Barbados- A Love Affair

 

Sixteen years ago, my husband and I visited the island of Barbados on a cruise, and once we stepped off the ship, our love affair with the island started. I had researched the island, and the images of "flying fish" and "green monkeys" stirred my imagination. Also the fact that there is nothing but water between Barbados and the coast of Africa meant we were going to truly be in the West Indies, and close to the equator. That alone was enough for a sun and beach lover!

 

When our ship docked, we opted to take an island cruise via taxi rather than tours offered by the cruise line. Five hours later, we had covered the island's coastline from the calm waters of the west coast on the Caribbean Sea, to the raging Atlantic coast on the east, and the lively south coast. You have to love an island that offers a completely different experience on all coasts. 

 

Upon returning home, we started planning a land based trip to the island. Being a beach lover, we made reservations for the next year on west coast of the island. I remembered the water being glassy calm, and longed to spend lazy days at the beach. The west coast is also home to fabulous homes, hotels and villas, and the sea is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. After a week of being beach bums, we ventured out to the southern coast, and found the St Lawrence Gap. As we walked the mile long Gap area, I knew this would be our future spot on the island each year. The west coast is rather sedate, and spread out compared to the lively south coast. We found more than 20 restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, shopping, and a great beach all within walking distance. The love affair with Barbados was in full swing.

 

As we started to meet other vacationers, we quickly learned most had been to the island many times. I found this unusual, since many Caribbean travelers opt to experience new islands. What was even more surprising, many of the English and Canadian visitors spend the entire winter season on the island every year. It certainly made us "short termers" with our two week vacation.

 

My curiosity about these long term repeat vacations prompted me to ask why they returned year after year. Their answers centered around the friendly locals, variety of lodging that caters to long term visitors, sunny weather, great food, and a standard of living that makes the island a great choice for a second winter home.

 

Sixteen years later, the same driver is at the airport to greet and welcome us back. We have made many friends over the years, and we keep in touch throughout the year planning travel dates, and things to do for the next vacation season. Five years ago I discovered The Grenadines on a day trip from Barbados, and now split from winter vacation time between Bequia and Barbados. As soon as the snow starts falling here in the US Midwest, there is an anticipation of eating flying fish, watching the green monkeys play early in the morning, and the lovely sound of whistling frogs at night. 

 

The reality is the sun shines brighter, the water is like a warm bath, and some of the most friendly people occupy this 160 mile paradise. Barbados always feels like coming home rather than a vacation destination.

 

Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean travel consultant and blogger 

Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean - www.travel2thecaribbean.com 

My Barbados Blog - http://barbadostravel.squarespace.com/

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We want to know what about our small but intriguing island inspires you?