DestinationBarbados

The reefs found in the shallows surrounding Barbados are excellent spots to enjoy snorkeling . Grab your mask and snorkel (flippers aren't essential) and head into the warm waters to start exploring. You'll discover healthy coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish . If you're lucky a manta ray may glide quietly by as you snorkel. Head out a little further to see turtles and possiby sea horses and eels. Some of our favourite locations are Worthing Beach, Paynes Bay, and Carlisle Bay (which is popular for snorkeling over shipwrecks and swimming with sea turtles). The Folkestone marine reserve is another excellent spot and offers a chance to tour a small marine museum. Read more about snorkeling in Barbados, including gear rental and local guides.

As the Christmas season approaches the beautiful Christmas candles start to bloom across Barbados 😊 In many local gardens these are planted interspersed with Poinsettia flowers creating a magical display of red and gold that's just perfect for the Christmas season. This evergreen shrub thrives well in the Barbados climate. The plant is a good source of chrysophanic acid, which is used to treat skin disease It is also believed to have antiviral properties. Beautiful and useful!

Experience the ultimate beach vacation and soak up the Caribbean sunshine of one of Barbados' best beaches when you escape to The Crane . Relax on a lounger , with refreshing coconut drink in hand, as the invigorating tradewinds sway the palms lining the beach. Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves washing onto sandy pink-tinged shores . The clear turquoise waters invite you in for a swim , or to boogie board on the foamy waves. Although not encouraged, adventurous souls do like cliff jumping into the ocean from a natural platform reached by following a path along the cliff face.  For the more adventurous it is a thrill, they enjoy the freedom and sense of escape of letting go and being carefree. But you dont have to jump to feel that sense of abandonment and escape. You can just relax on the beach, float in the water or ride the waves to enjoy that sense of liberation, freedom and joy of being close to nature and away for the bustle of daily duty. This cliffside

Looking for inspiration for your next trip to Barbados? Savita has a Top 12 List of her favourite island activities at  https://travelandtreatz.com/things-to-do-in-barbados Here personal favourite beach is one of the most popular on the island and her top attractions include the beautiful North Point and Animal Flower Cave, as well as Harrison's Cave. If you're looking to party island-style Savita shares the best places on the island and recommends a rum shop crawl! Historic sites also make the list including a Signal Station dating back to the 1800s and a historic windmill used for grinding sugar cane. Our thanks to Savita for sharing this wonderful list. We hope you enjoy these activities as much as she did.

This Barbados drone flight takes off on the shores of The Club all-inclusive resort on the tranquil west coast of the island. As the drone takes flight you can see the beautiful coastline and beachfront accommodation. Panning south a large bay becomes visible. This is directly in front of Sandy Lane Hotel which is a favourite of many celebrities and even royalty. Just to the north of The Club you can spot the wonderful west coast boardwalk , a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll and to watch stunning tropical sunsets. Looking further north is historic Holetown, the site of the original settlement of Barbados by the British in the 1600s. All the while the drone picks up the tranquil sounds of the waves lapping the shore and boardwalk. http://barbadosbydrone.com/drone-video.php?drone=41

Press Release from South Gap Hotel The management and staff of South Gap Hotel are extremely excited to announce the grand re-opening of our newly renovated boutique hotel in St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados. After being closed for six months from April to September 2017, we are eager to welcome you to our beautiful ocean view property.During this phase we focused entirely on a full refurbishment of all of our 34 rooms. The newlyrenovated rooms are creating a high level of enthusiasm with the guests we have welcomed so far. South Gap Hotel has enhanced all of its guest rooms with a trendy and modern style. These new rooms incorporate cool greys and whites accompanied by warm browns. The rooms are further accented with soft furnishings inspired by the varying shades of blues and greens that can be seen in the spectacular ocean view that is visible from each room. Our 23 Studios and 11 suites have received a complete makeover including new furnishings, bathrooms and kitchenettes (equipped

The Caribbean island of Barbados has an intriguing history that reflects the lifestyle, ambitions and resilience of  its people, including the Amerindians (the earliest known inhabitants of the island), African slaves and their descendants, and British colonial powers. The influence of these peoples is evident in the way we live on the island, as well as in the physical buildings and structures that have stood the test of time and seen dramatic changes over centuries. Many historic buildings are open to the public, transporting locals and visitors to a by-gone era and chronicling the development of our society into the proud island nation that exists today. Visit on the wonderful musuems such as the Barbados Museum, Arlington House, George Washington House and Exchange Museum; explore a historic Signal Station; walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bridgetown and the Garrison; reflect and remember at a Slave Burial Ground; celebrate religious freedom at the Synag

Sam grew up by the seaside in Suffolk and has seen the world through his travels with P&O Cruises. In his blog post at  http://www.thecruiseblogger.com/best-of-barbados/ Sam reveals what makes Barbados such a special Caribbean cruise destination and share his favourite island pursuits and the top local attractions and beaches. As he says ""Barbados is a great island for leisure activities" If you're taking a Caribbean cruise with a stop in Barbados be sure to check out his article before you set sail.

