For something more relaxed, the west coast is scalloped with inviting, tree-lined spots offering calm waters and colorfully painted bars serving rum cocktails and chilled bottles of local Banks beer. This is where the island’ s premium hotels are located, with the Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Alleynes Bay a good pick for anyone who likes to enjoy a pre-breakfast swim on a beach that’ s just steps away from their room. By contrast, the east coast, which faces an Atlantic Ocean that stretches all the way to West Africa, has a wild and exhilarating mood. Bathsheba is a renowned surfing spot here, while Walker’ s Reserve, a huge former sand quarry turned conservation area, has a quiet, mile-long beach that’ s perfect for a blow-away-thecobwebs hike with a loved one. |
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images: getty; alamy; sandals resorts |
SHARED ADVENTURES
For couples who love adrenaline, Barbados will not disappoint. Romance is certain to flourish at Harrison’ s Cave Eco-Adventure Park in Welchman Hall, which is one of the island’ s top attractions. Here, visitors can get thrills and conquer their fears of heights and speed by tackling an adrenalinepumping Monkey Zipline suspended over 100 feet high. This can then be combined with a 14-stage Gully Challenge Course, the largest in the Caribbean, which features a devilish combination of rope bridges, swinging logs and balance beams. Another invigorating trip is an off-road jeep tour: guests travel in a convoy of safari-style 4x4 vehicles that explore the island’ s rugged east coast— with plenty of rum punch to help fortify the spirits. Top tip: keep those seat belts firmly fastened.
Out on the water, strong and reliable trade winds have made Barbados a hit with surfers and kitesurfers. Beneath the waves, there are substantial wrecks to admire around Carlisle Bay, including the First World War French tugboat Berwyn. Certified divers staying at the island’ s two Sandals resorts can head out on daily
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trips to a variety of sites, from novice to advanced, as part of their all-inclusive package. For snorkelers, a favorite excursion is a half-day catamaran tour that includes the chance to swim with turtles. And of course, no trip to Barbados is complete until visitors have enjoyed a romantic sunset cruise. The options range from lively party boats with a DJ or steel pan band to more intimate sailings that carry no more than 12 passengers.
HERITAGE SITES
Discovering and exploring somewhere new is one of the great pleasures of traveling with a partner— and Barbados is well suited to this with its long and absorbing history. The island has a wealth of heritage sites, including those associated with the difficult era of sugar cultivation and enslavement. First visited by the English in 1625, the island is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site centered on the colonial Garrison area of the capital, Bridgetown, where visitors
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Clockwise from top left: The lobby at Sandals Royal Barbados; visitors on a day cruise around the island; an underwater shipwreck at Carlisle Bay; a cocktail made with Mount Gay Rum |
SPRING 2026 • 35 |