DestinationBarbados

See the YouTube video for full details and links.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9HxbRy-UKs Amazing images of beaches that look like art and art that look like beaches and seascpaes.

All roads leads to Rum in Barbados 😁 Join Neil as he enjoys rum punch at Hackleton’s Cliff (and learns why Mr.Hackleton rode his horse off the cliff!), explores the sugar plantation and rum distillery at St Nicholas Abbey, and discovers the intriguing history of rum-making on the island. Along the way he'll take you to a historic windmill used for grinding canes, a modern distillery, and a beautifully restored plantation house that is now a charming guesthouse. His story unfolds at  https://confidentials.com/leeds/getting-the-abbey-rum-habit-in-the-heart-of-old-barbados

Thinking of traveling to Barbados in May but concerned about what the weather is like and the possibility of rain? May is a great month to visit the island, as the rainy season has not yet begun so there is plenty of sunshine and little rain. It's quite a breezy time as well with the trade winds cooling you off as you relax on the beach or explore the island. source: barbados.org In mid-April, hotels switch from the higher "Winter Season" rates to more budget-friendly "Summer Rates" and also offer lots of special offers, discounts and deals. In July and early August the rates will increase again for the Crop Over carnival season. So in May you'll benefit from great rates and deals on your Barbados accommodation.

If you're visiting Barbados as part of a Caribbean cruise, one of the best ways to spend the day on the island is at one of our wonderful beaches. Unlike many of our neighbouring Caribbean islands which are volcanic in nature (and hence have black sands), Barbados is a coral island with white sandy beaches. The cruise port is located on the west coast of the island on the outskirts of the capital city Bridgetown. On this tranquil west coast the turquoise waters gently lap the shores, creating ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and jetskiing. Several beaches are within easy walking distance (or a short taxi ride) from the cruise port. The map below shows the location of the Bridgetown harbour (where your cruise ship will dock) and our favourite nearby beaches. We've selected a variety of beaches - from quiet shores where you can sunbathe and enjoy the tranquility of an island retreat, to lively beach clubs with flowing drink...

https://youtu.be/7nP8r-u0yDI This video show a sample of the final night of the Vujaday Music Festival Barbados - It showcases Francesca Lambardo and Lee Burridge two of the international all star cast of renowned DJs. We hear the the 'on the spot' live creations by Lee Burridge who moves to the beat of the audience rather that the other way around. You can actually see him tune to what they like and respond to their response instinctively. Francesca added a smokey hot feel to her rendition of FEVER. Fever bubbled with a sultry tone for an impromptu birthday celebration with its own firework candles sparkling while champagne bubbled to the beat. The stage lit up the night with its "pyrotechnic display of exploding lights bubbling across the screen". See complete review and fascinating photo-journal and video by Barbados Tourism Encyclopedia at https://barbados.org/blog/vujadayreview

International rhythms & local culture blend in musical mastery as the latest hits, best classics, and greatest mixes fill the air at Red Door Lounge on the trendy west coast of Barbados. Here's what some guests had to say about their experiences at the club: The music at Red Door was definitely one of the best sets I have heard at an overseas bar with a great mix of old & new songs to change it up, "every song was a banger". Music is great we danced all night! dancing to the dj was a lot of fun I’ve been to bars in countries around the world and this place is definitely among the best! Love this place. Great drinks and great music. Want something to do on a Friday night? Look no further. Looking forward to going back!

With hectic schedules and digital distractions, it's easy to drift apart as a family, to lead separate lives, and even, despite all the activity around you, to feel alone. A vacation is the perfect remedy... a chance to switch off the stress and enjoy new adventures as a family. The Caribbean island of Barbados is one of the best destinations for your next family vacation, with lots of activities and family-friendly events to experience, diverse dining options, and accommodation for every budget. TripSavvy does a great job in the recent post of short listing 10 of the top activities for children and families at  https://www.tripsavvy.com/kid-friendly-barbados-3936915 From the awesomeness of swimming with sea turtles and a trip on a real submarine, to the fun of a cricket match or cave exploration, you can even party with the pirates and visit the local green monkeys! Best wishes for a wonderful family getaway on our beautiful island.

