As I sit in the house, looking out the window at the snow gently falling, I am reminded that the winter in Canada is absolutely beautiful. That being said, I also can feel my patience towards waiting for the smallest of glimpses of the sun to appear briefly wearing thin.
That’s why I am beyond excited to be leaving for Barbados for the first time ever and how excited I am to take you along with me via social media.
Now, if planetary alignment – where all major planets in our solar system line up in a harmonious formation – isn’t a sign from the universe to tell me that this trip was much needed for my body, heart, mind, and soul… I don’t know what is. So when a media trip to Barbados happen before the end of January presented itself recently, I knew that it was meant to be and I jumped at the chance.
As the year began I knew that I wanted to explore the world more and take you along as I discovered new destinations, peoples, experiences and moments that make life more beautiful.
You’ll have to follow along on social media with me via @dothedaniel on all social media platforms. While you’re at it, following @visitbarbados might be the inspiration you need this winter season as well.
I thought I would break it down not chronologically how I will experience it, but rather into the three categories that I am always looking for when I consider travel: hotels, food, experiences.
— Hotels —
For some travelers, accommodations aren’t important. I am not one of those travelers and that is why both of the properties below are spectacular options and I will be lucky enough to experience them both. That’s a tip I have learned over the course of 12 years of traveling for Do The Daniel – who said you have to stay the entire trip at one property? Just saying.
Waves Resort & Spa, An Autograph Collection Hotel
“With wellness at its core, Waves Hotel and Spa offers guests the best of both worlds – home to a peaceful adults-only spa section along with a fun-filled family-friendly wing. This stunning hotel offers a range of accommodation options, home to 70 elegant guest rooms and suites that all boast luxurious and modern conveniences along with a private balcony or terrace, many boasting picturesque views of the ocean. Relax and rebalance at The Spa at Waves – offering a host of complimentary spa and wellness treatments designed to refresh and revitalize – try your hand at the range of complimentary watersports, or experience a culinary journey across the dreamy dining venues. Waves Hotel and Spa is also conveniently just 15 minutes away from the capital Bridgetown, promising the perfect location for exploring more of the island on your luxury Barbados holiday.”
“Inspired by life’s most essential element, the five-star award-winning O2 Beach Club & Spa transports you to a place of pure relaxation where you can ‘breathe it all in’.
Unwind in unadulterated luxury with stunning rooms and suites, gourmet dining, serene spa experiences, exhilarating land and water adventures and inspiring daily activities that redefine the meaning of ‘luxury all-inclusive.’”
— Food —
It goes without saying that the hotel where you stay will have delicious options for you to savour (and sip, because, #vacation) so I thought I would share a few that are hotel based and a few that aren’t. I am of the mind that if you have the ability to get out and immerse yourself in the local arts, food, and culture that that is where the real magic is.
“Alive and vibrant set in a chic, laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Champers sits amidst breath-taking views of the water’s edge.
Our menus are comprehensive and captivating. Our dishes are uniquely authentic; international with bold intense Caribbean flavours complimented by a simple presentation with an emphasis on fresh, quality and local ingredients. All kids under fourteen, enjoy meals from our Kids Menu designed specifically for them.”
“Oro Restaurant quite literally takes your dining experience to new heights, offering an a la carte menu of modern European-meets-Caribbean fusion with stunning 260-degree views of the South Coast. Oro Restaurant is air-conditioned, a rare find in Barbados, it is open five nights a week and is beautifully designed and opulently decorated, this is luxury dining to remember.”
What is an “Oistin’s Fish Fry” you ask? The tranquil town of Oistins, located on the south coast of Barbados, is a sleepy little fishing town that transforms to a party hub every Friday night for the Oistins Fish Fry. I can already tell that this will be an incredible and immersive dinning experience that I will be talking about for months and years to come.
— Experiences —
One of the things I do every time I visit a new country is to always find a locally made piece of jewelry made with the precious gemstone of that country. For example, I bought rings in The Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, all made with the local precious gemstone because to me it carries that destination and its magic with me forever. I hope to do the same by buying rings made with Larimar in Barbados.
One of the ways I also carry a destination with me is by making memories on excursions and experiences that are uniquely of that place. Here are a few I am very excited for.
Have you ever thought about this as a way to learn about where you travel? I have had the pleasure of taking cooking classes with local chefs around the world, and each of them provided a deeply personal connection to local history, cuisine, flavour, and peoples. I will be lucky enough to take a Bajan cooking demonstration with Chef Trevon Stoute, who will be
assisted by Omari Layne, 2024 Junior Chef Champion. I am beyond excited!
“Voted 2nd Most Popular Attraction by the globally recognised Zagat Survey as ‘the Rolls-Royce of catamaran excursions’ in Barbados. Our unique charter company specializes in personalised cruises, ensuring the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment. Our elegant, custom-built catamarans sail with a limited number of passengers, to guarantee a superb day of sailing in an uncrowded atmosphere.”
“Are you looking to have that EXPERIENCE out of this world whilst learning is fun? Well join us with either friends or family and let us take all your worries away, even if just for 55 minutes. Make your plans now to visit the Marizayra Sanctuary EXPERIENCE. “
“Harrison’s Cave, a longtime favorite for its stunning tram tours through crystalline limestone caverns, has been reimagined into Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park. This expansion introduces a day’s worth of new activities set amidst Barbados’ natural splendor. Visitors can now enjoy the ‘Monkey Zipline’, ‘Gully Challenge Course’, and immerse in local heritage with the ‘Mount Gay Rum Experience’. Nature trails, bird aviaries, and a pool offer diverse ways to explore and relax. The park blends the awe of underground explorations with the island’s rich culture and lush landscapes for a comprehensive experience of Barbadian beauty.”
Tailor Made Safari Tour with Island Safari
“What’s better than your own private safari tour of Barbados? This option is great for private family outings, team-building exercises or celebrating a special occasion with a group. With the Tailor Made Safari option, you can let us create a unique schedule for you, hitting all the must-see spots on the island or feel free to personalize your itinerary so you can see the stops which interest you! This safari is all about you bonding with people of your choice on a rugged 4×4 adventure jeep while discovering the best Barbados has to offer.”
Pebbles Beach to see the horses
This is the last of the experiences on my itinerary over the course of the press trip, and is probably one of the most famous things you can do in the Barbados.
“Before the sun rises, grooms from the nearby Garrison Savannah start leading the island’s racehorses down the short trek to the beach. This ritual occurs nearly daily between approx. 5:30 am and 7 am.
Some horses make their way directly into the sea, while others enjoy a roll in the sand before their swim. Once in the water the horses swim out surprising far to the moored boats before returning to shore. If a horse is recovering from injury or is sore after a race it may stay longer, swimming and soaking in the warm water. There’s a steady stream of horses throughout the early morning, and they all seem to enjoy the ritual.”
Oh, before I forget. Transfers are such an important part of travel when heading to The Caribbean. All of ours were provided by Tropical Luxury Tours.
This is of course a guide, and if you have friends / family who have visited before they will have their own recommendations. Being that this will be my first time ever, I will experience it all wide eyed and so my best to capture and share the magic of it all with you in real time.
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!
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
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