Though Fiji seems like an extremely remote destination floating like a jewel in the South Pacific, it is fairly easy to reach. In fact, it has a national carrier (Fiji Airways) and also receives direct flights from a long list of major, international destinations on a daily basis. It is ten hours by air from the western coast of North America, and the same from such major Asian cities as Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. Australians have a four-hour flight, and Hawaiians reach it in five hours by air.

Almost all flights arrive at the Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, described as the main gateway for the entire country. The Suva airport does accept some international flights, but the majority arrives in Nadi. There are also the smaller, domestic airports for island to island flights, but none of them accept the larger international jets.

You can also arrive via sea, with Customs requiring a 48-hour notice prior to arrival as well as the Ports Authority requiring the same. The Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity must also be notified ahead of arrival. Failure to do so means the risk of fines and delays in entering the harbor. You can avoid any hassles where this is concerned by booking passage on a ferry or other commercial vessel that can handle these arrangements. In fact, there are experts who say that the many experienced yacht and super yacht agents available can provide an optimal method for entering by sea.

Entry requirements, in terms of visas, are very liberal, with citizens from dozens of countries being granted four-month visas upon arrival (without any need for getting a visa in advance). The list of countries that receive such simple entry include most EU nations, the U.S., most Central and South American countries, and more. A visit to the Fijian immigration website can let you know if you require a visa in advance of arrival.

Traveling Between Islands

Once you have cleared customs (regardless of your method of arrival) it is much easier to travel from island to island. You need only arrange your fare, and just as your main arrival could be by land or sea, there are ample options for traversing the islands in both ways, as well. Ferry services from Suva to Levuka are quite common, with the trip taking just under five hours. In fact, it is recommended that anyone intending to hop between the islands choose this route as it is stunning and extremely relaxing.

Most departures are from Port Denarau in the Nadi area. This is because Nadi is the transportation hub, and it is why the port even has a lounge for some travelers opting to use the sea route between islands.

If you would rather save time by using air services to visit other islands, it is well advised that you arrange airfare before you arrive in Fiji simply because there are so many options and you do not want to find flights unavailable when you wish to travel. You can also book private helicopter flights for shorter distances, with most airplane or copter flights lasting from 15 to 70 minutes at the most.

Keep in mind that you should also confirm any outbound flights to ensure no changes or updates are made prior to departure.

Getting to Fiji is a very simple process, and you have multiple options. Upon arrival, whether by air or sea, you may arrange for your accommodation provider to send transportation, or you can enjoy the many public or private transportation services. Driving can be a challenge because of the unusual conditions of the roads, so as you find getting into Fiji is easy, make sure that you have also arranged to get around easily!

Looking for a new and unforgettable destination for your next tropical getaway? Have you considered Fiji? Located in the South Pacific, and east of Australia and New Zealand, it is a country that most have heard of but which few know a great deal about. It is a destination of tremendous beauty, and it is an excellent idea to experience Fiji for yourself.

As you may hear from experts, there is not “just one Fiji”. Instead, there are more than 300 islands that make up this island nation. Around 110 of the islands are inhabited and of those, a few comprise most of the country’s land area. Each of the major islands have something unique and different to offer, but you can be sure that all of them have truly distinct beaches, landscape and local culture.

So, how do you experience Fiji? You start by learning a bit about the islands from which you can choose.

Viti Levu

This is usually where most visitors arrive, and because of this, the island has a more cosmopolitan flavor. It is also where the broadest range of accommodations will be found, including luxury resorts and private villas. The capital city is here and because of that you can find amazing restaurants, shops and more.

The island is also home to diverse landscapes and the activities that must always be part of such settings. Mountain villages with authentic native villages, gorgeous lagoons where you can enjoy water sports, and stunning beaches that are what make Fiji so famous.

Ovalau & Lomaiviti

Ovalau island is home to the former capital of Fiji, but is now a far quieter and undeveloped place to pay a visit. Authentic jungle covered mountains are here for the enthusiastic hikers and just as expansive stretches of flawless white sand are there to be savored, too. Close to Viti Levu, it is a much less visited area though one of the most exclusive resorts in the country is among the islands in this area.

