Lifestyle Trend:Discover lifestyle trends, travel ideas, and practical tips related to Lifestyle Trend: What to do and where to stay You Should Know – You Should Know
Although there’s plenty to cheer about as winter rolls in – hello Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the return of Hocus Pocus – many of us will have already set our sights on next summer.
If that sounds like you, then you’re not alone. We’ve already found ourselves heading to Google to look up the best vacay spots for our next getaway. Yep, physically we’re lying on the sofa in a pair of pyjamas and fluffy socks, but mentally we’re in a bikini on a white sandy beach.
And if it’s white sandy beaches you’re after (same!), then perhaps a trip to Barbados is just what you need. From its incredibly tasty seafood (honestly, prepare for your jeans to fit a *tad* tighter on the return flight home), to the epic beaches and activities. Barbados has so much to offer…
Where to stay
The Rockley
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to be at the heart of the action, The Rockley in Bridgetown is a brilliant base. With a boutique B&B-style set-up, it feels intimate and personal, yet you’re right in the capital where the pace is lively and attractions are just a short walk or drive away. You can spend your mornings sipping coffee by the pool, then head straight into the bustle of Bridgetown for shopping, sightseeing or nightlife. It’s particularly great if you want flexibility – eat out at local spots, hop on a bus to explore, and return to somewhere central and stylish. It’s less about all-inclusive lounging and more about having the city on your doorstep, perfect for travellers who want their Barbados stay to be full of variety.
Sea Breeze Beach House
For families, multi-generational trips or anyone who prefers everything in one place, Sea Breeze Beach House ticks all the boxes. This beachfront resort has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, with plenty of pools, restaurants and direct access to soft white sand. It’s the kind of place where you can completely switch off – whether that means paddling in the sea with your kids, sipping a cocktail by the pool, or joining in with the resort’s water sports activities. The atmosphere is easy-going and sociable, so it’s ideal if you want entertainment and convenience without needing to plan every detail yourself.
O2 Beach Club & Spa
If indulgence is the goal, then O2 Beach Club & Spa is where you’ll want to check in. This adults-oriented retreat feels effortlessly glamorous, perfect for couples seeking romance or groups of friends who want to spoil themselves. The food and drink service on the beach is a game-changer – there’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled cocktail while your toes sink into the sand. The spa, positioned with sweeping views of the ocean, makes relaxation an art form, offering treatments that feel as restorative as the scenery itself. Beyond the pampering, the hotel oozes sophistication, from its sleek design to its carefully curated dining experiences. Out of everywhere I stayed, this was my favourite.
What to do
Horse Racing
A day at the Garrison Savannah Race Track isn’t just about horses – it’s about soaking up one of the island’s oldest traditions. Set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Bridgetown, the track comes alive on race days, with locals setting up picnics and families making a full day of it. The atmosphere is electric as the horses thunder past, and you’ll find yourself swept up in the cheers whether you place a bet or not. It’s a slice of authentic Bajan culture, mixing sport, socialising and plenty of rum-fuelled fun and singing!
Mount Gay Rum tour
Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and no trip is complete without a visit to Mount Gay, the world’s oldest rum distillery. The tour is part history lesson, part cocktail masterclass, walking you through how sugarcane became liquid gold. You’ll explore the distillation process, sip your way through tastings and even try mixing your own punch. It’s fun, interactive and leaves you with a whole new appreciation for the island’s most famous export. Plus, the gift shop is the perfect place to grab a bottle or two to take home in your suitcase and some great graphic t-shirts.
Tour around the island
Hiring a car is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the island. With a few hours behind the wheel, you can circle Barbados and discover how each corner has its own personality. The west coast dazzles with golden beaches and luxury villas (keep your eyes peeled for Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown), while the east coast is wilder and windswept, with dramatic Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs – a famous surf spot. Drive inland and you’ll pass lush sugarcane fields, rum shops tucked into tiny villages, and even mischievous green monkeys darting across the road. It’s the perfect way to see beyond the postcard beaches and uncover the real, everyday Barbados.
Catamaran cruise
There’s something very glamorous about spending a day on a catamaran. The cruises set sail from Bridgetown and glide along the platinum coast, where you’ll stop to snorkel with sea turtles and float over colourful reefs. Later, the crew whips up rum cocktails while you lounge on deck, sun on your face and reggae on the speakers. The highlight? Anchoring just off the shore to sip a drink in the water, gazing at the Sandy Lane mansions – a glimpse into how the other half holidays. It’s the kind of day that leaves you salty-haired, sun-kissed and completely in love with island life.
Hunte’s Gardens
For pure escapism, nothing beatsHunte’s Gardens. Hidden in the lush countryside, this botanical wonder feels like stepping into a fairytale. The gardens are set in a natural sinkhole, creating an intimate, jungle-like oasis where winding paths reveal towering palms and vibrant orchids. Every spot feels designed to surprise you, from unexpected stone statues to tucked-away benches perfect for a quiet moment to take in the scenery. Of all the experiences on the island, this was the one that felt the most special, a memory I’ll carry long after the tan fades.
Brighton Farmers Market
If you’re an early riser,Brighton Farmers Market on a Saturday morning is a gorgeous way to start the day. Locals and visitors alike gather under the trees and marquees to sip coffee, nibble fresh pastries and sample local dishes – make sure to try the salt fish bakes. Beyond the food, the stalls selling gifts and crafts make it a brilliant place to pick up something authentic to take home – all in a relaxed, non-touristy setting.
Where to eat
Oistins
Based in Christ Church, Bridgetown, no foodie trip to Barbados is complete without a night atOistins. This lively Friday night tradition is part street party, part seafood feast, with vendors grilling up the freshest catches of the day. Grab a plate of marlin or mahi-mahi, find a spot at one of the communal tables, and soak up the music and atmosphere. Oistins is just a short stroll from Sea Breeze Beach House, and for extra ease, all three Ocean Hotels run shuttle buses to and from the fish fry in the evenings, making it effortless to dive into the island’s best nightlife.
Cocktail Kitchen
For something a little more elevated,Cocktail Kitchen in St Lawrence Gap is a must-visit. The food is modern Caribbean, the cocktails are genuinely outstanding, and the rooftop views add an extra layer of cool to the experience. It’s laid-back, stylish and ideal for a date night. Some of the dishes we tried were oxtail and goats cheese croquettes and flying fish tacos.
Travel
British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Bridgetown, making the journey as simple as possible. The flight time is around eight and a half hours, and landing in Barbados feels worth every minute once you step off the plane and into the Caribbean sun.
Top tip
Keep an eye out for roadside coconuts – they’re fresh, cheap, and a delicious way to cool off in the heat. Travelling outside the high season can be a smart move too; while the summer is quieter, flights and hotels are much more affordable. And while there’s plenty to see and do, don’t underestimate the joy of simply sitting on the sand, sipping a (very strong) rum punch and letting the Caribbean waves set the pace.
 Jaime holds the position of UK Art Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing all things digital design across the brand. Her role encompasses the art direction of our digital covers, the animation of our forthcoming video franchises, designing Cosmo’s social media presence and the curation of the visual identity across Cosmopolitan UK. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Jaime has gained experience working with renowned brands including ELLE, Stylist Magazine, and Woman’s Health. Notably, her contributions to the world of design were recently recognised with the prestigious BSME’s 2023 Designer of the Year award. Find her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
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