If you’re a mom you likely already have Sunday, May 14, 2023, circled on your calendar—and it’s not too late to plan to enjoy a coastal brunch, quick beachside escape, or even a splurge-worthy getaway to the Caribbean or Hawaii. We’ve found options that focus on pampering for Mom and family fun for everyone, so get ready to relax, unwind, and celebrate with one of these 16 Mother’s Day deals at some of our favorite island and coastal resorts.

Fifth Night Free

The Place: Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Is a back-to-nature escape what you need this Mother’s Day? Anse Chastanet, an architectural delight offering a retreat in the heart of lush St. Lucia, has just 50 rooms, all scattered throughout the verdant hillside and palm-tree lined beachfront and featuring open-air fourth walls that make guests feel connected with land and sea. You can relax in hammocks, lounge beds, private beach huts, and beachside restaurants and enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and sunset sailing. 

The 600-acre estate that Anse Chastanet occupies is also home to an extraordinary farm and a tasty chocolate lab, where you can take truffle-making classes. Enjoy a fifth night free of charge if you book four or more nights in a Hillside Deluxe or Premium Suite (rates start at $990/night with the promo). 

One Happy Mother’s Day

The Place: The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Located on Aruba’s spectacular Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers a Mother’s Day escape blending natural beauty with luxury amenities. The resort’s 320 guestrooms and suites all have private balconies with sweeping sea views and newly refreshed decor that blends the island’s relaxed aesthetic with Ritz-Carlton’s renowned luxury. 

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is offering a “Mom and Me” experience—a 25-minute facial and 50-minute massage for mothers to enjoy with a guest of their choosing—and a “Mom Escape,” a personalized 50-minute custom facial. Guests can also enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch and endless mimosas at BLT Steak, a specially curated blackboard menu of delectable offerings at BLT Steak for dinner, or the Ti Amo Mamma menu at Casa Nonna. 

A Mother’s Day Bingo event is also planned at The Casino and moms will enjoy a 15 percent discount at The Boutique and Sun Boutique. With the Stay Longer, Experience More offer, book four nights or more and save 25 percent (rates start at $583/night with the promo). 

One Suite Deal

The Place: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui, Hawaii

To splurge on an amazing experience for the entire family, consider this “suite” offer by the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Located on legendary Ka’anapali Beach, the property delivers the quintessential Hawaiian experience through an award-winning luau and dining, expert-led stargazing, wildlife tours, and cultural classes—and this Mother’s Day, it has an offer with every extra imaginable: 

• Three nights in Presidential Suite or the Palace Suite (accommodating four or six guests, respectively)
• Pampering at Kamaha’o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa, which includes a massage, facial, and pedicure Mother’s Day breakfast at Swan Court
• VIP table at award-winning Drums of the Pacific Luau tickets to Tour of the Stars
• A family photoshoot throughout the property by Grins 2 Go
• A private social media mermaid class
• A full-day Ohana Tent rental
• Private penguin feeding and wildlife tour
• Private family virtual golf and games in Hyatt Golf Studio by Yo! Maui hosted by resident PGA golf professional Sutee Nitakorn
• Access to Regency Club 

Prices for this offer begin at $23,000. Call (808) 667-4932 for reservations.

Mother’s Day Brunch

The Place: The Condado Vanderbilt, San Juan, Puerto Rico

It’s easy to jet off to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a long weekend of sun and fun, and the perfect spot to celebrate amid elegant surroundings is the Condado Vanderbilt. Opened in 1919, the legendary hotel retains the opulence and grandeur of that bygone era at every turn—captivating architecture, grand pianos, a cozy cocktail bar, speakeasy-style cigar lounge, and postcard-worthy pool areas overlooking the sea—and its 317 rooms and suites are ideal for both couples and families. 

Get 10 percent off (with rates starting at $377/night) when you book three or more nights and be sure to reserve the spectacular Mother’s Day Brunch at the hotel’s award-winning 1919 restaurant.

Mom’s Getaway 

The Place: Andaz San Diego

Looking to have it all—a suite that epitomizes California cool, a candlelit rooftop dinner, a romantic turn down, a sunset cruise, and a private photo shoot? You can at Andaz San Diego, located in the city’s lively Gaslamp Quarter. 

