ANN RUPPENSTEIN
Venture beyond the beach in Barbados
It’s 6:00 a.m. — earlier than most people would get up while on vacation in the Caribbean — but the beach is already lined with a dozen people. That’s because those who wake up early enough can watch as horses from one of the oldest racetracks in the Americas take a morning dip in Carlisle Bay, Barbados.
The crowd watches attentively as the horse trainers and groomers go in and out of the water. Some horses remain close to the shore so people can pet them but others swim off into the distance. “I didn’t know horses could swim,” a young onlooker told his mom.
The activity has become a favourite thing to do for visitors, and not just those who are staying nearby at Hilton Barbados Resort or Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados. Watching race horses from The Garrison Savannah swim and trot along the beach is just one of the unique things clients can do off the resort in Barbados. Here’s a look at some of the other experiences that await clients.
A trip to Barbados isn’t complete without visiting a rum distillery. In fact, many people credit the destination as being the birthplace of rum. Complete with samples, a great behind-the-scenes tour is offered at Mount Gay rum distillery, the site where the rum has been distilled for over 300 years. Since the company’s oldest deed of property dates to February 1703, it lays claim to being the world’s oldest rum.
Originally known as a “pretty crappy version of rum called Kill-Devil or my personal favourite, Demon Water, it was hard to swallow,” explained Tina Forde, client experience associate for the distillery, noting that Mount Gay was named after Sir John Gay Alleyne, who redefined and elevated the spirit. “He was able to craft it into something palatable and he was so good at what he did that after he passed, everything was renamed in his honour.”
Tours not only touch on the rum making process but give visitors access to the land’s original well, the molasses house, fermentation house, distillation house and aging warehouses where the rows upon rows of reclaimed Kentucky bourbon oak barrels are stacked.
Another great option is Foursquare Rum Distillery, located on a former sugar plantation that dates back to approximately 1720.
“We’re producing rum to the level of a scotch whiskey,” explained Richard Lawrence Seale, 4th Generation Trader/Distiller of R.L. Seale & Co., crediting brands like Mount Gay and Jamaica’s Appleton for also elevating the product on an international scale.
In addition to Foursqaure, Doorly’s, Old Brigand, rum is also produced for other brands like Real McCoy and Rum 66.
The Eastern Caribbean destination has lots of great options on land and on water. To get a good overview of the island, travellers can embark on a catamaran tour with Cool Runnings, sailing along the coast for a lovely sunset meal. Notable snorkelling stops along the way provide excellent opportunities to swim next to sea turtles and discover shipwrecks.
Another memorable experience is a day or night dive with Atlantis Submarines, an excellent choice for families looking to see sea life and coral reef. For those searching for the perfect Instagram post, Animal Flower Cave is a scenic cave leading into the Atlantic Ocean, also a great spot for a swim.
For an off-road adventure, clients can head out on a tour with Island Safari on the back of a 4×4 Jeep to attractions like the lion at Gun Hill and past local sugar cane fields, while getting served rum punch along the way.
For an outer-worldy experience, Harrison’s Cave is a phenomenon of nature feature stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave and stalagmites emerging from the ground over hundreds of thousands of years.
Harrison’s Cave has been developed into a major attraction offering things like zip-lining but even if adventure isn’t right for your clients, seeing the cave and learning about its origins is well worth the trip for first time visitors.
Did you know that Barbados has monkeys? This is also where, depending on the time of day, clients can spot the green monkeys originally from Senegal and the Gambia in West Africa approximately 350 years.
For those in the mood for a laid-back bite, head to Cuz’s Fish Shack on Pebbles Beach for a fish cutter (or fish cutter and cheese). The unassuming location has been serving up this dish for 70 years over two generations of family ownership.
For a brand new option, head over to Zemi East Coast Cafe. Although the barracuda is a top seller, don’t miss out on the macaroni pie! The cafe aims to pay homage to the ancient Amerindian Village it’s located on, including its name, which means an ancestral spirit or an object linked to its Indigenous past.
Kenny Hewitt says his wife Gayle Talma was retired for all of 24 hours before deciding to take on this venture.
After enjoying a tasty meal, burn off the calories by going for a stroll along Bathsheba beach.
Two ways to stay: All inclusive or not — it’s up to your clients
How many high-end all inclusive hotels do you know that offer a gourmet donut shop and a four-lane bowling alley? Sandals Royal Barbados is not only an idyllic spot for couples searching for a romantic getaway with scenic spots like a rooftop pool and restaurant but also features plenty of fun amenities as well. Between Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados, clients will be able to experience 11 pools, six whirlpools, 21 restaurants and 14 bars.
If your clients prefer to get off the resort to dine locally, Hilton Barbados Resort is an option for travellers looking for an alternative to an all-elusive escape. Located adjacent to the 17th-century ruins of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the resort has access to two white-sand beaches, free watersports, tennis, outdoor pools, and a spa featuring a heated sand massage bed.
