Did you know that Barbados is the most popular island throughout the Caribbean? It makes sense when there’s so much for tourists to see and do on a vacation there. But for someone who has never experienced Barbados, you might not know exactly what to expect. That’s why we want to share some tips on what the island is like, what kind of activities it offers, and everything else you can expect from this luxurious tropical vacation.

All About the Glittering Sandy Beaches

If you’re planning to bring the whole family to Barbados, the beaches on the southern and western coasts are great places to visit. The water on the West Coast is extremely calm so it’s ideal for little ones or people who just want to relax. The most family-friendly locations are Accra, Folkestone, Miami, and Brighton. Each of these beaches comes with beach rentals, public facilities, and restaurants either right there on the beach or nearby.

More experienced and looking for an adventure? Think about heading to the island’s eastern side. Seek out Cattlewash.  It borders the Atlantic and has some crazy waves that surfers will want to check out. However, it’s not the best spot for swimming so keep that in mind. The water can be rough so it’s best for those who want a serious adventure.

What to Know About Customs and the Locals

Are you worried about fitting in and getting along with the locals? One of the things you should know is that Barbados is an island full of friendly individuals. There’s no need to worry about feeling out of place. Everyone is polite and willing to help with whatever you need.

As far as the culture goes, Barbados has a mix of African and British traditions. The people there love telling visitors about the island and will always respond to a hearty hello. Locals tend to prefer that visitors dress modestly when away from the beach and at bars, restaurants, or even their vacation homes. As such, there is no nude bathing on this island.

Time of Year to Visit Barbados

One of the biggest perks of visiting Barbados is the outstanding weather at all times of the year. It’s nearly always warm so there isn’t a bad time to go, but the prices and weather do vary to some extent based on when you choose to take your trip. The peak travel period for Barbados starts in November until Easter. The Christmas and New Years period is highly popular so book well in advance.

Cuisine to Enjoy on the Island

If you try nothing else that is Barbados related in terms of food, the national dish is a good way to go. This is flying fish and cou-cou, which can be ordered with fried, steamed, baked, or grilled fish. The cou-cou is a mixture of okra and cornmeal that offers a creamy texture. Another local favorite is pudding and souse, which incorporates pickled pork and sweet potato.

Pickling is popular with all sorts of dishes like breadfruit, pork, and sweet potatoes. The pickling is done with ingredients including cucumber, hot peppers, lime, and onion. Going out for lunch? Try cutters, which are made of Bajan salt bread, and your choice of egg, fish, cheese, ham, or chicken livers. Some other dishes you can expect to see in Barbados include macaroni pie and plantains.

Popular Restaurants Throughout Barbados

No matter what kind of cuisine you’re in the mood for, Barbados is bound to have restaurants to serve it. The island has a fast-food chain called Chefette for those who want cheap roti and pizza. If you want to try some great cutters, Cuz’s Fish Stand is considered a great option and is down on the beach in Bridgetown.

For family meals on the south coast, guests can visit places like McBride’s Pub, Lucky Horseshoe, Harlequin Restaurant, and Café Sol Mexican Grill. Affordable fish dinners can also be found on the southern coast of Oistins if you head to the Oistin’s Fish Fry on Friday evening.

The Top Attractions to Visit on the Island

One of the most popular attractions in Barbados is Harrison’s Cave, which offers access to some of the most natural wonders in the Caribbean. Some of the other places that you might want to visit include the Folkstone Marine Park coral reef, the Welchman Hall Gulley nature park, and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

If you want to take in a historic site, the capital of Bridgeton has an old garrison and several parliament buildings. The building housing the Barbados Museum is at the garrison, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also acts as the headquarters for the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.

Barbados’ Best Shopping Destinations

The island has a huge number of duty-free shops, shopping malls, and gift shows where you can get souvenirs and more. Many of the gift shops are located on the island and feature inexpensive unique local crafts. You should also keep in mind that the local vendors are happy to haggle over prices for items like jewelry and beach wraps, especially if you’re buying several things at once.

The prime luxury mall on Barbados is the Limegrove Lifestyle Center that features the luxury fashion houses and fabulous eateries.

