Barbados lies in the southeastern part of the Caribbean. An island with incredible beaches, wildlife parks, and activities for the kids, it offers the perfect spot for a family-friendly vacation, including those looking to indulge in the lap of luxury.
Here are some of the best destinations in Barbados for luxury family travel.
- Bathsheba
Bathsheba’s long golden sands make it an excellent spot for enjoying scenic walks with your loved ones. It’s a quiet seaside village along the east coast of Barbados and has long been a favourite of holidaymakers for its laidback and relaxing nature. Although the rip tides and big surf make it not conducive to swimming, especially for kids, you’ll find the shallow coral pools carved out by the sea a perfect spot to lounge in the water all day.
The long stretch of sand in Bathsheba means you’ll have plenty of space to lounge around and enjoy the views of the magnificent rock formation. Bring a blanket and find a place to sit with a refreshing drink as you admire the view and listen to the sounds of the surf.
Bathsheba is also a fantastic place for beachcombing, where you and your kids can gather a collection of seashells. You can also collect a few small rocks as beautiful reminders of your luxury family holiday in Barbados.
- Holetown
Nestled in the parish of St. James, Holetown is the first town established in Barbados, dating back to 1625. When the British first came to the island, they named it Holetown since it reminded them of a stretch of London’s river Thames called the Limehouse Hole. Nowadays, Holetown is a bustling town about two minutes from the beach and is home to great restaurants, love shops, and art galleries.
Every year, around mid-February, Holetown comes alive with its week-long festival commemorating the settlement of the British. The festival started in 1977 at the site of the first British settlement on the island. Throughout the week-long festival, the town is busy with fun activities, street parades, open-air concerts, and folk dancing. With such numerous activities to enjoy, it’s definitely worth visiting Holetown during this week-long festival.
One of the attractions in Holestown is the Folkstone Park and Marine Reserve, which sits right next to St. James Parish Church. It’s one of the island’s famous landmarks and a lovely spot for families looking for a shaded spot to relax. While it’s not the best place to swim due to its rocky landscape, it’s an ideal place to snorkel. Aside from its reefs, there’s a sunken vessel 120 feet below the water surface. Holetown offers fantastic villa options for the family. Take a look at some of the options on offer here.
- Saint Peter
The Parish of St. Peter is another fantastic destination in Barbados for luxury family travel. It’s nestled northwest of the island, home to several historical sites, such as Speighstown, the second largest city centre in Barbados. Here, you’ll also find the historic home and run plantation of St. Nicholas Abbey and the Arlington House Museum.
Fishing still plays an essential role in the culture of Barbadians. In every parish, you’ll find a fishing village that adds life and character to the locals living in the area, which is the case in St. Peter. But one of the villages that stands out in the area is Speighstown. During its heyday in the 17th century, Speighstown was a thriving port and a significant link to the island’s trading activities. Nowadays, it is still bustling with activity and is among the busiest areas of Barbados.
One of the attractions worth checking out in St Peter is the Arlington House, a historic museum housed in an 18th-century building. It consists of three separate floors with various displays of artifacts representing the island’s rich history.
Another family-friendly place in St. Peter is Farley Hill National Park. Set on the grounds of Farley Hill House, the park boasts breathtaking scenery and offers a perfect place to relax with the family. Spend time exploring the park, checking out the mansion in ruins set amidst a lush forest.
- Mullins Beach
For families looking for a fantastic beach to swim and play with the kids, check out Mullins Beach. It lies along the island’s west coast and is a popular spot for swimmers, families, and those looking to enjoy slower-paced water adventures. Getting to the beach is pretty easy since it’s along the way to the popular destinations to the north.
Boasting clear turquoise waters framed by sweeping white sand and lush coconut trees, Mullins Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. As one of the island’s most popular beaches, Mullins Beach can get crowded, so come early to reserve a spot.
Mullins Beach has amenities, including beach chairs with umbrellas for rent. Better yet, bring towels to spread out under the shade of coconut trees. You will also find bars shaded by trees, serving delicious food and refreshing beverages. There are fantastic villa rentals throughout Barbados. Renting a property near Mullins Beach allows you to spend the majority of your time sunbathing and swimming in the pristine waters.
- Saint James
The Parish of St. James lies along the gorgeous west coast of Barbados, home to some idyllic beaches, including Paynes Bay Beach, famous for its gentle waves lapping the soft, powdery white shores. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to get up close and personal with some adorable sea turtles!
Paynes Bay Beach is also a perfect place to soak in the stunning views of Barbados during sundown. It’s only a few minutes from the local fish market, where you can savour the freshest fish and seafood.
Saint James is also home to the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, a paradise for shoppers. Here, you’ll find shops and boutiques, including some of the world’s finest fashion brands like Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. For families who love to shop, Saint James is the perfect place.
