Balmy breezes, white sand and turquoise water

Awash in balmy breezes, lush wildlife, and steeped in history that includes real pirates of the Caribbean, the island of Barbados has long captivated visitors from far and wide. It was named Los Barbudos or “the bearded ones” by the Spanish after the island’s fig trees which have a bearded appearance with their long vine-like hanging roots. This eastern-most Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles is quite unique in that it was formed by the merging of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates, rather than volcanic eruptions.

Real pirates of the Caribbean once sailed these seas

Barbados was home to two famous buccaneers—Stede Bonnet and Sam Lord—whose swashbuckling exploits have inspired Hollywood films romanticizing the subject. Stede Bonnet was a retired British army major who befriended the dreaded Blackbeard himself, and raided ships until he was caught and hung for piracy in 1718, while Sam Lord was a rogue who is said to have lured and plundered unwary ships to their demise on the coral reefs skirting the island by hanging lanterns from coconut trees on his estate.

Barbados is beautiful

The colorful history of Barbados lends a roguish dash of romance to the island’s spectacular allure. Its year-round temperature remains a warm 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit with refreshing northeasterly trade winds, and boasts white sand beaches, plenty of water sports, shopping, dining, and sightseeing that includes shipwrecks littering the ocean floor.  

Sightseeing Highlights

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

A primeval wood with a tropical twist

The animals in this reserve roam freely in a lush mahogany grove across the road from the Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter. It has the feel of a primeval wood with a tropical twist, where long vines hang from above and dense vegetation clings with mist. Rustic stone paths meander through this piece of paradise that is home to monkeys, brocket deer, agouti, turtles, iguana, caimans, flamingoes, peacocks, and a host of exotic birds.

Farley Hill National Park

Romantic ruins of Farley Hill

Located in St. Peter near the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, this 17-acre property is nestled among mahogany trees, and affords spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, making a lovely picnic spot. Several times a year Farley Hill holds musical and theatrical events, such as the Barbados Jazz Festival. The ruins of the great 19^th-century manor on the property are overgrown with moss, and lend an old world grace to the landscape and its stone relics.

Welchman Hall Gully

This rain forest has a heady, tropical scent

This tropical rainforest is a sensual delight for hikers and nature lovers, right in the heart of the island. With its light showers and fragrant mists, the moist air of the gully is redolent of the rich soil, dense vegetation, and hints of the tangy sea. One gets the feel for what the island might have been like centuries ago when it was first discovered in all its wild and uninhabited splendor.

Harrison’s Cave

Water from Barbados’s underground lakes is among the purest in the world

Considered one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean, Harrison’s Cave makes for an unforgettable tour with its shimmering pools, calcite crystals, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. The sparkling clear water from the island’s underground lakes is naturally purified from the mineral deposits, and the source of all of Barbados’s drinking water.

St. Nicholas Abbey

This mansion dates back to 1658

This historical landmark is a gracious Jacobean mansion built in 1658. The plantation and its buildings appear as they did for several centuries, and include the great house, a distillery known for its handcrafted rum, a boiling house, and the plantation itself. The residence is open for touring by the public and includes a short historic film that provides a fascinating glimpse of life on the island around 1935. Large trees with outstretched limbs beckon with the romance of a bygone era, transporting one back in time.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery

This is the world’s oldest rum distillery

No trip to the Caribbean is complete without dipping into its rum and pirate history, and a visit to Mount Gay Rum Distillery spikes one’s sightseeing experience with a dash of spicy history and pirate lore. This ranks as the world’s oldest rum distillery dating back to 1703, and conjures images of rum-swilling pirates of yore.