You can find locally handcrafted pottery on the island at places like Earthworks Pottery in St. Thomas Parrish. Some of the other souvenirs that are popular among tourists including handmade jewelry, locally woven baskets, and wood carvings. The locally-made rum is also a fantastic souvenir, as is the Bajan rum cake and the hot pepper sauce. Most of these items can be found at any supermarket.

Where to Stay on Barbados

Barbados is a beautiful place that is filled with things to see and do. The cuisine is magnificent, the sights are breathtaking, and the locals are friendly. If you are spending some time in the Caribbean, this is where you want to do it.

The most popular location for accommodations is along the West Coast north of Bridgetown and south of Speightstown.

Along this stretch you will find gorgeous beachfront complex such as Old Trees and Schooner Bay with magnificent beachfront estates such as villa Mirador and the ultraluxurious villa Kiko

Barbados features golf communities with luxury estates. Sandy Lane villas and villas at Royal Westmoreland are ideal accommodations for those seeking a country club experience with golf outings.

Barbados has an accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

So, you’re planning a trip to Tulum? It’s a fantastic location in Mexico that offers a trendy vibe, gorgeous blue water, and beaches made up of white sand. While there’s plenty to do during the day in the city, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find exhilarating Tulum nightlife – as long as you know where to look for it. Today we’ll be looking at some of the top nightclubs and bars to check out while you’re enjoying your next luxury vacation.

Kin Toh in Beach Town

Anyone who wants to go all out on a night on the town should make sure to seek out Kin Toh while in Tulum. It offers one of the best-designed bars in the town and is filled with interesting people. The bar has little nooks where guests can take in views of the sunset over the jungle. There are also tropical tables that are surrounded by hanging nets so visitors can lounge.

This bar offers a variety of signature drinks that are handcrafted in front of you. The bar also offers food but it tends to be of the experimental sort so it’s a gamble on whether it will fit your palate. If you do choose to visit Kin Toh, make sure you get a reservation since it can fill up fast. There’s also a $25 minimum, but it’s not hard to hit that while out on the town.

Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar in Pueblo

Where Kin Toh is luxurious and unique, Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar is a place for everyone. It’s inexpensive but it still promises a fantastic time every single night. It’s the soul of the area and has tons of bars surrounding it in an attempt to reach its popularity. It’s a great spot to hang out and meet up with a few locals during your vacation.

As you might guess, the best-known drink at this bar is a fresh fruit mojito. If you peek behind the bar, you may even get the chance to watch workers press fresh sugarcane inside of what was once a Volkswagen Beetle. Beyond that, the bar often has live music for extra entertainment. It often has a relaxed vibe early in the evening that gets rambunctious as the night goes on.

Kiki in Pueblo

So far, we’ve focused on bars – of which there are many in Tulum. However, we want to change gears a bit here since Kiki is one of the only nightclubs in the town. This is a spot that often has young and trendy patrons and it tends to get busy later in the night than other locations. The doors don’t open until midnight and things don’t get happening until at least one am.

What makes Kiki so special is that it has a mixture of locals, travelers, ex-pats, and more who are all enjoying a good time together. The nightclub offers strong drinks and often has exceptional DJs playing fantastic music. It’s open on Wednesday through Saturdays and often has no cover charge. It’s another great option for fun without breaking your wallet.

Papaya Playa Project in Beach Town

This isn’t exactly a bar or a nightclub but it certainly qualifies as some of the best nightlife in Tulum. It’s a huge hedonistic party that takes place right on the beach every Saturday night. The biggest parties are the Full Moon Parties, which you can experience on whatever Saturday is closest to the full moon. It often has famous DJs spinning tunes and both locals and tourists dancing until daylight.

The cover charge at Papaya Playa Project varies but typically starts at around $25. If you want to enjoy a genuine beach party experience, the biggest parties are on New Year’s Eye, as well as other Saturdays in December and January. Sometimes, there can be 3,000 people drinking, dancing, and having a good time. We recommend getting tickets early in case they sell out.

