Barbados: An unforgettable Caribbean adventure

Exploring the rich heritage and natural beauty of Barbados, from iconic Kensington Oval to pristine beaches

Barbados had been on my bucket list for a long time. A friend who visited the island several years ago had been recommending it for a while.  This June, I finally had a compelling reason to visit: the Men’s T20 World Cup Final at the iconic Kensington Oval.

Flying from San Francisco with a stopover in Panama City, I was not thrilled about the long flight to Barbados. Yet, the promise of the Caribbean paradise kept my spirits high. When we landed around 1:30 pm, the air was warm and heavy, enveloping me in a tropical embrace reminiscent of my childhood on the Malabar coast of India.

We traversed the island over the next several days, visiting its various hotspots and landmarks. Barbados, a small island with a maximum length of 21 miles and a width of 14 miles, can be thoroughly explored in about a week. Here are some recommendations if you plan to visit:

Rockley Beach: A canvas of blues

Our stay at an Airbnb right on Rockley Beach was nothing short of magical. The Caribbean Sea boasts a palette of blues, shifting with the sun’s movement. From my balcony, I watched the ocean transform from a white sandy beach to clear water, deepening to navy blue at the horizon. As the sun climbed the sky, the strokes of blue shifted, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

The Caribbean Sea’s warm water and gentle waves are perfect for less adventurous beach lovers like me. Walking several yards into the shallow sea, I spent hours feeling the calm waves nudge me gently, calming my cluttered mind.

Night walks and Atlantic adventures

Walking on the beach at night, with a light breeze brushing through my hair and stars twinkling above, was a treat to my senses and spirit. The experience was equally enchanting on the island’s east side, where the Atlantic Ocean tells a different story. The warm water and stronger waves of Bathsheba Beach shape rocks into fascinating formations, giving the impression that parts of the hill rolled down to cool off from the tropical heat.

Thrills and wonders at Harrison’s Cave

For thrill-seekers, Harrison’s Cave offers activities ranging from an obstacle course to a zipline. The cart ride through the cave is a journey back in time, showcasing tens of thousands of years of calcium deposits forming stunning stalagmites and stalactites. The crystal-clear water and quicksand sediments are a marvel to behold.

Culinary delights

Barbados is home to several great restaurants. My favorites include Fish Pot, Champers, and Tapas, located along various beaches. They offer a delightful array of seafood, from mahi-mahi to shellfish, in mouthwatering blends of spices and cream. Dining while watching the sunset and listening to the waves break is like a symphony to all the senses.

Fresh mangoes and tender coconut water are among the best I’ve ever tasted. The warm tropical rain of Barbados nourishes my soul, drenching me in minutes and then allowing the sun to dry me off almost immediately.

Fresh fish and local markets

For the freshest fish, Bridgetown’s fish market is a must-visit. At Pile Bay, you can buy freshly caught fish straight off the fishing boats. The hot grill there lets you barbecue the fish right on the spot, offering a taste of the ocean that’s unparalleled.

Kensington Oval

Perhaps the most famous landmark in Barbados is Kensington Oval, which has been hosting international matches since 1895. The stadium has hosted two World Cup finals: the 2007 Men’s 50-over championship and last month’s India-South Africa thriller, which I was privileged to watch. Kensington Oval stands as a permanent tribute to West Indian legends from Barbados, with various stands, ends, and the pavilion named after greats such as Sir Garfield Sobers, the Three Ws (Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes, and Clyde Walcott), Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall, and Joel Garner.

Other attractions

• Animal Flower Cave is the only accessible sea cave located under the North Point cliff in Saint Lucy Parish. You might spot sea anemones here.
• Carlisle Bay offers calm water, making it an ideal place to swim. The six shipwrecks here make it a great spot for snorkeling. Submarine and glass bottom tours run frequently.
• Drop by Hunte’s Garden to enjoy a lush environment with beautiful flowers of all colors.

A fond farewell

My take on Barbados would not be complete without talking about the beautiful people here. Bajans are the friendliest people I have ever seen. Make sure to take the time to talk to this awesome group of people.

As I climbed the steps of the plane to return to the US, I took a deep breath of the warm, humid Barbados air, already hoping for my next visit to this Caribbean paradise.

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Getting to Barbados

Barbados, located roughly 1,600 miles southeast of Miami, is the easternmost of the Lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean Sea. Reaching Barbados is relatively straightforward with several options available for international travelers. The island’s primary airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is situated in Christ Church, about 10 miles from the capital city, Bridgetown. Numerous major airlines offer direct flights to Barbados from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands. From the United States, cities like Miami, New York, and Atlanta have regular flights. European travelers can find direct routes from London and other major cities. Upon arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport, visitors can reach their accommodations via taxis, rental cars, or pre-arranged hotel shuttles. Additionally, cruise ships frequently dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, providing another popular way to visit the island.