Luxury Barbados Holidays

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Barbados offers an idyllic haven stretching across the northern edge of the Caribbean sea. This exotic gem is nestled next door to St Lucia and St Vincent and with seventy miles of sandy shores, you won’t have to look far to find crystal-clear waters to bathe in.

If you are in need of some relaxation but don’t want to miss out on some stunning natural sights, Barbados is for you. It certainly lives up to its glamorous reputation - the island is blessed with a wealth of acclaimed fine dining restaurants and boutique bars.

There is something understatedly luxurious about Barbados. It’s a proudly easy-going location where natural wonders meet effortlessly sophisticated resorts.

Barbados Resorts

Of these resorts, the Coral Reef Club is to be noted. The resort perfectly captures the colonial charm of the island whilst remaining true to the Caribbean heritage - Coral Reef Club is made up of an array of coral cottages which give the feel of an authentic Caribbean village. An embodiment of Caribbean luxury, this resort offers a sensual paradise.

Colony Club is also on the list of our top picks. This luxury retreat is renowned on the island for its soaring palm trees and lagoon-style pools. You won’t be disappointed by its architecture either - the classic, colonial look of the property is a highlight.

If you’re after something more intimate, why not stay at The Sandpiper? This coastal boutique hotel offers traditional charm coupled with an exceptional team who offer an exquisite service that leaves many travellers coming back to this spot year after year.

Added to this - the iconic Sandals Resort in Barbados is ideal for those seeking a romantic Bajan retreat.

Have you seen the BBC TV Millionaires' Holiday Club featuring Inspiring Travel Company, if so, you would have seen Sandy Lane - a resort known for its celebrity guests and timeless elegance.

Stunning places to visit in Barbados

When visiting Barbados, there are some stunning locations and experiences that cannot be missed. Saunter around the boutique shops and tea houses in Bridgetown and enjoy duty-free shopping at your fingertips.

Beautiful, glittering beaches will greet you at every turn - but be sure to visit Mullins beach, one of the most popular destinations on the West coast. Golden sands and a calm sea is stereotypical of this exceptional beach which couples natural beauty with authentic bars and rum taverns.

Bathsheba is layered with pastel houses that line the cliff tops creating a unique, picture-perfect scene. The gardens and churches that surround Bathsheba are also not to be missed. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst the gardens before treating yourself to the taste of a refreshing rum - a Bajan delicacy.

Whether you’re a foodie or a coming with your family, you won’t be disappointed by this unique gem of the Caribbean.

At Inspiring Travel Company, we link you with luxury experiences that will never be forgotten. With unrivalled knowledge and a genuine passion for luxury holidays, our team will strive to pair you with your dream destination for a bespoke Barbados holiday that will stay in your memory forever.

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Sea Breeze Beach House

An attractive, all-inclusive resort offering genuine Bajan hospitality in relaxed surroundings, Sea Breeze Beach House is set over two beaches and provides a boutique atmosphere in one of the best locations on the sunny island of Barbados...

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Throughout the year Barbados plays host to a calendar packed with vibrant music-filled festivals and celebrations that provide an unbeatable insight into Bajan culture: no holiday in Barbados is truly complete until you’ve joined the festivities.

Top festivals:

Crop Over
Beginning in June and lasting until the first Monday in August each year, Bajans all around the country take to the streets for 6 weeks of celebrations to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest. With streets filled with dancing, brightly coloured costumes, traditional music and art, it’s difficult to resist getting swept up in the party.

Oistins Fish Festival
A visit to Oistin is already part of our top 10 experiences, however, every Easter, Oistins, a traditional fishing village to the south of Bridgetown, hosts a festival to celebrate the fishing trade. In addition to stalls filled with delicious fresh fish, you’ll also find tons of fun competitions to take part in, including a race to debone a fish and to climb to the top of a greased pole.

Sandy Lane Gold Cup
Each year at the end of February or the beginning of March, the Garrison Savannah Racetrack in Bridgetown hosts the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, the largest horse racing event in the country. Aside from the races, there’s also a range of family-friendly events including theatre shows, tournaments and, of course, barbecues.

Gospelfest
In May each year, Bajan gospel and spiritual music is celebrated with a week-long programme of performances by gospel artists from all around the world. Whether you’re religious or simply curious, there’s no better way to get a feel for how central gospel music and spirituality are to Bajan culture.

