The name “Barbados” comes from the Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos who originally called the island Os Barbados (“The Bearded Ones”), after the island’s fig trees, whose long hanging aerial roots resembled beards. Locals refer to themselves as Bajans. The Bajans are warm and friendly people, always ready to welcome you with a sincere smile. This beautiful island offers culture, history, loads of activities, beautiful scenery and a vibrant night life. But what makes Barbados so special, and why so many visitors keep returning to the island, is its gorgeous beaches.

12 Beautiful Barbados Beaches

Barbados is a coral island, it is mostly a flat with excellent beaches, but there are also rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting variety of flora and fauna. Along the West Coast are the best beaches for swimming with gorgeous stretches of fine white sand, lapped up by the blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the coast providing excellent snorkelling and Scuba Diving. If lying on a beach is not your scene, the East Coast provides a lively surf fed by strong and constant trade winds providing picturesque scenery and a surfing paradise. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives the island a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

Barbados West Coast

1. Mullins Beach This beach is one of the most popular beaches on the west coast of the island. This lovely Barbados beach offers inviting soft golden sand, ideal for a lazy day on the beach.

2. Gibbes Beach The picturesque Gibbes beach offers one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. The pristine golden sand is framed with soaring trees on one side and a beautiful blue ocean on the other, simply gorgeous.

3. Paynes Bay Paynes Bay offers safe swimming along a long stretch of fine white sand making this a popular beach. Add to that the possibility of enjoying a swim with turtles in the bay, and it’s a non-brainer. The southern half of the beach is busier, so if you want a quieter piece of paradise, head to the northern side of the beach. 

Bridgetown & South West Coast

4. Crane Beach A lot of Bajans will tell you that Crane Beach is the most stunning on the island. It is heavenly. The beautiful long and wide beach is framed by palm groves and limestone cliffs. The lovely pink- tinted white sand is arguably one of Barbados’ most stunning beaches.

5. Brownes Beach Enjoy the calm, turquoise and crystal-clear waters of Browne’s Beach. This beach is very clean and well maintained. Brownes beach is a wonderful beach to just go and chill out. There is something so therapeutic about sitting on beach watching the sunset, listening to the waves lapping onto the beach.

6. Pebbles Beach This is a beach destination in Barbados where you can easily spend the whole day. You must get to Pebbles Beach early, 6am, and share the beach with the local racehorses exercising on the beach and going for a swim with their trainers, it’s a stunning scene. At the end of the day be rewarded with a breath-taking sunset. 

Barbados South Coast

The beach at Bougainvillea Beach Resort

7. Carlisle Bay What an exquisite beach, gorgeous white sand leading into crystal-clear waters make Carlisle Bay an idyllic setting. There are loads of activities and plenty of awesome places to eat, great place to be.

8. Enterprise Beach This stunning beach offers you a piece of paradise alongside the stunning south coast fishing village of Oistins. Also known as Miami Beach, this is a superb beach.

9. Accra Beach The Accra Beach offers a long arc of spectacular white sand. This is one of the best beaches on the Barbadian south coast.

Beach at Accra Beach Hotel

North West

10. Heywoods Beach There is a good chance of catching a whale breaching. This beach is stunning and offers calm, clear waters. Heywoods offers a quieter and more relaxing beach scene. The boats in bay provide a picturesque setting. The sunsets are epic. Wear your sandals when you wade into the sea, there are lots of rocks and reef with urchins in some areas.

East Coast

This east side of the island is not just surfers paradise, it’s a stunning scenic part of the island. The huge waves smashing onto the huge volcanic rocks make for many a splendid photo opportunity.  

11. Bathsheba Beach This beach offers spectacular views of the island. Beware if you want to go swimming there are strong currents that can make swimming here really dangerous.

12. Soup Bowl I love watching surfers, I can park off all day on the beach watching surfers practice their art. The Soup Bowl is surfers paradise, with huge, consistent waves breaking onto the shoreline. Apart from a surfing paradise, tourists looking for amazing photographic opportunities will be richly rewarded. This eastern side of the island is beautiful, dramatic and offers many scenic drives.

Barbados is Awesome

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Barbados

Updated 11 August 2021

The pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados on 17 March 2020 with the announcement of the first two cases.  

Current Travel Status from UK

G+ – Green watch list

TQV – Test + quarantine excl. vaccinated

Vaccine rollout in Barbados

Partially vaccinated – 35%

Fully vaccinated       – 28%

New cases per 100,00 people

Last 7 days    – 22

Last 14 days – 52

Accepted vaccines

Currently the Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness has approved the following Covid-19 vaccinations. You need to have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to travel to Barbados.

