It’s February and the perfect time to consider a tropical giveaway. One luscious spot is the beautiful island of Barbados. Barbados is the eastern most Caribbean Island, which happens to be surrounded completely by the Atlantic Ocean, not touching the Caribbean Sea at all. Easily accessible with daily international flights, at 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, beautiful scenery, friendly faces and plenty to do and see will greet you warmly.
Rich in history Barbados is a former British Colony that gained it’s independence in 1966 but maintains many British customs and traditions. It’s believed that Arawak Indians originally inhabited Barbados, but when the Portuguese, the first Europeans to land on the island arrived, it was uninhabited. The British settled there in 1624 and established a colony in 1625. After initially cultivating tobacco and cotton, the colonist switched to sugar. The slave trade brought Africans to the island which eventually became 90% black. There was a slave revolt in 1816 and the British Empire abolished slavery in 1834. Barbados is a wonderful blend of West African and British cultures. Once you meet a “Bajan”, a nickname for Barbadians, you’ll feel right at home. The openness and hospitality of the locals simply can’t be beat.
- Beaches: North, South, East, and West there is a beach for you. From the calm and relaxing west coast, to the surf friendly west coast, stunning cliff views from the north coast, and plenty of wind sports on the south coast there is no shortage of choices.
- Accommodations: Barbados has you covered. You’ll easily find the perfect accommodations with your choice of everything from luxury villas, all inclusive resorts, familiar hotel brands, and unique resorts, hotels, guesthouses, vacation rentals and B&Bs you’ll find what you’re looking for.
You’ll stay busy. With so much to see and do you’ll have a hard time making a choice.
o Cruise the west coast and catch the view from the Jolly Roger
o See the stunning costal view from cherry Tree Hill
o Tour the St. Nicholas Abbey
o Breathe the east coast air and enjoy the Bathsheba Pools
o Tour any number of historic sites including St. James Parish Church, the Gun Hill Signal Station and the Lion
o Tour a rum factory
- Shopping: Duty Free shopping can’t be broad. Browse Broad Street in the capital Bridgetown, strike a bargain with a vendor at a market shop
- Entertainment, Enjoy the nightlife, catch a show theater, or enjoy a cricket match (Cricket happens to the National Sport)
- Dining: No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here, from quint local restaurants to fine dining. Name your cuisine, you’re sure to find it on the island along with the delicious Bajan fare.
- Rum Punch: Of course you can’t miss the chance to sample Barbados Rum Punch. Just to be sure you might want to have a few.
This beautiful island is perfect for a getaway. Got the winter blues? Head to the Caribbean and you won’t want to come back.
Wishing I was there now.
-Trina