Best of Barbados
Our Barbados Vacation Planning Guide
Barbados is a renowned and cultural significant Caribbean island that is among the most popular travel destinations in the world. The 166 square mile island boasts a heavy British influence that pervades the island along with a spirited Bajan spirit that belies the roots of the island. The island is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich heritage and fabulous villas. The villas on Barbados put a particular attention on staffing and service. The upper villas will include a full staff with butler, chef, housekeeper and laundress.
There are several famed country club neighborhoods on Barbados: Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland and Sugar Hill Estates each distinct with its own amenities.
Our Barbados guide provides our best suggestions of what to do on the island and where to eat. Whether you wish to decompress and seek a relaxing and pampered vacation or an adventure filled vacation, the island of Barbados offers it all.
Must Do Experiences
Here is our advice on what to do when on Barbados.
Charter a boat
Our must do recommendation is to explore the island and it’s renowned beaches and coves by sea. Private charters deliver lifelong memories and are certainly worth the splurge.
Schedule a massage at the villa
How do you get to immediate decompression mode? Book a spa service at your villa. Combine the beautiful views of your villa with a decadent massage. Indulge in a massage or beauty treatment.
Barbados Sightseeing & Tours - Feed the Monkeys
Barbados offers a host of tours from botanical gardens, history of rum or even a monkey feeding tour.
Here are some of the highlight tours:
- Bajan Surf and Turf - Feed the Monkeys
- Barbados Highlights Tour (4 hour tour)
- Harrison's Cave
- History of Rum & Mount Gay Distillery Tour
Where to Dine
Barbados is a wonderful dining destination. Here are some of the best restaurants:
- Fusion Rooftop
- Lone Star
- The Tides
- Local and Co
- QP Bistro
- Coral Reef Club
Find our full list of recommended restaurants by visiting our Barbados restaurant guide.
Getting Around Barbados
Isle Blue highly recommends renting a car for several reasons. Renting a car allows you to fully explore and experience the island. Barbados is a small and easy to get around island with one main highway that circles the island. Please note that Barbados follow the British rules of the road so a quick adjustment to driving on the left side of the road makes your first day on island interesting.
Secondly, rental cars are affordable and offer a very good value versus other transportation means.
Isle Blue offers a large selection of rental car models that can be delivered to your villa or picked up at the airport.
If you do not wish to rent a car, you can book an airport transfer to your villa online.
Expert Tips
Lastly, here are our expert tips to optimize your vacation experience on Barbados.
Fast Track Service
Barbados (BGI) Airport is known for long queues and wait times when arriving. Flights into and out of Barbados tend to occur during tight time windows with a huge influx of travelers all at once. We highly recommend the Barbados Fast Track Service to expedite you through the arrivals and departures process saving you considerable time and headache.
Pre-stocking
Arrange pre-stocking at your villa for the first few days. Arriving to a villa stocked with your favorite food and beverages allows you to immediately relax and jump into the pool. Air travel can be tedious these days and the last thing you will want to do is to go food shopping. Please contact our concierge to set up that service.
Ensuring Proper Travel & Entry Documents
Check your passport expiration date and if you need a visa to enter the country. US, Canada and Schengen area residents do not need a visa. Please verify that you meet the Barbados entry protocols.
Travel Insurance
We have all witnessed the wreckage that COVID brought about in the way we live our lives. We highly recommend securing trip insurance to protect against the unexpected. Guests are welcome to use any travel insurance company. Isle Blue has selectively and exclusively partnered with Travelex to provide our guests top rated trip insurance coverage. To learn more please visit our travel insurance options.
Observe a Caribbean Sunset
Dedicate time to fully witness a Caribbean sunset. Prime sunset locations are located along the west coast beaches such as Mullins or Gibbs beach. Consider booking a Barbados sunset cruise.
Just Relax
Barbados is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and slower pace. It’s a destination that mixes country club living with utter relaxation. It’s perfectly okay to spend most of your time at your fabulous villa with friends and family around. Allow yourself to decompress and enjoy the blissful weather and offerings this exotic island has to offer without the fear of missing out on some crucial experience, restaurant or adventure that most destinations require.