Barbados

The end of Barbados's sugar cane harvest see's a colourful celebrate known as Crop Over Festival, which culminates in the best party on the island; Crop Over Carnival!

The festival itself lasts for over 12 weeks from May onwards, and brings with it plenty of arts and crafts street markets, dusk 'til dawn parties and a wealth of delicious street food pop-ups, but all of this comes together in the most incredible way at the end of the festival with a big carnival. Watch in awe as performers dance in brightly coloured costumes and join the locals as they follow in suit to the beat of the steels drums until sunrise.

This crescent-shaped bay, besides boasting golden sands and beautifully calm blue waters, lies in the heart of an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located on the east coast of Barbados, Carlisle Bay is home not only to motorised water sports, but also a marine park that provides the perfect diving spot. With no less than six shipwrecks hidden beneath the surface and an abundance of sea creatures within, such as sea horses, rays, octopuses and turtles, to name just a few, it’s no wonder that these waters are some of the best for exploration.

Another popular beach on the island, Paynes Bay is a haven of gorgeous sunshine, crystal-clear waters and powder-soft sands.

What, then, separates this from other beaches in Barbados? Some say it’s the lively bar that satisfies all your food and drink needs throughout the day, others say it’s the stunning views of the boats on the horizon. And then there’s those that believe that the schools of turtles swimming idly around in the waters make this the ultimate snorkelling spot. Either way, we’re sure you’ll find your happiness on this most beautiful of beaches.

How’s this for a fun and rum-filled afternoon? Jump in a cab and head over to Barbados' Mount Gay visitor centre for this exceptional tour.

Mount Gay, the internationally distributed rum that Barbados is famous for, throws open their doors and invites visitors to indulge in a fascinating and tasty experience. Learn all about the world-famous brand taste the different flavoured rums that this illustrious company produces. Then, indulge in a delicious cooked lunch with an unlimited supply of rum punch. Warning: possible side effects could include uncontrollable giggling and a feeling of total elation.

Prepare to be amazed by the natural wonders of our world as you journey into a truly unique cavern. Originally discovered in the 1700s, Harrison’s cave is an impeccable exhibition of natural beauty.

Enter the underground wonderland and you’ll find yourself confronted with crystallised limestone caves that are littered with deep crystal-clear pools and astonishing water-eroded caverns. Spanning an incredible 2.3 kilometres, this cave will satisfy even the most avid of explorers. Situated on the same site as the cave is ‘De Heart Uh Barbados’, which is a cultural and natural exhibition exploring Barbados’s remarkable history.

For an adventurous expedition that will show you everything that this fantastic island has to offer, you absolutely have to take a trip in the 4x4s of the Barbados Island Safari.

Offering a range of packages, including coastal and land-based, or a combination of the two, there are few other ways to see the entire island in one tour. Venture through the lush forestland, see historical sights and get all the stories behind them from expert guides, get an up-close view of the some the most stunning coastlines the island has to offer. This tour is a guaranteed great day out.

The famous national dish of Barbados, Coucou, is world-renowned and simply must be sampled while you're on holiday here. Thankfully for you, we know where is best to try this tasty dish.

Brown Sugar, a quaint and cosy restaurant located just in-shore from Carlisle Bay, has been tipped as the place to serve the best plate of coucou in all of Barbados. Offering an all-you-can-eat buffet, meaning you get more than your money's worth, this restaurant is a perfect spot for lunch to escape the heat of the beach for a while. Come and indulge to your heart's content, and then spend the afternoon lounging in the Barbadian sunshine.

For lush landscape and exotic flowers, there is no other destination like Hunte’s Gardens. Designed by native Anthony Hunte, the Centennial Award-winning gardener has opened his home to inhabitants and tourists alike, so that they may admire the floral wonder that he has created.

Visitors to Barbados' gardens can expect stunning views of a series of exquisitely presented mini-gardens, all spread around an easily accessible path. Filled to the brim with effervescent colours and rare, fragrant and exotic plants, the gardens leave observers pulsating with happiness and reminiscing of floral aromas.