Casa Jaguar in the Middle Beach Zone

If you were to step into Casa Jaguar during the day throughout the week, you might think it’s nothing more than a trendy restaurant with delicious Caribbean dishes. While you wouldn’t be wrong that the food is great and it does operate as a restaurant, that isn’t all that it offers to visitors to Tulum. Each Thursday night, Casa Jaguar gets a little loose and hosts a wild jungle party out on the back terrace.

Those who want to experience this fun activity will find it starts at 11 pm but can run well into the night. For a place that mostly operates as an eatery, you may be surprised to show up and find both local and international DJs playing music that gets people moving. If you prefer a smaller crowd, it’s sometimes open on Tuesdays or Saturdays and has a more relaxed vibe.

I Scream Bar in the Middle Beach Zone

For something different in the same neighborhood as Casa Jaguar, you can’t miss out on I Scream Bar. The name hints at what to expect but you might find that this place is a lot more unique than expected. The jungle bar itself consists of a small building made from VW bus scraps and even has working headlights. It’s something you won’t experience outside of Tulum.

I Scream Bar offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, but it goes one better. It also offers tacos, vegan ice cream, and even ice cream shots. (Try the housemade vanilla with tequila for an unbelievable combination that will have you coming back.) While this is a trendy spot that mostly brings in the younger crowd, everyone should visit once or twice.

Where to Stay When Visiting Tulum

While you’re enjoying the Tulum nightlife, you want to be sure you have luxurious accommodations to head back to when you’re done drinking or dancing. There are many elegant villas in the town that can handle small or large groups. Book one with top amenities and staff to ensure the perfect vacation!

Been wondering what makes St. Martin special compared to the other islands in the area? The truth is – there are a lot of things that make it stand out. There’s a good reason that St. Martin is one of the most popular locations to visit in the Caribbean. Maybe you already know about the excellent beaches, but that only touches the basics of why this location is worth exploring. With thousands of people visiting year after year, it’s worth knowing what you can expect.

The Beaches Are Fantastic

We just mentioned that the beaches aren’t everything St. Martin has going for it, but it is one of the reasons many choose to visit. The island might be small but it has a huge number of places to swim, sunbathe, and surf. You can choose from remote locations without another person anywhere to be seen or beaches near resorts that are filled with people. Not sure where to start? Consider the beaches below:

  • Anse Marcel Beach – Both sheltered and well-developed, this beach is on the border of a protected bay. It has full amenities and peaceful water so it is a great choice for families with children.
  • Happy Bay Beach – A stunningly pristine beach with ideal conditions. The beach requires a hike to reach this private paradise but it is well worth it.
  • Baie Longue – Anchored by Belmond La Samanna, Baie Longue offers a tranquil setting with near perfect conditions and a lack of crowds. Sunsets from this vantage point are stunning.
  • Mullet Bay – Both locals and tourists love this beach for its exceptional views and fantastic sand. It also has north winds offshore for those who want to do a bit of surfing.
  • Orient Bay – This is a large and popular beach where you can find all the amenities you want, whether that’s shopping stalls, hotels, or restaurants.

It Offers Many Amazing Festivals

Depending on when you visit St. Martin, you may be able to take part in one of their famous festivals. Whether you’re on the island for the SXM Festival or Carnival, you can expect a lively crowd and colorful decorations across the island. The largest celebration is Carnival with a Grand Parade that goes around Phillipsburg. Expect to see bands playing hits, tons of tasty food and drinks, and people in breathtaking costumes.

The SXM Festival is a new dance festival that brings in over 2,000 guests and up to 75 DJs. While the festival is happening, the daytime beach parties turn into all-night affairs with outstanding visuals, stages with tropical decorations, and top of the line sound systems.

Wildlife and Landscapes Found Nowhere Else

The clear blue water at St. Martin is great, but it’s not the only view to check out while in the area. Make sure you visit a beach at sunset at least once to watch the sun go down. When you aren’t doing that, you can explore the landscape and enjoy the animals and plants that the volcanic landscape brings around. Enjoy lazy palms, tall coconut trees, and twisty sea grapes where tons of tropical birds make their homes.

