Barbadosis known for its stunning sandy beaches and perfect sunshine, but there is much more to a Barbadian holiday than sun, sea and sand. A luxury holiday in Barbados doesn’t just mean relaxing on the beach; there are many places to explore and things to see – and here are just a few of them…

History and heritage

 

Barbadosis historically rich, and as such they have quite a few areas of cultural heritage to explore. The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is a good place to start learning about the history of the island, with interesting exhibits set within a beautiful building. For architecturally interesting sights, the nineteenth century Parliament buildings, St. Nicholas Abbey and the 1920s village at Tyrol Cot are great. And to see centuries old and historical Barbadian buildings, Sunbury Great House, Fisherpond House and the George Washington House are all worth a look.

Nature and wildlife.

 

It is also no surprise that this stunning country has some fairly beautiful wildlife and natural curiosities. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a fantastic place for a family day out, with a wide variety of animals from flamingos to monkeys all roaming in a natural environment. To see exotic flowers and beautiful gardens, Flower Forest, Hunte’s Garden, Andromeda Botanic Gardens and Orchid World are all on offer and for rugged Barbadian scenery try Farley National Park – and take a picnic along with you! For something different, the Atlantis Submarine is perfect; see the Caribbean Sea from a different angle in a submarine with viewing ports all over. This underwater tour will take you to see a submerged shipwreck and exotic fish.

Sports

 

Barbadosis a great place to enjoy a day of laid back and relaxed sporting activities. For golf fans, you have lots to choose from, including Barbados Golf Club, Royal Westmoreland Golf and Country Club and Rockley Golf Club. In terms of enjoying the great beaches the island has to offer, you could take a lesson at Barbados Surf School, or for an alternative way to get around, you could try horseback riding at Ocean Echo Stables of the Caribbean International Riding Centre.

Beaches

 

Of course, a list of Barbados holiday activities would not be complete without mentioning some of the beaches and bays on offer. Rockley Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Enterprise Beach, Crane Beach and Bottom Bay all provide a picturesque scene, soft sands and beautiful water, and for an enclosed pool of water great for swimming and diving, try Carlisle Bay.

 

This list of activities can probably be vastly extended, so if you have any ideas please post them! And whilst such great activities are part of what makes a great luxury Barbados holiday, the other part is finding the right accommodation on the island. Self catered holiday homes in Barbados offer a luxurious return after a long day exploring the island, whether it is in the form of a beachfront villa or a beautiful large house with a private pools and gardens.