Barbados

Blushing sands, turquoise seas, and world class spa resorts; Barbados is the poster child for idyllic island escapes. Guests touching down will be immersed in endless shades of blue on the yacht scattered shores, history buffs will fall in love with torn sugar mills that dot the sleepy interior, and travelers looking to get closer to culture can raise a glass in the fiery rum shacks. 

Beyond the fenced in luxury of the five-star resorts, Barbados is a bright spark of color, charm, and fascinating heritage. Duck into whitewashed churches, explore exotic gardens, and see a medley of mansions, historic waterfronts, and UNESCO wonders on this gauzy blue and white isle. Authentic Bajan food takes you on a tasting journey; dribbling fresh fruits, the snap of crab claws, crisp cou cou and rum punch that will send you down slow and easy. 

Speightstown

A smidge on the map but one of the most delightful spots, Speightstown is all colonial charm, small port bustle, and local lore. A strong maritime history ensures that every day the jetty is awash with fishermen hauling in the catch of the day, ready to pound, fry and fill with flavor to curate seafood spiced dishes to warm your soul. When you aren’t slurping on lobster claws, shaking your hips to steel pan music and smothering butter on warm current rolls, Speightstowns’s heritage walking tour and wonderful beaches keep you gloriously entertained.

Speightstown

A smidge on the map but one of the most delightful spots, Speightstown is all colonial charm, small port bustle, and local lore. A strong maritime history ensures that every day the jetty is awash with fishermen hauling in the catch of the day, ready to pound, fry and fill with flavor to curate seafood spiced dishes to warm your soul. When you aren’t slurping on lobster claws, shaking your hips to steel pan music and smothering butter on warm current rolls, Speightstowns’s heritage walking tour and wonderful beaches keep you gloriously entertained. 

The Gap

There’s a spot on the South Coast of Barbados known as The Gap, a tiny village famed for its vibrant nightlife and silky white sands. A kaleidoscope of energy, The Gap boasts a whirlwind of color as revelers flock to fill the dancefloors, plunge in turquoise waters, roll their lucky dice, and stroll beneath the shadow of the wealthy palm splayed mansions. This is where you will find fuel for your fire in the way of punchy rum cocktails, oversized juicy shrimp, burnt sugar brown chicken and feather light coconut breads.

Paynes Bay

Turtle rich waters, a sweeping curve of sand, and heavenly vibes that will keep you horizonal; Paynes Bay is one of the best spots on the West Coast for kicking back and relaxing. Also home to the world -famous Sandy Lane Spa; when you tire of snorkeling alongside a myriad of sea creatures, you can heal your body, mind and soul with carefully curated tropical treatments and a dip in the hydrotherapy pool. Close by and dinners at The Cliff see creative torchlit suppers accompanied by stingray views.

Holetown 

An exclusive enclave sitting north of Bridgetown, Holetown has been in the business of luxury since the 17th century. While Holetown is a vision of vibrant boutique shops and beaches with beautifully warm clear water swimming, its also close enough to taste your way through the creative amber gold craft of the Mount Gay Distillery. After slicking your senses with the famed elixir, there’s flashy flagship restaurants for first-class dining or colorful chattel houses for down to earth exotic flavors.