Island Life in Barbados: A Week in Paradise

 I have placed my time in Barbados under a microscope, looking for even the slightest reason to be content with being back home, but the closer I look, the more I want to go back! This tiny little island, which is only a quarter of the size of London, has more soul than Ray Charles, more chill than Netflix, and a seemingly endless rum supply! I know, they say that the grass is always greener...but the ocean really is more blue!  Anyone who visits will be left with infinite affection for the island, its people, and will have Rihanna’s Spotify playlist on loop.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown Harbour

Bridgetown Harbour

Bridgetown is the capital city of Barbados, situated on the South West coast. It is home to the Island's historic centre, old colonial buildings, duty-free shopping on Broad Street, and boasts an idyllic little harbour, surrounded by stunning beaches. Parts of the capital have been recognised by UNESCO for it's historical precedence. From Bridgetown, you can get a bus to anywhere on the Island. Transport in Barbados is ridiculously reliable and cheap, with one ride costing a mere $2BDS (£0.69). You will get packed into one of the minivans (white with a red stripe, called a ZR van) regardless of whether you can realistically fit or not. Don't be shy!

Pirate's Cove Beach Bar (Browne's Beach)

As we were walking around Bridgetown, we stumbled across this mural on the wall, of what looked like a perfectly painted paradise, through a yellow door. It was only when we got a little closer, that we realised this was real door, not a painted one, which led to the stunning Browne’s Beach. Help. At this point we were just standing there, taking it all in, when a local site worker shouted over ''you can go in!''. No need to tell me twice.

AS YOU CAN SEE...ITS A REAL DOOR!

When we walked through the door, we were in a tropical dream. There is a hammock for basking in the Caribbean sun, the sand is a blinding white and the sea is travel-brochure blue. The beach is called Browne's Beach, and is notorious on the island. All beaches in Barbados are public, though many of the beach chairs and huts are owned by the nearest establishment. In this case, it is Pirate's Cove Beach Bar. This day was when I decided I didn't want to leave. It was only the first day.

pirate's cove do free beach parties every sunday from 3-8pm

The Boatyard/Sharkey's Bar

Also located on Browne's Beach is The Boatyard, Barbados' liveliest year-round bar and water sports venue. They offer you a deal on arrival; $50 BDS each ($25 US, around £17), and you get $40 BDS back at the bar/restaurant, as well as access to beach chairs and umbrellas, the ocean trampoline, swing rope, dive platform and more! But the most incredible thing about this package (aside from it already being so cheap) is that they take you on a snorkelling trip with Sea Turtles. Snorkelling with Sea Turtles is one of Barbados' most prized attractions, so to do it in the inclusive price of £17, with only about six other people is truly a magnificent experience. For me, this was the highlight of the trip! 

You have to swim out to the boat (getting my phone on the boat was a real mission, thank goodness my boyfriend is 6ft3). On the boat is the captain, and on weekends, his two beautiful little boys are with him. There is no training, its really straightforward. Put on your snorkel and life jacket, and get in the water! It is warm and crystal clear, so you can see the bottom very easily. I hesitantly put my head in the water and swam around the boat, and very soon, at least five brown sea turtles appeared around me. They aren't scared of humans and will come very close to you. I'm still overwhelmed by their size and beauty. It's a completely different world down there! 

Bottom Bay

I've been looking forward to writing this section because I get to relive the day we had this beach all to ourselves! Locals will tell you that Bottom Bay is the most beautiful beach on Barbados, and competes with the best beaches in the world. Discovering this gem of natural beauty was incredible. It is highly secluded, and in off-peak season, it is likely you can have it to yourself, as we did! To get there, we took a bus towards Sand Lord's Castle, and got off a stop before it terminated. We then walked down a very long road, with monkeys swinging in the trees around us, arriving here at the end...

the only other people at the top of the cliff were two men, who climb up these lofty coconut trees, pick fresh coconuts and sell them.

Contrary to popular belief, the Atlantic Ocean completely surrounds Barbados' coast line, despite it being a Caribbean Island. Therefore, the east and north coast can be quite rough, and at Bottom Bay the waves were crashing against the rocks. 

So folks, we've come to the end of the first Barbados post, but there's lots more to look forward to! This was the most incredible trip of my life, and you're probably wondering, 'where can I sign up'? The answer is here, on British Airways Holiday Finder. Here, you can find all-inclusive deals for the Caribbean for as little as £500, which you can secure with a deposit of £150*. I have already decided that I will be returning every two years, so let me know if you're coming :)

* prices are based on two people sharing- subject to change