Splurge on the “Mom’s Getaway” offer to enjoy a one-night stay in the 1,275-square-foot Andaz Star Suite, champagne and your favorite candy/snacks upon arrival, a rose-petal turn down, a wine-paired dinner at The Rooftop by STK, two complimentary poolside cocktails, a $100 spa certificate to Saffron + Sage, a private sunset boat charter with car service to and from the hotel, and a photo shoot on property and throughout the beautiful beachside city of San Diego. 

The offer starts at $7,499 for a one-night stay with a $2,000 charge for each additional night. Contact the hotel at (619) 849-1234 directly to book.

Family Beach Escape 

The Place: Henderson Beach Resort, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL

Looking for a convenient escape with your kids for Mother’s Day? A peaceful yet fun getaway awaits at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL, where the entire family can enjoy access to the picturesque private beach, a lazy river, and an array of services. While you relax, young ones can grab lunch and then participate in crafts and themed activities at Poppy’s Kids Club. 

For some alone time, book a rejuvenating treatment at The Henderson Spa and experience the Himalayan salt suite overlooking lush Henderson Beach State Park. With the Good Day Sunshine offer, book a minimum 3-night stay and save up to 20 percent off your rate (starting at $339/night with the promo), and get a $100 food and beverage credit per stay. 

Buy 4, Stay 5 

The Place: Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

Perched above the pristine coast of Long Bay on Anguilla, Quintessence Hotel offers a private, villa-like ambience with all the amenities of a world-class resort. The exclusive, nine-suite property is affectionately nicknamed “The Tropical Grand Mansion” and features a captivating avant-garde design and beautiful Haitian artwork throughout its interiors. 

Guests enjoy a first-class selection of amenities and activities, including an exceptional spa, 24-hour butler service, and French-Caribbean gourmet fine dining—all complemented by jaw-dropping ocean views and private beach access. This May for a Mother’s Day getaway, you can book Quintessence’s limited time “Buy 4 Stay 5” package with rates starting at $650/night. Call 800-234-7468 to book the offer.

Summer Nights

The Place: Elite Island Resorts on Antigua and Barbados

Mother’s Day 2023 falls into the date range for Elite Island Resorts’ “Summer Nights” offer, featuring a first night free on a minimum three-night stay. Order a piña colada, put on a tropical sundress, and indulge in the ultimate resort getaway at three of the company’s beachfront all-inclusive properties in Antigua, including Pineapple Beach Club, St. James’s Club & Villas and The Verandah Resort & Spa, as well as The Club in Barbados. All-inclusive rates vary by resort. To reserve call (800) 858-4618.

A Boozy Brunch

The Place: The National Hotel in South Beach, Miami

To literally forget all your real-life cares and worries, spend Mother’s Day enjoying a boozy brunch at Mareva 1939 at The National Hotel. From 11 am to 3 pm, guests will take in stunning views of the iconic Art Deco property as they enjoy a brunch menu ($75/person) that includes dynamic favorites such as huevos rotos and lobster and seafood paella for two made with scallops, mussels, shrimp, and clams—plus have the option of making their brunch cocktails bottomless, including mimosas and Bloody Marys, for just $35. Rates start at $308/night. Reservations for brunch can be made via OpenTable. 

An All-Inclusive Wellness Retreat

The Place: Carlisle Bay, Antigua 

Book it yourself or ask for it as a gift, because Carlisle Bay’s three-night all-inclusive Wellness Retreat from May 19-22, 2023, is equal parts relaxation and fitness motivator. Participants will enjoy daily mindful meditation, gentle yoga classes to suit all levels and abilities, and daily activities, including reef snorkeling at Cades Bay, guided rainforest hike to Signal Hill, and a local cooking demonstration. 

This all-inclusive package (from $2,850 per room/double occupancy for three nights or from $1,884 per room/single occupancy for three nights) is designed to bring a sense of well-being via a holistic wellness experience. 

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

The Place: Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Jamaica

If a spa-centric respite in Jamaica sounds like the perfect way to relax over Mother’s Day weekend, Round Hill Hotel and Villas , a historic resort set on a 110-acre peninsula in Montego Bay, is offering specially curated spa packages for mom at The Round Hill Spa. The limited time spa menu, available from May 12-14, 2023, offers the All About You! treatment, which is a personalized massage, facial and foot treatment; the Mama Mia! treatment, featuring a Frangipani body polish, custom massage, and hand and foot treatment; and the To Mom, With Love! treatment, which includes a signature coconut rub and milk ritual wrap, custom massage, and exotic hand ritual and custom manicure. 