The Mamanucas

This is a small gathering of islands that offer you that iconic, picture postcard view of Fijian islands. Dazzling white sands, impossibly clear waters, perfect surfing and lots of services for those who wish for nothing more than to enjoy every moment of the flawless beach life are what you can expect on any of these little islands.

The Yasawas

Sitting at the far end of the Mamanuscas, these are quieter and less populated. The famous 1980s movie Blue Lagoon was filmed on one of these islands, and it is a wonderful place for the avid snorkeler, beachgoer and even cave diver.

Kadavu

Are you an off the beaten path sort? This amazing island may be for you. The perfect eco-traveler’s destination, it is dotted with small and low key resorts that commonly grow their own organic foods and ensure you meet local villagers. However, many make a visit to see the Great Astrolabe Reef, popular with divers, fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Vanua Levu

Equally as off the beaten path as Kadavu is this stunning island. It is home to working coconut and sugarcane plantations, amazing waterfalls, a charming harbor town, stunning and quiet beaches, 4WD adventures, and some of the best diving – including the famous Rainbow Reef and the Namena Marine Reserve.

Taveuni

The lushest of all Fiji’s islands, it is nicknamed the Garden Isle. It too has a lot of waterfalls, amazing hiking trails and gardens, vast stretches of protected forest lands and a popular coastal walk that is one of the most amazing stretches you may ever witness.

That is not all of the inhabited islands, but if you wish to experience authentic Fiji, these are great places to begin. Whether it is pristine waterfront, world-class reef diving, impressive hiking, or a combination of activities, Fiji has it all and puts is own exotic spin on it.

You hear the name Fiji and you automatically envision pristine white sand beaches (though there are some pretty stunning black sand beaches to be discovered, too) and flawless turquoise seas. When you hear the water sports of Fiji, you might also picture the different activities to enjoy along those beaches:
– Snorkeling
– Reef diving
– Cave diving
– Surfing
– Sailing
– Paddle boarding

That is a fairly accurate list, but don’t forget that the islands also feature lagoons, rivers and present you with an amazing range of further activities to enjoy in the gorgeous waters. These include:
– Kayaking
– Diving with sharks, rays and other creatures
– White water rafting
– Jet ski adventures
– Water skiing
– Fly boarding
– Para sailing
– Underwater scooter rides

Naturally, swimming is a must, but even with this simple activity, your options vary widely. Ocean and river swimming are popular, but you can also spend time beneath pristine waterfalls in places like Taveuni Island. Hot springs are available on some of the islands, with one of the most popular being the Sabeto Hot Sprints and Mud Pool in Viti Levu. There are even entire resorts built above the water, so that everything you ends up being an on the water activity!

Don’t forget that cruising is an activity you can enjoy while visiting Fiji, and that too counts as a water sport! You can take day trips to some of the uninhabited or quieter islands and enjoy the water sports they make available to their visitors.

Tours or On Your Own?

Naturally, with so many water sports, it makes sense to consider making the very most out of every moment by joining in on a water sport tour. There are endless options if this is the route you choose. You can find tour providers at resorts, in most harbor areas and via simple online searches.

Is this the best way to enjoy the different water sports of Fiji? That has two answers – yes and no. If you speak with experts on Fiji travels, most will say that it is easy enough to make your way along hiking trails and other routes to places like waterfalls and hot springs. Beach activities are also streamlined and not necessarily improved by participating in a group activity such as snorkeling, any of the boarding activities and use of the smaller craft like jet skiing.

However, if you are eager to see the smaller islands, find those flawless diving or fishing spots, and really explore the quieter corners of Fiji, then water sports done via tours are a smart investment. They provide you with skilled and knowledgeable guides who ensure you have all of the essential gear, simple transportation and waste not a single second with common travel headaches – such as getting lost, errors in bookings, and so on.

