Beautiful beaches
From secluded, spray-lashed coves to private clubs with parties on the sand, Barbados has a beach for every mood. Surfers prefer the east coast, where Atlantic waves crash into beaches like Cattlewash, Bathsheba, and Lakes. Couples love the west coast of Barbados, where watching the sun set over Brighton Beach, Paradise Beach, or Brandons Beach tops the list of romantic things to do.
Tax-free shopping
It’s hard to leave Barbados, but a good stash of souvenirs can soften the blow. Tourists don’t pay import taxes on items like jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics, so don’t be surprised if you come away with a new watch or an upgraded anniversary present. For artisanal mementos, skip the glitzy malls and look for independent stores selling brightly dyed sarongs and traditional Bajan carvings.
Rum
Time flies when you’re having rum, and on Barbados there are many ways to do just that, from umbrella-topped cocktails in a chic bar to half-gallon jugs of punch in a beachside shack. Barbados has been fermenting sugarcane molasses for centuries, and you can witness this time-tested process on a tour of Mount Gay Distillery, founded in 1703.
Waterfront dining
Looking for date-night ideas in Barbados? Keep it simple and book a table at a seafront restaurant, where staff will welcome you like old friends, light a candle, and tell you what the fishing boats brought in that day. Asian and soul-food influences are strong, so don’t be surprised if your shrimp is served with a Thai red curry or if your grilled dorado comes with macaroni and cheese. Many of the best waterfront restaurants are on the coast of Saint James, an area just north of Bridgetown.
Historic houses
George Washington only went abroad once, and Barbadians take great pride in having hosted America’s first president at the age of 19. The handsome mansion where he stayed in 1751 has been preserved as a museum, where visitors can admire period furnishings on a tour of the interior and explore a stretch of underground tunnels. Set in beautiful landscaped gardens laced with pathways, Sunbury Plantation House has a noted antiques collection, including pieces made from Barbadian mahogany.