On top of that, St. Martin also has great weather all year round. The busiest season is from January through March when temperatures can reach around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The wet season for the island is from May through October but there are still sunny days to be had. Regardless of the season, enjoy checking out the sea turtles and hummingbirds.

The Potential for Extreme Shopping

Another thing that sets St. Martin apart from other islands is the huge number of shopping options it offers. The island itself is fully duty-free, which means there’s no need to stress about customs fees. This makes the island an excellent place to shop for luxury items at a reasonable price. St. Martin has shops offering everything from electronics and fashion to cosmetics, beverages, and food.

Looking to get some new jewelry while on your vacation? Make sure you stop at Little Switzerland, which is the best place to get outstanding rings, necklaces, and more. You can find huge names for sale like Breitling and Omega. Whether you want to find a diamond necklace, an expensive watch, or a gem-studded bracelet, it’s all here for you.

A Huge Selection of Watersports

For those who prefer to get their feet wet with something more than wading into the ocean, St. Martin makes it easy. There are all sorts of exciting things to do and most of them are easy to access. Kite surfing in Le Galleon and Orient is a must try.  You can rent a jet ski to fly over the water or get a paddleboard and take in all the sights while you relax away from the crowded beaches. No matter how crazy you want to get, there’s a rental shop near the beaches that will make your dream come true. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age or experience level.

Want to try something that is truly an adventure? Think about flyboarding. This is essentially a hoverboard that works on the water. While attached to the craft, you wear special boots that send you high up into the air. The best part is that it’s easy to learn and a whole lot of fun to create a memorable vacation. Get your adrenaline pumping and try something new while you explore St. Martin.

Perfect Villas for Nighttime Hours

Once you spend the day on the water, shopping, or taking in the wildlife, kick back at some of the finest villas in the Caribbean.  St Martin villas offer the ideal getaway with a private pool, amazing views, exceptional privacy and pure indulgence.  St Martin villas offer some of the best luxury values in the world.

The lionshare of luxury villas are located in Terres Basses. A gated enclave with lot size minimums at 2.5 acres. Some of the most popular St Martin villa rentals are:

  • Amandara– Luxury 5 bedroom Cliffside villa
  • Bamboo– An elegant and suave 2 bedroom villa perfect for St Martin honeymoons
  • Ambiance– A family friendly 4 bedroom villa with an incredible pool and lawn for the kids to enjoy
  • Le Reve– The royal jewel of St Martin villas. A decadent beachfront retreat on Baie Rouge beach

The great thing about St. Martin is that there are tons of villas for rent with luxurious amenities to truly elevate your vacation to the island. Villas are highly customizable vacation experiences. You can hire a private chef or schedule daily massages and spa services.  Make sure you book one when you start making your plans to enjoy everything St. Martin has to offer!

Are you someone who loves trying new dishes when you go on vacation? If so, you are going to have a blast when you spend time in Tulum, Mexico. No matter how many times you visit, you’re sure to find a new favorite that you can’t wait to come back for. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for vegan raw food, authentic Mexican cuisine, or homemade pasta, this town has you covered. We’ll share a few places you absolutely should dine at while you’re in the city.

Charly’s Vegan Tacos

Unlike some locations where there’s a token vegan restaurant or two, Tulum has plenty of them to choose from. What makes Charly’s worthy of this list is that the place doesn’t necessarily feel like a pretentious hipster vegan joint. Anyone can walk in and order and enjoy the food, whether they typically eat a meat-based or plant-based diet.

All of the dishes served here are made with healthy components in a traditional Mexican style. The best part is that you can chow down on your tacos in an open-air setting. We recommend trying the taco trio if you want to experience three unique flavors during one meal.

Rosa Negra

There aren’t a huge number of restaurants in Tulum that take reservations, but Rosa Negra is one of them. While making a reservation might feel like a hassle, it’s worth it to have the chance to experience the amazing food they offer. Set a time during an evening while you’re vacationing in the town and find out exactly what all the fuss is about.