This magnificent tree is just one of many on the island

Although the island of Barbados and its history are fascinating, the people are what make it most enchanting. Warm and friendly, the locals have an easy-going charm that make one feel instantly welcome. Everything about the island is captivating: from its intriguing and variegated history, to its colorful Caribbean architecture, and its British colonial appeal evident throughout the culture. But at the end of the day, long after the sun has set, and the crickets awaken with their nightly chorus, it is a beguiling blend of all these things that thoroughly seduce visitors, leaving one forever smitten by this coral island.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery Entrance

It was interesting to learn about how rum is made (from sugar cane) and fun to roam the gift shop where we bought some rum and rum cakes to take back home.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery Historical Machinery

What I found most fascinating is the historical aspect of the distillery, being world’s oldest rum. Naturally, this conjured up images of pirates and their precious barrels of rum! The rum is sold in bottles of all shapes and sizes, but the gallon size (which is not exported to the United States) truly fits the popular illustration of a pirate swilling rum.

Mount Gay Rum Tasting Room

Incidentally, Barbados was home to two famous pirates of the Caribbean: Sam Lord (who lured and plundered unwary ships to their demise on the coral reefs by hanging lanterns on the coconut trees on the island) and Stede Bonnet (a retired British army major who befriended the dreaded Blackbeard himself and plundered ships until he was caught and hung for piracy in 1718).

Mount Gay Rum History of the Distillery

No trip to the Caribbean is complete without delving into its rum and pirate history, so our tour of Mount Gay Rum lent our sightseeing experience a historical edge spiked with pirate lore.

Barbados Related Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine Tour, Barbados

Welchman Hall Gully Barbados

St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados

Farley Hill National Park, Barbados

Harrison’s Cave Barbados

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Atlantis Submarine Tour Barbados

After a short ferry ride on a boat that took us out to sea, we boarded the submarine and then descended to a depth between 115-150 feet. Our tour guide was very informative as he spoke of the marine life and history of the area.

Inside Atlantis Submarine Barbados at a depth of over 100 feet

Visibility was excellent, and the submarine itself was roomy and comfortable, with large viewing windows.

Atlantis Submarine Tour School of Fish

We saw fish of all shapes, sizes and colors, (swimming in schools or alone) sea turtles, crustaceans (including lobster), the coral reef, and even a sunken ship (although this ship was purposely sunk to aid in the proliferation of marine life, it was still a captivating sight). And although I am one who easily gets seasick, I did not have a problem on this tour, other than slight queasiness which was mostly due to the rough sea conditions and inclement weather that day.

Atlantis Submarine Tour Exhibit Barbados

After the tour – which lasted about 40 minutes total – we surfaced and boarded the ferry boat, where we were offered a variety of beverages (assorted soft drinks and rum punch) to sip while being transported back to the dock.

Atlantis Submarine Tour Shipwreck Barbados

Because of its popularity, I suggest booking this tour in advance or online to avoid lines and delays.

Related Barbados Attractions:

Welchman Hall Gully Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados
Farley Hill National Park, Barbados
Harrison’s Cave Barbados
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

Welchman Hall Gully Rainforest and Pond

We went hiking through the gully with our two children (ages 7 and 9) who loved the outdoor experience.

Welchman Hall Gully Cave

Along the way we saw many millipedes that are harmless but fascinating to children especially. We also saw a large toad nestled among the rocks.

Welchman Hall Gully Millipedes

With its light showers and mists, the moist air of the gully is redolent of the rich soil and flora, with hints of the sea in the distance. We were given umbrellas to take along to keep dry (which we borrowed free of charge by the entrance to the gully where we parked).

Welchman Hall Gully Rainforest

We walked along the stone path for about 30 minutes before returning. What was especially nice is we had the gully all to ourselves! This made the experience more exciting as we imagined hiking through the island back in time when it was first discovered.

Welchman Hall Gully Stone Hiking Path

Related Barbados Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine Tour, Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados
Farley Hill National Park, Barbados
Harrison’s Cave Barbados
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

St. Nicholas Abbey Mansion Barbados

The plantation and its buildings appear as they did for several centuries, and include the great house, a rum and sugar bond, a boiling house, and the plantation itself.

The residence is open for touring by the public where one can see the drawing room, dining room, study and hallway leading up the staircase.

