Barbados: unique stories
The white sands, crystalline waters, sweet-scented rum, and cadenced steelpan drums of Barbados cast a spell over visitors, who return time and time again. The stories shared here by Panorama de las Américas reveal these and other charms of this secluded paradise and the “Bajan” lifestyle.
By Redacción Panorama de las Américas
Photos: Getty Images / Courtesy of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI)
Barbados is a special place and Barbadians (Bajans) have many stories to tell. Come experience the beaches and pristine waters, the vibrant culinary scene, and an infinite variety of activities and entertainment. Known as the “cradle of rum,” the island’s impressive natural beauty, abundant historical sites, and its reputation for being a prosperous cultural destination ensure that there is something for every traveler. Panorama de las Américas has collected some first-hand accounts from visitors that can guide you in discovering this true Caribbean gem. Soon you will have your own special story to tell.
Taste Your Way Through the Food Capital of the Caribbean
My tastebuds still recall the nearly intoxicating intensity of everything from the food trucks and street stalls – where we savored the freshness of the fish, the comforting taste of rice, and the sweetness of plantain – to the acclaimed international fine-dining restaurants. And the delicious curries and rotis of the West Indies deserve a mention as well. Everything impressed me as vibrant and deliciously appealing.
I’ve never forgotten the QP Bistro (previously known as The Cliff), an Italian restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef that boasts a very romantic ambience and one of the most extraordinary views on the island. My partner and I enjoyed the ocean view from the garden terraces while we shared a pleasant lunch. We came back later to dine against the backdrop of a romantic sunset. We also visited Baia, specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine and unique cocktails; Deia Beach, for its farm-to-table food; and La Cabane, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with a beach club vibe.Now I understand why the island is known as the “Food Capital of the Caribbean.”
Alicia M., 30, gynecologist, Buenos Aires (Argentina).
QP Bistro
H’way 1 Derrick’s St. James BB, BB24110, Highway 1.
Tel. +1 246 432 0797.
Baia
Sand St, Speightstown
Tel. +1 246 432 2242.
baiahotels.com/baialara/en/baia-restaurant-brassarie
Deia Beach
Deia Beach, Maxwell Coast Road Bridgetown Christ Church.
Tel. +1 246 628 1043.
La Cabane
Batts Rock Beach, Bridgetown.
Tel. +1 246 256 2131.
Birthplace of Rum
I was someone else for a few hours. I swathed myself in a fantasy of feathers, crystals, and sequins, and launched out on a river of people who pressed forward to the sensual beat of soca, dancing until my skin positively glittered. It was Grand Kadooment Day, the culmination of Crop Over, Barbados’s most popular and best-attended festival. It can be traced back to the 1780s, when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. The festival was an expression of thanks for another good sugar harvest at the end of the season. The sugar industry slump led to an attendant decline in the Crop Over festival, which was suspended for an entire decade in the 1940s. The festival was revived in 1974, when it incorporated Barbadian cultural expressions, becoming the wondrous extravaganza it is today. I let myself be drawn into its rich human legacy of creative arts, music, costumes, and an overall party atmosphere. Next year I will undoubtedly return to one of the most diverse and attractive festivals in the world.
Aylene N., 27, Marketing Manager, Denver (USA).
Crop Over Festival: Culture and Heritage
I was someone else for a few hours. I swathed myself in a fantasy of feathers, crystals, and sequins, and launched out on a river of people who pressed forward to the sensual beat of soca, dancing until my skin positively glittered. It was Grand Kadooment Day, the culmination of Crop Over, Barbados’s most popular and best-attended festival. It can be traced back to the 1780s, when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. The festival was an expression of thanks for another good sugar harvest at the end of the season. The sugar industry slump led to an attendant decline in the Crop Over festival, which was suspended for an entire decade in the 1940s. The festival was revived in 1974, when it incorporated Barbadian cultural expressions, becoming the wondrous extravaganza it is today. I let myself be drawn into its rich human legacy of creative arts, music, costumes, and an overall party atmosphere. Next year I will undoubtedly return to one of the most diverse and attractive festivals in the world.