Some of the dozens of Christmas trees on display in Bridgetown, Barbados depicting the countries of the Commonwealth 😊

An air of relaxed elegance permeates throughout The Sandpiper hotel on the west coast of Barbados, inviting discerning guests to experience a delightful stay full of comfort and genuine hospitality.... The Persona Holidays smart-match system will quickly assess if this is the right hotel for you, not just based on amenities and price, but on the intangible characteristics that make this hotel special and make you a unique individual. See it in action at http://personaholidays.com/accommodation/hotels/Sandpiper--The-/56/

The team at Barbados.org extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to all our fans & followers, all visitors to Barbados, and all our industry partners. May your holiday season be filled with joy and your New Year be one of happiness and fulfillment of your dreams.

Soak up the warm Caribbean sun poolside or at the nearby beach, and enjoy life in style at this 4-bedroom Barbados vacation townhouse. This luxurious villa is located on the tranquil west coast of the island , just a short stroll from Mullins Beach where you'll enjoy calm turquoise waters, water sports, and a fun beach bar serving up delicious local, Caribbean dishes and of course lots of rum punch, cocktails and beer! The location of your holiday rental in a private gated community gives you a sense of safety , but you're not in any way isolated as the beach and public transport are nearby. You'll love the private plunge pool, larger outdoor pool, and beautiful gardens all of which encourage outdoor living in our tropical climate. See rates and availability at Jalousie Villa

Discover the natural beauty of Barbados as your visit the island's top natural attractions with an experienced local guide. Step into the incredible underground world of Harrison's Cave; meet the green monkeys in Welchman Hall Gully; dive into the ocean's depths on a real submarine, and be awed by the colours and diversity of tropical flora as you meander through beautiful gardens. See Barbados best natural attractions and tours You could also choose to hire a car and visit these attractions at your own pace. This is a good option is you prefer not being on a set schedule or if you wish more privacy to enjoy these beautiful sights with loved ones. A local guide has the advantage of offering insider tips and making sure that you see the very best of the island. We also encourage repeat visitors to Barbados to re-visit some of these attractions. Many have been greatly enhanced over the years, carefully blending greater access for visitors with a respect for natur

Hop aboard a Hobie Cat (small catamaran) for a wonderful sail along the coast of Barbados. Glide over warm, crystal-clear waters, enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean sun and refreshing island breezes. You might even spot a sea turtle! Hobie cat rides are available at several Barbados beaches, and some hotels (especially the all-inclusives) offer them as one of their water sports activities. Read more about Hobie Cat rides in Barbados

Christmas is in the air at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre on the west coast of Barbados 🎅 This stunning and colorful display of umbrellas greets visitors as they enter the atrium of the exclusive shopping centre. The colors change as the umbrellas hover over 'Marge' the eccentrically-painted cow statue that visitors love. Limegrove is home to excellent shops and a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as two luxury cinemas.

If you're planning a trip to Barbados, avoid any last minute stress and hassle by making sure that your travel documents are ready. The Barbados.org travel guide at  http://www.barbados.org/docs.htm is a convenient place to check if you need a passport and/or visa to visit the island. You can also learn the requirements for driving on the island, if you plan to rent a car while on vacation.

🎄 Here's a favourite Caribbean Christmas drink! Cheers! What you need: 3 eggs 7oz rum 3½ oz evaporated milk 12oz condensed milk Piece of orange or lime rind 1 teaspoon bitters Nutmeg What to do: Beat eggs well with the rind. Remove rind. Add condensed and evaporated milk. Stir well. Add rum and bitters and stir thoroughly. Chill and shake well before serving. Top with freshly grated nutmeg. Makes 12-16 servings.

