
Barbados holidays are renowned for the pristine beachfront, cool breeze, swaying palms, and luxurious resorts. Add to that its world-famous rum, fascinating colonial history, and vivacious culture, and you have one of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean.
For beach lovers, a holiday to Barbados is all about the island’s ‘Gold Coast’ in the west. Here, you’re spoilt for choice for picture-perfect beaches. For endless miles of coral sand and turquoise crystal-clear waters, head to Brownes Beach in Carlisle Bay. To rub shoulders with the rich and famous, Sandy Lane’s unspoilt beach delivers on beauty and prestige. While the golden sand at Folkestone in St James is fringed by trees and picnic areas, making it a fantastic family day out.
Discover Barbados’s rich history and culture
No holiday to Barbados is complete without a visit to its capital, Bridgetown. Head to the Garrison area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to 1650. Here you can visit Charles Fort, the Parliament Buildings, George Washington’s House, as well as the recently discovered Garrison Tunnels. It’s a fascinating introduction into Barbados’s colonial past. You should also check out the harbour in the heart of the city, where yachts and fishing boats live side by side. And, be sure to sample the island’s refreshing ice cones from the local restaurants, bars and food stalls.
Another must-do on a Barbados holiday is to sample the delicious rum. Barbados is considered the drink’s birthplace, and it’s still very much part of the Barbadian way of life. Visit Mount Gay Rum distillery to sample the world’s oldest rum; see the operational cane-grinding mill at St Nicholas Abbey; or simply grab a rum punch and mingle with the locals at the numerous rum shops dotted about the island. Rum shops, which include London Bar, Hercules, Braddies and Lexies, are still the meeting places where locals gather to drink, gossip, listen to music and play domino.
Fancy turning your Barbados adventure into a Caribbean multi-centre holiday? Try coupling Barbados with another Caribbean island, such as St Lucia or Antigua, for the ultimate Caribbean experience. Or perhaps you’d prefer to mix the laid-back relaxation of Barbados with the bright lights of New York? Our Destination Specialists can help you put together any tailor-made holiday itinerary. Call us today and we’ll help you create the holiday you’ve always been dreaming of.
Great sample itineraries
We’ve created an inspiring selection of itineraries that can be included in your Barbados holiday package. Tailored for couples, families or solo travellers, almost anything is possible, so please give us a call to discuss all your options.


New York And Barbados Twin Centre Holiday
Our favorite hotels
The hotels and resorts in Barbados are known for their luxurious feel and beautiful settings. You’ll find some of the very best hotels in the Caribbean in Barbados. From stunning all-inclusive resorts to unique boutique hotels, Hayes & Jarvis will help you find your ideal holiday accommodation. Please call us to chat to our Destination Experts who will be more than happy to help.

Sandy Lane

The House By Elegant Hotels

Sea Breeze Beach House
Explore Barbados

Arbados Food Tour
- PRICE: Please call for prices

Barbados Snorkeling Excursions
Island Safari
Explore the island of Barbados onboard an open top 4x4, experiencing both on and off road terrain. For those who enjoy sightseeing, you will be treated to some of the more scenic views of the island that are difficult to reach by foot, both coastal and inland. Be prepared for breath taking panoramic views as you stop off at Edge Cliff, and for some serious off road action as you drive through Joe’s River Forest.
Rum Factory Tour
A holiday in Barbados, the original birthplace of rum, wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the famous Mount Gay Rum distillery. Uncover the secrets behind the world’s oldest rum, learn the history and process of how it is made, and you can even choose to enjoy premium samples.
Sailing adventure
Give in to the temptation of the azure blue seas and find your sea legs with a sailing trip around the island. The sailing boat tour offers unequivocal views of the island, stopping at some of the more remote beaches for a true cast away experience. You will be taken to beautiful coral reefs to snorkel amongst the marine wildlife, and you can even have the opportunity to swim alongside local sea turtles at Carlise Bay.
Best time to visit Barbados
Barbados is hot and sunny all year round, with average temperatures of 26℃ - 28℃. The best weather - and the best time to go - is December to May. The high season falls between December and April. The hurricane season runs from June to October, peaking in September and October.
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"If diving or snorkelling is not for you, but you’d love to see Barbados’ marine underworld, book a submarine tour. Whether you go during the day or at night, the submarine dives down 150ft. You’ll glide through the water, looking at the pretty coral, the array of tropical fish, stingrays and sea turtles all from the comfort of a submarine! It’s an unforgettable experience."

"On Friday night, head to the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens for the tastiest and freshest seafood and a chance to mingle and drink with the locals. Whether you prefer lobster, marlin, tuna, swordfish or mahi-mahi, you can watch as the fresh fish is either fried or grilled in front of you. The al fresco setting, the delicious food and the soothing reggae, all makes this a wonderful Caribbean experience."

"The Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles are two of the rarest sea creatures in the world, and they make their nests on the beaches of Barbados between April and November."
Events & Festivals
Barbados offers a huge selection of fun events throughout the year and you can plan your holiday to ensure you experience them! Here are a few of our favourites
Crop Over
Across the months of June, July and August, Barbados’s biggest annual festival comes to town. This three-month long summer festival dates back to the 1780s, when Barbadians held a huge celebration to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest. Today, the tradition continues and is heralded as the Caribbean’s most colourful carnival! Enjoy the calypso, soca music as you wander around the many stalls selling local food, arts and craft. The finale of the festival is the Grand Kadooment, which sees a huge carnival parade featuring large bands and gorgeously elaborate costumes take to the streets. The parade ends in a big party at Spring Garden. Rihanna is a regular attendant too!
Barbados Food & Rum Festival
Join with Barbadians and celebrate the island’s rich culinary and rum history. Every October top local and international chefs come to the island to serve up the best of Barbadian food. It’s the perfect event for foodies and rum connoisseurs alike!
The Holetown Festival
Celebrating the first English settlement in Holetown nearly 400 years ago, this festival showcases Holetown’s unique culture and historical past. Check out the nightly concerts with gospel, calypso and Tuk bands. Or enjoy the historical re-enactments, the Bajan Carnival and the street fairs and parades.
Local Cuisine
Barbados is the culinary capital of the Caribbean. It’s known for its fresh flavours and love of chilli. There are many different influences that have shaped Barbados’s traditional fare. The resulting tasty dishes are a mix of African and English traditions and Amerindian and European techniques. Here are a few of our favourite Barbados’s must-tries.
Cou Cou with flying fish
As the national dish, this is a must-taste when on holiday in Barbados. Barbados’s is often referred to as the land of the flying fish, due to the abundance of flying fish in its waters. Its symbol is even found on some of the Barbados coins. So, it’s no surprise that the national dish should feature flying fish. This delicious fish stew is served with cornmeal or polenta and a great hit of Caribbean spice.
Rice and peas
This traditional dish is often an accompaniment served with fried fish or beef, chicken or pork stew. Pigeon peas are used within the recipe and their savoury flavour are packed with protein. You can often find this dish served at many local restaurants, rum shops or food trucks.

Mullins Beach

Oistins Fish Fry

a group of people wearing costumes

a bridge over a body of water with a city in the background

a small boat in a harbor next to a body of water

Harbour Lights, Bridgetown

Barbados Museum, Bridgetown

Barbados Beach

Harrisons Cave Barbados VisitBarbados

a bottle of wine on a table
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