Round Hill’s culinary team has also curated a special prix fixe menu for an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch with holiday themed cocktails and dishes. With Round Hill’s Summer Reconnect offer, your 4^th night is free and rates start at $571/night for a 4-night stay.

A Mindful Getaway

The Place: Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Miami, FL

Get several girlfriends to convince their spouses to watch the kids for a few days and head together to the largest spa on the Eastern seaboard (it’s 70,000 square feet) at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. There, you can enjoy an impressive array of retreat programs, specialized circuits and cutting-edge therapies designed to make you feel rejuvenated inside and out. 

Moms seeking some intense R and R can also partake in a Sleep Well Circuit to achieve the ultimate night’s sleep. With the resort’s 4^th Night Free offer, book three nights and get an extra night on a complimentary basis (from $477/night with the offer). 

More is Less

The Place: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

If a white-sand beach and aquamarine water just steps from a newly renovated pool (the largest on the island) is your idea of heaven, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal spot for a classic Caribbean escape this Mother’s Day. 

Occupying the most expansive stretch of world-famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort features 343 rooms, a spa, and an array of on-site watersports such as paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing. Dining-wise, you can indulge at seven restaurants, including Woto, a new sushi, ceviche and poke restaurant, and Beach House for fresh seafood and small-plate specialties. Stay at least four nights with the “More is Less” promotional offer and rates start at $656/night.

A Foodie Indulgence

The Place: Calabash, Grenada

If your top indulgence is enjoying culinary experiences, Grenada’s Calabash resort might be the perfect Mother’s Day couple’s escape for you and your spouse. This five-star Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel is nestled seaside and is home to the elegant fine-dining Rhodes Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy the freshest local ingredients in Caribbean specialties created with European flair. 

Let your taste buds savor the fresh catch of the day and sophisticated, creative dishes that showcase Grenada’s legendary spices. And with Calabash’s Upgraded Meal Plan Offers, stay at least four nights and receive a complimentary upgrade from Bed and Breakfast to Half Board (from $696/night) or from Half Board to All-Inclusive (from $845/ night).

Make My Stay

The Place: Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you only have time for a quick Caribbean getaway, what’s more convenient than Puerto Rico? With the “Make My Stay” offer at the iconic Caribe Hilton, stay three nights and get a resort credit of $150 for use at the spa or restaurants. The resort features a secluded beach, ocean-front swimming pools, beachside hammocks, and a relaxing Zen Spa. You can also reserve a table for the property’s annual Mother’s Day brunch to indulge in a delectable spread. 

Old San Juan is a quick taxi ride away and you can enjoy local food and rum tours and other activities that showcase the island’s rich culture. PS: Don’t leave without trying the classic Piña Colada— it was invented at the Caribe Hilton! Rates start at $483/night. 

Stay Longer and Save More

The Place: Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West, FL 

Dreaming of kicking back in Key West? Southernmost Beach Resort, situated along the quieter southern limit of famed Duval Street where ocean views abound, mixes sleek modern design with classic coastal charm. It’s a quick walk to all the fun happenings in Old Town Key West when you’re not lounging by three palm-fringed pools, getting pampered in the full-service spa, or enjoying a private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas along with a signature restaurant and three bars. 
This Mother’s Day, the resort will also host two special three-course brunches with decadent island-infused cuisine. With Stay More, Save More, book a five-night stay and get the fifth night free (rates start at $594/night for the five nights) along with a $100 food and beverage credit.

The post The Island and Coastal Resorts Offering the Best Mother’s Day Deals appeared first on Islands.

We’ve seen Caribbean dream homes with incredible locations, pools that would be the envy of the entire island, and enough living space to keep an extended family on an even more extended vacation. Just recently, we saw one house that has all of that and then some. But what if you’re looking for something that’s heavier on history and culture? In that case, it’s time to head to Barbados, where the Clifton Hall Great House is on the market.

For aspiring permanent vacationers who’d love to have a great story to share with guests, this property comes with plenty of tales. Currently listed for $3.9 million with One Caribbean Estates, it is one of the oldest and largest of the island’s Great Houses and dates back to 1656, when it was owned by Ferdinand Palaeologus, a direct descendent of Constantine, the last emperor of the Byzantine empire. See? That’s already one great story to share over a glass of rum.

There is a Clifton Hall Rum, after all.