This wonderful photo, taken by Above Barbados and shared at  http://www.dronestagr.am/port-st-charles-barbados/ beautifully portrays the Port St.Charles marina and helipad. Located on the north-west coast of Barbados, Port St.Charles is one of two luxury marinas that attract the yachting crowd to the island. The other is Port Ferdinand located just north of Port St.Charles. See Barbados drone footage at BarbadosByDrone.com

Take your kids on the family adventure of a lifetime as you dive the ocean depths on a real submarine! Be awed by tropical marine life including fish, turtles, eels and stingrays, as you glide over coral reefs... One of the most popular family attractions in Barbados, Atlantis Submarines is now offering an incredible deal for families - a group of 2 adults with one or more children save 14% on the adult rate! To secure this deal head over to the Atlantis Submarines Barbados website and enter promocode FAM2018 in the comments when making your booking.

Don't miss out... stay in a new ocean view suite at The Crane resort, with savings of 40% for stays up to December 22nd 2018! Have a look around or secure this deal at http://tripgui.de/CraneResort The 2-bedroom contemporary suites offer sweeping ocean views of the turquoise waters. The open plan living space is perfect for kicking back and truly relaxing.Head onto the large balconies for outdoor dining and lounging. Both bedrooms are spacious, with the master bedroom featuring a luxurious king bed, and the second bedroom featuring two twin beds.

As I read Emily's blog on her recent visit to St. Nicholas Abbey I suddenly realized how many details I've missed despite several visits to this wonderful place! Her wonderful photos of the architectural details of the historic Jacobean mansion and the unique furnishings found inside opened my eyes to previously overlooked treasures. While I no doubt had before glanced over the intricate shell  chandeliers and  cedar paneling, seeing Emily's photos and reading her perspective as a first-time visitor caused me to recollect my own visits and even look back at old photos to see how I could have failed to appreciate the delicate beauty of these features. It serves as a reminder to slow down when we travel, to soak up the details of each experience, and to re-visit sites, even those that we think are familiar. Note to self - look closer at the sea-shell collections, artwork, and paneling on my next visit to the Abbey!

“Fun and Fabulous” is how Yasmin describes the trendy Red Door Lounge located in Holetown on the west coast of Barbados, and we totally agree! In fact we’ll toast to it with their signature Smoked Rum Punch! 🍹 Other guest highlight the laid-back atmosphere of the club saying "It was a very chill spot" and "the vibe is warm, elevating and groovy". The cocktails were the big draw for other visitors who say "Drinks were good, the Smoked Rum Punch was entertainment itself just watching it being made"; "very yummy cocktails"; and "The drinks were phenomenal". Experience the atmosphere with a virtual tour of the club & bar at http://tripgui.de/RedDoorLounge

Traveling to Barbados as a family and worried about finding something fun for everyone to enjoy? A dive onboard Atlantis Submarines is a fun family adventure that will enthrall the young ones, entertain and educate the adults, and even get the teenagers to look up from their phones (actually they’ll probably be filming and sharing to envious friends)! There is no age restriction however children must be at least three feet tall, to meet the requirements of the onboard safety equipment. There are special rates for children. Visually and hearing impaired guests are welcome on Atlantis Submarines but be sure to advise the staff of this when making your reservation. You'll love exploring the gift shop as well, packed with fun stuff for the entire family. Cool clothing and caps, stuffed animals, books, fish charts, and lots of souvenirs of your amazing day underwater! Check http://tripgui.de/SubAdventure for special rates and available tour dates.

We love this quote from Henry Grunwald "A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean." As a tropical island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the shores of Barbados are blessed to receive many of the sea's treasures. Some of our favourites are the beautiful corals, pretty shells, and lovely sea fans. As we survey nature's beauty we're also aware of the tremendous responsibility we bear to protect the natural environment, especially from littering which introduces plastics, balloons, chemicals, and other trash that harms marine life and disrupts the delicate balance of nature. Explore Barbados beaches...

When the thrilling dinner show ends, the party continues at the beachfront Harbour Lights nightclub on the western shores of Barbados! Every Monday and Wednesday evening the club is transformed into a cultural extravaganza with live bands, limbo dancers, stilt walkers and even a fire-eater! Characters from local folklore come to life as the Mother Sally dances with guests and the nutsellers offer tempting treats. And when the show ends (around 10:30) the party continues on the sandy shores with local bands keeping the club vibe going with calypso, soca, reggae and R&B. Drinks flow from the bar throughout the night including Bajan Rum Punch and local beer along with vodka and gin! Join the party at Harbour Lights Reservations Required For The Dinner Show

