Barbados: My 4-Day Itinerary
The sea breeze hit me immediately as I exited the plane and descended the stairs to the concrete tarmac. So too, did the island heat.
Just a few steps and then, a beautiful welcome greeted us: professional dancers in wide girth skirts gliding and spinning to the sound of steel pan drums. For good measure, a banner of a beaming Rihanna staring down at us with a confident grin and her beachy waves. Welcome to Barbados.
In partnership with Support Your Girlfriends and the island’s tourism board, our weekend itinerary was ambitious and packed with cultural, community and culinary moments. Planning a quick getaway to Barbados? These are some of the highlights:
WHERE TO STAY
Located only about 15 minutes from the airport, the rooms at the Crane Resort are incredibly generous. Some suites boast a kitchen and pool, and many offer tranquil ocean views. Even the non-suites include a Jacuzzi bathtub and balcony. The resort features multiple pools and also affords its guests with private beach access. Sample the food here — it is incredibly satisfying and the menus are versatile (more on this below). The rum punches are perfectly spiced and quite potent — the first one comes as a welcome drink during check-in. One of these can knock you right off of your feet; two will take you on quite a trip.
WHAT TO DO
Oistins Fish Fry
Friday nights in Barbados are easy — do as the locals do and head to Oistins Fish Fry for fried or grilled seafood and a jump-up fete involving DJs and sometimes, a live band. For a meal, think tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish, shrimp, lobster, chicken — but be prepared: the food lines can be excruciatingly long. Wear comfy footwear and come ready to dance the night away.
Atlantis Submarine
Full disclosure: I was intimidated by the thought of traveling 120 feet below the water’s surface. Prior to boarding, recent headlines of a submarine voyage gone bad flooded my mind. A boat took us out to The Atlantis and one by one, we descended into the vessel and found a seat along either side of the vehicle. The fish were plentiful. We floated through schools and schools of them, using the picture legend next to each window to easily identify yellow tailed-this or loggerhead-that. The submarine music soundtrack is worthy of note: be prepared to sing your heart out to an peppy, ocean-themed playlist.
Rihanna Drive
Located on the outskirts of the capital city of Bridgetown, you’ll find the childhood home of Robyn Rihanna Fenty, now renamed Rihanna Drive. Witnessing this global superstar’s humble beginnings is awe-inspiring and walking the same street that featured prominently in her Super Bowl Halftime Show commercials is exhilarating for any true fan. It is worth the drive to stand on hallowed ground and snap a quick shot.
WHAT TO EAT
Champers
Stunning water views compete with delectable fine dining at the extraordinary Champers restaurant located on the island’s southern coast. The sea water appears to glow by moonlight, and provides an idyllic backdrop to your meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the coconut shrimp and the decadent double chocolate torte. A fan of arts and culture? Be sure to visit the art gallery on the restaurant’s top floor while you’re there.
The Carriage House
Located poolside at the Crane Hotel, The Carriage House has a diversified lunch offering that’s sure to satisfy. The grilled kebabs boast large, succulent shrimp or chicken cubes — expertly seasoned and grilled — with colorful bell peppers stacked evenly in between. The chicken roti entrée is a filling and delicious foray into the island’s local cuisine. And don’t forget to wash it all down with the hotel’s signature rum punch cocktail.
Chefette
This unique restaurant chain is native to Barbados and surprisingly delicious considering that it’s technically “fast food.” Roti takes center stage on this menu — order yours vegetarian or with your choice of meat, and with or without chickpeas in the roti dough. Ice cream made on the islands tends to be incredibly rich and you’ll find nothing less when you order a cone here (choose double or single scoop). I highly recommend the salted caramel, or if you’re not interested in dairy, cool down with an alcohol-infused popsicle (try the mimosa or rum punch flavors).