The property is an astounding 13,500 sq. ft., making it a remarkable choice for hosting family events or destination weddings. In addition to six bedrooms and six bathrooms in the main building, there is also a separate two-bed, two-bath cottage, which would be ideal for the couple of honor’s honeymoon quarters or simply a smaller scale vacation rental. 

One of the more creative elements of the home is how the three wings reflect the historical significance and cultural influences. Two original structures boast a distinct Medieval style, while the building that was added in the late 18^th century is Caribbean-Georgian. Each wing offers access to the spacious courtyard and pool, where guests can gather and enjoy the significance of their accommodations.

Clifton Hall takes its name from the Clifton suburb of Bristol, England, where Palaeologus and his siblings were raised. After emigrating to Barbados, he became a man of many titles and rests today at St. John’s Church, not far from the home. Only seven people have been fortunate enough to call themselves owner of this Great House, with the most recent being Massimo Franchi, who acquired it in 2008 and spent four years restoring its glory.

“Since then, the house has been a well-loved family home and also successfully used for tours, weddings, events, conferences because of its grandeur and architectural importance and island status,” he explained. “Since the official opening, hundreds of people annually have visited the house, exclaiming of its magnificence, its elegance and the unbelievable revival!”

Bajans are not only immensely proud of their history, but also their creative architecture. The island offers visitors a variety of tours including the Open House Programme, presented by the Barbados National Trust, which showcases the “most historic and beautiful private homes” for one day each year. Thanks to Franchi’s efforts, Clifton Hall was once a regular stop on that tour.

The home has also been featured in a variety of publications, all the way back to Robert Schaumburg’s “The History of Barbados” in 1848. But now it’s all about Clifton Hall’s future.

The post Rich with History, the Clifton Hall Great House on Barbados is For Sale appeared first on Islands.

In the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados is one of those destinations whose name alone can set you dreaming. And it’s the rare Caribbean island, too, that appeals to golfers, sunbathers, and the surf set in equal measure—the island’s east coast sees large, powerful Atlantic Ocean swells that have made Barbados’ beach and point breaks among the most coveted by surfers in all of the Caribbean. 

Barbados is also the kind of island that can make you want to settle in and stay a while to peel back its many layers. And that’s just what Villa Tamarindo—a rental villa designed by renowned Barbadian architect Larry Warren—will make you want to do. After all, Warren’s homes have played host to guests that range from members of The Rolling Stones to Luciano Pavarotti.

The luxurious two-story villa has five full bedroom suites with ensuite bathrooms, all of which serve as private escapes for guests, as they are set within gated grounds with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to stroll and enjoy. 

Start your day with a morning swim in the villa’s 44-foot-long swimming pool, raised up from the beachfront for privacy. Then step down to the sand to stroll the golden beach or dip into the turquoise ocean.

Villa Tamarindo fronts the beach and sprawls across 4.5 acres in one of the island’s most sought-after west coast neighborhoods, Beachlands, close to all the island’s highlights (Holetown and Limegrove Lifestyle Centre are just a short drive away). But it feels like its own private world. 

The home’s quintessential Caribbean architecture, designed to maximize ocean breeze, makes a seamless segue with contemporary interior design and there’s a gym, media room and chef’s kitchen ready for a private chef for guests to enjoy. In the bedrooms, bright white linens pair with pops of color and dark woods to soothing effect. Views of the ocean and verdant tropical greenery come streaming in everywhere. 

For a multigenerational gathering, a family reunion or an intimate wedding, Villa Tamarindo is sure to set the stage for maximum enjoyment and relaxation during a Barbados getaway. Rates start from $5,500 per night.

The post For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental appeared first on Islands.

To say that Apes Hill Barbados has been one of the most exciting Caribbean developments in recent years would be a considerable understatement. Ever since the property was acquired by Canadian investor and Gildan CEO Glenn Chamandy, the expectations have been nothing short of stratospheric, especially among golfers. That’ll happen, of course, when the project’s launch includes a description like “The best golfing experience in the Caribbean.”

There are obviously already some courses and communities that have earned multiple “best” distinctions over the years, but as the grand opening of this Ron Kirby design finally nears, the needle is about to snap right off the buzz-o-meter. Apes Hill Barbados members and guests were treated to an exclusive opening event back in November, and those who were lucky enough to play the course labeled it an “exceptional golf experience.”

No stranger to the natural beauty of Barbados, Kirby had no shortage of marvels to work with when he got to work back in 2019. Apes Hill sits 1,000 feet above sea level and is set within 475 acres of unmistakable Barbadian natural beauty, so the hardest part, we presume, would be conceiving something as versatile as it is breathtaking.

