Aerial view of the large pool at the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
For the family-friendly amenities
A red vehicle in front of a triangle roofed blue building in Bridgetown
Bridgetown, Barbados
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From the white–sand beaches that dot the coastlines to the lush interior farmlands, Rihanna’s home country is a slice of paradise in the West Indies. What Barbados lacks in size it makes up for in personality – it’s the birthplace of rum and a hub of culture and cuisine – and no visit is complete without a trip to Bridgetown, the island’s bustling capital city.
Due to COVID–19, please contact businesses directly to determine their current business operations before travelling.
Where to Stay
- Balcony views from the living room of a suite at the Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels in BarbadosTreasure Beach by Elegant HotelsFor the adults-only vibes
- A multiple level pool at Sandy Lane in the BarbadosSandy LaneFor the worth-it splurge
- The pink exterior of Southern Palms Hotel borders a palm tree lined beach in the BarbadosSouthern Palms Beach ClubFor the wallet-friendly rates
- A palm tree covered pool at the Hilton Barbados ResortHilton Barbados ResortFor the business perks
Eat & Drink
Fine dining at The Tides Restaurant Set in a former estate, this seaside restaurant is known for its contemporary upscale Bajan cuisine. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the pan–fried flying fish served with a polenta cou–cou cake – their version of Barbados’ national dish – served with the island’s famous pepper sauce and okra chips comes highly recommended.
Sunday lunch at Atlantis Historic Inn This off–the–beaten–path property in St. Joseph dates back to the 1800s and is now home to Atlantis Historic Inn – one of the first hotels on the island’s rugged east coast – whose restaurant boasts a Sunday lunch buffet. Try traditional West Indian dishes like salt fish bul jol, fried plantain and Bajan bakes while taking in views of the Bathsheba coastline.
Sunset cocktails at La Cabane Slow island vibes meet slow food at this chic beach club on Batts Rock Beach with a menu that focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. By day, relax by the waves with ceviche and fresh iced tea. Come sunset, order a pitcher of Bajan garden punch and take in the live music that transforms the restaurant into a nighttime hot spot.
Casual eats at Brown Sugar This is the go–to spot for traditional island cuisine and an all–you–can–eat lunch buffet in the St. Lawrence Gap (they even have a gluten–free buffet on Fridays). Grab a seat on the fern–dotted patio and dig into herb–crusted snapper or blackened mahi mahi served with sweet pepper jelly. Save room for Bajan bread pudding filled with rum–plumped raisins.
Happy hours at Cocktail Kitchen It’s double the fun at this hopping joint in the St. Lawrence Gap, which offers two daily happy hours featuring two–for–one daiquiris, margaritas and piña coladas. Try a rum–based house speciality, like the Scotch–bonnet–infused Mango Chow or the Rum Paloma made with grapefruit liqueur.
Rum punch at Braddie’s Bar Patrons sip Banks Beer or rum punch made with Mount Gay rum while playing dominoes or a game of pool at this low–key hangout on the outskirts of the St. Lawrence Gap. Unwind with fish cakes and soca music after a day of sightseeing or head to karaoke on Fridays for a night on the town.
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What to Do
History lessons at Barbados Museum & Historical Society This museum is housed in a former British military prison at historic Garrison Savannah. The permanent exhibitions include information on the coral reefs off the coast of Barbados, the early Indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean islands and a rare collection of historic maps. Don't miss the museum's reference library, which has extensive research on the island’s history and genealogy.
Artists at work at Pelican Craft Centre Handcrafted, one–of–a–kind goods are the draw at this shopping village on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Watch craftspeople at work as they paint seaside vistas or whittle mahogany from local trees into keepsakes. Ask your hotel’s concierge about up–to–date cruise–ship scheduling or aim for an afternoon visit to avoid the crowds of passengers.
Green monkeys at Barbados Wildlife Reserve Spot parrots, iguanas, tortoises and green monkeys as they roam freely throughout a protected mahogany forest at this family–friendly reserve devoted to the preservation and conservation of Barbados’ indigenous animals. If you can swing it, come for 2 p.m. – a.k.a. feeding time for the animals. Access to nearby Grenade Hall Signal Station, which offers panoramic views of the island, is included in the cost of admission.
Upscale shops at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Head to this upscale, open–air shopping centre in Holetown – on the island’s west coast – for an array of high–end designers from Michael Kors to Gucci, along with a number of duty–free shops. Once you have stocked up on souvenirs, refuel at one of the nearby restaurants or bars.
Rum tasting at St. Nicholas Abbey Built in 1658 – and one of three remaining Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere – this historic former plantation house is now home to the island’s award–wining rum distiller. Take a guided tour of the great house and the distillery (which includes a complimentary tasting for those over 18) and keep an eye out for resident Moluccan cockatoos, Lance and Baby.
Artisan crafts at Chattel Village When it comes to locally made gifts, you can’t top this scenic shopping haven in Holetown on the island's west coast. Made up of traditional wooden chattel houses, it’s teeming with lush gardens and places to grab a bite to eat, including the shaded patio at Café Bar Carizma.
Caribbean blooms at Orchid World & Tropical Flower Garden Spanning six acres of countryside in the island’s interior, this well–manicured garden features over 1,000 orchids and other Caribbean plants and flowers. Stroll along the winding paths on a self–guided tour and finish your visit with a snack at the on–site, open–air restaurant and a trip to the gift shop for – you guessed it – orchid–themed souvenirs.
Island–inspired prints at Gallery of Caribbean Art Shop pieces from Haitian, Cuban, Jamaican and Guyanese artists at this gallery–slash–boutique in Speightstown – the only space of its kind on the island. After browsing the collection of contemporary paintings, sculpture and photography, pick up a print (or two) to bring home.
Underground exploration at Harrison’s Cave Discover the subterranean wonders of the island where crystallized limestone has created towering columns, waterfalls and streams. Don a helmet and headlamp for the three–and–a–half–hour eco–adventure tour that lets visitors trek – and in some spots crawl on hands and knees – through the cave’s natural passes. Tram tours are also available for those who prefer a more laid–back experience.
Made–in–Barbados souvenirs at Best of Barbados Founded by local artist Jill Walker in 1975, this shop lives up to its name with a curated selection of gifts made on the island. The store has multiple locations (including one at the airport), but you will find the best selection of art prints, pepper sauce and cookbooks in the St. Lawrence Gap outpost.
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