St. Nicholas Abbey Drawing Room

The upper floor is closed for viewing in order to preserve the home’s privacy and integrity.

St. Nicholas Abbey Dining Room

Just outside in the courtyard are Lance and Baby – both cockatoos are pets of the plantation and enthralled our children.

Lance and Baby Cockatoos

The Boiling House is comprised of a steam mill, a syrup plant (where raw cane juice is converted into sweet syrup or molasses), and a distillery known for its handcrafted quality rum.  The rum and sugar bond offers tasting of the special aged rum which is quite delicious.

St. Nicholas Abbey Boiling House Distillery

Visitors can purchase rum, brown sugar, molasses and other homemade products and crafts, or just browse the museum with its interesting artifacts and photos. There is a 20 minute historic film that provides a fascinating glimpse of life on the island around 1935.

St. Nicholas Abbey museum rum and sugar bond

The Terrace Café has a delicious light lunch menu that can be enjoyed while overlooking the Plantation’s lush tropical gullies. After touring the great house and the rum and sugar bond, we sat on the terrace where we enjoyed fresh fish sandwiches and salads. I found the views of the gullies to be tranquil and restorative.

St. Nicholas Abbey Terrace Cafe

Birds with glossy black feathers hovered near us in hopes for some crumbs. The children were delighted to indulge them.

St. Nicholas Abbey Black Birds

After touring the sites and stopping for lunch, we roamed about the plantation where we enjoyed the lush landscaping and views. The children ran through the grounds, expending their seemingly endless energy before we left.

St. Nicholas Abbey Boiling House Distillery Grounds

Related Barbados Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine Tour, Barbados
Welchman Hall Gully Barbados
Farley Hill National Park, Barbados
Harrison’s Cave Barbados
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

Farley Hill National Park Barbados

Several times a year, Farley Hill holds musical and theatrical events, such as the Barbados Jazz Festival. This lovely park makes a popular picnic spot for people of all ages.

Farley Hill National Park Playground

There is a fenced off playground area with swings, slides and seesaws for children to run and play as well.

Farley Hill National Park Children’s Play Area

Although one cannot walk through the ruins because they are no longer open for exploration for safety reasons, one can take photos and imagine the once opulent mansion that graced this tranquil park.

Admittance to the park is free, but there is a small charge for parking your car. Our children enjoyed running through the grassy landscape, while we roamed about taking pictures of the ruins.

Farley Hill National Park Ruins

Related Barbados Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine Tour, Barbados
Welchman Hall Gully Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados
Harrison’s Cave Barbados
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

Amazing rock formations throughout Harrison’s Cave

It is a massive stream cave system at least 2.3 kilometers/ 1.4 miles long, with its largest cavern, the Great Hall measuring 15 meters/ 50 feet high. The cave’s interior temperature is an average 27 degrees Celsius/ 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Harrison’s Cave caverns and underground water systems

Named after Thomas Harrison who owned much of the land in the area in the 1700s, Harrison’s Cave was officially opened to the public in 1981. Because it is the most popular tourist attraction on the island of Barbados (bringing in busloads of tourists from visiting cruise ships especially), is it advised to book in advance and purchase tickets online to avoid lines and delays.

An island of stalagmites in Harrison’s Cave Barbados

The tour itself is a very comfortable 40 minute tram ride with an informative guide who explains the cave’s history and formation, and answers any questions. The tram makes several stops throughout the tour so that people can disembark the tram to take photos of the marvels within.

Harrison’s Cave 40 minute tram ride

The sparkling clear water from the island’s underground lakes and cave systems is naturally purified from the mineral deposits, and the source of Barbados’ drinking water. It is amongst the purest in the world.

Harrison’s Cave underground lake Barbados

Captivating people of all ages with its geological splendor, Harrison’s Cave is one attraction you must see when visiting Barbados.