The largest islands offer an abundance of opportunities, and these can range from such amazing activities as a snorkeling and whale watching tour aboard a luxury sailing vessel to smaller island cruises with stops for snorkeling, sunbathing and other waterfront activities. Jet ski safaris are a fun way to see more of the islands, snorkeling with sharks is also a possibility (and safer than it sounds), but tamer diving can be enjoyed via lagoon and reef snorkeling tours. Wreck diving can add an unforgettable element to your visit to Fiji, but so too can a day sail with sunset viewing as part of your experience.

Fiji is abundant with coastal, ocean and inland water sports and activities. There is, literally something for everyone on each island.

If you are looking for a destination that offers the good weather of the tropics, scenic beauty, and a range of activities to enjoy during your stay, few destinations match Thailand. It is one of the loveliest areas of the world and it offers the kind of consistently good weather that makes it a wise choice at nearly any time of year. Of course, millions of people head to Thailand to savor the delights of its stunning beaches. White and gold sands, crystal clear seas, enormous swaths of national park and protected space…it is the perfect beachgoer’s locale, but there is so much more than white sandy beaches and pristine waters during a visit to Thailand.

Let’s just look at three of the features of Thailand that make it worth a visit:

Exceptional Cultural Sites

It is fair and safe to say that you might find it impossible to pay a visit to Thailand without also experiencing one of their many cultural or historical sites. The country has thousands of amazing destinations for anyone interested in the history, culture, architecture, arts or other aspects of the country.

Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ayutthaya are stunning locations full of modernity but also home to ancient ruins or historic and cultural sites. There are temples in almost every area and you will want to take a few moments to find the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout Thailand before you leave. It is likely that one or more will become part of your itinerary!

Thai markets are also a huge part of the modern culture, and if you are planning a visit, you cannot miss your opportunities for exploring the day or night markets.

Happy People

It may seem like a cliché to describe any population as the “nicest”, but it is almost 100% true where the Thai people are concerned. They go beyond friendly and nice, and they are also some of the happiest people you may encounter. This is not because of their need for traveler’s money but because they are just authentically nice people.

If you are lost, don’t speak a word of Thai or have trouble of any kind, you will find that the Thai people are happy to give you a hand and ensure you are alright. Hospitality to strangers or travelers is a major part of their culture. Low crime rates, a friendly environment for tourists and a positive atmosphere at all times creates a wonderful experience for travelers from all backgrounds.

Amazing Food

Ask anyone in the world if they have savored Thai food and they are likely to say yes. This “type” of cuisine has a favorable reputation around the globe because of its unique flavors, gorgeous textures and colors, and its richness of options. Noodles, curries, vegetarian or meat dishes are available in abundance.

Yet, you have not enjoyed true Thai cuisine until you have savored it from authentic Thai restaurants and vendors. As most travel experts would say, Thai food in Thailand is entirely different from Thai food anywhere else. This has to do with the use of traditional spices and ingredients, which are not always available elsewhere. It also has to do with the freshness of it. Whether you purchase something in one of the classic markets or you enjoy multiple courses made by a house chef in a luxury villa, you will never forget the deliciousness.

Thai food is also international food, influenced by many cuisines, and you can find wonderful fusion dishes throughout the country.

Friendly people, loads of culture, amazing food, gorgeous beaches, stunning jungles…what more could you want? If you are making plans for the ultimate beach holiday and chose Thailand for its reputation as a beach lover’s paradise, don’t overlook the many other reasons to pay a visit.

Isle Blue Launches Barbados Blue Luxury Villas

Charlotte, NC/October 17, 2017/–  Isle Blue, LLC, a leading global luxury villa and vacation rental company, announces the launch of Barbados Blue, LLC, a luxury villa specialist for the island of Barbados.  Continuing to enhance the luxury vacation planning platform, Isle Blue proudly introduces Barbados Blue,  a geo-specific and focused luxury villa rental company for Barbados with a curated collection of over 250 upscale vacation rentals including estates in Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland.  With class leading destination and villa expertise, Isle Blue launched the Barbados Blue platform to provide a tailored and easy to use vacation rental search and booking process complemented by expert guidance and a personalized concierge service.

