Do you have the travel bug in 2020?

Barbados has been named as one of the 50 best places to visit this year by Travel + Leisure. The magazine reports that in putting this list of destinations together they “hit the books, scouring tourism statistics, scoping out major events, charting new flight routes, and logging hotel debuts.” Getting further insight from their A-List travel advisors, trusted writers, hospitality insiders, and other industry pros, Travel + Leisure was able to secure the scoop on the best vacation spots for 2020. They’ve got their sights set on Barbados and so should you – add a Barbados holiday to your travel plans for 2020!

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Make your travel experience even better by booking with us! Our Concierge Can team can provide you with all the tools you need to create lasting memories. Also, be sure to check out our Specials page for fantastic offers.

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Getting Here

Barbados is very easily reachable from most countries in the world. The Grantley Adams International Airport offers direct links to a variety of markets, and several major hub destinations. The frequency of international flights ensures that you can  travel with ease. Popular airlines like Jet Blue with the addition of their premium flight option complements British carriers. The recent addition of a direct flight from Panama to Barbados was a historic partnership for the island. The island also features many additional seasonal routes to the UK and Europe during the peak season.

Choice of Accommodation

The range of accommodation on offer in Barbados has something for everyone. From luxury hotels to the more budget conscious offerings with value as a priority, travellers can choose their ideal holiday experience. A growing number of hotels are offering all-inclusive options with the completion of planned branded hotels, the options in this segment would be further enhanced. Complementing this range of hotels is a diverse range of vacation rental properties, with on-island providers – like our sister company Blue Sky Luxury – offering several staffed and managed homes and private estates, and modern beachfront apartments. Online marketplaces round out the choice of offerings to ensure that there is truly something for everyone. It’s no wonder Barbados has the highest repeat visitor percentage in the region at 39%.

Transport & Infrastructure
The paved road network along with the island’s relatively flat terrain and extensive public transport, make Barbados’ infrastructure one of the best in the region. The ABC Highway stands out as a vital route from the airport to the west coast and points along the south coast. The island’s modern telecoms options ensure that visitors are never out of touch with their home base. This extends to the island-wide cellular offering which facilitates the use of navigation apps which makes travel around the island easier.

Things to Do

When it comes to sun, sea, and sand, the Caribbean as a region offers this in abundance, and while Barbados is regularly recognised for having some of the region’s best beaches, there is so much more on offer to visitors and residents. These include: Bushy Park Barbados, the only Grade 3 FIA racing circuit in the Caribbean; the Garrison Savannah, a six-furlong grass horse-racing course which hosts the Barbados Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious thoroughbred classic horse race events in the Eastern Caribbean; a variety of polo fields which host several tournaments with international teams competing during the January to May season, and golf courses ranging from the affordable to the exclusive and many in between, several designed by internationally renowned course architects. Once the sun goes down, Barbados continues to shine, with world class restaurants and nightlife that include international hospitality brands like Nikki Beach.

Property: Clifton Plantation

These two departments of the Terra Group work very closely together.   Blue Sky Luxury is the holiday rental side of the business and they rent properties tailored to holiday rental stays.  Terra Luxury is the West Coast brokerage side of the business that rents long term rental properties as well as buying and selling of real estate.  Terra Luxury is the local affiliate of Knight Frank, which though based in London has a Global Network of 512 offices worldwide in 60 territories.

Many owners choose to rent their properties to offset the running costs and presently Blue Sky Luxury has 130 villas, apartments and townhouses in their rental portfolio; there are four property classification categories “Flagship”, “Luxury” , “Classic” & “Essential”.  Most of the homes are rented with a full staff complement in place and it’s not unusual for guests to return to a particular property due to the friendly and great service they have received.

Property: Westhaven

Blue Sky Luxury reservations specialists book rental properties directly as well as through 140 overseas agents and travel agents.   Many guests have become long-time repeat clientele and a large part of their business – well over 50% have enjoyed more than one visit.

Holiday rental guests are a good source of business for Terra Luxury especially as these guests have already experienced the island first hand.  They may be attracted to the laid-back, yet sophisticated lifestyle; the great weather all year round encourages outdoor living and by extension good health; the relatively safe surroundings and maybe even the attractive resident tax rates if clients make Barbados their home.  The real estate market is currently a buyer’s market and the experience of the Terra Luxury brokerage agents will make the process of finding the right property, at the right price a smooth and straightforward process.

Tucked away in the popular community of 2nd Street in Holetown, St. James, you’ll find The Mews. The ‘not so typical’ restaurant showcases a unique layout that’s a true time capsule of traditional Barbadian architecture and its preservation allows for guests to sit in a truly quaint environment. Enjoy the view and your meal on the balconies overlooking the active nightlife below, the interior courtyard, private dining rooms, or the quirky nooks and crannies scattered about this one of a kind gem.

Inside the kitchen, you’ll find a team championed by new Executive Chef Anife Best, who has put his personal spin on the Euro-Caribbean cuisine that the restaurant is known for with a focus on ‘farm-to-table’ fine dining. As a locally owned restaurant, the Mews celebrates flavours of Barbados with fresh, local ingredients and produce all sourced in Barbados.

The Mews offers a Farm Fresh Special Menu that is curated based on that availability of fresh produce. You’ll find delicacies such as the Pickled Codfish or Local Pumpkin Soup along with Mahi Mahi Aglio e Olio or Clifton’s Pork Chops. From their traditional menu, you’ll find starters such as Lemon Butter Scallops & Shrimp and Confit of Duck, sumptuous entrées including Curried Rabbit and even a 28 Day Aged Grilled 10 oz Ribeye Steak … and if you can still fit dessert, we’d recommend the Sticky Caramel Bread Pudding or the Chocolate Tart with warm Coffee Ganache.

In addition to promoting Farm-to-Table fine dining and an overflowing wine list, guests will enjoy a wide variety of local art on display throughout the restaurant featuring spectacular pieces by local artists. If you’re looking to be entertained, look no further as you’ll be serenaded by local musicians and artists as you enjoy your meal…. especially on Friday night when you’ll be guaranteed live entertainment in any season.

The Mews is an excellent choice for a night out, as 2nd Street becomes ‘the spot’ to ‘lime’. With quite a few bars in the area, 2nd street has a great night life with The Mews at the heart of the action.