Explore Barbados

Discover a taste of “old blighty” in the Caribbean! Barbados gained its independence from the UK in 1966 but kept much of the architecture, history, and traditions. Along with these uniquely British experiences, Barbados boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, colorful nightlife, and a friendly community of locals and expats. To contact our concierge team prior to arrival, please email sws.frontdesk@divisouthwinds.com. You can also visit our lobby concierge desk upon arrival.

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HARRISON'S CAVE


Prepare for a journey below the ground into the mystical caverns of Harrison’s Cave. This natural wonder features dripping stalactite formations that look like glistening chandeliers, huge echoing caverns, and underground waterfalls.

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MOUNT GAY RUM


Rum making is not just a tradition on Barbados—it’s a way of life. Mount Gay Rum is the world’s oldest rum, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Visit the distillery to sample this tasty treat and discover the ins and outs of rum making.

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OFF-ROADING


For an exhilarating adventure you won't soon forget, book an off-roading tour to explore the countryside of Barbados. Satisfy your need for speed while taking in breathtaking views and discovering everything the island has to offer.

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BOAT TOURS


Hop aboard and sail along the shores of Barbados on one of the island's many boat tours. Enjoy a day of snorkeling and swimming in the sun or book a romantic sunset cruise with your sweetie to take in incredible views of the colorful coastline.

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SNORKELING & DIVING


Snorkelers and scuba divers will delight in the many unique underwater sites Barbados has to offer. Snorkelers and divers can explore vibrant coral reef formations and unique wreck sites with sunken ships. An underwater oasis awaits you!

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HORSEBACK RIDING


Horseback riding on Barbados is a truly unique way to experience parts of the island not easily accessible by car. Perfect for families, couples, and friends, this adventure will help you reconnect with nature and with each other.

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BEAUTIFUL BEACHES


Warm sand, turquoise water, and sunny skies are always on the menu! With more than 70 miles of both pink and white sand beaches, there’s a shore for every occasion. Check out Bathsheba for the coolest rock formations, Browne’s Beach for stellar snorkeling, and Dover Beach for the ultimate in relaxation.

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FOOD TOURS


Indulge in a mouthwatering walking food tour where you'll learn about Barbados' culture and history while sampling the best Bajan cuisine and popular local dishes. Tantalize your taste buds with Lickrish Food Tours or Lick De Bowl Food Tours—the choice is yours!

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OISTINS FISH FRY


If you want to experience the island’s best fusion of food, entertainment, and culture, stop by Oistins Bay Gardens for the famed Oistins Fish Fry every Friday night. The seafood market comes alive with sizzling seafood, energetic music, and a bustling crowd of locals and tourists ready to devour authentic Barbadian dishes.

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STELLAR SURFING


If you think surfing is not for you, think again! Local surf shops will have you shredding waves like a pro in no time. Open to all skill levels, beginner surf lessons include a quick class and plenty of time to try out your new skills. With a stand up success rate of 99%, you’re bound to discover why the sport is so addictive!

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WILDLIFE RESERVE


Wild monkeys are everywhere on Barbados, but the best place to catch a closer look is at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Watch as monkeys and unique species of deer, tortoises, peacocks, caimans, iguanas, and more roam freely throughout the 4-acre forest.

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HARBOUR LIGHTS


Harbour Lights Barbados’ Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show offers a night full of lively entertainment from bands, dancers, stilt walkers, acrobats, and even a fire performer. Add great music, an upbeat environment with dancing, balloons, flowing drinks, and traditional Bajan BBQ, and you’ve got an ideal night out on the town.

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CHURCHES & SYNAGOGUES


Religious roots run deep on Barbados. The St. James Church and St. John Parish Church are amongst some of the oldest surviving churches on the island. There are also several historic synagogues throughout Barbados and the historic Nidhe Israel Museum, a museum that traces Jewish history in Barbados.

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ANIMAL FLOWER CAVE


The Animal Flower Cave is the island’s only accessible sea cave, located on the north side of Barbados. Named for its many sea anemones, this is a popular destination for locals and tourists thanks to its spectacular views, natural swimming pool inside the cave, and restaurant overlooking the crashing waves.

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD


This time-honored British tradition happens every Thursday at noon at the main guard of the Barbados Garrison in Bridgetown. Donning the colorful Zouave uniform chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858, this unique display of British culture lasts about fifteen minutes.

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ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY


Originally a sugarcane plantation, this museum and working rum distillery features a small cafe, vibrant gardens, mahogany forests, tropical gullies, a steam mill, a courtyard, and a train ride experience, all on its 400-acre property.

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SWIMMING WITH TURTLES


Dive into an underwater world where turtles, fish, and colorful sea creatures abound. Climb aboard a catamaran to spend the day snorkeling and swimming with turtles and a variety of exotic fish. Back on the boat, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks all served up by an attentive, upbeat crew.

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BOTANICAL GARDENS


No matter where you look on Barbados, you’re bound to find abundant greenery, majestic towering trees, and vibrant flowers, and there’s no shortage of sanctuaries dedicated to preserving the island’s flora and fauna. Bask in the natural beauty of Cherry Tree Hill, the Flower Forest, Hunte’s Garden, or Andromeda Botanic Gardens.