Targeting clients in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the platform is an ideal vacation planning tool that saves clients time, money and resources while providing a safe, secure and reassuring service.  Clients of Barbados Blue are provided free villa selection guidance from our villa experts, a complimentary concierge service to enhance their villa and island experience, and full protection against fraud and misrepresentation.  Unlike the standard vacation rental listing sites, Barbados Blue does not charge booking fees or membership costs.  The luxury vacation experience has never been so simple, cost-effective yet refined.

“Isle Blue continues to revolutionize the luxury vacation experience by leveraging our expertise and experience complemented by a personalized touch. While other hospitality companies cut back on services, automate and add fees, our mission to enhance and personalize the vacation has never been more important. Barbados Blue is a reflection of our commitment to our clients and the island of Barbados. “ said Robert Kadijevic, President at Isle Blue, LLC

Prices start at $160/night.  For more information on Barbados Blue, LLC, its villas and services, visit the website www.barbadosblue.co

About Isle Blue

Based in Charlotte, NC, Isle Blue is a leading luxury villa and vacation rental specialist focused on offering 4 and 5 star villas at distinct global locations around the world that include Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Oceania and the United States.  Lavish vacation homes are added weekly to our collection of over 3000+ accommodations at exotic locations such as St Barts, Fiji, Los Cabos, Sardinia as well as ski chalets in Colorado, France and Switzerland. Expert advice. Best price guarantee. 100% fraud protection.  No booking fees. No required memberships. Visit us at www.isleblue.co

 

About Barbados Blue

Barbados Blue is a luxury vacation and holiday specialist for the island of Barbados. With over 250 luxury vacation rentals ranging from beachfront villas to golf villas to fully staffed estate homes in Sandy Lane, Barbados Blue features the perfect option for the luxury traveler. Nightly rates start at $160/night. Visit us at www.barbadosblue.co

As you might expect of a popular island destination, Fijian culture has been shaped by the different groups that have passed through or taken up permanent residence on the island chain. There is an indigenous culture of native Fijians, who represent more than half of the country’s current population. Another larger segment of the country’s population is of Indian heritage. As a British colony, Indian laborers were sent to the islands for many years, and many remained once British rule ended. Thus, the island has a distinct blend of native, Indian and some Chinese and European influences.

Because Westerners remained at a distance until the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the native culture remained mostly intact and that has allowed it to be incredibly prevalent to this day. As experts say, the indigenous culture has “shaped the nation and is an active and living part of everyday life for the majority” of modern Fijians.

This means that any traveler to Fiji will instantly experience the local culture in the foods they eat, the festivals that occur throughout the year, the arts that appear everywhere from decorative to functional items, the music, the architecture and more. Even better is that visitors are always encouraged to engage with the local culture in many ways. One of the most impressive and memorable ways to do this is to enjoy kava drinking.

Kava

Long considered one of the most enjoyable ways to make new friends, a kava ceremony has its formalities, but it also enables you to meet locals and really experience authentic culture. You might find options for visiting a village, participating in a gift giving ceremony, some kava drinking and even some dancing. You will want to spend time learning the etiquette of a kava ceremony ahead of time, and you will be glad you did because it ensures you have even deeper understanding of the native culture.

If you are eager to experience the more blended cultures of Fiji, head to Nadi where you can find one of the best open-air craft markets and areas rich in the country’s Indian culture. There is a functioning Hindu temple in town and some of the finest Indian restaurants, too.

Maybe you are a bit more interested in the less tame activities? If so, you may want to witness some fire-walking that is another aspect of local culture. Just off of the southern coast of Vitu Levu is the charming Beqa Island. This is famous for its flawless diving, but it is also where the Sawau Tribe still live. They created the art of fire walking, and host frequent fire walking ceremonies where their warriors walk barefooted over glowing embers!

