What to do, eat, see and how to get around the easternmost island in the Caribbean.
GETTING AROUND
Hertz Car Rental (Barbados)/Courtesy Rent A Car
Reliable vehicle service, wide choice and a convenient airport location. Grantley Adams International Airport, +1 246 431 4173; hertz.com
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
Animal Flower Cave
Picturesque cliffside setting with delicious restaurant, pounding waves and underground cave system known for its sea anemones (animal flowers). Northpoint, Saint Lucy, +1 246-439-8797; animalflowercave.com
The Historic Garrison Tour
Guided walking (and bus) tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site including site visits to George Washington House, tunnels, and the Commonwealth cannon. Barbados Garrison Historical Consortium, +1 246 233 2601/1648; barbadosgarrison.org
Hunte’s Gardens
A spectacularly vibrant, lush tropical garden located in hills of St. Joseph, the bulk of the gardens was created in a sinkhole. Owner Anthony Hunte personally greets guests with spirited enthusiasm and warmth. Castle Grant, St. Joseph, +1 246 433-3333; huntesgardens-barbados.com
Andromeda Gardens
Legacy of Barbados gardening legend Iris Bannochie, who won multiple awards at the Chelsea Flower Show. This six acre garden features native and exotic plants. Bathsheba, St Joseph, +1 246 433 9384; andromedabarbados.com
Arlington House Museum
In an 18th century merchant house, this newly opened exhibit showcases the origins of sugar on the island among other historical aspects. Speightstown, +1 246-422-4064; barbadosnationaltrust.org
The Barbados National Trust
A collective of eight local sites aimed at preserving the history and natural heritage of Barbados. +1 246 426 24 21; barbadosnationaltrust.org
Gun Hill Signal Station
One of several semaphore stations used to communicate about civil unrest, hurricane threats and other information vital to colonial rule at the time. Gun Hill, Fusilier Road, St. George, +1 246 429 1358/3235; barbadosnationaltrust.org
Morgan Lewis Windmill
The largest intact sugar windmill in the Caribbean with machinery dating from the 18th century. Morgan Lewis, St. Andrew, +1 246 622 4039; barbadosnationaltrust.org
Welchman Hall Gully
Self-guided tour along a paved pathway through a gully, a natural forested area that once provided food, shelter, medicine and water for Bajans. Welchman Hall, St. Thomas, +1 246 438 6671; welchmanhallgullybarbados.com
Calabaza Sailing Cruises
Luxury, small group (12 maximum) catamaran cruises with informative, friendly crew, shuttle service, food and drink and snorkeling. +1 246 826 4048; sailcalabaza.com
Codrington College
Guided tour of this grand, historic theological college with impressive grounds and ocean views. St. John, +1 246 416 8051; codrington.org
St. Nicholas Abbey
Jacobean mansion plantation house with museum, rum distillery, and Heritage Railway. Cherry Tree Hill, St Peter, +1 246 422 5357; stnicholasabbey.com
Bridgetown
Peruse the capital’s markets, parliament buildings, churches, and parks.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Cocktail Kitchen
Fun, lively spot known for modern takes on classic Barbados cuisine from executive chef Damien Leach. St. Lawrence Gap, +1 246 622 3017; ckbarbados.com
Mount Gay Distillery and Visitor’s Centre
The Historic Distillery Tour showcases the rum making process while the tasting and lunch offers visitors a sampling of the company’s full range. +1 246 227 8864; mountgayrum.com
WHERE TO STAY
Ocean Two Resort & Residences by Ocean Hotels
The multi-storey, beachfront resort has 88 rooms and suites and operates as both a hotel and condo residence. Do not miss breadfruit night for a taste of local cuisine. Number of Rooms: 88. Number of Restaurants: 1. Dover Road St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, Barbados; +1 246-418-1800; oceantwobarbados.com
The Crane Resort
This storied resort sits on a gorgeous landscaped seaside bluff and boasts a wide range of dining options, a large pool complex and a beautiful pink sand beach. Number of Rooms: 252. Number of Restaurants/ Dining: 7. St. Philip, Barbados; +1 246-423-6220; thecrane.com
Yellow Bird Hotel
An in-house restaurant, pool, in room kitchenette and convenient location overlooking St. Lawrence Bay make this boutique hotel the ideal choice for couples or families. Number of Rooms: 22. Number of Restaurants: 1. Saint Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Oistins, Barbados, +1 246-622-8444;
yellowbirdbarbados.com
Sea Breeze Beach House By Ocean Hotels
This luxury all-inclusive resort on Barbados’ south coast boasts several restaurants, a wonderful, attentive staff, pools and beachside location. Number of Rooms: 122. Number of Restaurants: 3. Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church, Barbados, +1 246 428 9441; sea-breeze.com
South Beach Hotel
Rooms with fully equipped kitchens and beachfront location, make this third hotel offering from Ocean Hotels Group an ideal choice for families. Rockley Main Road, Christ Church; 1 246-435-8561; southbeachbarbados.com
This original article first appeared in the Winter 2019/2020 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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