Barbados: Adventures Beyond the Beach
Barbados, the small island nestled in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, has long been on my travel wish list. Despite having a good friend from the country and having a fondness for Pirates of the Caribbean, rum, and of course, Rihanna, my understanding of the country itself was rather limited. When I saw a flight deal to Barbados land in my inbox, I immediately jumped on it.
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without sinking your toes into the warm sands of its beautiful beaches. Renowned for its stunning Eastern Caribbean coastline, Barbados certainly lived up to its reputation. However, my curiosity extended beyond the shoreline, and I was eager to explore the diverse array of experiences Barbados had to offer. Here is a recount of my five-day journey, navigating the vibrant streets, indulging in delectable Bajan flavors, and immersing myself in the rich culture of Barbados.
Things to Know
Here are some things to know before visiting Barbados:
- Location: Barbados is an island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, situated in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Capital: The capital city of Barbados is Bridgetown, which is also its largest city.
- Independence: Barbados gained independence from British rule on November 30, 1966, and is now a sovereign nation within the British Commonwealth.
- Climate: It has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
- Water: Water is safe to drink.
- Official language: English is Bardados’ official language.
- Currency: Barbados uses the Barbadian Dollar (BBD), however, U.S. dollars (USD) are accepted everywhere. The conversion is approximately 2 BBD to 1 USD.
- Cash/credit: Many places accept major credit cards, but I strongly recommend cash for taxis, public transportation, street vendors, and smaller restaurants.
Lodging
Whenever traveling solo to a new country, I always aim for a balanced approach by splitting my time between the convenience of an all-inclusive resort and the immersion in a centrally-located hotel. This strategy allows me to indulge in the luxury and comfort offered by all-inclusive resorts while also exploring the heart of the city, strolling to various attractions and restaurants. After thorough research, I opted to divide my stay between two properties in Barbados: the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort in Harrismith and the Hilton Barbados Resort in Bridgetown.
The Wyndham, with its 422 rooms on the Southeast coast of the island opened its doors recently in October 2023. Less than 20 minutes from the airport, this resort welcomed me into a realm of luxury and tranquility from the moment I arrived. While it’s still in its soft-opening phase, and a few amenities were not yet available, it didn’t diminish the exceptional experience I had. My suite was elegantly appointed, with the highlight being the ocean-facing bed that treated me to breathtaking sunrise views each morning. The only drawback was its distance from most tourist attractions, but the resort’s allure more than made up for this.
On the other hand, the Hilton, although showing some wear and tear, offered comfortable rooms, an excellent location, and a delightful array of local cuisine at its restaurants. The added bonus was that every room came with an ocean or bay view. I opted for the bay view, and witnessing the picturesque bay alongside the bustling cityscape was truly unforgettable.
Getting around
While my research repeatedly suggested “Hire a Car,” my reluctance to tackle left-side driving led me to explore alternatives, relying mainly on taxis and the island’s bus system. Taxis proved to be a convenient yet relatively expensive mode of transportation, regardless of whether the journey was a short 10-minute ride or an hour-long excursion. To give you an idea, my taxi fares ranged from a $25 (USD) transfer from the airport to a pricier $70 (USD) fare from Harrismith to Holetown. After a few of these rides, I decided to explore the public transportation system. I was pleasantly surprised by the well-organized network, comprising government and privately operated buses and min-buses. Buses run hourly, while mini-buses typically operate every half-hour, with a flat fare of only $3.50 (BBD), regardless of the distance. Many travelers mentioned considering public transport to and from the airport, but I found it impractical, especially with luggage, so I stuck with taxis. It’s worth noting that buses are less reliable at night, so if you’re traveling in the evening, a taxi is recommended. However, I’m intrigued by the idea of trying left-side driving on my next visit.
Bajan Food Tour
As a seasoned traveler, I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a country is through its food. It’s the gateway to understanding its history, culture, and the very essence of its people. And so, it’s no surprise that on my recent journey to Barbados, I embarked on the Original Bajan Walking Food Tour by Lickrish Food Tours. This delectable adventure not only tantalized my taste buds but also painted a vivid picture of the island’s culinary heritage.
During this culinary adventure, I embarked on a mouthwatering journey that unveiled the rich and diverse flavors of Bajan cuisine. The national dish, cou-cou, served with flying fish, introduced me to a delightful blend of okra and cornmeal with a uniquely firm texture, accompanied by a savory onion gravy. Fishcakes and macaroni pie added a savory twist to my culinary journey, while dunks, sugar cakes, and sweetbread satisfied my sweet tooth. Barbados’ culinary treasures left an indelible mark on my taste buds, making this gastronomic adventure an unforgettable part of my journey.
