5 Things to Love about Island-Life in Barbados

Who wants to be stranded on an island in the Caribbean with 100% chance of sunshine, a high standard of living with activities for all members of the family as well as easy and seamless connections to the rest of the world? Turns out, it’s the most idyllic dream for lots of people, especially, during the pandemic. Many travellers stayed on making longer-term commitments than the regular two-week holiday to escape the cold and cramped cities of the more developed world. But long before that, Barbados has been the destination of choice for many international travellers. Why? Well, there are infinite reasons but here are five things I love about Barbados and hopefully you will too!

1. The beach, bright blue sky and clear water

Every day (almost every day) I look up in awe of the sky and practically perfect weather we have in Barbados. We do need some rain to survive after all. Whether you prefer to watch the sunrises over the rugged East Coast and the Atlantic Ocean or the much calmer sunsets, cocktail in hand, on the West as the sun dips under the horizon of the Caribbean Sea, it doesn’t get much better than this. How lucky are we to call this “home”?!

2. The people

The weather is what brings people to Barbados but our people are what keep them coming back! Always welcoming with a big friendly smile, you can ask anyone on the street for directions if you’re lost, have a flat tire or almost any other questions you need. Actually, it’s easy to get caught up in hours of “long talk”. When it comes to your property, our people (your staff) are key to giving you peace of mind that your home is being taken care of and making your experiences on island seamless and memorable.

3. The lifestyle

For a small island of only 166 square miles, we pack a pretty good punch. When you’re thinking of a second home to spend a few months a year in, you want things to do and (maybe) people around that you can make friends with and hang out while you’re here. This is where Barbados becomes the first choice for many of our homeowners over neighbouring islands and we’re packed full of things to do throughout the year. From eclectic dining experiences to vivid beach bars and nightlife to endless watersports adventures, luxury golf and a year-round calendar of sporting activities, you won’t be disappointed as you explore Barbados.

4. The convenience of direct flights and multiple options

If you’re living on island for extended periods or just visiting, it’s always nice to have the option to travel in or out if needed without much hassle. We’re lucky to be one of the major hubs of the Caribbean with direct flights to major international cities like London, Manchester, Newcastle, Montreal, Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Miami, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale and Munich to name a few. So, if you’re traveling for business or just a spontaneous holiday, we’re really just a few hours away!

5. The Rum, of course! (says the rum drinker)

Did you know that rum was born in Barbados over 350 years ago? Our very own Mount Gay Rum is the oldest and one of the most respected rum brands in existence. You won’t make it very far on the island without passing one of our 1,500 brightly painted rum shops which are often branded with local advertising. A popular gathering spot for locals where you’ll often find a game of dominoes being played in the corner, some have expanded deck spaces to cater for more casual sit down lunch with local dishes like souse on Saturdays and most also serve as a variety store for any basics you may need to pick up on the way home.

If you’re interested in a tour of one of our distilleries, have a look at the links below:

• FourSquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park

• Malibu Club and Visitors Centre

• Mount Gay Rum Tour & Visitors Centre

• The West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd.

• St. Nicholas Abbey

Or, if you’re keen to visit one of the rum shops on your next trip, give me a call. I’d be happy to show you some of the best spots.

Barbados is indeed a perfect destination with something for everyone. Whether it’s family, adventure, business, short-term or long-term, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this gem of the Caribbean. If Barbados is one of your favourite destinations, tell me more about your “why” when you have a minute! If you’re thinking of visiting and need some assistance making your travel plans, feel free to reach out and I’ll connect you with our reservations team; I can also show you some exceptional properties for sale in case you’re looking for a home away from home.

Hope to see you soon!