• Astra Zeneca
• Moderna
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Johnson & Johnson
• Sinopharm
• Sinovac
• Sputnik V

Children under 18

Some travellers may be travelling with children who may not have been vaccinated. Children under 18 years, travelling with fully vaccinated guardians will be allowed to adhere to the same guidelines as their fully vaccinated guardians.

Barbados quarantine for vaccinated arrivals

From 8 May a new protocol is in place for fully vaccinated individuals (2 doses administered more than 14 days prior to arrival) who have not visited high risk countries including India, South Africa or Brazil in the previous 21 days.

Details of what the Barbadian authorities will accept as proof of vaccination can be found on page 6 of the Barbados Travel Protocols. If you are unable to provide sufficient proof that you have been vaccinated, then you will be treated as if you are unvaccinated.

On arrival, you will undergo a rapid PCR test either at the airport or at your government-approved accommodation. You will need to remain on the premises of your accommodation and follow the quarantine rules until you receive the results of your second test. The government aims to return results within 24 hours, but it is recommended that you book two nights’ accommodation. See the Barbados Travel Protocols for further details.

Further information is available from the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Barbados

Immigration / Customs arrivals form

You need to complete an immigration / customs arrival form at least 24 hours prior to arrival. The form can be found here.

BIMSafe

BIMSafe is the new, easy-to-use app designed to simplify and expedite the travel experience to Barbados. The app can be downloaded prior to travel to Barbados from Google Play and the Apple Store.

BIMSafe includes links to the online ED form required for Customs and Immigration. It also allows you to upload your negative Nasopharyngeal or Oropharyngeal COVID-PCR test results and complete their health questionnaire, all from one centralised place.

The App also provides capabilities for monitoring temperature and symptoms during the 7 days after a traveller’s arrival. The BIMSafe app will be accompanied by a state-of-the-art monitoring bracelet which will be worn during the quarantine period. This water-resistant and tamper-resistant bracelet keeps travellers and locals safe by ensuring visitors remain within the designated quarantine location.

Download the BIMSafe App here

Covid-19 Health Protocols for Barbados

ALL travellers into Barbados, inclusive of those deemed fully vaccinated, are asked to review, and indicate their acceptance of the following:

ALL travellers must travel with a valid negative Standard COVID-19 PCR test result.

With specific reference to the type of PCR test required and accepted for entry into Barbados:

Specific Requirements:

The specimen taken must be a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab (or both) taken by a healthcare provider

The sample must be taken within 3 days (72 hours) prior to arrival.

The laboratory performing the test must be an accredited, certified or recognized facility

Please note that the following will NOT be accepted:

Nasal swab samples

Saliva samples

Self-administered tests (even if the sample was taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider)

Home kits

Rapid PCR tests

Approved Quarantine Hotels in Barbados

Vaccinated travellers will need to quarantine in their approved hotel until they receive their test results. Different quarantine rules may apply for various properties. However, use of the property does not include access to the beach, gyms, spas or butler services while awaiting the return of the Covid-19 PCR test results. The use of the pool may be permissible based on the rules of your chosen accommodation.

• Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
• All Seasons Resort Europa 
• Atlantis Historic Inn
• Barbados Beach Club
• Beach View
• Blue Horizon
• Blue Orchid Beach
• Bougainvillea Beach Resort
• Butterfly Beach
• Cobblers Cove
• Coconut Court Beach
• Colony Club
• Coral Mist Beach
• Coral Reef Club
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Crystal Cove
• Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
• Dover Beach
• Fairmont Royal Pavilion
• Golden Sands Apt.
• Hilton Barbados
• Infinity on the Beach
• Island Inn
• Little Arches
• Little Good Harbour
• Maxwell Del Mar
• Mango Bay
• Ocean 15
• Palm Garden
• Palms Resort/Travellers Palm
• Port Ferdinand
• Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
• Rostrevor
• Royal Westmoreland – Golf Cottages # 1-6
• Royal Westmoreland – Lancaster Drive # 12 & 20
• Royal Westmoreland – Royal Palm Villas #1-7
• Royal Westmoreland – Sugar Cane Mews # 2 & 3
• Royal Westmoreland – Sugar Cane Ridge #5, 7 & 14
• Royal Westmoreland – Royal Apartments #114, 123, 132, 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, 224, 231, 233, 311, 312, 313, 314, 321, 322, 324, 331 & 333
• Saint Peter’s Bay
• Sandals Barbados Resort & Spa/ Sandals Royal
• Sandy Lane
• Sea Breeze Beach House
• Soco
• South Beach
• South Gap
• Southern Palms Beach Club
• Sweetfield Manor Hotel
• Sugar Bay Barbados
• Sugar Cane Club & Spa
• Sunbay
• Tamarind
• The Abidah by Accra
• The Crane
• The House
• The Sandpiper
• The Sands
• Time Out
• Treasure Beach
• Tropical Sunset Beach Apartment
• Waves Hotel & Spa
• Worthing Court Apartment
• Yellow Bird