“When I saw Apes Hill for the first time, I noted that the hills and vistas were superb—you can see both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean in many places,” Kirby said of this endeavor. “I knew that if I could get the holes to play with the vistas in the right position, players would more deeply enjoy the course while taking in the astounding views.”

And all types of players can enjoy this course, not just vacationing pros. Four tee boxes on each hole guarantee various levels of comfort and challenge, so the big boys can invoke their inner Bryson from the tips while beginners enjoy the views and much shorter distances.

In addition to creating an experience for golfers of all talent levels, Kirby and the Apes Hill team have also developed what might be the new blueprint for courses throughout the Caribbean. Zoysia Zorro grass has been installed on the tees and fairways, while TifEagle has been installed on the greens, all of which significantly reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, a new reservoir holding up to 58 million gallons of rainwater will be the source of irrigation for the resort and its lush native flora.

While each hole likely deserves (and will eventually earn) its own poetic essay, the signature is the 16^th, aka “The Cave.” This Par 3 serves as an all-in-one concept that showcases the best of the island’s natural beauty, so, you know, don’t get too upset when the group ahead stops for extra selfies.
The course is only the beginning here. Visiting golfers will eventually be able to practice in state-of-the-art facilities that will include a performance center and lighted driving range, while families will introduce younger athletes to the sport on a special short course. All the while, they’ll continue to spend the most important moments in the community’s phenomenal real estate options, including the hilltop residences and courtyard villas.

The post A ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’ is Already Earning Rave Reviews at Apes Hill Barbados appeared first on Islands.

When it opened in December 2017, Sandals Royal Barbados became the gold standard for the beloved all-inclusive brand, with an emphasis on sophistication while still providing all the fun and excitement guests expect. Five years later, very little has changed in terms of the excellence guests have come to expect, and while Sandals has opened the doors on other thrilling properties, this one still delivers the best of its special Caribbean home.

Located on Barbados’ southern coast, the resort boasts 338 showstopper suites, as well as 10 restaurants, a 15,000-sq. ft. spa, 34 pools (yes, 34!) and one stunning white-sand beach. It also remains a Sandals trendsetter, as it was the first to debut amenities a spectacular rooftop pool and even more restaurant concepts that leave guests fulfilled and eager to return.

Here are nine things we love about this all-inclusive resort experience in Barbados.

Butler Service

Why not hand over the work of organizing your holiday to a pro? Personalized butler service is included in top-level suites and takes the pampering to the next level. Your butler is on-call 24/7 to make your vacay dreams come true: from drawing a candlelit bath to unpacking your luggage to fetching homemade cookies. Lounging by the pool and forgot your book? Call the butler using the cell phone provided by the resort. Need to make dinner reservations? Pick up the phone. It’s a luxury service that makes you feel like a celeb and lets you totally unwind.

Skypool Butler Suites

The property offers many fabulous room options: from private villas with plunge pools to oceanfront Millionaire Butler one-bedroom suites to seaside swim-up suites. But for the ultimate indulgence, book a beachfront Skypool Butler Suite. Each opulent room boasts a plush king-sized bed, a living room with a dining table, a spa-like bathroom, a butler pantry, and an infinity pool on the terrace. As if that wasn’t luxurious enough, guests also enjoy personal butler service, 24-hour room service, and VIP check-in.

The best part? Revel in ocean views from the deep soaker bathtub, day bed or infinity pool on the terrace. Sip on champagne while soaking in the pool and listening to crashing waves—it doesn’t get much more romantic than that.

Sandals’ First Rooftop Pool

Hidden away on the rooftop of the Skygazer Building is a spectacular pool with a panoramic view of the beach and surf. It’s the first rooftop pool for Sandals Resorts, and one of 34 pools located on the property. Get some rays from one of the sun loungers, take a refreshing dip, and grab a snapshot that’ll make your friends back home green with envy.

There’s also a French bistro and bar, perfect for a enjoying a glass of champagne at sunset or stargazing at night.

The Beachfront Location

The property fronts Maxwell Beach, a stunning stretch of powdery white sand leading to water so translucent you can see your toes. There’s an ample supply of canopies and beach loungers, which are complimentary on a first-come-first-served basis. However, if you have a butler, he or she will happily set up chairs and an umbrella in advance, as well as serve a gourmet lunch and a cooler full of your favorite drinks on the beach.