Attractions
- St. Nicholas Abbey
- Baobab tree
- Historic windmill
- Jewish Synagogue Museum
- Cannon galore
- Grapefruit tree
Yet, I ran into a few challenges: the sites are scattered across the island, making it difficult for me to visit all of them in a limited amount of time; the grapefruit tree, believed to be indigenous to Barbados, remained elusive, and no one could tell me where to find one; and few tours covered most of these wonders, perhaps due of geography. Because of these obstacles, I opted for an alternative approach — engaging an experienced taxi driver for a customized tour. Luckily, I crossed paths with Ryan from Ryan Taxi Services, a rarity on the island for accepting Venmo. Ryan offered an hourly rate to chauffeur me to the majority of my desired locations, generously pointing out a few additional gems along the way.
Here are the notable sites and landmarks and attractions I explored in Barbados:
Animal Flower Cave. Nestled along the rugged cliffs of Barbados’ northern coast, the Animal Flower Cave is a geological marvel. Its name is derived from the sea anemones found in its rock pools, which resemble delicate blossoms. While I opted for only the dramatic ocean views, the cave’s chambers and natural pools are open to visitors for a small fee. It was a mesmerizing blend of nature’s artistry and serenity.
Baobab tree. Barbados is home to two magnificent baobab trees, one over a thousand years old and the other over 300 years old. Originating in West Africa, these giants are believed to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean to find their home in Barbados. Standing in awe of the one at Warrens, with its massive trunk and gnarled branches, I felt a profound connection to the ancestors who may have sought shade beneath it.
Windmill at Morgan Lewis. The historic windmill at Morgan Lewis is a relic of Barbados’ sugar production heyday. Restored to its former glory, this structure provides a window into the island’s sugar industry history.
Rum Tasting. Barbados is renowned for its rum, and no visit would be complete without indulging in a rum-tasting experience. The island boasts several distilleries, but I was able to have this experience at the Burnt Cask Rhum Bar at the Wyndham. I sampled six rich flavors of Barbadian rum from their impressive selection, from the smooth and mellow to the bold and fiery, all while soaking in the lush ambiance of the resort.
St. Nicholas Abbey. This 17th-century Jacobean-style mansion provides a window into Barbados’ colonial past. Visitors can explore its elegant interiors, stroll through lush gardens, and witness the fascinating rum-making process. The Heritage Railway offers a unique narrated tour, winding through the plantation’s grounds, past the Great House, and around the tranquil lake.
Rihanna’s house on Rihanna Drive. Barbados is the birthplace of global superstar Rihanna. My visit to her childhood home on Rihanna Drive offered a window into her early years. Meanwhile, her new residence at the luxurious One Sandy Lane showcases her incredible journey from humble beginnings to music icon and savvy businesswoman.
Cannons of Barbados. Initially, I searched for “Cannons Galore,” one of Barbados’ Wonders, in vain. It wasn’t until my trip neared its end that I unraveled the mystery. It wasn’t a single location but a reference to the scattered collection of historic cannons, remnants of the island’s British colonial past. Once I understood this, I was able to spot them all over the island.
Chattle homes. While traveling between landmarks, I noticed these beautiful and colorful small homes. Curiosity led me to discover that these charming structures have a profound history. Following emancipation in 1833, these houses were built by former enslaved people who had no land to call their own, so they could be easily dismantled and moved as needed.
Nightlife
Oistins Fish Fry. Oistins Fish Fry is an undisputed must-do attraction on the island. As the sun sets every Friday night, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy live music, dancing, and a mouthwatering array of freshly grilled seafood. The lively atmosphere was contagious, and after savoring Bajan dishes, I felt right at home mingling, dancing, and laughing with friendly crowds.
St. Lawrence Gap. St. Lawrence Gap, known simply as “The Gap” is a bustling street lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants in Christ Church. Here, you can find an unforgettable nightlife experience every night of the week. On a Friday night, accompanied by newfound friends from the Fish Fry, I ventured to The Cove and The Dive for a fantastic time and had a ball.
Second Street in Holetown. Second Street offers a more relaxed yet inviting nightlife scene than The Gap. On a Sunday night, a small group from my hotel and I discovered numerous open-air bars, cocktail lounges, and appetizing street food. Don’t miss the chance to join in the street-side karaoke at TML One Love Bar or savor the delightful DJ beats and cocktails at Zouk Lounge. Both spots were a vibe.
The lack of reference to the beaches in this article is merely a hint at the abundant array of options awaiting discovery in Barbados and I can’t wait to return. Although I hated to bid farewell to the enchanting island, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories of every attraction, culinary experience, new friend, and vibrant night until next time.
I invite you, dear reader, to embark on your own adventure, to savor the world’s flavors, and to immerse yourself in the beauty of diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. The world is waiting to be explored, and the memories are yours to create.
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