Day 1: Discovering the North and West Coasts

Samantha and Marcus had only just arrived in Barbados, but their guide, Winston, had a plan to show them the island’s soul. They started their day in St. Lucy, the northernmost parish, visiting Animal Flower Cave, a stunning sea cave known for its natural pools and vibrant anemones. Marcus braved the plunge into the crystal-clear waters while Samantha soaked in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic crashing against the cliffs.

On their way west, Winston introduced them to their first rum shop—a small, brightly painted shack in St. Peter called John Moore Bar. Locals welcomed them with warm smiles, and Marcus couldn’t resist trying the “Bajan Special,” a mix of Mount Gay Rum and coconut water. Samantha took a moment to browse the nearby Speightstown Esplanade, picking up handcrafted jewelry from local vendors.

By the afternoon, they reached the West Coast, often referred to as the “Platinum Coast,” in St. James. At the luxurious Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Samantha indulged in boutique shopping, while Marcus marveled at the vibrant art gallery. They ended their day with sunset cocktails at The Tides, a fine dining restaurant set on the waterfront.

Day 2: The Heart of Barbados

The next morning began in St. Thomas, with a tour of the iconic Harrison’s Cave. Riding the tram through the underground limestone caverns, Samantha was awestruck by the shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, while Marcus couldn’t stop taking photos of the crystal-clear pools.

Their journey continued to St. George, where Winston shared the chilling legend of the Chase Vault. The mysterious family tomb, infamous for its moving coffins, was shrouded in eerie silence as they explored its grounds.

For lunch, they stopped in St. Joseph at Andromeda Botanic Gardens, where Samantha admired exotic plants while Marcus enjoyed a picnic with flying fish sandwiches. Nearby, they visited Bathsheba Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations and world-class surfing.

The evening brought them to St. Michael, where the lively streets of Bridgetown awaited. At The Waterfront Café, they dined on macaroni pie and grilled marlin while enjoying live jazz. Before heading back to their hotel, Winston suggested a quick visit to Mount Gay Visitor Centre, where they learned about the history of rum-making and, of course, sampled some of the island’s finest spirits.

Day 3: The South and East Coasts

Their final day began in Christ Church, with a visit to the Oistins Bay Garden. Samantha and Marcus enjoyed a quiet morning, browsing fish markets and sipping fresh coconut water. From there, they headed to St. Philip to explore Foul Bay, a serene beach with towering cliffs and turquoise waters.

By midday, they reached St. Andrew, where the lush greenery of Farley Hill National Park greeted them. Once a plantation great house, the ruins now overlook rolling hills and provide a picturesque picnic spot. Nearby, they ventured to Cherry Tree Hill, a lookout point that offered sweeping views of Barbados’ Scotland District.

Their last rum shop experience was in St. John at a local gem called The Hilltop Rum Bar. Marcus struck up a conversation with locals over a game of dominoes, while Samantha enjoyed a sweet rum punch. Before leaving the parish, they stopped at St. John’s Parish Church, a Gothic-style church perched on a cliffside with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

As the sun set on their final day, Samantha and Marcus reflected on their whirlwind tour of Barbados. From rum shops to natural wonders, each parish had shown them a new side of the island, leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary at a Glance:

Day 1: North and West Coasts

• St. Lucy: Animal Flower Cave, Cove Bay
• St. Peter: John Moore Bar, Speightstown Esplanade
• St. James: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, The Tides Restaurant

Day 2: Central Barbados

• St. Thomas: Harrison’s Cave, Welchman Hall Gully
• St. George: Chase Vault, Orchid World
• St. Joseph: Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Bathsheba Beach
• St. Michael: Bridgetown, Mount Gay Visitor Centre

Day 3: South and East Coasts

• Christ Church: Oistins Bay Garden, Miami Beach
• St. Philip: Foul Bay, Bottom Bay
• St. Andrew: Farley Hill National Park, Cherry Tree Hill
• St. John: Hilltop Rum Bar, St. John’s Parish Church