Barbados Holidays

Barbados is a Caribbean island filled with colour, music and friendly locals. Explore the stunning sandy beaches, the unique delicious food and the cool bars and clubs around this miniature yet marvellous island. If you’re looking for more than just a beach holiday, but still want to feel ultimate relaxation the whole time you’re there – Barbados is the perfect place for you.

Beaches
When you think of the Caribbean, pristine white beaches probably spring to mind. Barbados’ coast is lined with breath-taking public beaches, offering soft sands, clear waters and palm trees for those who prefer a spot in the shade. On the west coast, you’ll find calm, tepid waters as the beaches meet the Caribbean Sea. Some of our favourite spots include Mullins Beach, Holetown Beach and Brownes Beach. If you prefer a slightly cooler dip with plenty of waves, the East coast features shores such as Crane Beach and Bathsheba, where you can bob along in the Atlantic Ocean.

Food & Drink
With influences from all over the globe, Bajan cuisine is filled with different tastes, textures and is its own unique twist on every meal. If you’re a fan of spice with a hint of sweet, Jerk seasoning is for you. You’ll find Jerk chicken all over the island, in beach bars, restaurants and there are even little food vans that cook it to perfection for you – a tasty but cheap treat! Us Brits love curry, so you’ll definitely love the Bajan curry wrapped in a roti. Or, if you prefer seafood, flying fish and tuna steak are two scrumptious recommendations. Once a poor man’s dish, macaroni pie is another top hit in Barbados, which is similar to macaroni cheese but baked as a pie - it’s delicious. Fried plantain, steamed vegetables, and rice and peas are the typical accompaniments to main courses and can be made even more delightful with a splash of Bajan hot sauce. Breadfruit is a popular grocery that’s found growing around the island, and is served with savoury dishes due to its taste, which (you guessed it) is much like bread. If you have a sweet tooth, bakes and Bajan black cake are two yummy sweets to try. For refreshments, Mauby drink is a kind of iced tea made from spices and served with food. If you’re looking for something stronger, go for the beloved rum punch – be careful though, as you may not realise how strong they are until you try getting up from your sunbed!

Culture
One thing that brings tourists back to Barbados time after time is the friendliness of the locals. Kind, welcoming and up for a good chat, the people in Barbados are those that will stay in your memory forever. As the national language is English, it’s easy to have great conversations with them, but listen out for when they talk to each other, as they also speak ‘Bajan’, the island’s very own dialect. If you’re one for exploring, it’s easy to do with the bus services running regularly around the island and costing next to nothing to get you there. Not only do they have the government run buses, but they also have the ‘reggae’ buses, which are easy to see (or should we say hear), as they blast reggae music all day long and are a fun experience in themselves.

Nightlife
A nation who love their music, there’s no wonder you’ll find fantastic nightlife in Barbados. From buzzing bars, to bouncing clubs, to bustling street parties – there’s plenty of chance to dance the night away. If you’re after a night on the tiles, Harbour Lights in Bridgetown is a must-visit, or if you’re a bit further north, Red Door Lounge in Holetown is a popular pick. Enjoy a drink with live music at Mullins Beach Bar or head to St. Lawrence Gap for a great selection of bars that come alive at night. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting over New Year’s Eve (or as they say, ‘Old Years Night’), then you’re sure to come across some of the spectacular street parties around, with drinking, singing and a whole lot of dancing.

Important Information
Flight Time: 9 hours
Time Difference: -5hrs
Currency: Barbadian Dollar
Official Language: English