The island packs a wallop of vacation satisfaction
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I spent a few days in Barbados recently to inhale the local food scene and immerse myself in the island’s famous Food and Rum Festival (foodandrum.com, back after a two-year pandemic hiatus).
The spectacular event continuously draws the finest chefs and bartenders, both locally and from around the world, to not only help celebrate the island’s culinary wealth but to showcase its famous spirit: Barbados is the birthplace of rum in the Caribbean.
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This year’s festival, which traditionally takes place at the end of October, did not disappoint — if anything, it put on a delicious show for the world stage, with the core messaging being “Feed the Future,” and nurture the island’s bright new culinary talent.
Barbados’ famous hospitality was delivered immediately upon arriving on this sparkling bauble in the North Atlantic waters: Everyone was so incredibly friendly and helpful, and the welcome was truly special. This friendliness lasted throughout my trip, and came in the smiles and waves and welcomes from everyone we encountered.
Cab drivers thoughtfully pointed out key points, like eateries and an animal rescue organization. Vendors went out of their way to explain everything from how local products were made to how to cook the various exotic fruits and vegetables on display.
The island isn’t very big — its total land area is around 430 kilometres and its coastline stretches to just under 100 kilometres — but it packs a wallop of vacation satisfaction in everything from its teeming bar scenes to excellent golf courses and spa experiences, to a coveted surfing community and its family-friendly hotels that offer perfect amenities for everyone.
It has a wonderful street food scene, and one of my favourite spots near our hotel (the lovely Sands Hotel, more on this later) is the Worthing Square Food Garden on the south coast. This outdoor food hall is home to unique street food canteens and food trucks offering everything from traditional Bajan foods to dishes from other areas of the Caribbean, along with entertainment.
I tasted good old-fashioned fish fritters during my visit, and took a delightful beef patty to enjoy back in my hotel room.
During my visit, we took a tour of the island with Island Safari Tours (islandsafari.bb) in a special open-back vehicle fitted with sturdy seats and seat belts — which you needed, given we traversed some rough terrain to get into the heart of the island.
Our tour guide, the delightful Andre Edey, was a wealth of knowledge as he pointed out key findings on the island — at one point, taking us along the Atlantic coast to view the excellent surfing waters, stating proudly “straight across is Africa.”
Other areas we visited included the popular fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens, on the island’s southern coast, offering fresh tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish, and other dishes, grilled or fried, and served informally on the spot.
It’s also where we tried such Barbadian staples as macaroni pie, plantain, and breadfruit chips. The rum festival had its spectacular kick-off event that evening, so we ate surrounded by street musicians plus singing and dancing in the sultry heat of the island.
We also took a tour of St. Nicholas Abbey, about an hour north of Bridgetown and one of the island’s most historic plantations houses now a museum and rum distillery dating back to the 17th century.
The Abbey continues to make its iconic, small-batch rum (which you can sample and purchase) and its history is tied into some of the most powerful men of Britain — among them being the Cumberbatch family, who owned St. Nicholas Abbey for a good 200 years.
And yes, famed actor Benedict Cumberbatch is a direct descendant!
Speaking of famous people, let’s not forget that one of the greatest gifts to music was born in Barbados — megastar Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in St. Michael parish. We never did find the home she grew up in.
Sounds like another foray into Barbados in the future.
WHERE TO STAY
The luxurious, all-inclusive The Sands Barbados in Worthing Bridgetown Christ Church (thesandsbarbados.com) has a relaxed ambiance that is perfect for everyone from single travellers to families, and includes a pleasant, palm tree-lined beachfront and a location close to all amenities.
A pool anchors both sides of the hotel, which houses a variety of rooms and suites (the one I stayed in was more a two-level condo complete with kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of space) that are surrounded by plush scenery and swaying palm trees. There’s a wonderful organic supermarket right next to the hotel, not to mention several grocery stores up the street, along with excellent shops directly surrounding The Sands. Excellent wifi, too!
IF YOU GO
Vacations Air Canada (vacations.aircanada.com) offers a variety of travel packages for the winter months. You can also book your flight, land separately and build your own vacation package.
Find out more at visitbarbados.org.