Barbados is one of my favourite places on the planet. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it has a real authentic Caribbean culture, an interesting colonial history, some of the regions friendliest people and amazing restaurants. But best of all, this paradise island of Barbados has some of the world’s best and most luxurious hotels and villas to and is one of the easiest islands to get to as there are daily direct flights from the UK.

Here are some of our suggestions of things not to miss when you are in Barbados

1. Oistins Fish Fry which is held every Friday and Saturday. This fish market in Christchurch is where fishermen bring in the local catch by day, and where a party atmosphere emerges by night. There’s Calypso music and dancing on stage, stalls selling arts and crafts and traditional Bajan BBQ food
2. Mount Gay Rum – enjoy a tour of a local Rum factory. This is a really interesting tour and lots of Rum tasting too!
3. Drive up to and into the Sugar Hills area to see the monkeys at play as they roam the woods freely
4. A day trip to the East side, will allow you to see the more rugged, wild and baron side of this wonderful island
5. The best beaches are located on the West Coast, and here is where many of the best hotels are located.
6. Dinning out is famous in Barbados. We love the following restaurants:   Lonestar, The House. Champers and Tides.  Eating out IS expensive but the views are the food are exceptional.  Please don’t forget to try eating out in a local restaurant too for the total Creole experience
7. Take some time to enjoy Holetown. Great local town with shopping for the rich and famous and the locals to, a town of real contrasts.
8. Bridgetown -great selection of shops and street markets, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with fascinating historic sites to explore. See the National Heroes Square, formerly Trafalgar Square – home to Lord Nelson’s statue. And marvel at St Michael’s Cathedral, the Bridgetown Jewish Synagogue and Parliament Buildings – all accessible by foot.  Great place for jewellery shopping too.
9. When arriving in Barbados there is ALWAYS long ques at passport control, often more than an hour. You can avoid the ques by paying for a FastTrack service, we really recommend this.  Queuing when you are tired after a long flight and its hot is not a nice way to start a holiday.
10. Why not enjoy sailing around the island on a catamaran and have a good chance to see turtles at play and even swim with them.