TOP 10
Best of BARBADOS
Experience the natural and cultural wonders of this spectacular island – from beach beauties to botanic gardens, reef snorkelling to rum tasting
Words: William Gray
01 FIND YOUR PERFECT BEACH
Head to the west coast for the calm, shallow waters of the Caribbean, or east for the more rugged and feisty Atlantic coast. Pink-hued Crane Beach is a favourite spot for sun worshippers, while sheltered Rockley Beach is ideal for families. If you want more of a castaway feel, however, get away from it all at palm-fringed Bottom Bay. Buy a coconut, freshly topped, from a local vendor, then walk over to tiny Shark Hole where a rocky ridge just offshore creates a sheltered swimming spot.
02 CELEBRATE CROP OVER
With its origins way back in the 1780s when Barbados was a major sugar producer, Crop Over is still a big celebration on the island. Marking the end of sugar season, it kicks off with an opening gala, the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival (traditionally the most productive of the season’s cane cutters). Then the carnival begins! Expect outrageous costumes in a colourful parade throbbing with calypso and soca music.