Bucket List Barbados
Well we made it half way through 2020… most of it in quarantine. I can’t help but think about the “bae-cation” I went on right before Coronavirus hit. Not only thankful I took the opportunity to go when I did, I reminisce on how different things were just 6 months ago. I also remember feeling like I needed to tell everyone to plan a trip to Barbados. So when the time is right to travel again… put Barbados on your bucket list. Whether planning a girls trip or a trip with bae, there is so much to see and do. Or if you don’t want to see and do, and you just want to simply relax on the beach in perfect weather, this is the spot.
Plan your future trip to Barbados….
For my budget savvy friends, 5 days and 4 nights is a sufficient amount of time for a fun filled vacation (even though if you’re like me, I never want any vacation to end). Although on a seasonal schedule in January, my boyfriend and I flew nonstop from New York (JFK) to Bridgetown (BGI). The flight was about 5 hours – in my opinion not too far for a destination with guaranteed perfect weather.
JUST JAC TIP: Rent a car. We rented a car for the first two days. The island is the perfect size to drive around and explore, although note they drive on the left side! Keep reading to find out where we went…
Where to stay? If you want to be near all the action, stay in Bridgetown by Rockley Beach. This is a great central location – close enough to the airport and walking distance to a lot of other main areas - St.Lawrence Gap, Oistins, etc.
Where we stayed: Accra Beach Hotel. Being right after the holidays, we were keeping our eyes out for an affordable deal at a great hotel (aren’t we all!). After researching and watching prices for about 2 weeks, I scored a double bed room for less than $200/night on Expedia at this 4-star hotel. It was in a super convenient location, and had attractive amenities including a large swimming pool with a swim up bar + an adult only pool. Most importantly, there was direct access to the beach and boardwalk which lead to a bunch of other restaurants and beaches. There were also different happy hour specials each night during sunset hours, which included $2 Banks Beers! What more do you need?
FAQ: Do you need to convert your money to the Barbadian dollar? It is not necessary as most places will take the American dollar, but it’s part of the culture so why not. The conversion is 2 to 1 ($100 USD = 200 Baja dollar). We converted our money right at the front desk of our hotel.
OK… enough of the logistics. Where should you eat and what should you do?
Let’s start with restaurants… Only recommending places we actually ate at so I don’t steer you wrong, although there are a TON of places worth checking out.
TAPAS: @tapasbarbados: Picture tiki torches along the water. This restaurant was one of my favs and had delicious food! Recommend for dinner if you’re looking for some Spanish/Italian flare.
BLUE PINEAPPLE: @bluepineapple.barbados: One word, trendy! Recommend for brunch if you’re looking for a refreshing smoothie bowl or for happy hour if your’re trying to listen to the DJ and get your drink on!
THE TIDES: @thetidesbarbados: Celebrating something special or just want to feel fancy for a night? The Tides is an elegant restaurant where you no joke can hear and see the tides crashing along the side of the restaurant. Although on the pricier side, you can expect nothing less then 5 star service and it is definitely worth the splurge.
LA CABANE
@la_cabane_barbados: Ever see a place on Instagram and you’re like “I NEED TO GO THERE”… yep that’s how I felt about La Cabane, and it didn’t disappoint. Take your shoes off at dinner and sit in the sand among the bungalow bar and surfboard menu. Recommend for dinner - and to make a resi!
We were recommended this spot from some locals in the area, and it was just what we were looking for. Colorful beach bar gave all the vibes of vacation. Great spot to grab a drink in the SLG!
CAFE SOL: @cafesol_barbados: Craving Mexican? Here is your spot! Another St. Lawrence Gap staple with tons of weekly specials and delicious tacos of course.
CHICKEN GEORGE'S BEACH BAR: Two Words. RUM. PUNCH. Hang with the locals at this beach shack and sip on XL Rum Punches (but be careful they are strong!)
THE DIVE: @thedivebarbados: Fun beachy restaurant in the St. Lawrence Gap. Awesome spot for dinner on the weekend, as the St.Lawrence Gap is filled with nightlife. Better make sure to try the fish cakes, a Barbados delicacy.
ANIMAL FlOWER CAVES: A MUST SEE! We drove all the way up the coast of the island to the most northern point to explore the Animal Flower Caves. About an hour drive each way, it is totally worth it. You can explore around the coast, or pay 25 Barbadian Dollars ($12.50 USD) to have a tour guide bring you down into the cave. Our tour guide was also a great photographer… Check out these cool pics he got of us!
JUST JAC TIP: Wear your suit if you want to go for a swim! In the cave is a natural swimming pool.
EL TIGRE CATAMARAN CRUISE: 5 HOUR TURTLE & SHIPWRECK WITH LUNCH CRUISE: There’s not many things better then a catamaran, snorkeling, and turtles. This all-inclusive day on the water included a pick-up and drop-off at our hotel, a full buffet lunch, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and A GOOD @$$ TIME! You really can’t go wrong and the price is just right at $100 USD/adult.
JUST JAC TIP: If you have a GoPro… BRING IT.
OISTINS FISH FRY: Embrace the local culture at the Friday Night Oistin’s Fish Fry. With plenty of food venues to choose from, you can get a hefty plate of food - lobsters and mahi mahi included - for super cheap. Not only that, but find deals like $1 fish cakes, $2 banks and more. Sit back and watch singers and dancers on stage and live the island life.
JUST JAC TIP: Expect it to be crowded!
FIND A SURF SPOT: While we had the car, we were able to check out some fun surf spots, including Freights Bay! Learn with a local or borrow a board for the day for as little as $20USD.
JUST JAC TIP: Bring sunscreen. That sun is powerful.
So if you’re still here reading this… I hope I convinced you to take the trip. If I haven’t yet, feel free to email me to hear more. Until next time Barbados!
Want my itinerary? Email me! xo