If you’re planning on staying in one of our stunning Barbados villas, you know you’ll never be more than a stone’s throw away from the beach. However, there’s a lot more to this island between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean than just relaxing, so we tore ourselves away from the sun loungers to find a few must-see attractions that won’t leave you with sand in your shoes.
Good SportShangri La Villa, Barbados – Oliver’s Travels
A proud member of the British Commonwealth, Barbados is a great sporting nation as well as a great beach destination. Test matches and tournaments are held here annually between teams from all over the world, so fans of cricket or tennis should check this season’s schedules at the Kensington Oval before setting off. If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to practise your swing, settle into the stunning Shangri La villa and visit the celebrated Punta Espada to try your hand on their par 72 golf course. The views along the way are incomparable, and the course itself is enjoyably challenging without excluding any less than world-class players.
A Walk In the WoodsFlower Forest – Brabados villas – Oliver’s Travels
Sitting right at the heart of the island, the Flower Forest is an exotic botanical garden full of lush avocado and mango trees, dotted with the rich orange blossoms of Honeycomb Ginger Lilies and the alien shapes of Heliconia flowers. Hosts of doves and butterflies have made their home in this botanist’s paradise, and a romantic visit to Barbados isn’t complete without a stroll along its twisting paths. Further north, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve will provide more than enough entertainment for travellers of any age. Most animals are free to wander around the park at their leisure, so arrive around mid-afternoon to watch the mischievous green monkeys squabble over their lunch, then move on to admire the stunning plumage of the reserve’s parrots and peacocks up-close.
With unbeatable fresh produce and influences from the British Isles, Portugal and West Africa, Caribbean cuisine is full of rich flavours, cooling sides and fantastic liquors. For an award-winning taste of some of the best food in Barbados, head towards Accra Beach in Bridgetown, where Champers serves up traditional European classics next to Cajun salmon and some of the best coconut shrimp on the island. After an evening of indulgence, seek out a healthy brunch the next morning by heading up the coast to The Good Life. Barbados’ premier vegan restaurant, their meat-free wraps and sensational vegan chocolate cake will have even the most dedicated meat-eater asking for seconds.
Whether you are young or old you will always enjoy a holiday in the Caribbean. Have a look on our website for more properties in the Caribbean or contact our concierge team for help.
Photo credit: Flower Forest Barbados via Andrea_44, and chocolate cake via Golden_ie on Flickr
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