As the weather (slowly*) warms in Canada and Spring showers start, encouraging flower buds to start making their appearance known, I am feeling very much ready for the warmer months ahead. As many of you would have seen via social media, I hit the ground running in 2025 when it came to local travel. I still wholeheartedly believe that now more than ever, we absolutely should focus on local travel and exploring more of Canada when we can.
That being said, when it comes to warmer destinations that offer the mental break from the business of our lives that isn’t within the boarders of this beautiful country, my best summer travel destination might surprise you. I love it so much so, that I’m doing everything in my power to get back for a second time this year if I can make it happen. 🤞
If you haven’t already guessed it, I’m obviously talking about Barbados. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of being invited on a very intimate press trip with the Visit Barbados team and I fell head over heels in love with the island.
For more insight into what I got up to the first time around, you can click here.
One thing you might not know about me is that if I love an experience, person, meal, or for that matter piece of clothing, I will never tire of it. It’s why I wear through my favourite clothes so quickly, or can eat the same meal three times in one week.
It’s also why while I love exploring the world and bringing you along for the adventure, when I find a destination that soothes my soul like Barbados did earlier this year ahead of some big things that were going on in my life.
As I shared in several posts on social media, I didn’t realize how much I needed the magic of Barbados in my life before I landed. The experience of that first trip was not only healing, but full of new experiences, delicious food, incredible views and experiences, new friends and so much more.
But as Canadians, I think that sometimes we categorically believes that beaches and beautiful islands in the sun are only for the cold winter months. Here are all the reasons why I am absolutely looking to get to Barbados this summer for some of their best experiences of the calendar year.
“We offer Canadians something rare: sunshine with soul, luxury with legacy, and culture that moves you. …
You don’t need to go halfway around the world to find exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences—we’re just a direct flight away.”
– Eusi Skeete, Director for Canada at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
So why Barbados in the summer? There is so much to immerse yourself in when it comes to festivals and celebrations. From Gospelfest in May, to Crop Over in July, there are so many one of a kind opportunities to not only witness, but participate in local culture, cuisine and tradition. I’m working to be far less colonial in my explorations around the world, and instead to celebrate and honour the traditions and cultures I am lucky enough to experience. As I bring you along with me, I hope to inspire you to do the same.
“A vibrant, 3-month long festival in Barbados that celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest. It’s a uniquely Barbadian tradition with roots in the island’s sugar plantation history, merging British and West African cultural influences. The festival culminates in Grand Kadooment, a massive parade featuring colorful costumes and music.”
When I tell you, having seen the beauty of the island in January, this is something I simply have to experience for myself. Not to mention Bajan men may be some of the most beautiful men in the world for those of us visiting during the celebrations and single.
Just saying…
Did you also know that Barbados now features over 13,000 villa and vacation rental options for those visiting wanting a more personal lodging experience? 2025 will also see many exciting additions to the hotel and luxury experiences offered around Barbados including (but not limited to)
- The groundbreaking of Beaches Barbados, a 600-room family resort from the Sandals brand, offering a range of beachfront suites and family-friendly amenities.
- Apes Hill Barbados, the 9-hole golf course opens this spring, alongside four brand-new Bedroom Golf and Sea View Villas available for booking starting May 1. Guests can now enjoy in-villa chef experiences, private spa services, and complimentary golf rounds.
- Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club reopens this summer 2025 with 28 fully renovated rooms from the global luxury brand.
- In 2025, Marriott expanded its portfolio with adult-only icons The Waves and Treasure Beach, both long-time favorites on the island.
Looking ahead, Royalton CHIC Barbados, an adults-only all-inclusive resort will bring a vibrant blend of luxury and entertainment to the island’s prestigious Gold Coast in Spring 2026.
Not to mention the highly anticipated Pendry Barbados which I would LOVE to visit for the Grand Opening by end of 2026. The luxury boutique hotel chain’s first international resort, this development will enhance Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings with its contemporary Caribbean elegance, signature dining concepts, and exclusive access to a private marina and other resort facilities.
Opening in Spring 2025, the new Barbados Heritage District is a landmark destination honoring the island’s enslaved ancestors. Located at Newton, Christ Church, home to the Caribbean’s largest and oldest known slave burial ground, the site will include a memorial, museum, and research institute. The opening aligns with the 400th anniversary of British arrival and precedes the island’s 60th independence anniversary in 2026.
For these and so many other reasons, I can say with the warmest gratitude, that Barbados has stolen a piece of my heart and I will do my best to visit and experience what only Barbados can offer.
So if you’ve been looking for a sign to book a trip this Spring & Summer to a country that will welcome you no matter where you are from or how you identify, and will allow you to feel a sense of beauty like no other, this is it.
Barbados is waiting, and I promise you, you’re going to love every minute.
To learn more please visit www.visitbarbados.com
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If you’re not already, follow me on all social media platforms at @dothedaniel as I share in real time these adventures and so much more!
Photos: Allure.com, Visit Barbados, Daniel Reyes Cocka
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
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