Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Barbados is popular for its crystal-clear waters, dynamic culture, and warm hospitality. This captivating destination caters to a variety of travelers, from those seeking culinary experiences, exploration, history or even adventure. If you’re looking to visit Barbados soon, you’ll want to read on below about the best accommodations, mouthwatering cuisines, breathtaking views, and the best transportation options.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARBADOS
My husband and I decided to make our Barbados trip a mix of exploration and relaxation. So, we split our stay between a budget-friendly Airbnb (Holiday Apartment), soaking in the local charm, and indulging in a more lavish experience at the all-inclusive O2 Beach Club. It turned out to be a great choice for us. It really depends on the vibe you’re going for on your vacation!
Blue Haven Holiday Apartments: Affordable and Great Location
If you’re looking for a budget friendly stay, I highly suggest Blue Haven Holiday Apartments. This apartment building is recently renovated so everything is still fairly new.
The location is amazing. Only a few minutes walk to Dover Beach, there’s a car rental company down the block and nearby restaurants and bars. The hotel we stayed at (@o2beachclubbarbados) after Blue Haven is also only a few minutes away by foot.
Full kitchen, spacious bathroom, balcony with table and chairs, great water pressure for washing sand out of your hair after the beach and laundry is included, detergent and all!
O2 Beach Club: Beachside Luxury
As I searched for all-inclusive stays in Barbados I kept finding myself going back to O2 Beach Club. The draw of a luxurious stay and modern design is ultimately what made us decide on booking O2 Beach Club.
Little did I know, during my research on O2 Beach Club, that it offered the incredible opportunity to swim with turtles! As if that’s not exciting enough, there’s also the chance to witness baby turtles hatching right on the sand. I was actually lucky enough to experience both and even spotted a freshly laid turtle nest on our last morning there. An experience I’ll remember for a lifetime.
The rooms at O2 Beach Club are one of the most spacious rooms I’ve ever stayed in. I especially loved the glass banister balconies that frame the beautiful ocean views, instead of obstructing it. Waking up to the sound of waves and experiencing the sight of Barbadian sunsets on the spacious balconies was one of our favorite daily activities.
Now, let’s talk about dining. O2 Beach Club doesn’t have a lot of restaurants but they do rotate cuisines daily so you won’t be bored of your meals. They also have a fine dining restaurant, Oro, located on the top of the adults-only tower. Highly recommend booking that immediately since it’s not open daily (at least it wasn’t when we were there). You can read more about Oro below in the “Where to Eat” section.
In essence, O2 Beach Club wasn’t just a place to stay; it was an immersive journey into the heart of Barbados, filled with sea turtles, spacious rooms, and some dining delights.
As always, in my blog posts I like to be 100% transparent with my experience with certain hotels. That being said, there were just a few things I was disappointed about with my stay at O2 Beach Club. I’ll list the Cons down below, but let’s start with the Pros!
Pros:
- SUPER spacious rooms with beautiful balconies that have glass banisters for unobstructed views of the ocean.
- Modern and clean decor.
- Delicious lattes! So important for me and my husband.
- Oro Restaurant was amazing and easily my favorite dining experience during our stay.
- Loved the happy hour and views at their rooftop, Brisa.
- Super talented live entertainment. I loved every one of them and was amazed at their talent.
- Beautiful private beach.
- Swimming with sea turtles right on the hotel’s beach. It was such an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. Also seeing babies hatch steps away from our hotel room was absolutely incredible.
Cons:
- While checking in our room was ready early, but they wanted to charge us an extra $75 pp to access it before 3pm. I thought that was so strange. Not to mention that the nightly rate was already pretty high as is.
- I found majority of staff to be a little unfriendly. There were a few members that went above and beyond that I really loved, but that was it.
- They really boast a super luxurious experience and stay on their website, and I have to say that I definitely didn’t feel that. This goes for some of the restaurants and meals. (Not including Oro, that was very luxurious fine dining!) Other guests felt the same way, so I’m glad I wasn’t alone on this one.
