Barbados, a jewel of the Caribbean, is currently radiating with a unique allure. Fresh from its transition to a republic in November, the island nation, now headed by its first female president, Dame Sandra Mason, is embracing a new chapter. Coinciding with this historic shift, Barbados has eased its pandemic protocols, offering a more accessible and appealing destination for travelers. The nightly curfew has been lifted since mid-February, and the government now accepts negative rapid antigen or rapid PCR tests taken within one day of arrival, a more convenient alternative to the previously required RT-PCR test.
This timing is particularly fortuitous, aligning perfectly with the spring break season. Whether you’re a college student seeking a vibrant escape or a family yearning for a rejuvenating getaway, Barbados promises a diverse range of experiences to banish the winter blues and pandemic-induced stress. The island is a treasure trove of activities and attractions.
A Gastronomic Paradise
Known as the birthplace of rum, Barbados offers a tantalizing journey for the palate. Embark on distillery tours to witness the art of rum production firsthand, or explore the island’s more than 1,500 rum shops, each with its own unique character and charm. These establishments, combined with some of the finest restaurants in the Caribbean, transform Barbados into a true gastronomic haven. Prepare to be delighted by the Bajan cuisine.
Adventure Awaits
For those with a spirit of adventure, Barbados boasts over 80 pristine white-sand beaches, each offering a slice of paradise. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and discover the vibrant marine life that thrives beneath the surface. Surfers can ride the waves, and sunbathers can bask in the warm Caribbean sun. The island offers many watersports activities.
Art and Culture in Speightstown
Art enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the cultural offerings of Speightstown, a charming historic town on the northwest coast. Explore the numerous art galleries and museums, showcasing the island’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary talent. The town is also known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere.
The Perfect Climate
Adding to the allure of Barbados is its idyllic springtime weather. These months offer the driest conditions of the year, ensuring plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. This makes it an ideal time to explore the island’s natural beauty and partake in outdoor activities. A spring trip to Barbados is a dream come true.
Elegant Hotels: Your Gateway to Paradise
While experiencing all that Barbados has to offer – from its culinary delights and artistic expressions to its stunning beaches, wellness experiences, and vibrant nightlife – might seem like a challenge, the Elegant Hotels group makes it effortlessly attainable. Acquired by Marriott International in 2019, Elegant Hotels encompasses seven luxurious hotels and all-inclusive resorts, each offering a unique perspective on the Bajan experience.
The Elegant Hotels portfolio includes:
- Crystal Cove: A premium all-inclusive resort on the platinum west coast, known for its cliff-top setting, cascading waterfalls and premium dining options.
- Tamarind: A sophisticated beachfront retreat offering a blend of relaxation and activity. Enjoy a serene spa, kids’ club, and curated experiences.
- The House: An adults-only sanctuary of tranquility, where personalized service and sophisticated elegance create an unforgettable escape.
- Treasure Beach: A haven for culinary enthusiasts and art aficionados, boasting exquisite dining and cultural activities.
- Turtle Beach: A family-friendly all-inclusive resort on the south coast, offering a vibrant atmosphere, a range of watersports, and spacious accommodations.
- Waves Hotel & Spa: An eco-chic wellness retreat where guests can rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul with spa treatments, yoga classes, and healthy cuisine.
- Colony Club: The flagship property, offering a classic Bajan experience with luxurious accommodations, freshwater lagoons, and complimentary water sports.
Each resort possesses its own distinct character and focus. Treasure Beach, for instance, is renowned for its culinary offerings and artistic programs, while Waves Hotel & Spa caters to those seeking wellness-focused relaxation and rejuvenation. Barbados has something for everyone.
Colony Club: A Legacy of Luxury
During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Colony Club, Elegant Hotels’ flagship property. Unlike the other six resorts in the portfolio, Colony Club is not all-inclusive, offering a more traditional hotel experience. With 96 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony or patio, the resort exudes an air of understated elegance. The property features four freshwater swimming lagoons, a swim-up bar, two tennis courts, and complimentary water sports, including water skiing and snorkeling.
While these amenities are impressive in their own right, the true highlight of the Colony Club is its Rum Vault, a unique and immersive experience for rum enthusiasts.