The wonderful Bougainvillea Beach Resort welcomes guests this winter following an impressive renovation and a new name - Bougainvillea Barbados ! The multi-million dollar renovation includes Refreshed room interior s inspired by local culture. Updated resort exterior New concierge area Exclusive group arrival lounge New full-service spa and wellness centre Two revamped restaurants Read more about the renovation at  http://barbados.org/blog/bougainvillea-beach-resort-undergoes-multi-million-dollar-renovation/

We love Mary-Kay's incredible Barbados vacation video featuring the ruggedly beautiful east coast of the island, the tropical beauty of Flower Forest, historic St Nicholas Abbey and Farley Hill, Wildlife Reserve, our capital city Bridgetown and of course the beautiful beach! Enjoy... Beautiful Barbados from Mary-Kay James on Vimeo .

Long before the emergence of AirBNB and Booking.com, the Caribbean island of Barbados was offering affordable accommodation for visitors through the Intimate Hotels of Barbados . This unique collection of island hotels, self-catering vacation apartments, villas, and guesthouses gives visitors a wide range of lodging options at an affordable price . There truly is something here for every taste, requirement and budget. The hotels offer the features and amenities you expect from modern accommodation, while maintaining the personal service and genuine hospitality of a small, family hotel. Vacation apartments are perfect for those on a longer stay or who prefer to save by preparing their own meals occassionally during their vacation. These properties typically give you more room to relax and greater privacy than a traditional hotel room. Guesthouses usually are the most affordable option. Some have shared facilities (like a shared kitchen or lounge area) while others offer self

Offering well-maintained accommodation with stunning ocean views , and with a staff that genuinely cares for their guests, it's little wonder that South Gap Hotel has such a loyal cadre of repeat guests. This family-owned hotel is located in the heart of St.Lawrence Gap , the most popular nightlife area in Barbados. Curiously although you are just steps from the best nightclubs on the island, there is a relaxing atmosphere to the hotel which attracts a blend of younger guests and more mature repeat visitors who retreat from the cold climate of North America and Europe to the warmth of the Caribbean each winter. You'll love soaking up the rays around the pool, or stroll to one of the nearby beaches for sunbathing and watersports. Read more about the hotel facilities and check rates & availabaility at http://personaholidays.com/accommodation/hotels/South-Gap-Hotel/169/

When you want to escape the crowds and get away from watersports activities on Barbados' more popular beaches, we suggest heading up the west coast beyond Mullins beach and even beyond Speightstown to the quiet haven at Smitons Bay . Here you'll step into authentic Barbados life, with a quiet fishing village lining tranquil shores. The reefs close to shore are fun for snorkeling while the calm water s beckon you in for a relaxing ocean soak. If you choose to stay in this area Little Good Harbour Hotel is an excellent choice. If you're just visiting for a few hours, be sure to make time for lunch at the Fish Pot restaurant with its excellent international cuisine and superb ocean view .

The historic Barbados windmill at Morgan Lewis is a favourite stop for many island tours. Its elevated location provides stunning views of the rugged eastern coastline as it connects the coastal villages to Cherry Tree Hill and St. Nicholas Abbey. The windmill has been beautifully preserved by the Barbados National Trust and reminds locals and visitors of the important role that sugar cane (and the production of sugar, rum and molasses) played in shaping the demographic, cultural and economic path of Barbados. Discover more about this wonderful site and take a drone tour around the windmill at  http://barbados.org/morgan.htm

Our Caribbean island is home to several luxury villas, which combine beachfront settings with the very best design & amenities and are served by outstanding staff to create the ultimate island escape. For more seclusion and privacy , without sacrificing high standards, there is Astra villa with its clifftop setting on the tranquil south-east coast of Barbados. This 3-bedroom luxury home overlooks beautiful Foul Bay beach, where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic break onto soft sandy shores. The outdoor swimming pool, pool deck, and gazebos allow you to make the most of outdoor living during your vacation in the sun. See  https://barbadosvillavacations.com/property/view/409/Villa for additional villa information, rates and availability.

In her fascinating blog post at http://marcyyu.com/en/cin-cin-barbados/ Marcy reveals why Cin Cin By The Sea is her favourite Barbados restaurant, and a must-do whenever she visits the island. The restaurant has a fantastic reputation with locals and visitors and is in almost everyone's top 5 list of fine dining Barbados restaurants.Your pampering begins with valet parking on arrival (very unusual in Barbados) and continues through exceptional, unpretentious service and absolutely sumptuous dishes . The terrace offers wonderful ocean views , and if it's a little hot for you at lunchtime simply ask the staff to provide a fan or move indoors. They are very accommodating. We completely agree with Marcy, Cin Cin is a delightful place to dine. Barbados.org Concierge Team