Waterman Festival
Every March or April, you can join a celebration of beach culture at Silver Sands Beach on the south coast. You can watch watersports professionals participate in competitions, visit local art exhibitions, join music-filled celebrations and take part in beach themed competitions.

Agrofest
A family-friendly celebration of Bajan agriculture taking place each February in Bridgetown’s Queen’s Park. Livestock displays, craft stalls, competitions, food and children’s activities galore are just some of what you can expect.

With a wealth of different activities available across the island, there’s never a dull day on a Barbados holiday.

Our top picks for things to do in Barbados:

See the Soup Bowl

This legendary wave on Barbados’s east coast near Bathsheba is well-known as the having best surfing in Barbados and is even known as one of the best waves to surf in the Caribbean. Attracting professional and aspiring surfers from all around the world, Barbados is a top spot for luxury surfing holidays. You can either have a go yourself on one of the calmer waves, or sit back and watch the professionals tackle the swells.

Go on a Cool Runnings IV Catamaran Cruise

Get out onto the waves and discover what lies at the horizon aboard a luxury catamaran. In addition to delicious food, sunbathing and spectacular views, you’ll also get the chance to snorkel in the deep sea – perhaps you’ll even encounter one of Barbados’s famous hawksbill turtles.

Party at Grand Kadooment Day

The finale of Crop Over festival is not one to be missed. This all-day and all-night party in August, where the streets are filled with music, food and celebrations is the best way to experience Bajan culture.

Visit the Mount Gay Distillery

You don’t need to be a rum lover to enjoy joining a tour of this distillery, where the world’s most famous rum is produced. A top 10 experience in Barbados, you'll learn about the history and the distillation process and even discover a love for this unique spirit.

Bajan cuisine combines a love of chilli and seafood with British, Indian, Creole, Portuguese and African influences to create dishes that are bursting with colour and flavour, and sincerely like nothing else in the world.

Staples of Bajan cuisine include fish or meat, rice and starchy vegetables, which generally form the backbone of most dishes. While you may encounter familiar foods such as tuna, potatoes, coleslaw and pasta, you’ll also find many ingredients that may be less familiar to you including seafood such as flying fish, mahi-mahi, conch and swordfish or vegetables such as cassava, plantain and breadfruit.

Popular Bajan dishes include:

• Cou cou
Barbados’s national dish, made from a mixture of cornmeal and okra traditionally served with flying fish and gravy.

• Pudding and Souse
Traditionally eaten on Sundays, this dish combines a ‘pudding’ made from sweet potato and spices, served with ‘souse’, a mixture of pickled pork mixed with onion, cucumber, peppers and parsley.

• Fish cakes
Made with salt fish mixed with a unique blend of Bajan herbs and spices, dipped in batter and deep-fried, and served with generous helpings of hot sauce.

• Macaroni Pie
Also known simply as ‘pie’, this Bajan twist on macaroni and cheese is commonly served as a side to fried meat or flying fish and contains a delicious blend of chillies, herbs and spices.

Time difference: Barbados is 5 hours behind the UK (GMT -5 hours)

Flight duration: The flight to Barbados is about 8 hours 30 minutes long.

Currency: Barbados dollar (BBD) although US and Canadian dollars are also accepted.

Capital: Bridgetown

Language: The official language of Barbados is English, and in many places, you will find English spoken with a Bajan dialect which is a combination of English and West African languages.

Visa Information: British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Barbados. Visit the UK Government website for the most up to date travel advice.

When is the best time to travel to Barbados?

Barbados has been a long-standing favourite among British travellers looking for some winter sun because the weather in Barbados is the opposite of ours in the UK, meaning that while a Christmas here means cold, a holiday in Barbados at Christmas means nothing but sun, sea and sand.

The best time to travel to Barbados is between December and late March/early April.

During this time of the year, there is little chance of rain and daily temperatures typically hover around 30C, meaning that there is nothing stopping you from getting the most of the beach. But, because the weather is most dependable during this period, it’s also the busiest time to go.

Between June and September is also a good time to travel. Although this is during hurricane season, typically the worst of the weather doesn’t hit until September and October, and the afternoon rains generally don't last too long. Moreover – it’s less busy in this period and you’ll also be able to join Crop Over, Barbados’ biggest festival.