Harrison’s Cave Stalagmites and Stalactites Barbados

Related Barbados Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine Tour, Barbados
Welchman Hall Gully Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados
Farley Hill National Park, Barbados
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

Better than a traditional zoo, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is an open sanctuary in the Grenade Hall Forest where animals roam freely in a lush mahogany  grove across the road from the Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter. It has the feeling of a primeval wood with a tropical twist, where long vines stretch from above and dense vegetation clings with mist. Rustic stone paths guide explorers through this piece of paradise.

After parking in the lot, we entered the reserve which is surrounded by a beautiful wall of stone and intricately worked wrought iron that seems to transport one back in time.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve wall of stone

There is a lovely canopied area just outside the entrance where people can picnic at the wood tables and benches nestled by the reserve. A sense of tranquility pervades the atmosphere, much like the fragrant mist that imbues the air.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve canopied picnic area

As a parent, I felt very comfortable allowing my children – ages 7 and 9 – to roam at their own paces because the reserve is small and contained, compared to huge sprawling zoos with countless exhibits. The animals are comfortable in their own natural environment, and as such, are not shy and seemed to watch us with as much curiosity as we watched them. We were able to observe them eat, play and interact with the other animals.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve peacock

The Barbados Green Monkeys are probably the most popular residents at the reserve. We got close enough to take as many photos as we wished, while just enjoying their company.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve monkeys!

We also saw lots of Brocket Deer, agouti, rabbits, turtles, tortoises, iguanas (up to 5 feet in length), caimans, flamingoes and peacocks.

One of several deer that we saw at the reserve

There are caged snakes including a reticulated python, as well as beautiful parrots and other exotic birds in a walk-through aviary.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve reticulated python

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve was one of the highlights of our stay in Barbados and a real treat for the entire family.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve iguanas

Related Barbados Attractions:

Welchman Hall Gully Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados
Farley Hill National Park, Barbados
Harrison’s Cave Barbados
Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados

View of the Hilton hotel and waves from the beach

Barbados – “Los Barbudos” – or the bearded ones – was named by the Spanish after the island’s fig trees which have a bearded appearance with their long vine-like hanging roots. It is the eastern-most Caribbean island and quite unique in that it was formed by the merging of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates, rather than volcanic eruptions. This coral island with all white sand beaches has pure drinking water right from the tap, filtered naturally by the limestone rocks of the island.

We first visited Barbados in 1997 during a luxury cruise of the Caribbean islands, and were instantly enchanted. Never having forgotten it, we decided to take our two children and visit once again recently. We were not disappointed.

View of the beach from our Hilton hotel room

Traveling from the West Coast United States, we had to take 2 flights going, but the flights were comfortable and without incident. The return trip – 2 flights also – were not as pleasant mostly due to the customs procedures in Miami, Florida. One feels like cattle being shuffled through line after endless line, where our baggage had to be collected and rechecked with all the long tedious security measures involved. We had to run to catch our connecting flight, which was very full. A word of caution: always travel with snacks on hand for yourself and family in the eventuality that the airline does not serve a meal. This was the case on our return flights, though going did provide one.

Sunset on the beach in Barbados in front of our hotel

Once we landed in Barbados, we were greeted by the delightful northeast trade winds as we stepped out of the airplane and down the stairs outside where we made our way to the customs and baggage claim area in the Grantely Adams International Airport.  With a maximum daily temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and those balmy trade winds, the weather is consistently mild and comfortable.  Barbados is considered one of the safest and lowest crime islands in the Caribbean because the Barbadian police have zero tolerance for any suspicious behavior. There is also a 97% literacy rate which makes it easy to communicate and get around.

View of the pools and beach from our hotel balcony

We stayed at the Hilton in Bridgetown which suited our needs perfectly. Located at  Needham’s Point St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados BB 11000, it is just a 20 minute drive from the airport (this is especially nice after a long day of travel with children).  We had made prior arrangements through the hotel to have a taxi transport us there from the airport safely and directly. Our spectacular Caribbean Ocean view suite had three balconies, mini bars, and high speed internet access available for a daily fee. There is daily maid service and nightly turn-down service complete with chocolates on the pillow and all the bottled water you can drink, free of charge. The staff at the hotel is warm, friendly and very helpful.