Barbados Travel Bubble

The travel bubble went into effect from 17th July 2021, allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Anguilla, Montserrat, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands and Bermuda who present a valid pre-flight negative PCR test, to be exempt from further quarantine or testing upon arrival in Barbados.

Travel Insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go. You need to have travel insurance in place from when you make your holiday booking. A good travel insurance policy will cover cancellations and mishaps that might occur in the run-up to your trip. But you need to have the cover in place before these events occur.

Shop around for the best deal, but never buy a policy based on price alone. The cheapest policy may not cover all your needs. Check that the policy you purchase provides appropriate cover for your pre-existing medical conditions and any activities or sports you’re planning to do. Most importantly ensure that you read the terms and conditions and ensure that it provides sufficient cover and that it covers for Covid-19.

If you already have a travel insurance policy, you should check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical cover and travel disruption. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.

When you travel, make sure you take details of your insurance policy with you, including your policy number and the emergency assistance telephone number provided by your insurer. Give a copy of your policy details to the people you’re travelling with and friends or family back home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

Many travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel to a high-risk destination (often defined as a place where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all but essential travel or all travel), so make sure you check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages for updates when booking your trip and buying insurance.

For more advice visit the Guidance for Foreign Travel Insurance

? enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

☎️ 0208 004 9400

Not Just Travel

Awesome Travel Experiences

The post Barbados Beach Holiday first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

For many of us a long-haul holiday is a such special treat. We want good value, in an awesome destination, satisfying our personal preferences, with great service, delivered by well trained, professional staff. We want to have a memorable and enjoyable holiday. For my money, Sandals Saint Lucia ticks those boxes.

I rate Sandals Resorts highly for a few personal reasons: The Sandals Resorts are ‘Adults Only’. They are ‘All-Inclusive’, so no nasty bills at the end. They are set in stunning locations, amongst some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after islands.

The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of Halcyon is: ‘Peaceful and Happy’. Welcome to Sandals Halcyon Beach on the idyllic Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. This is an ideal haven for that romantic beach holiday.

Sandals Halcyon Beach & Pier

Saint Lucia

The island of St Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island home to gorgeous beaches, thick rainforest, reef-diving sites, lush landscapes, amazing wildlife and idyllic fishing villages. St Lucia is home to the symbolic, volcanic Piton cones. A pair of dramatically tapered mountains in the south west corner of the island.

Pitons. St Lucia

Apart from the natural beauty and lovely beaches; the friendly and hospitable locals make this island so appealing, you can expect a warm welcome wherever you travel on the island. St Lucia is home to many luxury hotels and resorts and the Sandals Halcyon Beach is one of three Sandals resorts on the island.

About Sandals

Founded by Jamaican-born, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the Sandals brand is credited with creating the ‘All-Inclusive’ concept back in 1981. Butch has successfully established a chain of resorts across the Caribbean. Currently, Sandals Resorts International has 16 properties throughout the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, The Bahamas, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and Barbados.

Sandals Halcyon Beach Pool at Night

The Sandals Halcyon Beach is the most laid-back of St. Lucia’s three Sandals resorts, offering you a personalized and peaceful stay in paradise. The Halcyon Beach Resort has been positioned amongst the St. Lucia’s verdant landscape, with no building higher than the tallest palm. It’s a stunning resort.

Beachfront Romeo Juliet Walkout Butler Room at Sandals Halcyon Beach

As a guest at Halcyon Beach you can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to the other Sandals resorts of: Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort and Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa. The Sandals’ exclusive ‘exchange program’ allows you enjoy the dining and recreation options across all three resorts.

However, with two pools, a glorious beach, six restaurants and the on-site Red Lane Spa, there’s really no need to leave the Halcyon Beach Resort apart from exploring the island.

 

Restaurants

Mario’s Restaurant – The taste of Italy, particularly the Lombardi Region, influences the delicious cuisine that you will tuck into at this impressive restaurant.

Bayside Restaurant – Discover awesome international cuisine at this ‘double act’. By day this restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast and lunch. By night, enjoy a candlelit dinner, as the Bayside transforms into an exquisite a la carte French Brasserie.