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ST. LAWRENCE GAP


Our beachside resort is conveniently situated in the heart of the famed St. Lawrence Gap, where you'll find plenty of dining, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and fun for the whole family. Venture out to find souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or stretch your legs with a leisurely walk.

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BARBADOS MUSEUMS


Step back in time to learn more about the island’s unique culture at the Arlington House Museum, a restored 18th century building in Speightstown with an interactive 3-story museum, or stop by the Barbados Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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TEA TIME


Spot of tea? Tea time is still a big part of Bajan culture, and there are plenty of places on the island to take part in this British tradition. Enjoy your afternoon tea on the beach, on your private patio, or at one of the many restaurants on Barbados.

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SPORTING EVENTS


Dress in your best whites to watch a game of cricket with a refreshing gin and tonic. If cricket isn’t your thing, enjoy a chukka of polo plus stomping divots or a thrilling horse race at the Barbados Turf Club located within the Garrison Historic area just outside Bridgetown.

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FARLEY NATIONAL PARK


Escape for an idyllic picnic under the shade of a towering mahogany tree at Farley National Park. Located on the grounds of the Farley Hill house ruins, once regarded as the most impressive mansion on the island, this picturesque park offers breathtaking views, vibrant gardens, and a forest of mahogany trees.

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BRIDGETOWN


The capital city of Bridgetown is a lively hub for duty-free shops, street vendors, and local restaurants. Plus, it's home to the Parliament Buildings. The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639 and is the third oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

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SPA TREATMENTS

Enter a world of relaxation and tranquility at Diana Loleta The Spa. This on-site spa offers soothing massages, hair treatments, manicures and pedicures, waxing, and more. Appointments can be made on Facebook, by calling 1 246-850-3412 or via email at dianaloletathespa@gmail.com. Don't miss a chance to treat yourself on vacation!

LEARN MORE
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DOVER BEACH

What's better than lounging on a Caribbean beach under the warm sun with a frozen drink in hand? We're honestly not sure! Let your inner beach bum blossom on Barbados’ most stunning shores, including our very own Dover Beach. This sparkling stretch of white sand is dotted with lounge chairs and shady trees so you can soak up the sun all day long.

Explore More Beaches
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PLAY IN PARADISE

Known as one of the sporting capitals of the Caribbean, Barbados is ideal for active vacationers on the hunt for a little friendly competition or those wishing to watch their favorite sport. At our resort, you can enjoy tennis, basketball, miniature golf, snorkeling, pool volleyball, and even a fun kid's playground. Around the island, you'll find everything from cricket to horse races, polo, surfing, sailing, and more.

Sports on Barbados
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EXPLORE THE GAP

Immerse yourself in the Caribbean state of mind with a visit to the famed St. Lawrence Gap. Our resort is conveniently located in the heart of The Gap, where you'll find lively bars and dance clubs, popular restaurants, and a shopping village with local crafts, souvenirs, and island trinkets. Plus, Divi Southwinds guests have signing privileges at Harlequin Restaurant and Buzo Osteria Italiana.

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Watch this before you travel

Learn more about traveling to Barbados or visit our Southwinds FAQs page for additional information. We look forward to welcoming you to the island soon!

More Questions?
We've Got Answers!

Why should you choose Barbados for your next vacation? It’s easy and convenient to travel to Barbados with plenty of flights from major U.S., Canadian, European, and Caribbean cities. Plus, the island is rarely touched by inclement weather, and Bajans are known for their vibrant and friendly personalities, so you'll always receive a warm welcome when you visit this lush tropical paradise.

Soak Up The Sun

Temperatures on Barbados remain constant year-round, averaging about 86°F (30°C) each day, with water temperatures around 78°F (25°C) closer to the coast.

Dollars or BBD?

The official currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). However, the US Dollar and Pound Sterling are widely accepted on the island.

Know Before You Go

Before traveling to the beautiful island of Barbados, it is important to be fully informed of all rules and regulations. Please visit our helpful FAQs page to review guidelines for entry.

What to Wear

Barbados is laid-back and informal. Evening wear is typically casual. It is not permitted to remove any part of your swimwear on the beach or around resort pools.

Road Rules

On Barbados, vehicles are driven on the left side of the road and the vast majority of vehicles are right-hand drive. International traffic signs are used.

Plug In

The electrical current in Barbados is DC 110 volts, 50 cycle – USA voltage. Transformers and adapters are available at the Front Desk.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Find out what you can and can't bring back from the islands: U.S. Citizens and Canadian Citizens. European and British Citizens: please visit your country’s official customs website.

At Your Service

By island custom, a 17.5% service charge is added to all food and beverage checks. Gratuity is typically between 10-15%.

Smoking Section

Smoking at our resort is only allowed on private patios/balconies and in designated smoking areas.

Speak My Language

English is the official language of Barbados, but many locals also speak the local Bajan dialect.

Who's Here?

According to the most recent census, 287,375 people live on the island of Barbados.

What's the Time?

Barbados follows Atlantic Standard Time year-round. During the fall and winter, 12 p.m. on the east coast of the United States is 1 p.m. on the island.

Hello & Goodbye

We love to welcome you, but hate to see you go! For information on arrivals and departures, visit www.gaia.bb.

Already Booked?

We're excited to welcome you to our resort soon! Make sure to check our resort FAQs and reach out to our Concierge team if you need assistance prior to arrival.

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