Barbados

Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you'll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.

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Although Barbados is best known by some as Rihanna’s home country, this Caribbean island is much more. With exotic landscapes, memorable beaches, and rum factories galore, Barbados is a bucket-list add for Caribbean explorers and beach freaks alike. I worked in yachting for many years, and major sailing races were always sponsored by Mount Gay Barbados Rum. The golden liquor became the “sailor’s rum,” and the distributor even set up a bar at my wedding reception (to a French racing sailor) during the America’s Cup. For me, Barbados and its rum were synonymous with fun, water, and the sailing culture, plus a mixture of elites and degenerates, for which the rum is a celebratory cornerstone. But, Barbados is much more than a rum-centric beach vacation. The island has a long history as a British colony that involved slavery, worldwide sugar production dominance by 1650, then freedom as a parliamentary democracy with voting rights, and finally full independence from the UK in 1966. History is still present in daily lives in Barbados, and an island vacation does not have to be without culture and learning. The locals, or in the familiar term, Bajans, are aware of their past in slavery but embrace their heritage and successes as they look to the future of their small nation. Bajans are friendly people who speak English, and the U.S. dollar and the local Barbadian currency are both accepted. Barbados is a fairly big country with just under 290,000 people and growing — but not craz...

It is believed that the name "Cherry Tree Hill" originated from the large number of cherry trees which once existed at this location. Today the road is lined with mahogany trees, which were introduced into Barbados after the Treaty of Paris. As you descend the hill the mahogany trees give way to swaying sugar cane.... • What are the must-do activities and places to see? • Go Barbados on a budget • Island weddings & romance • What are the 7 wonders of Barbados? • What's the best time to visit Barbados? • Is it safe to travel to Barbados? • I want to live in Barbados. Where do I start...? • Top places to dine and foods / drinks to try • Where are the best places to stay? • Where are the best beaches?