Villas in Barbados
Planning to holiday on a Caribbean island where you can kick back on archetypal tropical beaches, eat great food, and try out some adventurous activities? Justifiably famed for its fantastic beaches, Barbados is an island that has it all. Looking for nightlife and fun? Find a villa on the south side of the island around Oistins. For a more tranquil atmosphere but with easy access to all the amenities, villas on the west side north of Bridgetown are ideal. For the rustic off the beaten path vibe, head east and rent a villa in the Bathsheba area.
Luxurious villas outside the centreThere is a wide-ranging selection of gorgeous villas to choose from in Barbados near the beach or sometimes even right on the beach! You can look forward to pure luxury, to being surrounded by beautiful gardens and sea views, to diving into your private pool and relaxing in a spa, and to a top of the line interior with an open plan kitchen and opulent furnishings. Many villas even come with their own housekeeper!
Travellers and activities
Barbados’ number one pull, its beaches tempt with their memorable combination of sugar-soft sand, impossibly clear and warm waters, and backdrop of palm and banana trees. And the most paradisiacal of all must be Crane beach, a spectacular crescent of sand flanked by coconut trees, huge cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Scuba divers beeline to Carlisle Bay, which boasts a bounty of marine life and some of the best diving experiences in the Caribbean. For seclusion, Bottom Bay is a small but perfectly formed cove where you can beat the crowds and spent a romantic day under the sun.
Barbados for foodiesThe Caribbean is much more than just about the sun, sea and sand. One of the most enticing draws of the island is the delicious and varied offering of its cuisine. The national dish is flying fish with cou cou, a mellow fresh fish stew. Ryanne's Restaurant and Bar is the most popular location to try this delicious treat. In the heart of Bridgetown, it has a balcony from where you can watch the town’s life go by. But wherever you are in Barbados, you will find local eateries that offer fine, local produce such as fishes of every size, shrimps, lobsters, crabs and sea eggs.
Barbados for watersportsBarbados is the top destination for watersports in the Caribbean, offering adrenaline-fuelled adventure against a stunning backdrop. The azure sea hovers around the 25°C mark all year long, meaning the season never stops. For scuba diving, head to Maycocks Bay and Barracuda Junction, well-preserved reefs which are just teeming with marine wildlife. For windsurfers, the south coast along silver sands beach is the most popular location to indulge. And for surfers, Soup Bowl at Bathsheba is world famous for its big surf and heavy barrels.
Barbados is the birthplace of rum, producing it since 1703. Across the island, there are over 1,500 rum shops and distilleries, so grab a bottle of the good stuff and let the party begin!
Top 7 travel tips in Barbados
Far too many tourists pass through the nation’s capital on their way in or out without stopping to enjoy its many delights. It is a beautiful place to stroll around, with colourful buildings, neo-Gothic style architecture and a fabulous waterside walkway.
2. Visit Animal Flower CaveAnimal Flower Cave is a memorable place to visit on the island both for the cave itself and the dramatic sea views from the lookout above. Come hungry as there is a fabulous restaurant with an open-deck viewing area from where in winter you have the opportunity to see humpback whales!
3. Get face-to face with wild turtlesFeeling adventurous? Want to explore Barbados from another perspective? Take a tour to the stomping grounds of these gentle giants on catamarans which provide lunch, masks and snorkels. A day out you will never forget!
4. Explore Hunte’s GardensHunte's Gardens is a place of serenity where you are surrounded by nature in all its glory. Take a leisurely stroll through this ornately designed garden set mostly within the confines of a collapsed cave, myriad plants and line criss crossing paths beneath majestic palms, while hummingbirds, lizards and monkeys.
5. Experience golf at its finestWith perfect weather, gorgeous views and perfectly kept greens, Barbados is a golfer’s paradise for beginners and pros alike. The island’s most renowned course is the Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, one of the most exclusive courses in the entire world.
6. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradiseBarbados is a great place for nature walks, casual hikes, and more strenuous treks, a great activity to further exoticize your vacation in this tropical paradise. Don’t miss the Barbados National Trust Hikes help every Sunday year round, ranging from 5 to 14 miles in length.
7. Get off the beaten pathTake a 4x4 to the remote bays and beaches of northeastern Barbados. You will cross rugged terrain and pass through gullies and forests as you explore this off the beaten corner of the island that so few visitors to the island get to see.