To tell you why I love Barbados so much is difficult to sum up in a few brief sentences. It has to be the combination of the many contributory factors which make this tropical island so special. That’s why Barbados has so many repeat visitors each year. One trip is definitely not enough! That fact is proven by the number of ex pat Brits for example who choose to live in Barbados or who own holiday villas and come as often as they can “escape” here. Take my situation for example, I came for a week’s holiday with a girlfriend, immediately got the bug and went back a few weeks later, then brought the family for Christmas and by the following year had purchased my own little piece of Paradise! The minute I stepped out onto Barbadian soil I knew it was a special place, I got it immediately! 

OK, so why then Barbara? Well the local Barbadians are very friendly; their smiles are infectious and genuine and make you feel like life is good. It’s a difficult concept to grasp at first but believe me it’s true! The relaxed atmosphere and easy pace of living are in stark contrast to the rat race I left behind.

Then there’s the weather: Us Brits like to talk about the weather so I won’t disappoint! It is amazing with a constant 30c temperature all year around and is particularly wonderful in the winter months with a cooling breeze from the Trade winds. No wonder the island is packed with so many people who come from all over the world between January and March. If you are looking for a place to stay you need to plan ahead, especially for popular spring break weeks and at Easter time.

For a beach girl like myself, Barbados has the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. With sugar- white sand and crystal clear aqua blue seas along the coastlines of the Atlantic and Caribbean seas. Personal favourites for me are Crane Beach in St Philip, named “one of the Ten Best Beaches in the World” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. But my absolute favourite is Brownes Beach which overlooks the lovely Carlisle Bay on the south coast which is often dotted with small boats and catamarans. Carlisle Bay is also home to many shipwrecks which in turn are home to tropical fish, frog fish, seahorses and more! If you’re a scuba diver be sure to visit Carlisle Bay. Marine life is plentiful and with an array of spectacular species. You can swim up close and personal with the turtles from the boats and catamarans and also snorkel to see the shipwrecks. The catamarans sail daily and provide lunch and a free bar, dancing and music and great frivolity! Are you starting to get why I love Barbados so much?

The island is bustling with things to do and places to see. In the evening visit St. Lawrence Gap which is the famous hotspot in Christ Church. It’s a hive of fun, adventure and activity on the southern side of the island. Just one strip of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs all within walking distance of each other.

You may have heard about Oistins? What is it? I hear you say. Oistins is a fishing town on the south coast and is a hub of activity on Friday night particularly. Go to the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens. Try some excellent fish, (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish), lobster, chicken etc served in an extremely informal setting. It’s all cooked on the spot in front of you. Amongst the diners, the old-timers are playing dominoes. But there are also art and craft items on sale.The music is great and gets progressively hard core later into the night. Mosey onto Lexie’s bar and watch the old-timers ballroom dancing. Oistins is where I met my husband so has a HUGE place in my heart.

The BIG BIG BIG reason why I love Barbados so much is the great friendships I have made in a relatively short time. I can’t imagine life without them. We have a great sense of community spirit and camaraderie and I love it! Nowhere else but Beautiful Barbados!

I’m Barbara Trotman, owner of Vacation Rentals in Barbados. Please feel free to view our luxury vacation lettings of beach condos, apartments and suites.