Barbados is a spellbinding Caribbean island steeped in jaw-dropping beauty, rich culture and glorious sunshine – but which part of this paradise destination is best for your holiday plans?

There’s something to delight every type of visitor in this awe-inspiring haven of relaxation, pleasure and leisure, whether you crave romance, family fun or exhilarating nightlife. Prepare to be wowed by unspoilt sandy beaches, idyllic bays and coves, water sports thrills, fascinating colonial architecture, fabulous food and luxury beachfront hotels. The island is also home to beguiling natural wonders, upbeat Reggae music, famous rum distilleries and no shortage of dynamic nightlife and shopping opportunities in the bustling island capital Bridgetown. With its laid-back Caribbean charm and a friendly welcome from the locals everywhere you go, Barbados really is the place to create magical memories that will last a lifetime.

Search our Barbados holidays.

Seeking Romance And Relaxation?

The island’s rugged east coast has some idyllic and secluded spots where couples can enjoy a romantic time in the invigorating sunshine. This is the place to relax and reconnect with nature, with superb hiking trails, amazing botanical gardens, such as the Flower Forest and Hunte’s Gardens, and beautiful Bathsheba Beach. Another great choice for couples is Speightstown, on the west coast, where the delights include the chance to sip cocktails or rum punch in a beach bar while marvelling at the sunset. Other activities to share include moonlight catamaran cruises, head-to-toe pampering sessions in sumptuous hotel spas, and romantic dinners on the beach. The island is also a popular honeymoon destination and a wonderful choice for couples wanting to renew their vows or tie the knot in a beachfront wedding ceremony.

Craving Family Fun?

A feast of fun is never far away for families in Barbados, where attractions include island safari tours, wildlife parks and sandcastle building on stunning beaches. The southern coast is a magnet for families, with the opportunity to swim with turtles in Carlisle Bay, enjoy karting at Bushy Park or visit the historic 18th century British garrison and museum in Bridgetown. Mullin’s Beach, near Speightstown, is a popular choice for families, with its shallow waters and the chance to take to a glass-bottomed boat to gaze at the marine life below. A splashing time awaits at Rascals of Barbados waterpark in Bridgetown, the Caribbean's largest floating aqua park, while Barbados Wildlife Reserve is home to green monkeys, caimans, racoons and many other creatures. There’s also plenty to entertain little ones in the island’s family-friendly all-inclusive hotels, including kids clubs, water slides and mini discos.

Dreaming Of Aquatic Adventures?

The warm Caribbean waters of Barbados are a treasure trove of aquatic thrills and spills. Set out on a captivating catamaran cruise, go deep sea fishing or let a speed boat lift you high into the sky on a parasailing escapade. A plethora of water sports are available for action on the ocean, including jet skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, flyboarding, kitesurfing and kneeboarding. Dive to shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay, enjoy an Atlantis Submarines underwater experience or snorkel on the coral reefs in Paynes Bay, which are home to turtles, manta rays, seahorses and colourful tropical fish. After hours of fun in the water you can chill out and soak up the sun on breathtaking beaches. Barbados boasts more than 80 exceptional sandy expanses along its 70 miles of palm-fringed tropical shoreline, including Carlisle Beach, Bottom Bay Beach, Dover Beach and Crane Beach.

Energetic Nightlife

You won't struggle to find somewhere to dance the night away in Barbados, with a multitude of pulsating clubs and music venues to choose from. The liveliest area for groups seeking party action is St Lawrence Gap, a bustling entertainment strip in Christ Church offering nightclubs, karaoke bars and beach venues featuring Reggae, R&B and Calypso bands. A famous attraction in the area is the beachfront Oistins Fish Fry where you dance for hours on the beach after a feast of grilled seafood. The capital Bridgetown also boasts plenty of nightlife, with the exuberant Caribbean culture at Harbour Lights on Browne’s Beach among the delights. Holetown in Saint James parish is home to trendy bars, fantastic nightclubs and chic restaurants. Bajans also love their festivals, with the Barbados Reggae Festival and Barbados Crop-Over Festival among the big spectacles for daytime and evening entertainment.