If you are planning a visit to Fiji, make a point of spending a bit of time at any of the local museums and the National Heritage Sites, too. If you are eager to get a full immersion experience a visit to Levuka – the country’s original capital prior to relocation to modern Suva – is a great choice. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seems to capture both old and new Fiji in a way that few other locations can.

Of course, the country of Fiji is so rich in history and culture that you may benefit from choosing some cultural tours or day trips during your stay. This can allow you to ensure you experience the essential or “must see” activities and cultural flavors of Fiji. You can find many excellent providers with specialized tours emphasizing anything from arts and crafts, native history and experiences, natural places and parklands and even combination tours. The point is to enjoy Fiji’s natural beauty, but don’t miss out on its rich culture, too.

Winter is just around the corner, and that means you are probably already wondering how to make it through the darker and colder months ahead. A holiday to a warm and beautiful place is the obvious answer, but then the question of “where” emerges. Fortunately, you have Costa Rica among your options, and we are going to look at just why it is the ideal getaway for those yearning for something beyond the wind, rain, snow and ice of winter.

Understanding the Seasons

Unlike many other Caribbean locations, Costa Rica is different. Firstly, it has coastal areas along the Caribbean and the Pacific. This gives it unique weather patterns. This is why experts will say that the area has a dry and a green season. What these mean to travelers are a peak season (dry season runs from roughly December to around April or May in most areas of the country) and rainy season (this season runs from around May to November in most regions).

However, there is considerable diversity in the seasons based on where you travel, and that alone makes it a good idea to plan your winter holiday to coincide with the best conditions. As you might guess, the flexibility of the seasonal conditions in Costa Rica is a key reason to book your winter visit. After all, you might find optimal conditions from as early as November to as late as May in many areas.

What are the other four reasons that a winter holiday in Costa Rica is such a good idea? Let’s look at them now…

The Rainforests

While their name implies you are bound to get wet during a visit, if you want to enjoy a truly pleasurable experience in the Costa Rican rainforests open to tourists, you will want to avoid the “green” season. That means a winter visit to spots like Manuel Antonio National Park are a wonderful excuse to book your journey. Remember too that roughly 25% of the country is held as national parks, so you have many opportunities to find rainforests to visit.

The Food

Though many people don’t consider Costa Rica a foodie destination, it has garnered a global reputation for its exciting cuisine and its specialty goods. After all, it is a primary supplier of foods like bananas, coffee and chocolate as well as some more exotic spices and prepared foods. However, if you are headed to the country during its rainy and wet season, you may not get to enjoy a lot of the freshest produce or other goods not grown during that season. Also, you may be unable to enjoy tours of some of the nicest farms open to visitors. For instance, Villa Vanilla is an actual working cinnamon, vanilla and pepper plantation.

The Landscape and Its Inhabitants

If you wish to explore the national parks, take in some of the finest beaches and make the most of your time in the area, it is wise to do so during the peak months which coincide with winter in North America. Though you can still get out and do many things during the rainier season, your options are greatly limited. There are also many fun festivals during the winter months, including the Palmares Fiestas, National Orchid Show, the El Tope and Carnival in December, and many others.

It is not often that a visit to a premier destination during the peak or height of tourist season is suggested, but Costa Rica is an exception. Though you can still have a fantastic experience during the wetter months, if you want to really get out and see all that the area has to offer, you’ll find it easier during the drier months of winter.

Whether it is still summer or autumn has started to arrive, it is never too soon to think about escaping the depths of the upcoming winter season. In fact, there is no time like the present to book your winter holiday. That leads to the question of “where?” and one fantastic answer to the question is Barbados. A culturally diverse island, it has a fascinating history that has left unshakeable influences in the island’s modern culture. It is wrapped in flawless beaches, and yet inland is lush and robust with historic plantations, many kinds of native flora and fauna, and even botanic gardens.

