Travel in Barbados

The Maldives or Barbados? Even muttering their names can unknot the most tense of shoulders.

United Airlines has recently released details of its summer 2024 schedule—the most extensive transatlantic schedule in the major airline’s history. There will be 38 nonstop flights to Europe next year to major European destinations. Some of the flights will be new routes for the airline, which comes after news that the airline has ordered more planes and added benefits for travelers.

I just wrote about a game changing new golf resort that debuted on Barbados last month, and for travelers looking for new and different options for warm weather getaways this winter–whether they play golf or not–I’ve got an interesting one.

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands. Votes were cast by culinary industry professionals and the general public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.

With the very recent opening of the Apes Hill resort, Barbados leaps onto the global stage as a golf travel destination. Now, for the first time, you can play all five of the island’s top courses from one very comfortable home base. And while many Caribbean islands have one stellar course, one course does not make a golf destination, and few have the critical mass that requires. Barbados now rises to what is likely second only to the Dominican Republic in terms of the number of standout golf designs open to the public.

Above the bed at Coral Reef Club, a boutique hotel in Barbados, is a hand-woven tapestry of dancing men and women. Its gold and amber threads match the sunflower hues of the room, found in the blinds and cushions which are made from fabrics printed with exotic flora. Turns out that the tapestries are sewn by a resident seamstress—who is on hand for any repairs needed by guests or in the hotel’s rooms—and these joyful pictures (there are variations found in most rooms) seem to be emblematic of the many thoughtful touches found at this discrete hideaway.

Before we met him, we expected that Matthew Goode would have a certain refined British humor, and it turns out we were right. His success with hit series like Downtown Abbey and The Crown, blockbusters like The King’s Man and Leap Year, and cult films like Match Point and Stoker has not affected the actor’s open and affable attitude. Now he adds another credit to his list as he stars alongside Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button in Hackett's new autumn-winter 2023 campaign.

American Airlines is looking to expand its schedule of international flights for the summer. 

The popularity of digital nomad visas is on the rise, according to a new report from the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

World-renowned spiritual teacher and author Deepak Chopra has formed a multi-year partnership with expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic, creating a series of 'Explore & Restore' wellbeing cruises designed to foster self-discovery and cultural immersion.

Barbados' Crop Over – not to be confused with Carnival, which is tied to Lent – honors the end of sugar cane season. This explosion of revelry features beautiful, vibrant costumes, bass-heavy sound systems that keep the crowds dancing, live music concerts, and, of course, all the things make Barbados such a great travel destination: clear, calm ocean, tasty cuisine and plenty of sunshine. 

As the Northern Hemisphere moves into the shadow of winter, thoughts, for many, turn to some sunshine. And that’s still just about possible within the fringes of Europe, with the far-flung Atlantic Iberian islands basking in warm autumn sun. It’s a great time for hiking in the Azores, Canaries and Madeira, while mainland Europe sees in its harvests — including olives, mushrooms and truffles — with a slew of festivals.

Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean. The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

World Golf Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism – has revealed this year’s best golf organisations at its 10th annual Gala Ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’. Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.

Exclusive Story Petra Roach, CEO of Grenada Tourism Authority

In an inspirational demonstration of passion, preparation and poise, Naomi Onwufuju, Junior Minister of Tourism of the British Virgin Islands, brought home the winner’s plaque at the 19th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress, held at Beaches Turks & Caicos in Providenciales on Friday. Competing against students from 13 other Caribbean destinations, the 16-year-old skillfully presented three innovative strategies her country could undertake to develop and implement an initiative whereby tourism stakeholders and their allied partners can work together to enhance access, safety, use, and enjoyment of the destination’s tourism offerings by visitors with disabilities.

All-inclusive resorts have had a downmarket reputation, but many hotel groups have been working to change that with announcements of upscale versions. This trend is driven by demand from a segment of travelers responding to rising inflation by seeking no-surprise vacations at one upfront price.

Wyndham Grand has opened bookings for its newest all-inclusive Caribbean resort, Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle Resort & Spa.The secluded, 422-room oceanfront hotel marks Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' debut in Barbados. The property will host its first guests starting October 12, with a formal grand opening planned for early 2024.Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle Resort & Spa boasts a unique location on the former site of Sam Lord's Castle, a setting renowned for pirates during the 19th century.The property will feature as many as 37 suites with ocean views and lanai-style private balconies, more than 10 different dining venues, a 13,000 square-foot spa with a pool area and relaxation deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a sunrise yoga center.Among the many food and beverage highlights is a Mediterranean Marketplace dishing out flavors from North Africa, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain in addition to pop-up food trucks, poolside dining and a specialty "farm to fork" experience with locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers, fisherman and purveyors.

Thinking about traveling over the upcoming holiday seasons? You might want to plan your travel plans based on the "Hidden Holidays" in order to take advantage of substantial savings.

Island Routes, the Caribbean-based experiential travel company, already offers more than 500 day tours.

The Grenada Tourism Authority is pleased to announce that Virgin Atlantic will increase its service at Maurice Bishop International Airport, from two flights to three flights per week during the winter season.