Aylene N., 27 años, gerente de marketing, Denver (Estados Unidos).
Getting to Know Rihanna
Nuestro guía nos señaló la casa de un piso, con paredes pintadas de vivos colores: “Aquí vivió Rihanna”. He sido su fanático desde que salió su primer disco y no podía creer que estaba frente al sitio donde nació la leyenda. La calle, antes conocida como Westbury New Road, cambió oficialmente de nombre en 2017. Pude sentir la energía de mi heroína, que lo es también de toda la isla. La vía, que se encuentra en las afueras de Bridgetown, tiene dos filas de casas coloridas justo al otro lado de Spring Garden Highway desde el mar.
Miguel C. 35 años, odontólogo, Ciudad de México.
A Romantic Escape
We woke up late. The first sound we heard was waves breaking onto the white sand beach in front of our luxurious hotel room. The exuberant tropical surroundings and the calm, translucent waters were the ideal setting for the start of our new life as a couple. Barbados sets the perfect tone for a romantic escape to the Caribbean. Whether you’re coming to Barbados to get married, honeymoon (like us), or simply enjoy a couple’s escape, there are myriad romantic experiences to be discovered. This is where we began creating memories that will last a lifetime. We hope to come back on our first anniversary.
There’s a reason Barbados has been voted the best Caribbean destination for weddings and honeymoons.
Lucía y Walter, 27 y 30 años, recién casados, Santiago de Chile.
Family Adventures
Our family enjoys physical challenges, especially ones we can face together. Barbados did not disappoint, providing us with a new challenge every day. There are nine paths ready to be discovered. We explored some on foot, others on Ecobike electric mountain bikes with pedal assist. The natural beauty of the landscape was ample reward for our efforts. Each one of us could revel in a favorite water activity too: surfing, kitesurfing, diving, jet skiing, snorkeling, and standup paddleboarding. The highlight was a descent in the Atlantis submarine to view sea life from a different perspective.
Familia Fernández-Hinojosa, Bogotá (Colombia).
Submarino Atlantis
The Shallow Draught Bridgetown St. Michael.
Tel. +1 246 436 8929.
barbados.atlantissubmarines.com
eBike Island Adventures
Bike Caribbean
History Buff
I like nature, but for me, the greatest treasure lies in the human legacies of the sites I visit. In Barbados, I loved the beauty of the Andromeda Botanical Gardens and Hunte’s Gardens, but I also wanted to know how the English fondness for gardens translated to a tropical environment. I watched a cricket match at Kensington Oval, followed a Polo match at the Barbados Club, and toured the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, where I learned how British traditions adapted to their new Caribbean home. I visited Cheapside Market, observing what Barbadians sold and how they went about it. I appreciated the fresh, organic products and the local handicrafts.
Andromeda Botanical Gardens
Off Highway 3, Bathsheba.
Hunte’s Garden
Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully.
Kensington Oval
493G+XXV, Bridgetown.
Barbados Polo Club
5979+RMC.
En Facebook.
Ferrocarril St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage
Cherry Tree Hill St. Peter, BB26007.
Tel. +1 246 422 5357.
Your Story Awaits You in Barbados
Barbados welcomes people from around the world, and like its southern neighbors, it shares a love of carnival and beach culture. Take the time to experience the island’s uncomplicated lifestyle with its water sports marinas, exclusive boutiques, and popular sports like polo, golf, and sailing. There is a wide range of lodging available, including private villas that combine the comforts of home with the amenities of a 5-star hotel. If you’re looking for total relaxation, the island’s world-class spas are just the ticket. Copa Airlines (www.copa.com) connects the islands with Latin America twice a week, allowing travelers to explore this gorgeous destination that will undoubtedly charm you and draw you back to create new stories.
Further information at www.visitbarbados.org
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