- The best restaurant is only open a few days a week (Oro).
- There was a sundeck area that was supposed to have certain events on certain days, but it was closed the whole time.
- There’s an adults only area but it’s a super close proximity to the family area, so it didn’t feel like adults only to me.
- Swim up bar at the adults only pool was never open.
- The ocean was a little more rough than Dover Beach which was just a jetty away. (We spent two days at Dover Beach while staying at Blue Haven Holiday Apartments).
- No welcome drinks (it’s the little things).
Overall, O2 Beach Club is a beautiful resort, but it is on the smaller side and a bit pricey. I’d say if you don’t mind the splurge then you may like to stay at O2 Beach Club as well.
HOW TO GET AROUND BARBADOS
Getting around Barbados is pretty easy. Although, for us Americans it threw us off a bit because they drive on the right side of the car and left side of the road. Once you get used to that, you have two options that I’d suggest. Taxis are affordable and this was our main way of getting around. Of course if you decide to explore more of the island, I highly suggest renting a car at least for one day. Check out the East side of the island for a more untouched side of Barbados.
We were lucky enough to have a small car rental company (Express) just steps away from both our Airbnb and Hotel.
Pro tip: Negotiate taxi fares in advance or ensure the driver uses a meter to avoid surprises. I like to ask someone at the hotel how much fares should be, or research online to make sure I’m not being ripped off.
CURRENCY
For U.S. travelers heading to Barbados, the local currency is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD). Most places accept U.S. dollars and credit cards, but it’s good to know the exchange rate ahead of time.
POWER PLUGS / SOCKETS
The Barbados adaptor plug is the same plug used in the United States, Canada and Mexico (Type A & B).
WHERE TO EAT IN BARBADOS
Barbados’ culinary scene is a vibrant mix of flavors. From traditional Bajan dishes like flying fish and cou-cou to international cuisines, the island offers a diverse range of dining experiences. I recommend experiencing both homestyle Bajan dishes at local eateries and gourmet experiences at upscale restaurants. Here are my suggestions below.
Bliss Cafe: Family Charm and Amazing Waffles
Bliss Cafe is a family-run restaurant that has a cozy atmosphere and delightful treats. Don’t miss out on their amazing waffles and milkshakes. Also be sure to checkout their cute selfie room!
Art Splash Cafe: Creative Dining
For a unique dining experience, visit Art Splash Cafe. This artsy spot not only offers delicious and healthier dishes but also immerses you in a vibrant atmosphere surrounded by local artwork. Certain days they also have a farmers market in the parking lot!
Roundhouse Restaurant: Culinary Excellence with a View
Perched on a hill, Roundhouse Restaurant combines culinary quality with panoramic views of Bathsheba Beach. I absolutely loved it here and the food and drinks were delicious. Highly recommend trying the Cou-cou dish if they still have it on the menu.
QP Bistro: Fine Bajan Dining with Ocean Views
QP Bistro combines local flavors with international flair. This elegant bistro offers a diverse menu with creative twists on traditional Bajan dishes. Known for its welcoming ambiance and attentive service, QP Bistro provides a fine dining experience. They also host fun dining events that include lively entertainment and dancing. I celebrated my birthday here and loved it. Just be ready to spend a lot of money on your meal here. The views and ambience are definitely worth it though.
Oro Restaurant: Culinary Elegance
Located at the top of the O2 Beach Club building with panoramic ocean views is Oro. Oro is a 5-star dining experience with culinary elegance. This upscale dining spot promises a gastronomic journey through Barbadian cuisine.
Oistins Friday Nights Fish Fry: Seafood Extravaganza
Friday nights come alive at Oistins Fish Fry, a vibrant event where you can feast on an array of seafood dishes along side locals and tourists. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with music and a variety of savory meals and affordable rum punch. There are tons of vendors to order from, so it can be overwhelming. My personal suggestions are ‘Uncle George,’ ‘Grillin’ & Chillin,’ ‘Pat’s Place,’ or ‘Mo’s Grill.’ We ate at ‘Uncle George’ and liked it. I’d also suggest ordering from a few places and sharing, this way you get to try more than one place!