No matter what you order, it’s going to have an extra factor that makes it go beyond great to exceptional. The portions are large, the Latin American flavors are out of this world, and you can even choose to order some creative cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere. This is the perfect eatery if you’re having a party and want to try tons of food while sharing it around the table.

Taqueria Don Beto

While you’ll hear tons of people recommending various spots for authentic tacos, believe us when we say that the best are at Taqueria Don Beto. It might be a little harder to find than some of the other options but it’s well worth the effort to step inside its doors. It might not look like much but as soon as you put your fork to your mouth, you’ll realize exactly why it’s a showstopper.

The simple restaurant offers amazing cooks who create slow-roasted pork in a vat that has layers of banana leaves. If you want to try the most popular dish, give the cochinita torte a try, but some people find that it’s a bit dry. The real surprise here is how good the tacos are so grab a handful and experience them for yourself. While the traditional meat is pretty greasy, you can ask for something leaner.

Casa Jaguar

Casa Jaguar isn’t the typical Mexican restaurant and it doesn’t serve the expected cuisine. What you can expect when you visit are salads, ceviche, and wood-fired veggies and proteins that pack a punch. The restaurant has a jungle feel and is the perfect solution for a place to grab a meal before or after seeking out drinks at one of the many Tulum bars or nightclubs.

Just go in and take a stool and order food and drinks to your heart’s delight. If you prefer a place with more drinking and less food, the owners of Casa Jaguar also own Todos Santos in town, where you can enjoy mezcal and fresh fruit mixed into cocktails. Either way you go, you aren’t going to regret it since the flavors are out of this world.

Hartwood

One of the restaurants that almost everyone will recommend in Tulum is Hartwood and for good reason. It has an American owner and chef who has worked at luxurious eateries in New York City in the past. The restaurant focuses on wood-fired, earthy dishes that incorporate the true flavors of Mexico. Even though it opened back in 2010, you can still expect long lines because the food is just that good.

The good news is that you can make a reservation now to have a more convenient meal. Just send in an email and find out if there’s room for your group to dine on the night of your choice. Regardless of when you drop in, you’ll see a chalkboard menu that tells what is being served for the night. In most cases, the dishes incorporate local seafood, prepared as ceviche or grilled, along with local vegetables and beef.

Posada Margherita

Want to take in some great Italian food? Visit Posada Margherita and get that along with some outstanding views. The is an intimate spot where you can dine on homemade pasta using fresh fish from the waters outside. Try the pasta with shellfish for a dining experience that you can’t get outside of Tulum. There are also plenty of other dishes if you aren’t big on seafood and fish. This restaurant is located on Tulum Beach in Pueblo and is open from morning until evening.

In addition to having some of the best pasta around, this restaurant also has an extensive list of wines. You can also nosh on homemade pizza or grab some gelato at the end of the meal to get a touch of sweetness. No matter what you order, you can be sure it’s made with great ingredients and appealing to the palate.

Staying in Tulum for Your Next Vacation

The food in Tulum is reason enough to visit the city, but when you consider the culture, the attractions, and the wildlife – there’s no reason not to spend some time there. In between fantastic meals, trips to the beach, and taking in entertainment, you’ll need somewhere excellent for your party to stay. Consider a luxury villa with top amenities to ensure you have everything you need when you aren’t out on the town.

Have you been thinking about spending some time in the sun at Turks and Caicos? If so, you probably already realize that the beaches in this location are considered some of the most beautiful in the entire world. Grace Bay Beach is constantly rated highly by many publications and could be a singular reason to spend some time on these tropical islands.

However, there’s a lot more to do in Turks and Caicos than lay on a lounger and take in the sunshine. We’ll be sharing a few of the top reasons to make this your next vacation below.

Go for a Dive – Scuba Diving Turks and Caicos

If you want to explore the pristine blue waters of Turks and Caicos, you won’t be disappointed. One of the most popular ocean activities on the island is scuba diving and even beginners can learn how to swim among the sea creatures. There are tons of dive companies available that teach you the ropes or even offer advanced courses. If that isn’t for you, give snorkeling a shot or just swim around with the local flora and fauna.