Sandals Halcyon, Bayside Restaurant

Soy Sushi Bar – I absolutely love sushi, so I could genuinely eat here the entire holiday. It’s a great little restaurant, skilfully decorated with fine attention to detail. But it’s the delicious dishes, that leave the skilful hands of these great chefs, that is what makes Soy Sushi Bar so impressive. Simply delicious.

The Beach Bistro – This is an exquisite seafront restaurant and bar offering stunning views and delightful cuisine.

Sandals Halcyon, The Beach Bistro

Kimonos – If you love the exotic cuisines of the Far East, Kimonos offers you a Teppanyaki cooking style, that is delightful.

The Pier 81 Seaside Bar and Grill – is the place to head for a taste of Creole cookery and a view to die for.

Kelly’s Dockside Bar and Grill – Head to Kelly’s for a classic Caribbean dinner. Ideally located with awesome views out to sea, Kelly’s serves up scrumptious fresh seafood dishes.

Sandals Halcyon, Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant

 

Accommodation

Sandals have a large room selection with many room categories to choose from. The ‘Lead in Room’ is the luxurious ‘Halcyon Hideaway Deluxe Room’. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this delightful room is comfortable, well-appointed and has a comfortable king-sized bed.

Halcyon Hideaway Deluxe Room

If you are not restrained by your budget, consider the height of luxury, indulgence and pampering with a romantic ‘Beachfront Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Room’ with a Patio Tranquillity Soaking Tub. Set amongst a tropical garden paradise, just a few steps from the beach, with swim-up access from your patio

The master bedroom is huge with a king-sized bed and the most lavish spa-style bathroom with a luxurious soaking tub and huge walk-in shower, it’s amazing.

Apart from the services of your own personal butler, you can kick-back and enjoy the contents of your fully-stocked mini-bar and off-course there is also 24-hour room service if you are feeling peckish.

Beachfront Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Room with Tranquillity Soaking Tub

Activities

The Sandals Halcyon Beach include a variety of sports and facilities to keep your active side entertained. With tennis courts, beach volleyball, Championship Golf and state of the art fitness centres with the latest equipment and qualified instructors.

Scuba Diving Sandals Resorts

The resort offers unlimited motorised water sports and complimentary instruction. Try your hand at Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking or sail away on a Hobie Cat.

Saint Lucia Weather

St Lucia is located close to the equator and therefore there is very little variation in terms of temperature between the seasons, its hot and sunny all-year round. The rains can occur throughout the year especially in the form of downpours or thunderstorms, but generally the showers do not last long, so most days you will still have lots of sunshine.

The island’s weather is best described as the ‘dry season’ and the ’wet season’. The dry season falls between December and June and the wet season between July and November. The peak season on Saint Lucia runs from mid-December through to April. In these months you can expect accommodation rates to be significantly higher, but the weather is usually at its best.

You can often secure great deals during the wet season, but it’s stickier and wetter. Also bear in mind that the hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October statistically the likeliest months to experience major storms.

Where to go

The big decision when planning a holiday to St Lucia is whether to base yourself in the north or the south of the island. The north, which includes; the capital Castries and Rodney Bay area are busier and more developed. In the north, you will find the best golden beaches and a far greater choice of restaurants and bars. Sandals Halcyon Beach is located on the north west of the island.

The south, and specifically the south west where the Pitons are located, is much more scenic and tranquil with fantastic accommodation options and stunning scenery. However, the beaches are mostly of dark volcanic sand in the south.

It’s easy to commute around the island so I would recommend doing some day-trips either by boat or road. Also, you may well consider a twin-centre holiday if you have the time.

Flights to St Lucia

With direct flights from London Gatwick to Saint Lucia taking just under 9 hours this Caribbean paradise is an awesome holiday destination. Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport. I prefer flying with Virgin, I personally find the service is sleeker, the crew more professional and overall, I think Virgin offers much better customer service.

Virgin Atlantic Gatwick

In Conclusion

Described as: “A true Garden of Eden by the Sea”. The Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort on Saint Lucia certainly ticks the boxes for me. The staff are well trained and the service at the resort is fantastic. The accommodation is heavenly, the restaurants superb and the quality and variety of food outstanding.

You can get some great deals, May is a good month to travel and often has good offers. If you prepared to risk the weather (possibility of storms and even a hurricane) September and October are often discounted.

Whether you are planning a romantic holiday break, a honeymoon holiday or planning a wedding; St Lucia is an awesome holiday destination.

Sandals Halcyon Beach Aerial Overview

 

Awesome@Travel

 

The post A Romantic Beach Holiday first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.