BARBADOS – A Caribbean Gem

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On the road again! Jacinta from Travelbiz joins the Bajan Roadshow at the Grafton Hotel in Dublin on March 12th. I met hoteliers, chefs, mixologists and musicians. The packed room (with decadent décor by the way) heard great speeches from Cheryl Carter, Cedric Lynch and Stacey Hutchinson (all Barbados Tourist Office) who were in turn passionate about their Caribbean jewel. In fact, from the intensity of their talk, it was apparent that they were feeling, living and breathing the island.

Barbados had a bumper year in tourism in 2023 and with Aer Lingus flying 3 times weekly (and more rotations in the pipeline!), Irish guests are expected to rise exponentially. There’s plenty to attract visitors too. Crop Over Festival is an amazing and chaotic flurry of fun and colour and a very special time on the island. Barbados will host the Cricket World Cup this year and PGA Legends tour also. But, food is at the centre of everything in Barbados and the island is fondly known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Chef Marvin Applewhaite demonstrated his skills and we tasted mouthwatering Bajan specialities.

Of course, we’ve all heard of Bajan rum (liquid gold!) and Barbados is the birthplace of rum. This was not a sales pitch from the devotees, but actual fact. Mount Gay rum is internationally renowned and talented mixologist, Philip Casanova, served spiced rum cocktails to melt the most cynical heart!

Barbados truly has a bit of everything – turquoise waters of the Caribbean lapping the west coast; rolling Atlantic breakers to the east and lots of nightlife around the south. Brilliant properties dot the island and range from 5 star luxe to more humble accommodations, but all offering value for money, great comfort and helpful staff. Barbados is a colourful island with friendly Barbadian people, fabulous food and wonderful scenery. There might even be a dollop of Caribbean sunshine in there too!