Something that we are really proud of in the Tropic Breeze office is our in-depth knowledge of the destinations that we sell. One of Jo’s favourite islands is Barbados and she recently spent some time there checking in on some of our hotels. Luckily she also managed to squeeze in some time to enjoy some of the local beaches and markets as well as making sure the rum punch was still up to scratch in some of her favourite bars. Here she has put together a few of her top tips for places to visit, eat and enjoy the sunset on your holiday to Barbados.
A day off the beaten track…
One of Jo’s top tips is a visit to Brighton Market on a Saturday morning. Located in the beautiful grounds of the Brighton Plantation in St George you can find everything from local crafts and souvenirs to fresh fruit and vegetables and everything in-between. It’s an early start as the market is only open until 10am, but it’s well worth it to soak up the Bajan atmosphere and enjoy the tempting treats on offer.
Next, head a little further north to Hunte’s Gardens in St Joseph’s. Created by it’s charismatic owner, Anthony Hunte back in the 1950s and describing itself as “the most enchanting place on Earth”, it is brimming with stunning flora and fauna of every shape and colour. Having explored the gardens, enjoy a refreshing rum punch (or something softer if you prefer) with Anthony himself and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re ready to move on, make the the short journey over to Bathsheba on the rugged east coast for a completely different perspective on the island. In contrast to the gentle west coast, it is famous for surfing and the village is home to a small community of local fishermen. If you have time, be sure to call in at Round House and enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
A spot of lunch? Be fancy or go local…
Two of Jo’s favourite lunch spots, although quite different from one another, offer fabulous Bajan cuisine and are right on the water, guaranteeing that you can soak up the stunning views while you eat.
Champers Restaurant is located on the edge of St Lawrence Gap on the south coast and is a stunning spot to enjoy local specialities cooked to perfection while sipping on a chilled glass of wine. Jo was lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful lunch on the terrace on her recent trip and would highly recommend a visit. If you’re staying on the west coast it works well with a day out in the south and if you’re staying in the south, well, it’s right on your doorstep!
For something a little different you have to give The Caboose a try. On the outskirts of Speightstown, this quirky and colourful boat-come-food truck is set right by the beach and is the perfect place to stop for a traditional Bajan lunch. Jo’s recommendation is a Fully Loaded Fish Cutter, consisting of the day’s catch in a bun with egg, cheese, salad and your choice of sauce. A top tip though – if you choose the hot sauce expect it to be hot!
Life’s a beach…
Barbados is home to some stunning beaches, particularly on the west coast where the powder soft sand slopes gently into the calm crystal clear waters making the beaches perfect for swimming.
If you’re planning a day at the beach and like things to be a bit more lively then Jo’s ‘go to’ spot is Mullins Beach. Sitting just south of Speightstown, it offers a beautiful stretch of sand with plenty of operators offering various watersports for you to enjoy. Alternatively, just enjoy the Caribbean tunes and drinks service right to your lounger.
For something a little quieter head just round the corner to Gibbes Beach. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the beach enjoys natural shade from the trees behind and is the perfect place for an early morning or sunset stroll. A real piece of peaceful paradise.
Perfect sunset spots
No visit to Barbados is complete without sundowners overlooking the beach to round off another tough day in paradise! A couple of Jo’s absolute favourite spots are Sea Shed and Little Bristol.
Sea Shed sits in a perfect spot on Mullins Beach in the parish of St Peter and serves chilled cocktails and sumptuous dishes in a luxurious setting. The staff are friendly and attentive, and at the weekends welcome local DJs to their laid back sunset sessions.
Little Bristol, located in the heart of Speightstown, is a Barbados institution. Grab a beer or rum punch, take a seat on one of the benches and soak in the atmosphere. The best time to visit is early evening as the sun goes down, but be warned you might be tempted to stay a lot later than you planned!
At Tropic Breeze we specialise in using our personal knowledge of each hotel to offer the best recommendations based on our extensive experience of the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. If you would like further information on Barbados, please call us on 01752 880 880 or email info@tropicbreeze.co.uk
Author KatieCategories News