My Trip to Barbados - fun in the sun!
We flew to Barbados with British Airways - flying direct from Gatwick to Bridgetown. Travelling with my SA passport I needed a transit/visit visa for the UK, but no extra visa was needed for Barbados. If flew from Cape Town via Dubai to London with Emirates, it was a long journey, but I enjoyed the break (and the shopping) at Dubai Airport. I then spent one night in London ahead of my8 hour direct flight on British Airways which was a direct flight. This was a really nice way to break up a long journey and something I would do again if that means that I can travel back to Barbados.... During my 5 day stay we visited 9 gorgeous hotels as well as participating in four excursions on the Island, these included staying at the Turtle Beach Hotel (this is a wonderful all-inclusive option for families) situated on the South Coast, we participated in a guided tour of Harrison's Cave followed by a gorgeous lunch at St Nicholas Abbey (this will give you an idea of what life must have been like in the old days with it's beautiful plantation house & rum distillery). The other hotels that we visited included the Sea Breeze Hotel, the Sandpiper (what a treat!), the Crystal Cove Hotel, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion (which boasts amazing views), the Tamarind, The House and the Coral Reef Club, also a stunning property with a colonial feel and it has the most beautiful gardens. For the last 3 nights we checked into The Waves & Spa Hotel. I loved the modern feel and relaxed vibe at this hotel - we had an amazing Oceanview suite with a view to die for, it is highly recommended! We were treated to a lovely massage at the Spa, this was so needed and appreciated especially after all the walking.
The absolute highlight of this trip (if I had to choose just one!) was doing a full day Catamaran cruise! I would recommend this. We snorkelled over several shipwrecks, we swam with turtles (bucket list!) and we enjoyed a beautiful lunch with cocktails whilst sailing till late into the night...it was so much fun and I had the most amazing day!
Other excursions included a trip on a submarine (this is not for the fainthearted or claustrophobic, but it is so worth it for amazing sights under water) and we also visited the famous Mount Gay Rum Distillery which is also a must for anyone who loves Rum! My suitcase was loaded with a few bottles to bring back home.
On the last day we had time for some shopping and to experiencing more of the local culture, after taking about a 15 minute bus drive from the hotel - complete with reggae music playing we got to see friendly locals, enjoy a relaxed vibe, see the stunning views of the beautiful ocean, taste some lovely rum...what more can you ask for from the perfect Caribbean destination!