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The island of Barbados is one of the most popular destinations for stars to jet off to during the festive season, which makes it a great place for celebrity spotting. So, do you fancy sipping cocktails in Bridgetown with Rihanna, or strolling along the beach with Mariah Carey? Well, we can’t quite guarantee those things. But we can give you tips on how to make your Barbados holiday so special that you’ll feel like a VIP yourself. We’ve chosen the most luxurious things to do on the island, including everything from eating at the most A-list restaurants, the best snorkelling spots, and one of the Seven Wonders on the island.
We think there’s no other restaurant in Barbados quite like the Cliff restaurant. True to its name, it perches over a picture-perfect cove, where resident stingrays and tarpon glide through the water. In the evenings, it’s all about torch-lit decks and unrivalled sunset views, so it’s really romantic. FYI, it’s also the most celebrity-visited eatery on the island, so don’t be surprised if you come across a few famous faces. The menu is nothing short of mouth-watering, either. You can order Thai red curry mussels for your entrée, and then tuck into chargrilled swordfish, finishing it off with a signature fruit tart. Make sure you book ahead of your stay and dress to impress, though – it’s a VIP affair.
It goes without saying that Barbados has some of the best places to snorkel in the world. While you’re there, bury your toes into the talcum-white sands at Hastings Beach. With a shoreline that’s only disturbed by swaying palm trees, it has a real desert island feel. This is one of the top beaches to grab a snorkel and go swimming with turtles, too. The rich waters are home to the big three – hawksbills, leatherbacks and green turtles. Plus, these turtles come to nest in Barbados for most of the year, so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot them. Another popular place to swim is Carlisle Bay. It lies in the centre of a UNESCO-protected site, so marine life is guaranteed. Here, you can sign up to catamaran trips – very Simon Cowell-esque – where you’ll get to go diving. You’ll find lots of sunken shipwrecks beneath the surface, and they’re full of life, too. Expect shoals of brightly-coloured fish and turtles drifting through the waters.
Barbados prides itself on its world-class golf courses. And nestled in the heart of Sandy Lane, no less, you’ll find three spectacular places to hit the fairway. They all come with front-row views of Barbados’ platinum-coloured coastline, too. In fact, Tiger Woods loves Sandy Lane so much, he decided to get hitched there back in 2004. The Old Nine golf course takes the crown here, though. It’s the oldest and most prestigious course on the island, with tight, tree-lined fairways and small greens. Make sure to pack your best golf attire – this place is hot on looks. If golf isn’t your thing, though, there are still plenty of things to do here. In the grounds of Sandy Lane, you’ll find an unbeatable spa to unwind in, and little ones can get involved with all-day-long activities at the Treehouse Club. Alternatively, make tracks for Sandy Lane Beach to practise watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing and banana boats. Or, just chill out with a cocktail on your beach towel.
Harrison’s Cave is one of the top attractions in Barbados, topping many holidaymakers’ itineraries. This gigantic limestone underworld was first discovered in 1974, and is now known as one of the Seven Wonders of the island. And when you get inside, you’ll understand why. The sightseeing checklist ticks off spiky stalagmites and stalactites, glistening streams and plunging pools, to name a few. The main reason visitors flock underground is for the Great Hall. It’s a magnificent, 100-feet high chamber, featuring a tall and tumbling waterfall – it’s definitely worth a snap or ten for Instagram. Tour-wise, you’ll get to ride on a solar-powered tram, as well as exploring some of the caves on foot.
Thinking about the next destination for your own royal tour of the Caribbean? Why not find out about Jamaica, and how you can get VIP treatment.
Ready to do Barbados like a celebrity?
Have a scroll through our holidays to Barbados.
Author: Olivia Hunt
It’s only a 5-minute taxi ride to Bridgetown from Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados.
The award-winning Accra Beach Hotel & Spa is just footsteps from Rockley Beach - one of the best beaches in Barbados.
The Waves Barbados boasts a beach postcode, contemporary interiors and a peaceful spa area - all the ingredients of a relaxing retreat.
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