It is also the single most luxurious island in the Caribbean, possessing more luxury rentals per square mile than any other destination. With much to see and do, and so many luxury villas and properties available, it makes perfect sense for you to choose Barbados as your next winter holiday destination. Yet, we have seven more reasons it is a must.

Run Barbados

Held every December, it is a fun and exciting event to witness. Runners compete in a variety of races (from 3k to marathons) and every single runner finishes the race with a jump into the ocean. With walking allowed, it could be a fantastic addition to your experience on the island!

Barbados Reggae Festival

This is the largest festival of its kind in the world and runs a full week. It features beach parties, vintage reggae performances, party cruises and much more. It could be a reason specifically to head to the island! It occurs every April.

Amazing Villas

Because the island is home to more luxury rentals than any other, it means travelers also enjoy the benefit of having access to a surprising number of these appealing destinations. Most feature amenities that match premiere resorts and even allow you to book in-house chefs and other stunning services.

Holetown Festival

An annual celebration of the very first settlers on the island (dating to 1627), it was started in the 1970s to embrace the island’s incredible history and culture. It is marked with special events, sporting events, street fairs and more. It runs for eight days every February and is a must see event for those savvy enough to visit during the winter.

Oistins Fish Festival

Barbados is noted for its fantastic food and restaurants, and this unique festival occurs every March or April (it traditionally happens during Easter week) in the charming town of Oistins. It is a street fair that emphasizes the many ways that fish are prepared and is also an ideal spot to do incomparable souvenir shopping while savoring local fish dishes.

The Golfing

You may not know that Barbados is home to some of the top championship courses in the entire Caribbean region. Unfortunately, during peak seasons, it can be difficult to get time on your preferred courses. The good news is that those who visit in the winter months of December, January and February often find that they have no limits to the time slots available on these coveted courses.

60 Beaches to Yourself

Because many people fear traditional hurricane season and avoid visiting the Caribbean in November or December, it makes it a very good time to travel. However, what many do not know is that Barbados exists just outside of the typical hurricane region and is rarely affected by them. This means traveling in the winter months could allow you to savor some of the most appealing beaches almost entirely to yourself or far less crowded than they become just one or two months later.

There are scores of further reasons to pay a winter visit to Barbados, but we hope these have convinced you to book your winter holiday on this wonderful island.

While you might have opted for a holiday in Antigua just to get away from it all and savor the delights of your private villa, there is so much to see and do that you should plan a bit of exploring. Below, we offer two days of itineraries that will introduce you to some of the finest destinations and experiences on the island, but which are nothing like the traditional “tourist’s” exploration. Instead, we look at some of the more unique, appealing and even “hidden” gems that will make your time away from your luxury villa well worth it.

St. John’s

We think it’s best to begin a day in the island’s capital of St. John’s. Not only does it have an appealing waterfront area, but it offers you access to the wonderful Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Before you groan at the idea of time spent indoors, this is a truly unique spot that will leave you enchanted. After all, you get to see everything from historical cricket bats and stunning collections of Amerindian dolls to colonial artifacts, and more. And, naturally, this spot has the perfect gift shop for finding some of the very best, appealing and valuable souvenirs.

Redcliffe Quay

If you plan the trip into town properly, you should emerge from the museum just in time to stroll the waterfront. However, before heading straight to the main attractions, take time enjoying the gorgeous, historic warehouses that have been restored along Redcliffe Quay. This is noted as one of the most attractive parts of the town, and it is full of fantastic shops where you can pass a bit of time until lunch.

Dining and Shopping at Heritage Quay

While you will find this to be a more tourist-oriented area, it is a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious meal, and one of the most appealing in this area is Hemingways. You can opt to dine on their balcony and savor their authentic Creole cuisine.

Get Outta Town!

After lunch, you will want to begin burning up some of that energy, but you may be well prepared to get out of the busy streets of the capital, too. That makes it the perfect time to see the other end of the spectrum where island life is concerned and head to the rainforest! If you travel along Fig Tree Road and up into the mountain, you reach the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. With six different zip line options, it is a fantastic way to see the authentic rainforest and amazing views.

