Destination Barbados

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