* This article first appeared here in AspireLifestyle Magazine
Disembarking, it’s the heat that embraces you first, quickly followed by wide smiles. The Bajans are an infectiously happy people—and for good reason. Barbados is home to pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, boasts a rich culture, and enjoys plenty of sunshine; the island features in the top ten sunniest destinations globally, with 3,000 hours of annual sunshine.
Despite a tumultuous history, the country has made significant strides. Since gaining independence in 1966 and declaring itself as a republic in 2021, today Barbados boasts a stable economy and a thriving tourism industry—both compelling reasons to visit. While there are no direct flights from South Africa yet, Barbados has air access from the UK and the USA, making it a warm addition to work or vacation trips to either destination; plus, there’s rare VISA-free access for South Africans.
Being my first visit to the Caribbean, the initial stop had to be the beach. ‘Platinum Coast’ fulfils every dream you’ve conjured up of Barbados from films and glossy magazines; sunseekers demurely saunter from lounger to ocean, exuding effortless barefoot chic. Beach club staff ensured a steady flow of rum punches from the bar, while overhead, Foxtail palms rustled in the gentle sea breeze.
With tourism as the focus, accommodations are abundant. Few resorts, however, can claim to have hosted guests since 1887. The Crane Barbados sprawls across the cliff tops, and in true resort style, restaurants and bars are dotted throughout the large property. With supremely spacious rooms and six pools spread over the property, it was the perfect starting point for us, and the many families enjoying the resort life. Sand seekers could take an elevator down the cliff to the private beach, where waves flowed as steadily as the drinks at the adjacent bar.
Staring at the aquamarine horizon, the call to explore could no longer be ignored. The island’s finest yacht experience is the Cat & The Fiddle Luxury Charters. From the variety of luxurious cruises on offer, we picked the five-hour excursion, which included swimming and snorkelling stops, followed by a lunch stop with a beautifully laid buffet spread. The Cat & The Fiddle Luxury Charters staff spoil you throughout, constantly topping up glasses and ensuring your comfort.
Back on terra firma, driving around the island reveals the charming blend of architecture in Barbados: Jacobean, Palladian, Georgian, and Victorian styles, along with the distinctive coral stone buildings and wooden chattel houses. In many places, the stone is blackened with time, giving an aged but not defeated feel. One of the best ways to take it all in is through an entertaining ride in the iconic reggae buses. Once aboard, you can’t help but smile as the wind blasts through the open windows, along with the music, where the DJs constantly add their spirited commentary. These and the regular buses (for a somewhat quieter ride) are affordable ways to easily navigate the island.
Following the adage that ‘Boutique is Best,’ the next stay was the smaller, intimate Little Good Harbour—offering all the warm service you’d expect from a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel. Double-story rooms and villas are peacefully set along the lush garden paths, including two beautiful pools for towel-tanning.
Meters away, the hotel’s oceanside restaurant and beach club present an oh-so-perfect harbour setting. My jaw dropped, and I knew I’d found my favourite enclave on the island. The Fish Pot is a dreamy eatery that we’ve simply adored—an intimate restaurant that floats above the sand, with gourmet fare and the best Rum Punch we had on the island. When we finished eating, it was just two steps to flop down onto the private loungers. Later, the little harbour offers sheltered swimming, or a walk on the jetty allows you to jump onto the floating ‘sea chills’ or swim to the pontoon.
Rum is synonymous with Barbados and the Caribbean—and for good reason: it’s the birthplace of the sugar-derived tipple. Early in the production of sugar in the West Indies, a few intrepid plantation owners discovered that a strong spirit could be created when molasses was allowed to ferment and then distilled—the resultant rum was dubbed “A brew hot enough to kill the devil himself.”
Over 317 years old, Mount Gay is officially the oldest operating distillery in the world—a production that predates many countries. Various tours are on offer, giving you a chance to learn how the three ingredients of rum, water, yeast, and molasses are combined to make rum. Julie Ann—Mount Gay’s current distiller—is proudly local and one of the few women in the industry. Post-tour, we opted for the Cocktail Masterclass, where our mixologist walked us through rustling up various cocktails. Rum punch is the ubiquitous national drink, and you’ll constantly hear the recipe recited: 1 of sour, 2 of sweet, 3 of strong, 4 of weak, finished with dashes of bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Reluctantly boarding the plane home, the question lingered: would the memories remain? With three litres of Mount Gay from duty-free and the recipe firmly memorised, every rum punch at home would instantly transport us back to the gem of the Caribbean Sea.
Where to dine
The island may be small, but you’re spoiled for dining choices. Here are my top four:
- Lone Star: Undoubtedly one of Barbados’ must-visit spots, with an impressive number of covers, diners enjoy flavour-filled meals while the ocean laps at the nearby shore at Lonestar Barbados. The clean and playful aesthetic adds to the magic, and the regular live music completes the experience.
- Champers: With Champers’ clifftop location, the waves crash constantly below. Sumptuous cocktails are followed by the island’s finest international cuisine classics, with a few local twists. Book early and ask for a cliffside table.
- La Cabane: This oceanside eatery has earned much acclaim, and for all the right reasons: juicy local cuisine (the smoked-roast chicken is to die for), enticing cocktails, and rest-your-feet-in-the-sand barefoot La Cabane Barbados chic.
- Juju’s Beach Bar: On the island’s most desirable stretch of sand, this beach bar is the most affordable. Slip off your lounger at the local beach club and enjoy a burger and rum punch, with the sublime Juju’s Beach Bar views complimentary.