The Rum Vault: A Journey into the Heart of Rum
Tucked away in an intimate, eight-person room off the main lobby, the Rum Vault has been celebrating the world of rum since its opening in October 2018. With a collection of over 150 rums from across the globe, the Vault hosts weekly events and activities, including signature dinners, rum tastings, and rum and chocolate pairings. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, the Rum Vault offers an engaging and educational journey into the spirit’s rich history and production.
I participated in the Storied Rum Dinner (BDS $230), a three-course culinary adventure led by Colony Club’s Executive Chef Wayne Maynard. Each dish, crafted with fresh, local ingredients, was expertly paired with a rum-based cocktail, carefully chosen by Rum Ambassador Corey Sobers to enhance the flavors of the meal. The menu included rum-glazed pork belly with butternut squash purée and smoked golden apple chutney, coconut-crusted barracuda with Thai curry cauliflower, and warm banana bread and butter pudding topped with rum sauce.
Throughout the dinner, Sobers shared his extensive knowledge of rum, from its origins and production to the stories behind local rum makers. The evening culminated in a rum and chocolate flight featuring Mount Gay Black Barrel, Angostura, and Doorly’s, a perfect ending to a memorable culinary experience.
The Dine Around Program: Explore the Flavors of Elegant Hotels
While Colony Club does not offer an all-inclusive option (breakfast is the only complimentary meal), guests can take advantage of Elegant Hotels’ Dine Around Program, which allows them to enjoy the dining and theme nights at any of the hotel group’s sister properties (excluding The House) as if they were staying there. A complimentary water taxi provides convenient transportation between select resorts in the Elegant Hotels portfolio, making it easy to explore the diverse culinary offerings of each property.
Treasure Beach: A Culinary and Artistic Gem
Beyond the Rum Vault, the culinary experiences at Treasure Beach are particularly noteworthy. The on-site restaurant, Tapestry, is helmed by award-winning executive chef Javon Cummins, a James Beard House honoree and widely regarded as one of the best chefs on the island. Whether you choose to indulge in the Chef’s Table in the Wine Cellar (prices vary) or simply grab a seat at Tapestry for an à la carte lunch or seasonal dinner menu, you’re in for a treat. Cummins’ innovative twists on classic Bajan fare are not to be missed. Be sure to try the deconstructed souse, crafted with braised pork, pickled cucumber gelee, beetroot sweet potato pudding, and mango Scotch bonnet gel, or the smoked pork, made with charred corn risotto, spiced vanilla squash cream, and grape port reduction.
In addition to its culinary excellence, Treasure Beach also offers a vibrant artistic atmosphere. The 35-room all-suite hotel features modern décor and hosts weekly art crawls, where guests can explore art galleries and museums around Speightstown, including the Gallery of Caribbean Art and Arlington House Museum, and meet local artists. I participated in a painting workshop with Artist Made Barbados, creating colorful parrots and sea turtles by the sea, a perfect reminder of a catamaran cruise and snorkeling excursion with Calabaza Sailing Cruises. A spring trip to Barbados will provide memories for a lifetime.
Waves Hotel & Spa: A Wellness Sanctuary
For those seeking a more tranquil and rejuvenating experience, Waves Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice. This self-described "eco-chic" retreat focuses on wellness, offering 70 guest rooms and suites, many of which overlook the Caribbean Sea or the serenity pool and garden. Guests can indulge in up to two spa treatments per day in the adults-only spa, participate in yoga and Pilates classes, relax in cabanas and daybeds, and enjoy in-room amenities from Elemental Herbology. Like the other resorts in the Elegant Hotels portfolio, Waves Hotel & Spa offers complimentary beach and pool ambassador service, but here, lying on a beach lounger with a rum punch between hot stone massages and kayaking feels extra indulgent.
Plan Your Spring Escape to Barbados
Barbados offers a unique blend of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for a spring getaway. With its newly eased pandemic protocols, idyllic weather, and diverse range of activities and accommodations, Barbados is ready to welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re seeking culinary delights, artistic inspiration, or simply a chance to unwind on pristine beaches, Barbados promises an unforgettable experience.
Rooms at Colony Club start at $291 a night; rooms at Treasure Beach start at $405, and rooms at Waves Hotel & Spa start at $362 a night.
