How To Spend A Relaxing Weekend In Barbados

13.02.2024 - 14:24 / forbes.com

With its pristine white sand beaches and slow pace, Barbados is an obvious destination for wellness. But the tiny island offers so much more than a relaxing beach vacation. Beyond the crystal clear water lies an island filled with tranquil gardens, majestic caves and warm people.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or calm, the abundant nature offers it all—from zip-lining through the canopy to floating in the tranquil salt water off the west coast to meditating beneath the shade of a towering palm tree. While local favorites like macaronic cheese pie and fish cakes nourish the soul, you can also find nourishment from the bounty of fresh produce and health products (like sorrel juice) at a local farmer’s market.

For consistently clear skies, summer is the best season to visit. But as someone who lived in Barbados during the wet season (which runs July through November), I can attest that the island is no less enjoyable when it rains. The short downpours offer relief from the hot sun, but they also keep the crowds away, providing more opportunities for solitude and reflection.

The following itinerary is for a short weekend getaway, but can easily be stretched out over a week to ensure you return home feeling completely refreshed and recharged.

Check in to The Crane hotel, a short 15-minute drive from the airport. While most hotels are located on the west and southwest section of the island, The Crane sits on the southeast corner, making it not only more secluded but also closer to the airport. As the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean, dating back to 1887, the hotel is distinct for its location perched on a cliff overlooking Crane Beach.

Whether enjoying breakfast atop the cliff or lying on one of the hotel’s cabanas, it’s hard not to become mesmerized by the waves sheltered by the majestic cliffs. While The Crane does have a spa and regular yoga classes, it’s Crane Beach that is the main wellness attraction here. If you’re looking for a more relaxing swim, shared pools set on the cliff are decorated with regal Doric columns while suites come with your own private infinity or plunge pool overlooking the resort.

Fuel up at the Crane’s breakfast buffet for a morning of water wellness. Gentle waves and warm temperatures, make the south coast of Barbados the ideal place to learn to surf. With a sheltered bay, long left break, and minimal current, Freights Bay is perfect for beginner or intermediate surfers. If you’re new to the sport, Boosy’s Surf School provides supportive lessons.

The temperate water and clear visibility also provide ideal conditions for snorkelling. For colorful coral reefs head to the west coast. But for those who want to see something different, underwater shipwrecks