In my opinion, Barbados is totally underrated. Not only does it boast fantastic hotels and beautiful islands - no other Caribbean country can match Barbados for the choice and quality of places to eat out! That's just one example of the hundreds of amazing things to do and places to stay, so even though I'm going to list the things I recommend - I can guarantee you that there are still hundreds of things in Barbados that are waiting for you to discover yourself and share with the world!
So what are the top 5 things to do that aren't chilling on Barbados's sublime beaches?
1. Harrison's Cave
Even though the hour-long tours are a little slow, it's well worth it as you get to see the huge underground caverns, which contain an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls.
2. Black Pearl Party Cruises
Many people out there still say this is one of the best activities in Barbados. It offers traditional Bajan hospitality, pirate history, great food, blue seas and the legendary Jolly Roger Rum Punch. Lunch cruises sail most days with two snorkel stops on the wrecks and to feed the turtles. There is an inclusive bar on all cruises and a delicious BBQ buffet! What more could you want?
3. Atlantis Submarines
This is definitely one of the more unique attractions that Barbados has to offer. If you can believe it - it's a real submarine! It takes you on a fully narrated underwater adventure, which includes a shipwreck at 130 feet, during the day or night!
4. Take an island safari in a 4×4
This is a great way to discover the magic of Barbados while going on an adventure that will undoubtedly lead you to discover many hidden secrets around the island!
5. Barbados Concorde Experience
I've put this last as I recon it's the best thing to do if you've got an hour or so to kill before your flight. And let's face it - not many people can say that they've been inside Concorde!
If you're there at the right time of year there are also two cool festivals that you absolutely have to check out!
1. Crop Over Festival (July & early August)
Barbados' big annual festival starts with the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals (a competition for the best calypsonians), followed by the Foreday Morning Jam (a wild street party), then Cohobblopot (a huge carnival-like show) and the Grand Kadooment (a spectacular carnival parade - on August 5 in 2013).
2. Barbados Food and Wine and Rum Festival (22-25 November)
This four-day event showcases international and Barbadian chefs, with cookery demonstrations, wine seminars and rum-tasting tours.
Now, if all you want is to go and chill on a beach - then here are the two best beaches on the island:
1. Enterprise Beach
This beach is a local favourite with its 250-yard-long strip of white sand on the outskirts of the south coast fishing village of Oistins.
2. Crane Beach
Now this beach is Barbados's piece de resistance! With its long and wide stretch of pink-tinged white sand, backed by palm groves and limestone cliffs, its arguably Barbados' most stunning beach!
And finally, and most importantly where to stay in style!
Now, in all honesty Barbados is home to so many upmarket hotels that I don't even know where to begin. However, there is one out there that has a pretty cool colonial feel to it and that is the Colony Club Barbados. This plush hotel has recently been given a facelift and now has a high-end plantation estate feel. In addition, the hotel now has healthy dining choices, an organic herb and vegetable garden, expanded children's programme, bespoke tours and excursions, activities and fitness classes.
If on the other hand you want to stay somewhere a little cheaper…a good place to go and stay is Sunswept Beach Hotel. Sunswept Beach is one of the very few simple, budget places to stay on Barbados' exclusive west coast - and it's right on the beach.
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