On the trendy west coast of this Caribbean island, down a quaint street in a historic town, is the lively Red Door Lounge , where mixologists keep pace with the pumping music by serving up hits of their own with a surprising selection of creative cocktails. Rum punches are a staple on any cocktail menu in Barbados, after all the island is known as the birthplace of rum! But the Red Door Lounge brings a unique take on this island classic with a Smoked Rum Punch - as they say Don't Ask, Just Drink! Tiki Holetown is named after the town (the first major settlement in Barbados) where the bar & nightclub is located. It blends local aged rum with tropical fruit, special spices, and bitters to create an intense, exotic delight! The traditional pina colada gets a makeover here too. Enter the Bajan Colada ... local rum, fresh pineapple, a special house-made honey syrup, and coconut cream make this tropical punch come alive! See the full cocktail menu and wonderful selec...

Where do you go to experience the traditions and culture of Barbados? The Harbour Lights open-air nightclub invites you to their weekly dinner show to do just that! Local Culture You'll be mesmerized by the talented entertainers like the towering stilt walkers and daring fire eater ! Discover the cultural importance of the local nut-sellers , acrobatic Shaggy Bear , and the Mother Sally (symbol of fertility based on West African traditions) and be enthralled by the movements of the dancers and flexibility of the limbo queen ! Calypso and folk music fills the air throughout the evening as live bands keep you thoroughly entertained. Hit the dance floor to join in the beat of these pulsating rhythms, with the sand beneath your toes. Food and Drink The delicious BBQ Dinner has something for everyone - choose from steak, chicken, fish and shrimp, served with traditional Bajan macaroni pie, potatoes, veggies and salad. There's even a special option for vegetaria...

The south and south-west coasts of Barbados are traditionally known as the best party spots on the island with beach clubs and outdoor partying in Bay Street, and the island's top DJs and live bands rocking the clubs in St. Lawrence Gap. But on the west coast of the island, in the historic Holetown area, is perhaps Barbados' trendiest nightclub - Red Door Lounge ! The club is located in trendy Second Street, just across the road from the exclusive Lime Grove Lifestyle Centre with its exquisite shops, restaurants and cinemas. If you're staying on the west coast in the Sandy Lane, Sunset Crest or Holetown areas, Red Door Lounge is a convenient stroll away. Staying on the south coast? Best to book a taxi for the night so you can fully enjoy the incredible cocktails as you party island-style! Red Door Lounge welcomes you from Thursday to Saturday from 9pm with music that is an eclectic blend of latest hits, best of the classics, and incredible mixes.

Unlike many of our neighbouring Caribbean islands which are volcanic in nature, Barbados is a coral-capped limestone island. Various corals can often be found washed up on the beach and these make interesting souvenirs (and very effective paperweights). Remember never pick live coral from the reefs. Beachcombing is a wonderful activity for the entire family - be on the look out for tropical shells, sea fans and of course the various corals. Much of Barbados' water supply is naturally filtered through our limestone base before being treated. Barbados water is safe to drink from the tap. (There is also a desalination plant on the island that converts sea water into drinking water). Read more about Barbados' coastal features

It's wonderful to see a local business - Hightide Watersports - incorporating traditional Barbados architecture into their office design. This chattel-house design can be found on the shore at their beachfront location at Coral Reef Club hotel on the west coast of the island. It blends beautifully into the tropical setting, surrounded by towering palm trees and colourful flowers. The chattel house is a small wooden home that was originally designed to be moveable as labours often moved from one part of the island to another.More than that it is a cultural symbol of the resilience and resourcefulness of our people. The Hightide Watersports office showcases several aspects of the architectural style including the steep gable roof and delightful fretwork. Read more about Barbados chattel houses at  http://www.barbados.org/chattel.htm

In her wonderful blog post at  https://carriegillaspie.com/snorkeling-shipwrecks-barbados/ Carrie takes you into the magical underwater world off Barbados to discover sunken shipwrecks and tropical fish. Dive into the warm waters of the Caribbean sea with Cariie to snorkel over some of the wrecks in magnificent Carlisle Bay, including The Berwyn, which was sunk by its own crew over a dispute with the captain. Several of these wrecks are close enough to the surface to be enjoyed by snorkelers, while other deeper wrecks in the bay attract scuba divers and increasingly free divers. Carrie also shares the amazing experience of viewing sea turtles up close!

