I am fortunate to have now visited this island on three separate occasions; firstly in 2007 for two weeks with my two children (their grandparents on my previous husband’s side originate from the island), then again in 2022 for three weeks and finally last week prior to flying to Grenada.
Introduction and Origins:
Barbados has two official seasons– The Rainy Season (June to November) and The Dry Season (December to May) and an average temperature year round of 28 degrees. On both of my last two visits I have left the Winter weather of the UK behind and visited the island in Feb/March.
As you step from your plane, clamber down the stairs onto the open tarmac you are immediately blessed with the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine. Walking into the terminal, everywhere your eyes wander you see a vivid tapestry of colours, friendly faces and your body seems to react by just relaxing into the “island vibe” with it’s laid-back attitude towards life’s challenges. Before you even leave the airport you know you are now on “island time”.
The island is actually named after a tree. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. “Los Barbados” is Portuguese for “The Bearded One.”
The British established a colony here in 1627 and unlike other Caribbean islands, Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since. The British began by growing cotton and tobacco before establishing a sugar industry in the 1640s.
Barbados sought it’s independence from Great Britain on November 30, 1966 nearly 60 years ago and on 30 November 2021, Barbados transitioned to a republic within the Commonwealth, replacing the British monarchy with a ceremonial President -Sandra Mason.
English is the official language of Barbados although most people speak a dialect called Bajan that can differ from parish to parish, of which there are 11 with the capital – Bridgetown located in the south-west parish of St. Michael. They drive on the left hand side of the road and most hire cars are automatic.
The island is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide and in 2023 recorded a population just over 282,000, over 92% of these people are black with only 2.7% recorded as white. Nearly 76% are recorded as Christian.
The currency in Barbados is The Barbados Dollar (BDS) which is tied to the US Dollar (US $1 = BDS $2)
Its most famous resident is of course Rihanna who was born and bred in a bungalow in Bridgetown on a road now famously named Rihanna Drive.
Top Three Must-Do Experiences:
Over the next couple of posts I will give you my personal highlights from my trips to this beautiful island.
Firstly Go To The Beach:
You cannot possibly visit the island without spending time on a beach. There are over 60 to choose from and definitely somewhere to suit everyone. If you are looking for soft sand and calm waters then head south or west. If, however, you wish to surf then head over to the East coast where the World Surfing League’s Barbados Surf Pro takes place every year.
I’m personally not a fan of empty beaches with no facilities where you have to bring everything with you from your towel to lie on, to your own food and drink. I think it’s because when I was a child and we went for holidays and days out to the seaside I got somewhat used to home-made sandwiches which came complete with grains of sand!
However take me to a beach crowded with sunbeds and umbrellas, music playing at a beach bar and visitors squeezed in like sardines and I also won’t be happy.
I like a happy medium so here are my two favourites in Barbados both on the West coast.
Folkestone Marine Park:
Just above Holetown as you drive towards Speightstown this is a Marine Protected Area.
Ideal for snorkelling you can swim around the inshore reef found in the Recreational Zone of the Park. This reef is found about one-third of a mile offshore and is home to numerous fish and other marine life, including sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges. Alternatively you may wish to paddle board, swim, bring a picnic (tables provided amongst the trees), stroll the boardwalk or just worship the sun on a lounger with an umbrella.
On our first visit we arrived around 10, parked easily and wandered down onto the beach. There were four of us and we happily paid the guy for four sunbeds and two umbrellas. The beach is not that big so it did fill up quite quickly.
My son and his partner had forgotten their snorkelling equipment so made an enquiry of the sunbed man as to where they could get some, and duly purchased two masks from the on site shop. The sunbed man returned and enquired as to why they had no flippers and my son explained he had small feet for a man and none of them fitted him. Two minutes later the man returned with a pair to lend him. I mention this because it is an example of how friendly and helpful Bajan folk are.
The changing area and toilets were also immaculately clean and there was a lady employed to oversee the area to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
As lunchtime approached a small cafe was set up behind us with tables and chairs and hot food was available to buy. There is also a beach bar to the left as you look at the sea if you prefer to sit n have a drink n a chat.
Where we returned for a second visit, finding all the sunbeds taken we walked around the corner to the left (as you look at the sea) and ambled across the beach. There are two distinct areas with sunbeds and umbrellas attached to two hotels where you cannot sit unless you are a resident. The beaches are all public in Barbados it’s just the hotels that don’t want you to know this!
HOWEVER we discovered that between these areas there is a blank area of sand where a local team have set up who happily bring out sunbeds and umbrellas for you and supply cold drinks obviously at a cost but no more expensive than anywhere else we went to. The guys were really friendly and welcoming. In front of this area is a lovely little reef, cordoned off from jet skis etc where the snorkelling was great.
Reed’s Bay:
Ssh! It’s a secret. Not everyone has found this lovely spot yet. It’s sited next to the Thunder Bay sign, on the left, travelling north up the west coast past Holetown and heading towards Speightstown.
On our first visit we were greeted by Faye who helped us to park. ” Just block those cars in” she said “I’ll come n get you if you need to move it” and that was the introduction to this family run lovely little enclave.
Faye sorted us out with two sunbeds and an umbrella, expertly put up by another member of the family. Lunch was served hot, again by the family with a choice of Barbadian specialities, cold drinks and snacks. When we first visited back in 2022 the food was cooked in Mum’s kitchen and then brought across the road but now they have their own little on site kitchen producing typical Bajan specialities.
There is also a beach bar although we didn’t use it and just a bit beyond the bar another small business hiring out paddleboards, canoes etc.
A lovely Caribbean sandy beach with crystal clear waters, calm sea and more snorkelling opportunities,
On Tuesday you can read about my second favourite thing to do on the island and that is to EAT!
If you want any more ideas or information about the beaches on the island by all means comment and get in touch.
A Midlife Adventure 