Here are some additional things you should know about Oistins Fish Fry before you go:
- Locals told us to arrive early, like 5pm, for the best selection and to find seating. We got there around 6:30pm and had no issue finding a spot. There was still plenty of food to choose from too even as the night went on.
- They don’t only serve seafood, but a ton of meat options too!
- I suggest grabbing a rum punch or local beer before sitting down.
- There’s a main stage area where you can dance or watch entertainment after eating.
- Before going, I read that it would be very affordable but we ended up spending a total of $80 USD on our meal because we ordered lobster. So I guess it depends on what you order. Also, Rum Punch was only $5 USD.
- All the seating is communal which was fun! We meet a few people while waiting for our food.
- Fridays are the most popular nights but you can actually go any day of the week.
Dover Beach
***Please do not disturb the turtles if they are safely making their way to the ocean. I was told by staff to help place these babies into a box to relocate them since the hotel lights were drawing them away from the ocean and into danger, towards the road.***
BEACHES TO VISIT IN BARBADOS
If you’re drawn to the idea of endless warm, crystal-clear oceans filled with adorable sea turtles, Barbados is your paradise! During my visit, I was amazed by the numerous sea turtles swimming remarkably close to the shore. A sight I’ve never experienced anywhere else so far. The island is full of a variety of stunning beaches, more than 80 to be exact. Here are some popular ones to add to your itinerary.
Dover Beach: Sandy Serenity
Dover Beach is a chill beach worth exploring. Known for its soft white sandy shores and calm ocean and atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day by the sea. You’ll even see some chickens running around. This beach was walking distance from our Airbnb. Not a lot of food options here, but there are some.
Bathsheba Beach: Dramatic Beauty
Bathsheba Beach is located on the East side of Barbados with rough waves more suitable for surfing than swimming. It’s a must-visit for its dramatic and renowned rock formations that are actually broken off ancient coral pieces! Bathsheba is also home to the annual surfing competition called the ‘Soup Bowl.’ After you’re done exploring Bathsheba head to Roundhouse restaurant down the block for some great food and more beautiful views.
Shark Hole: Nature’s Hideaway
Visit Shark’s Hole, a lesser-known beauty tucked away on the eastern coast of Barbados. Unlike typical tourist spots, Shark’s Hole is a serene haven with tide-carved pools and ancient coral formations. Hang with locals and jump off the cliffs into the ocean.
We actually visited Shark Hole but we were unlucky with weather, so we couldn’t go swimming or take any photos. It was so windy and rainy.
Crane Beach: Pink Sands and Turquoise Waters
Crane Beach is renowned for its pink-tinged sands and turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and offers breathtaking views from the cliffs above.
Paynes Bay Beach: Turtle Haven
For a chance to swim with turtles, head to Paynes Bay. This beach is known for its calm waters and is a favorite spot for the cutest sea turtles.
Bottom Bay: Secluded Paradise
If you’re in the mood for a more secluded experience, Bottom Bay is a hidden gem. This palm-fringed beach with its dramatic cliffs provides a picturesque escape.
Accra Beach: Lively Atmosphere
Accra Beach, also known as Rockley Beach, offers a lively atmosphere with a boardwalk, water sports, and a range of beachside facilities.
Mullins Beach: Tropical Paradise
Mullins Beach is a tropical paradise with swaying palm trees and clear blue waters. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados.
Overall, I really loved Barbados and would definitely return again one day! The beaches are stunning, with their soft, white sand and vibrant blue waters. The food and restaurants were so good everywhere we went. Obviously, it was the close encounters with the adorable sea turtles that truly made my trip unforgettable.
Be sure to check out my Instagram highlights and reels for more on Barbados!
wanderlissa.com 