By George Coyle
If you’re looking for a family getaway spot with sun, sand and excellent amenities, put Barbados at the top of your list. It’s perfect. One of the best Caribbean destinations we have visited as a family, the small, tropical island is absolutely stunning. No wonder it’s a haunt for A-list travellers.
Upscale, safe and famous for its cuisine, hospitality and beaches, this place also has plenty of compelling, family-friendly attractions. Even the weather was perfect during our visit.
We stayed on the island’s western side, known as the Platinum Coast, and had our own villa through Blue Sky Luxury (blueskyluxury.com). This is an option I’d definitely recommend. Situated in exclusive Saint James, the chic three-bedroom, three-bath property had ample living space, a private plunge pool and it was stocked by Trident Wines, to the delight of mom and dad. The kids were equally delighted to have their own rooms and the location was ideal—just five minutes from the beach. Blue Sky also has a concierge service, which means they can take care of anything and everything for you, from stocking the fridge to booking restaurant reservations.
Another white-glove service provider, Blue Isles (blueisles.com), took care of all our island needs and transportation, even fast-tracking us through customs. This allowed us to truly have a relaxed, easygoing holiday.
There were many captivating things to do, including a private outing on the Seaduced II, a deluxe 62-foot catamaran from Seaduced Luxury Charters (seaducedbarbados.com). Ultra-upscale, equipped with an abundance of water toys and with room for 20 guests, it was spectacular. The food was fabulous and both the captain and staff were gracious. We swam with sea turtles, anchored for lunch and relished the adventure.
While in Barbados, a visit to Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park is also a must, especially if you’re travelling with kids. The natural wonder was first discovered at the end of the 18th century and today you can take a tram ride through the magnificent limestone cavern that’s home to icicle-like stalactites hanging from the ceiling, as well as streams and waterfalls. The site offers additional eco-adventures and we did the ziplining tour. It was exhilarating to soar through the trees en famille and, naturally, the kids wanted to do it again.
St. Nicholas Abbey is another attraction we visited. The centuries-old plantation offers lots to see and do, including a heritage tour of the on-site Jacobean mansion, a rum experience tour of the sugar mill and distillery and a heritage railway tour that takes you on a unique journey through the grounds. If you’re a rum lover, a history buff or a fan of trains, be sure to check it out.
Our youngsters Austin and Olivia got a huge kick out of horseback riding with Codrington Riding Stables at the National Botanical Gardens. Olivia was beyond thrilled, since it was her first time riding a horse and horseback riding had been on her wish list for years. Thankfully, there was a professional jockey, plus an assistant, to keep us safe and moving. I was on a Clydesdale, which was nerve-racking at first, but by the end we all had the hang of things and felt comfortable. It was a magical day.
The Bajan foodie experiences were also exceptional. Barbados is a considered a culinary destination and we were lucky enough to dine at some of its top restaurants. The Cliff, an elegant beachfront venue, is a go-to for the rich and famous and what stood out, for us, was the level of service and attention to detail. For instance, the bread cart arrived with over 10 different options. Also, the wine list and by-the-glass offerings were beyond impressive. Dining at a table outside on the ocean’s edge, listening to waves crash, is amazing.
Paul Owens at the Beach House is another star on the dining scene. Acclaimed chef Paul Owens was executive chef at The Cliff for 25 years before opening this beautiful courtyard dining spot with its water fountains, torches and beachy vibe. You’ll want to try the seafood here.
Champers Restaurant is another upscale waterside dining place with a captivating setting and food to match. It’s located on the picturesque south coast and the indoor view is also noteworthy: there’s an art gallery on site.
You’ll also want to check out The Lone Star Barbados, a boutique hotel and restaurant where you can dine right on the beach. Not only is it chic, laid back and family-friendly (there’s a pizza oven), it’s also a celebrity hangout so you can people-watch as you dig in.
Finally, the meal we’ll probably remember the most is the one prepared just for us, at the villa, by five-star chef Trevon Stoute of tstoute.com. What a feast! For starters, the kids were served wild hibiscus spritzers. There was also a side of flaming lemons to squeeze into our soup, unbelievable stuffed ravioli and decadent rack of lamb for our main. (The kids devoured it, bone in hand.) Dessert was a trio of mini gourmet sweets. It was a truly luxurious taste of Barbados and a treat you’ll want to enjoy with your own family.