Driving along the southern coast of Barbados you may suddenly come upon, in the midst of a residential neighbourhood, a stunning window to the turquoise ocean.... welcome to Freights Bay . This scenic location is a favourite spot for beginner and intermediate surfers, drawn to the bay by consistently good surf conditions, especially between November and April. Many of the local surf instructors take their guests to Freights Bay and the sea is usually dotted with these mavericks waiting to catch the next wave. There is a lovely shaded, grassy area overlooking the bay which is the perfect spot to kick back, watch the surfers, and enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean sun. While exploring this area of Barbados be sure to stop by Miami Beach (the Mr.Delicious food truck serves incredible local food and some of the best rum punch on the island!), the South Point Lighthouse, Silver Sands beach (popular with the kitesurfers and windsurfing crowd), and Surfers Point.

Enjoy the thrill of an open-air Barbados dinner show right on the beach! Head to Harbour Lights nightclub on the south coast of the island on Monday or Wednesday nights for their spectacular Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show. The exciting floor show is complemented by a sumptuous BBQ dinner and an open bar. Hint: use booking code BDS18 to save US$10 per couple! Explore the dinner show or book your spot

This wonderful drone photo showcases the beauty of St. John's Parish Church, a historic Anglican church set in the rural parish of St. John, Barbados. The church is a favourite stop for island tours and its elevated location offers incredible views of the eastern coastlne and lush tropical landscape. The church itself is a majestic place, well worth exploring. Image source:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bco5_IyjF__/?taken-by=its.barbados

Whether you already love Barbados cuisine or are ready to try our local dishes for the first time, we recommend the incredible buffets at Atlantis Restaurant. Here the chefs work with fresh local, ingredients to create sumptuous dishes following traditional recipes and sometimes incorporating modern techniques and flair. Some of the favourites of local guests are sweet, deep-fried pumpkin fritters; unripened bananas pickled with lime juice; seasoned and pan-fried flying fish; grilled snapper; macaroni and cheese made the Bajan way and enhanced with 3 cheeses; bread puddind served with a rum cream sauce; and traditional coconut bread. There's something on the menu that everyone will enjoy, and you're invited back for more of your favourites in all you can eat style. Traditionally Bajan buffets are served on Sundays but the popularity of the Atlantis buffet has caused the restaurant to also offer the buffet on Wednesdays, which is usually a bit quieter than Sundays. ...

The incredible underground world of Harrison's Cave is an absolutely must-do when you visit Barbados! As you head into the cool cavern, you'll be greeted by magnificent crystalline formations growing from the ground and ceiling. Bubbling streams lead to small waterfalls and into beautiful pools. Your tour guide gives a vivid and informative explanation of the sights all around you and there's ample opportunities for videos and selfies. Find out more about Harrison's Cave

This incredible Barbados drone footage combines aerial views with underwater footage for a fully immersive experience of snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles. View the footage at  http://barbadosbydrone.com/drone-video.php?drone=42 Catamarans sail daily from the Bridgetown harbour along the west coast of Barbados, taking visitors and locals for an amazing opportunity to snorkel over tropical reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. One of the most thrilling experiences comes when you plunge into the warm water to swim with the sea turtles.  Some catamarans also offer a special sunset cruise, which is a delightful way to end the day in Barbados.

Looking for a fun and healthy way to explore Barbados? We recommend joining a local hiking group to discover the natural beauty and fascinating history of our Caribbean island. There are several hiking organizations & groups on the island, mostly meeting weekly at a different starting location each week. You can also choose to hire a local hike guide for a customized hike that matches your interests and fitness level. Each Sunday the Barbados National Trust arranges a FREE hike. The morning hikes begin at 6am and you can choose from four groups ranging from the Stop 'n Stare (slower pace, good for taking pictures and learning about the island) to the  Grin 'n Bear (a challenge covering 20km or more). Afternoon hikes start at 3:30pm at the same location as the morning hike. There is only one group in the afternoon and the hike is held at a medium pace.On the Sunday closest to the full moon, the afternoon hike starts at 5:30pm and is known as a Moonlight Hike. All...

Wonderlust Travel magazine reveals 5 surprising reasons to visit our Caribbean island of Barbados this year, besides the warm weather and brilliant tropical beaches. Experience an authentic island festival, tour a rum factory, meet the wildlife, sample delicious local dishes and oh yes they did include the amazing beaches 😎 Read the full article at https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/reasons-to-visit-barbados/