A Bajan Celebration

They say if you come to Barbados , you come to do two things – eat well and celebrate life. And you are well on your way to accomplishing both if you’ve made it to this Bajan paradise. Something about the coastal life and salty air brings a relaxed attitude, only further accentuated by a colorful fruit punch or rum punch in your hand on arrival!

You’ve got to indulge in the fresh seafood and produce wherever you go. Nothing provides quite the introduction as the weekend fish fry at Oistins. It might appear that residents from all the islands have descended upon a few blocks of restaurants and eateries to enjoy fresh catch, music, community, and good times. Get here early as the lines are long or get here late and enjoy conversations and dancing as you wait for your turn to place an order. We’re talking one big outdoor party with communal tables and casual dining. A few different varieties of fish and sides are up for grabs.

Another experience to immerse yourself into the Bajan lifestyle is the Food Truck Experience at Worthing Food Square Garden . This outdoor food hall is filled with unique street food canteens and pop-up food trucks, each offering their own unique cuisine and dishes from around the Caribbean. Very relaxed outdoor space with live music to accompany your meal and rustic tables and chairs everywhere. From pizza and pasta to rice and curry, you will find everything here. Spending an evening enjoying tastes from different trucks in the company of friends is always time well spent.

For a nice seated dinner with live music, head to Sea Shed . The outdoor dining venue offers lovely drinks and bites and a party atmosphere filled with good vibe. The octopus and shrimp dishes here are very good. The spot does get busy so early reservations are recommended. An equally inviting venue is Cocktail Kitchen , located in St. Lawrence Gap, one of the best night life areas of Barbados. Dine here for your fill of Caribbean cuisine and cocktails with dishes such as roast breadfruit and lobster. There is also Calma Beach Club , a lovely experience by the water. This in the heart of Holetown where locals and tourists come together and enjoy fresh and delicious food paired with wonderful cocktails. Multiple restaurants are also at your disposal at The Crane Resort , one of many options for your stay when in Barbados, but certainly one of the most luxurious and striking properties by the beach. Enjoy world-class service and the feeling of living in a sanctuary just minutes form the airport and other city spots.

Mount Gay Distillery tour and tasting gives you a good idea of how rum is produced in the country and the opportunity to taste some of the products made here. The guides are entertaining but quickly drive home how much work goes into a libation the world savors. The tasting room is in fact a nice spot to relax in if you choose to spend time aside from the duration of the tour itself. Your guide also shows you a few cocktails to make at home with the rum you buy here.

Prime areas to drive around and better understand the history and the lives of Bajans are Holetown and Speightstown and attractions include the

George Washington House and the History Museum. At the heart of Barbados lies one of its greatest wonders – the magnificent Harrison’s Cave. A Tram Tour at Harrisons Cave is a great experience. Located in the central uplands of the island, this crystallized, limestone cave is characterized by flowing streams, deep pools of crystal-clear water and towering columns. Aside from a few spots where orientation videos and presentations are available to help explain the occurrence of these caves and their formations, the rest of the tour is done in convenient and comfortable trams with a guide providing more details. The tram stops at a few spots where pictures can be taken, and the formations viewed up close.

And while there are many ways to enjoy the beaches, blue waters and other waterrelated activities, a catamaran cruise is a must here. The blue waters off the coast are truly as clear as the pictures you see online or in magazines. You get a chance to swim with sea turtles and see coral reef as well as other marine life as the cruise stops at a few different points. Seasoned crew keep the party going and are helpful with information about the islands. Spending a day off the islands is also one way to experience on a visit what Bajans call home. m