Barbados: The Splendid Land of Sun and Sand

arbados beach at Foul Bay by Joe Ross, on Flickr
arbados beach at Foul Bay by Joe Ross, on Flickr

If a splendid land of sun, sea and sand is what those dark, cold nights have got you craving, look no further than beautiful Barbados for this year’s luxury holiday. Boasting thriving nightlife, idyllic beaches, vibrant festivals and mouthwatering cuisine, Barbados caters for active travelers seeking adventure, and those looking for a tranquil beach break. So bag yourself a bargain with a Thomas Cook Airline flight to Barbados and look forward to doing some of the following awe inspiring activities:

The only thing foul about Foul Bay is the strange and completely undeserved name! Flanked by rugged cliffs and covered in fine, white sand, Foul Bay is a wonderful spot to spend the day relaxing and unwinding with a gripping novel. The crashing waves here will put beaming smiles on the faces of avid body surfers as they provide a perfect opportunity to catch some killer waves. Nearby sits the renowned Sam Lord’s Castle, owned by the infamous buccaneer Samuel Hall, who used to lure ships into the reefs using inviting lights, ultimately robbing the ships of their valuables. This legendary spot is perfect for a secluded picnic and boasts stunning gardens and fountains.

For a visual banquet, don’t miss the Natural Wonders of Barbados tour where you’ll feast your eyes on verdant, rolling hills, journeying to underground caves crammed with meandering streams and spiky stalagmites and fields blooming with colorful orchids. You’ll also have the opportunity to glimpse some Bajan wildlife at the reserve, where green monkeys swing between branches and pink spotted Zenaida doves too.

Bajan culture and beauty. by coreycam, on Flickr
Bajan culture and beauty. by coreycam, on Flickr

The British influence is rife in Barbados, so don’t be surprised to find yourself sipping on English breakfast tea while enjoying an afternoon cricket match, as though you’re a character in a Jane Austen novel! For those wanting a true taste of authentic Bajan culture, however, this glittering island offers you the chance to truly immerse yourself in their vibrant customs. Sample some traditional Bajan rum on the Mount Gay Rum tour, where you’ll find yourself wandering through the factory, constantly slurping the islands famously spicy and sweet beverage. If you’re visiting in July, be sure to join the kaleidoscopic festivities of the Crop Over festival, a tradition continued from the 1600s when slaves would celebrate the end of backbreaking harvests. During the festival, the streets burst with elaborately dressed revelers, sumptuous food stands and the glorious sound of calypso bands – the Caribbean version of Mardi Gras is truly unmissable!

Widely regarded as the Caribbean’s cuisine capital, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding on which taste bud tantalizing restaurant to dine in. For seafood lovers, we recommend Cin Cin By The Sea where the seafood is so fresh you can still taste the salt from the warm Caribbean ocean. Sample classic dishes like tender jerk pork and crispy fried King fish, finishing off with a refreshingly classic cocktail. Bliss!