Guests who head to West Caicos will find some of the best beaches and outstanding sites for diving. Want to enjoy the exhilaration of wall diving? This is the place to do it. Take a sheer drop 40 feet down to the ocean floor and soak up the pure excitement of this destination. Even if you don’t head to the west side, there are diving areas on the east and north, as well. Some of them are shallow for the kids in your party.

Watersports Galore

For those who want to do something other than diving, don’t worry. Turks and Caicos is excellent for all sorts of watersports. One of the top options is renting a kayak and exploring the winding channels and shallow waters all over the island. If you’re new to kayaking, consider a guided tour that appeals to beginners who want to take in the natural beauty of the location.

That isn’t all you can try while in Turks and Caicos. Kitesurfing is another popular activity, especially on Long Bay Beach in Provo. This area is suitable for beginners and offers shallow, clear water. There are also areas more suitable for experts if you want to get the adrenaline going.

Some of the other water sports you can take advantage of at Turks and Caicos include paddleboarding, sailing, or even horseback riding in the water. There is really something to appeal to every kind of person here. It’s just a matter of knowing what you like and finding the right location to enjoy it.

Explore Providenciales by Land

For visitors who aren’t big on water, there is plenty to do on land, too. You could rent a scooter to get around the place if you want to take in some of the locations off the beaten path. Some scooter rental companies even offer island tours so you’re guided to the most interesting places in Provo and beyond. If scooters aren’t for you, there are also electric bikes that can be used to get around quickly and easily.

We’ve mentioned guided tours a few times and they come in all sorts of varieties. For instance, another land option is a dune buggy safari. This kind of tour goes off-road and lets you take part in some exciting adventures. Quad bikes can also be rented to take in some of the more rustic areas and make memories that will last a lifetime.

What else can you do on land when you want some adventures? Head to one of the amazing golf courses or rent a bike and ride around Turks and Caicos. Are you more of an animal person? Consider heading to the Potcake Place rescue center. You’ll have the chance to take a homeless dog on a walk by the beach. It’s a fun way to experience the mixed-breed dogs that are common on the islands.

Natural Attractions of Turks and Caicos

Have you ever wanted to swim with stingrays? Turks and Caicos is the place to make this dream a reality. You can swim and snorkel with them and have a great time. While some people are nervous about it, most people come out of the experience extremely glad that they took part in it. The stingrays are used to human contact and far tamer than the ones you find in the wild.

There’s also an iguana sanctuary at Little Water Cay where you can check out the endangered iguanas from the island. It’s only a short boat ride from Provo and fun for those of all ages. Some of the wildlife you might get to see while you’re there include stingrays, hermit crabs, small sharks, and beautiful tropical birds.

In Middle Caicos, adventurous tourists can visit the Conch Bar Caves. These are the oldest and largest underground caves anywhere in the Caribbean. The cave system is amazing to walk through with a variety of stalagmites, stalactites, underground lagoons, and more. If you get lucky, you may even see old Lucayan Indian artifacts or stumble onto other wildlife like bats.

Immerse in the history of Turks and Caicos

Interested in learning more about the history of Turks and Caicos? The salt industry was a huge part of the past and you can still see the salt evaporation ponds on Grand Turk. Many of them are partially restored but once were used to create sea salt. Guests can also visit the Salt House Museum and take a tour to learn more about the history of the substance on Turks.

Another fantastic place to visit is Cockburn Town, which is the capital of the region. It’s a charming place where you can enjoy taking in many historic attractions. On top of that, many people believe it’s the precise spot where Christopher Columbus landed his boat on this voyage to the New World in 1492.

Other places that history buffs will want to visit include the Wade’s Green Plantation, the best surviving plantation, the Turks and Caicos Museum, where you can learn more about the culture and history of the area, and Her Majesty’s Prison, which are built in the early 1800s.

Enjoy Every Facet of Your Turks and Caicos Vacation

No matter what interests you have, whether you’re more of an outdoor or indoor person, and who you’re traveling with, Turks and Caicos has something for you. Make sure you choose an elegant luxury villa for your accommodations when you aren’t out exploring the many wonders of the island!