Because you are on the islands western area, you will also want to consider a few of the quieter beaches from which to enjoy early evening. After a zipline, you will want to pay a visit to the quiet and appealing Crabb Hill Beach where you can savor a drink at the wonderful OJ’s.

If you are craving a meal, English Harbour is the spot to visit as some wonderful local restaurants are serving fantastic fresh fish. Two premier options are Trappas and Mad Goose Man.

Betty’s Hope

On the next morning, you’ll want to rise early and visit the historic hilltop site known as Betty’s Hope. With its working windmill, it is an unforgettable experience. If you pay a visit around lunch time, a meal at nearby Harmony Hall is fantastic, and the spot is noted for its seafood.

On your way to or from this place, be sure you visit Devil’s Bridge, a natural arch along the shore. Making your way back into St. John’s, you can spend the afternoon exploring the famous Nelson’s Dockyard or you can skip it and head up to Shirley Heights. This is a top spot for sunset cocktails and amazing scenery. It is also a fabulous place to find yourself on a Sunday night when Caribbean bands entertain visitors.

When do you plan to visit Barbados? If you are aiming to schedule a visit during a special or annual event, you are in luck because this charming and beautiful island has some of the most colorful and exciting events occurring almost every month of the year. To prove that anytime is a fun and exciting time to visit Barbados, we’ll look at many of its major events, but before we do, let’s just consider the main reason to visit.

What is that? Apart from its beauty and the friendliness of the island’s residents, it is also noted as the most luxurious of all Caribbean destinations. This means you can easily find a premium accommodation in a luxury villa or another upscale setting, and then head out to enjoy all that the island offers.

Cropover

While many areas of the world celebrate Carnival in the weeks leading up to Lent, Barbados has its own take on the Carnival concept with its Cropover festival held every August to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest. It is a five-week festival culminating with a grand celebration that has all of the looks of a classic Carnival event known as the Kadooment parade. The market in Bridgetown becomes a massive street party full of delicious foods, loads of calypso music and more.

Holetown Festival

This annual event marks the arrival of the island’s first settlers in the 1600s, and it is a weeklong event every February. It features all kinds of entertainment, music and several parades. There are special sporting events, classic car shows, and a fantastic arts and crafts exhibition. It is the perfect opportunity to purchase locally made goods, taste authentic foods and really immerse yourself in the local culture.

Oistins Festival

Also called the Oistins Fish Fry, it celebrates the fish industry that has given the island such a robust economy. Events range from fish boning competitions, art shows and a seemingly endless array of food-focused activities. The Fish Fry is the main event and is attended by thousands every year. It takes place over Easter weekend and is an excellent way to savor island specialties, buy locally made rum and crafts, and experience a broad range of island music.

Jazz Festival

Every January, the island is home to its very own Barbados Jazz Festival that features a delicate balance of local favorites and internationally known musical acts.

Holders Season

Described as a boutique event, it is known as the premier cultural event in the entire Caribbean region. It occurs at Holders House, a historic 1600s home, and includes performances by musical celebrities and dramatic performers, too. It occurs every March or April.

Agrofest

If you are eager to learn about the agricultural industry of Barbados, this is the festival to attend. It is the largest of its kind on the island and is held each February. A three-day celebration, it features all sorts of activities, flower shows, animal displays and is a fantastic event for kids and families.

Celtic Festival

As peculiar as that may sound, the month of May is when the Barbados Celtic Festival occurs. This sees an influx of people from Ireland and Scotland who come to experience a unique blend of African and Celtic cultures during this weeklong event. There are performances, special foods and activities scheduled around this annual event that takes place each May.

Any of these events would be an ideal reason to pay a visit to Barbados. Whether you are a fan of food, music, history or culture, each of these events offers it all. Be sure to plan your visit alongside one of the island’s major events to add an element of fun and excitement to your luxurious getaway.