When it comes to the world’s most spectacular sunshine travel destinations, the Caribbean island of Barbados is a veritable slice of paradise, and with its long, white, sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters and abundance of gently swaying palm trees, it is, to many, the original Caribbean luxury holiday island and one that paved the way for the region’s luxury tourism scene we know today.
One of the first to open a string of lavish, five-star resorts and begin welcoming wealthy visitors across the globe, alternative Caribbean destinations like Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts have become more accessible since those early days of international luxury travel, yet Barbados still remains a favourite amongst holidaymakers, honeymooners and other affluent visitors seeking an indulgent and relaxing break.
From breath-taking natural scenery to a rich history and culture and vibrant food and drink scene, Barbados is an island that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here’s how to plan your Barbadian escape and enjoy all the elegant travel options it has to offer in style.
Luxurious accommodation options
As the Caribbean’s original pioneer of high-end five star resorts, finding plush accommodation options on the island is easy – whether you’re looking for premium all-inclusive or bed and breakfast only board. With affluent visitors increasingly demanding the utmost in privacy and exclusivity from their holiday accommodation choices, the island’s tourism industry has responded, with a host of luxury villas available for private rental across the island, offering a haven of peace and tranquillity away from the throng.
One of the best places to seek accommodation on Barbados to ensure you get the most out of your island getaway is on the Platinum Coast, which is particularly known for its stylish and opulent accommodation offerings. The sprawling villas that can be found here are of a particular high calibre and promise an unrivalled experience for those seeking maximum exclusivity – and The Hollies Retreats Barbados Villas is a development that particularly stands out from the crowd.
Top pick: The Hollies Retreats Barbados Villas
The Hollies Retreat offers a majestic experience in the form of two remarkable properties – The White House on Mango Drive, and Salt Life – both of which include a host of high-end services and facilities within your stay.
Located within easy reach of both Holetown and Speightstown, the villas are perfectly positioned if you’re eager to get out and about and explore the island’s local markets, try out some Barbadian cuisine at one of the many restaurants, or enjoy a shopping spree at the designer boutiques.
Salt Life at Claridges, a newly refurbished three-bedroom Barbados holiday home, sleeps up to six guests and features airy open plan living and glamorous interior design that gives a nod to the local culture. Plus, it’s also just a few moments away from the postcard-worthy beaches of Gibbs.
Over at the White House, which can accommodate a slightly larger group of up to eight and is located at the stylish Porter’s Place, guests can also enjoy access to a private section of beach and a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Both villas boast their own private pools with sun loungers, and there’s 24-hour CCTV surveillance to ensure maximum security so that you can relax and enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind.
The best time to visit Barbados
Although Barbados can be visited at any time of the year, the months between December and April are widely considered the best time to do so. During this window, rainfall is at its lowest and you can enjoy abundant sunshine and temperatures of around 29 °C – the perfect weather for enjoying the island’s mesmerising beaches, taking a dip in its warm waters, and exploring all that this breath-taking Caribbean destination has to offer.
Beautiful beaches
Besides the warm, sunny weather, the island’s beaches are, of course, one of the major draws for affluent visitors, and the likes of Crane Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Accra Beach, Paynes Beach, and Bottom Bay Beach are each characterised by sugary white sand and crystalline waters and swaying coconut palms.
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Barbados is actually home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and watching the sun set over the ocean whilst relaxing on the sand with a cocktail is an awe-inspiring experience that no visitor to the island should miss.
The luxurious beach villas at The Hollies offer a truly idyllic setting from which to sit and take it all in in the lap of luxury and the utmost of privacy. Surrounded by verdant fauna and just steps from the ocean, it really doesn’t get much more romantic.
Places to visit in Barbados
Barbados is home to some superb tourist attractions and destinations which will guarantee you leave with special memories that will last a lifetime. When visiting Barbados, a trip to the historic capital, Bridgetown, is a must, and will allow you to take in its impressive colonial architecture and soak up an intriguing mix of Bajan and modern cultures.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2012, it’s the perfect place to get a true taste of island life and some great photos for your Instagram whilst you’re there. From a stroll through the historic St. Nicholas Abbey to tasting your way around one of the local rum distilleries found in abundance here, Bridgetown offers a real flavour of the Caribbean.
The beautiful Hunte’s Gardens in Saint Joseph are a haven of tranquillity that nature lovers will fall head over heels for, and the perfect place to take a shady stroll away from the heat of the afternoon sunshine.
And, while the island is awash with spectacular beaches at every turn, those of Carlisle Bay are particularly breath-taking and worth taking a day trip for if you’re up for a change of scenery.
The bottom line
From world-class food and cultural sights to some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world, Barbados is a dream destination that should be on every luxury traveller’s bucket list. So book those first class flights, reserve that luxurious villa and get ready for one of the most memorable island escapes of your life.
