Whether you are looking to sit by the beach sipping your favourite drink or swimming alongside sea turtles, Barbados’s laid-back attitude encircling the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea makes for a perfect gateway. From luxe resorts by the Platinum Coast to the exciting adventure on the charming East Coast, this island is spread across 11 parishes, each one with its unique attractions. All this is tied together with the warmth of the Bajan people that reside on this island; they are good hosts, friendly people and their local cuisine is to die for. Here’s a perfect itinerary for you should spend your 48 hours in Barbados.
For breakfast on the first day, head to the Round House Restaurant for where you can enjoy a spread of local Bajan food with banana pancakes and coconut pancakes with a cup of Bajan coffee. After breakfast, visit Orchid World & Tropical Flower Garden, a botanical paradise brimming with exotic flowers and plants in the countryside of St. George. You can take a leisurely walk around the paths lined with orchids, ferns and the tropical flora in the garden with the melodious sounds of birds chirping. The gardens also have waterfalls and ponds which only add to the beauty of the place. You can also sit in the gazebos where you can sit and read a book or simply soak in the peace and beauty of the place. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this place to look back even when you go back.
Grab lunch at Cuz’s Fish Shack for its famous fish-cutters sandwiches. If you are a vegetarian, don’t worry because they also have a vegetarian cutter with fresh veggies and other dishes. After lunch, head to Harrison’s Cave, where you can experience unparalleled adventure in a wonderland of crystallised limestone caves. This place is brimming with gushing waterfalls, scenic streams and tons of adventure including hiking. Take a tram ride in the cave to explore and understand the history associated with the cave.
After Harrison’s Cave, do yourself a favour and make a prior booking for a visit to a rum distillery. This place has given birth to the sugarcane spirit, and your trip would be incomplete without taking a rum distillery tour and the many rum shops that dot the streets of Barbados. Take a visit to the Mount Gay Distillery & Visitor Centrein, which is the oldest-run distillery where you can learn about the process of rum making and also enjoy tasting them.
At night, head to the St. Lawrence Gap in the parish of Christ Church, which is a 1.3 km stretch dotted with fine restaurants, lively nightlife, clubs and bars. You can head to Harlequin’s, a top-end club with live music, DJs and dance floor, or The Scandal for a relaxed vibe with good music and chilled drinks. Other than that, you can also enjoy seafood and Caribbean bites to international cuisines in the restaurants. You can head to Shakers Bar & Grill for flavourful fish and chips or The Tides for a fine dining experience.
Head to The Coffee Bean for breakfast where you can enjoy a range of fresh baked goods, sandwiches, pastries and freshly brewed coffee from locally hand-picked coffee. After that, head to the Barbados Wildlife Sanctuary in St. Peter, which is nestled amidst the mahogany forest, where you can walk alongside freely roaming green monkeys and peacocks and spot tortoises and other wild beings.
Grab lunch at Tapas Restaurant for a mix of Mediterranean and Caribbean treats or Daphne’s for an Italian-Caribbean dining experience with oceanfront views. Is it even a beach vacation if you don’t spend enough time by the beach? Spend your afternoon at Mullins Beach on the West Coast, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and even jet skiing and paddleboarding. The golden sands and calm waters of the beach – make it ideal both for relaxation and adventure. You can stop by the Mullins Beach Bar for cocktails and small bites and rent yourselves beach umbrellas and chairs, all of which would make for together a perfect afternoon at the beach. You can also choose to go to Bottom Bay if you are looking for something on the East Coast and Silver Sands on the southern coast. All of the beaches here are equally beautiful and offer various activities.
In the evening, take a catamaran sunset cruise for a memorable sunset experience in the Caribbean waters. If you are adventurous, most of these catamaran cruises also stop in the Folkestone Marine Park or others for you to swim alongside sea turtles and explore the marine life, where you can experience the teeming coral reef in the clear waters of the ocean. If you don’t want to do this, you can always be laid-back, enjoying the scenic views while sipping your rum.
In Barbados the night is young, and to spend your last night the ideal way, head to the Red Door lounge in Holetown Harbour Lights. You can enjoy premium cocktails and delicious food with a blend of jazz, contemporary and soul music in this boutique-style club. After hitting the dance floor at the club, if you feel like you can also go to Chilly Moo’s Ice Cream for some sweet treats.
With an innumerable number of hotels of all kinds, finding the right one that suits all your preferences might be tedious to find. If you are looking for a luxury resort stay, the iconic Sandy Lane in the heart of Barbados – St. James Parish is the place to stay. With its lavish spa, gourmet dining, three golf courses including the famous Green Monkey, and excellent hospitality with a beach backdrop on the Caribbean to add a cherry on top. For a mid-ranged option, you can choose to stay at the Sugar Bay Barbados which has stunning views, dining opportunities, and great amenities. For a pocket-friendly option, the ECO Lifestyle + Lodge is a perfect eco-friendly boutique retreat whose lodges overlook the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and are nestled between the lush greens. You can also enjoy dining with freshly picked organic ingredients from the farm – including vegan options, feel closer to nature, and engage in yoga sessions, spas and hikes.
If you want to explore the island to the fullest, you can consider splitting your stay in two parts and booking a stay at the southern coast in Christ Church for the second part of your trip. A boutique for adults only, the Little Arches stands on a romantic bay with great rooms, and beautiful views and is home to Café Luna, one of the best restaurants on the island.
When in Barbados, you must savour the local Bajan cuisine that derives its influences from West India and the Caribbean to Africa and Europe. Try out the local delicacies like the flying fish on a bun served with hot sauce or with cou-cou, a mix of okra and cornmeal. Check out the Fish Fry from Oistins Friday Night in Christ Church- for authentic flavours and a lively crowd.
For a fine dining experience in Barbados, you must visit The Cliff, which is believed to put this island on the international culinary map. International cuisine and local seafood with seasonal ingredients, savour the flavours of this restaurant by Chef Paul Owens with stunning oceanfront views. Daphne’s, another fine dining experience featuring Italian classics with a Caribbean twist is worth every bite.
Apart from all these dining options, cocktails are a must to go along with meals or otherwise! Barbados is most famous for its rum distillery and the variety and you’ll be awestruck by the number of rum shops you will see here. These are mostly located in bright-coloured chattel houses where tourists and locals sip on delicious rum over heartful conversations and a game of dominoes.