the Barbados specialists