One of the pools at the Hilton Barbados

Because the hotel is uniquely situated on its own peninsula, its beach is dedicated to hotel guests and quite secure without vendors or solicitors wandering about. There are 2 protected sandy beaches: one with waves which is perfect for boogie boarding or body surfing, and one calm beach which is great for leisure swimming or snorkeling. Both are ideal for kids of all ages.

White sand beaches of Barbados

The hotel has 2 large swimming pools, a hot tub, a toddler pool (1 foot deep), and a health club. Two onsite restaurants – The Grille and The Lighthouse Restaurant – offer delicious food, while The Water’s Edge Bar is a pool-bar gazebo that provides casual lunch or snacks and a full range of exotic cocktails. There is also 24 hour room service available for in-room dining convenience.  This hotel also offers babysitting services, a childcare center, children’s activities, and a business center.

There is much to do and see while in Barbados. From snorkeling, swimming and other water sports, to fishing, golf, tennis, exploring shipwrecks, and plenty of sightseeing and shopping. We visited the Barbados Wildlife Reserve (one of the highlights of our sojourn and an absolute delight for the children), Farley Hill National Park, Welchman Hall Gully (where we hiked through a lush tropical rain forest in the heart of the island), Harrison’s Cave (a spectacular site full of stalactites and stalagmites with underground lakes and waterfalls sparkling with calcite crystals), Atlantis Submarine (where we toured the coral reef and marine life at a depth of 115-150 feet), St. Nicholas Abbey (this historical landmark Jacobean mansion was built in 1658), and the Mount Gay Rum Distillery (the world’s oldest rum distillery dating back to 1703).

Stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison’s Cave Barbados

Our Moke car rental for touring the island

We rented a 4 passenger moke (an open air mini vehicle: convertible without doors) to get around the island, although driving on the left side of the road in the British tradition, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car was a challenge for us Americans, but one we met with enthusiasm. Our children – ages 7 and 9 – were great sports about the sightseeing, making it fun for us to go exploring the island’s history and natural geographical treasures without much complaining from them at all, although most children are perfectly content to spend their days at the beach and pool, playing in the water.

Brown Sugar Restaurant Barbados

A typical day for us began with a light continental breakfast provided by the hotel featuring a wide selection of hot and cold cereals, assorted rolls, muffins and pastries, cold cuts, fresh smoked fish, fresh fruit, juices, coffee and tea. We then ventured out for a few hours of sightseeing followed by winding down at the beach and pools, then dining at one of the onsite or nearby offsite restaurants.

We ate at the Brown Sugar Restaurant which offers fresh and delicious Caribbean cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and Champers Wine Bar and Restaurant which was another fantastic dining experience, boasting a gourmet menu, and situated atop a rocky hill overlooking the sea with the eddying tide crashing below. For evening and night activities such as dinner, I strongly suggest traveling via taxi which can easily be arranged through your hotel. It is challenging enough to drive around during the day as it is.

Although the island and its history are fascinating, the people are what make it most enchanting. Warm, friendly, open, and helpful, the people of Barbados have an easy-going charm that make one feel instantly welcome and comfortable.

Atlantis Submarine Barbados

Everything about the island: the sights, sounds and smells, the wildlife, the history (including real pirates of the Caribbean), and shipwrecks that litter the ocean floor just off the Barbadian coast, the colorful Caribbean architecture that appears to be in a charming perpetual state of slight dilapidation, the British colonial appeal evident throughout the culture, the balmy breezes, the nightly chorus of the crickets, the fragrant rains that stir up a heady blend of earthy-sea spray – make it an absolute sensual paradise.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery – oldest rum distillery in the world

Not your typical commercialized tourist spot, Barbados retains an inviting and nostalgic charm that is unspoiled and alluring.