Island Experiences

Barbados is brimming with things to see and do, from outdoor experiences to fascinating city landmarks in Bridgetown. One of the island’s must-see attractions is Harrison's Cave, a phenomenal natural wonder where you'll travel by tram through an underground network of caverns featuring waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Other island experiences include exploring the beautiful Animal Flower Cave on the north coast, watching a game of cricket (the national sport) at Kensington Oval and saddling up for a horseback ride along the sands. You can also treat yourself to duty-free shopping at the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown, sample the island's most famous tipple at the Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre or tuck into street food favourites, including jerk chicken, pigtails and macaroni pie. Key attractions in Bridgetown include St Michael’s Cathedral, Parliament Buildings and Queen’s Park which is home to a 1,000 giant baobab tree.

Best Time To Visit

Barbados enjoys a fabulous tropical climate throughout the year, with more than 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, making it a dream come true for anyone seeking a luxury holiday in the Caribbean. The dry season, which runs from mid-December to May, is a very popular time to holiday on the island when there is less rainfall and temperatures average around 30°C. This is a great time to get out and explore incredible natural attractions in this amazing sun-drenched destination. The wet season in Barbados is from July to November, when you are likely to experience occasional showers. These usually happen in the afternoon and, providing you have an umbrella or showerproof jacket to hand, the short-lived downpours can provide welcome relief from the humid weather. The island's hurricane season can start in June and usually ends around October.

“Barbados will take your breath away with its outstanding natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere and warm Bajan welcome from the locals, no matter which part of the island you choose to stay on.

“Every type of holidaymaker will create precious memories on this dreamy Caribbean escape, where endless sunshine, fantastic food and plenty of outdoor pleasure is assured.

“Romantic couples won’t struggle to find secluded coves and bays, families will be spoilt for choice when it comes to fun activities, and groups of friends will discover an abundance of evening. entertainment.

“With its engrossing history and culture, uplifting Reggae music, water sports, enchanting marine life and epic natural attractions, Barbados has everything you need for an unforgettable paradise holiday.”

The Sands Barbados

Embrace all the delights of the Caribbean with a holiday at this splendid all-inclusive beachfront haven, located within easy reach of the pulsating nightlife of St Lawrence Gap. Staying beside white sands and glistening waters, you’ll enjoy blissful tropical relaxation and be able to take advantage of superb features including a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool. The unique living spaces are filled with essential amenities and offer charming views, while a spectrum of tantalising dishes can be found in the resort’s two enticing restaurants.

Check out The Sands Barbados

Bougainvillea Barbados

Discover the unforgettable pleasures of tropical island living at an enchanting paradise retreat on the sensational south coast of Barbados. Two dreamy beaches sit right on your doorstep, while features such as three swimming pools, water sports, a spa and a fitness centre add to the appeal of this heavenly hideaway. When it’s time for refuelling, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the cuisine, cocktails and more on offer, while the plush accommodation is ideal for rest and relaxation, coming equipped with a range of wonderful home comforts.

Check out the Bougainvillea Barbados

O2 Beach Club & Spa

Immerse yourself in a blissful 5-star holiday experience at this haven of relaxation and fun on the sun-kissed Caribbean island of Barbados. Situated in the heart of Christ Church, this exquisite hotel is ideal for couples, groups of friends and families, offering style, luxury and attentive hospitality beside a pristine sandy beach. Enjoy total comfort staying in exquisitely-appointed accommodation and discover an array of delicious gourmet cuisine in the indoor and outdoor dining venues. Other key features include a cutting-edge gym, sumptuous spa, whirlpool tubs and superb swimming pools.

Check out the O2 Beach Club & Spa