Barbados beyond the beach

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The Crane Resort in Barbados

When people think of vacationing in the Caribbean, they often imagine blue seas, swaying palms and possibly, that unmistakable snap of a plastic wristband or a buffet line that never seems to end. But in Barbados, indulgence is never one-size-fits-all; it’s personal, genuine and curated. Whether that means a private catamaran ride to a secluded snorkelling spot, a sumptuous seaside meal, or afternoon tea served with a touch of British charm, Barbados is here to remind you you’re exactly where you need to be.

The Crane: a warm welcome with a side of serenity

After a quick 10-minute drive from the airport, my partner and I were welcomed to The Crane Resort with open arms and a rum punch on arrival. With majestic ocean views and a pod of pools at the centre, the resort is both inviting and transportive. Once we settled in, we strolled over to Zen restaurant and said yes to multiple orders of sushi with waves crashing just below. I would go back for the Laughing Buddha Roll alone. This first night set the tone for our adventure: thoughtful luxury with a side of Bajan beauty.

Memorable moment: Our favourite part of The Crane was how it felt like home, complete with fully equipped suites that encourage you to relax into island life.

A day on the water and dinner with a view in Barbados

There is something unique about shifting your vantage point and taking in the landscape around you from a boat.

If you’re in Barbados, that experience should definitely be with Cool Runnings aboard their sleek luxury catamaran featuring bedrooms, bathrooms, air conditioning, a full bar and kitchen, snorkelling equipment, stand up paddleboards, an epic sound system and the friendliest crew.

Every detail felt designed with us in mind, something indicative of our entire time on the island. To cap off our second day in Barbados we went for dinner at well-known waterfront hotspot, Champers. We leaned into island flavours like coconut shrimp, spiced shrimp tacos and the special of the day which was fresh ahi tuna with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables.

Champers restaurant

Memorable moment: Our personal favourite was snorkelling in a quiet bay among sea turtles during our day on the water.

Atlantic vibes in Barbados: history and high tides

The next morning, we headed east. The Atlantic side of Barbados feels wilder, moodier and more rugged. While driving across the country, our wonderful driver Karon was kind enough to show us around and couldn’t help but beam with pride when asked about what makes the people of Barbados so special. “Everyone looks out for everyone. Everyone knows everyone. If you have clothes out on the line and it’s about to rain, your neighbour will bring them in for you.” The loyalty and sense of community among Bajan individuals is palpable and inspiring.

If you head east in Barbados, have lunch at the Atlantis Historic Inn and feel yourself stepping into a storybook where you get warm hospitality in a building that has stood for over a century. This is where we had our first Bajan fish cakes and it was easy to see why they’re a favourite among regulars. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy and full of flavour on the inside.

Later that evening, we stepped back into a world of fine dining at The Tides. We were seated in the tree house section, an open-air pavilion featuring four romantically lit casuarina trees growing out of the floor and through the roof. This spot has a whimsical feel to it, with the added bonus of incredible cocktails and a chef that clearly pays great attention to detail.

Memorable moment: At The Tides, I highly recommend the tartare of fresh Caribbean tuna with spicy watermelon and tomato gazpacho, and ending your meal with the sticky toffee pudding.

The grand finale in Barbados

On our final day, we indulged in a double dose of delicious at Sandy Lane, known for its golf course and pink decor. Lunch at Bajan Blue was laid-back luxury at its best, where we enjoyed elevated local flavours by the beach. This was followed by afternoon tea which was simply delightful and a nod to the island’s British history. With my partner being South African, we of course had to have the rooibos tea to compliment the tower of treats.

And then came our final dinner, at the brand-new UVA. A definite departure from the other restaurants we visited, UVA has a mediterranean flair with a hint of supper club energy with its modern aesthetic and dance music playing in the background. We couldn’t leave Barbados (nicknamed “the land of the flying fish”) without trying the restaurant’s flying fish “Boquerones Fritos Style” and it was an impressive and delicious dish. The crispy capers and anchovy aioli made it the superstar bite of the evening.

Sandy Lane

Memorable moment: Our meals at Sandy Lane and UVA Memorable were truly unforgettable.

UVA

What struck me the most about Barbados, above and beyond the ways it delivers on luxury, were the people that make this island so memorable. The warmth here is woven into every smile, every perfectly timed rum punch and every thoughtful detail. A wonderful local man we met named Andre summed it up best: “I live where most people dream to vacation.”

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