To spark a little l’amour, ask your butler or concierge to arrange a sunset dinner for two on the beach. Imagine dining by shimmering candlelight, while a white-gloved waiter serves a gourmet feast under the stars. It’s truly magical.

A Massive Glass-fronted Pool

Maxwell Beach is a certainly a showstopper, but the resort’s massive glass-fronted infinity pool overlooking the ocean is irresistible. Spanning 8,293 square feet and holding 220,000 gallons of water, it is possibly the largest glass-fronted pool in the Eastern Caribbean. Basking in the balmy air, it feels blissful floating in the refreshing waters with a rum punch in hand. Afterwards, get a group selfie standing by the pool’s glass front.

Something Even More Romantic

How could this resort be even better for couples on a honeymoon or special anniversary getaway? The addition of the South Seas Village, set against the beautiful beach. Simple touches like blackout shades and an in-room aromatherapy system guarantee a great night’s sleep for anyone, but creative signature elements like the Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed—a king-size bed spoiling guests with fine linens and a pillow menu—and bath amenities by the Red Lane Spa make this a romantic haven within a haven.

And we’d be foolish to ignore the Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, which is a perfect setting for enjoying a few drinks from the full in-room bar.

Sandals’ First Four-Lane Bowling Alley

After a lazy day, strike out at Lover’s Lanes, Sandals’ first four-lane bowling alley for couples. ). In between games, snag a seat at the wraparound bar at Lover’s Lane Craft Beer Bar (another Sandals first) to sample up to 19 different ales from around the world.

Culinary Variety

Ten restaurants offer diverse menus and settings, ranging from on-the-beach casual to swanky white-gloved service. What makes a Sandals stay so great is guests almost never have the same meal twice—unless, of course, they want to. When this property opened, it welcomed two new names to the brand: The American Tavern and Chi Asian Fusion. And while those concepts instantly became crowd favorites, there’s always something newer on the horizon.

The most recent additions to the dining options are Heart and Sol and Greenhouse, with the former serving up healthy options from deli-style sandwiches to bowls, and the latter offering locally sourced ingredients in a rustic farm-to-table setting.

Access to a Second Resort

If you run out of places to dine, play, and swim at Royal Sandals Barbados, mosey over to the resort’s older all-inclusive sibling, Sandals Barbados. Sandals’ resort share program means you can use the other property’s amenities during your stay, gratis. No need to arrange transportation—a five-minute stroll leads you the resort, where you can enjoy 11 additional dining options and three more pools.

The post 9 Things We Love about Sandals Royal Barbados appeared first on Islands.

If like many Americans you haven’t yet visited Barbados—either during a Caribbean cruise or a resort stay—the time is right to get to know this historic, elegant, and culinary-focused island. Tied to Great Britain for almost 400 years and yet given its name by 16^th century Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos because its shaggy fig trees resembled the facial hair of bearded men (los barbados), the island is known for its love of all things rum and its unique geology and location. Formed by layers of coral and limestone that emerged from the sea and merged over hundreds of thousands of years, Barbados occupies a unique position as a Caribbean outlier and features a dramatic eastern coastline pounded by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Long a favorite tropical playground of the British (it was colonized on behalf of King James in 1625), Barbados declared its independence as a commonwealth state in 1966 and on Nov. 30, 2021, transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Rich in history and deeply entwined with both sugar and slavery, it dominated the 17^th century Caribbean sugar cane industry, and hence, the rum trade; by 1846, Barbados was home to 491 active sugar plantations and 506 windmills. In the 21^st century, this island of approximately 300,000 residents still reveres its rum, but also revels in its distinction as the birthplace of musical superstar Rihanna.

Authenticity is a Barbados calling card and whether you opt to stay at one of the island’s beachfront resorts or visit on a cruise that departs from or calls on the capital, Bridgetown, this, food-and-rum loving, 166-square-mile island offers experiences worth savoring. Note: most tours are listed in U.S. dollars, but restaurant menus are priced in local currency (with an exchange rate of 2 to 1 against the U.S. dollar). 

Here are the best ways to discover the island’s Bajan heart and soul. 

Visit during Crop Over or the Food and Rum Festival

The largest celebration in Barbados is the annual Crop Over Festival, which begins in June but culminates in early August with Carnival-like revelry to mark the end of the sugar cane crop season. This uniquely Barbadian festival, which owes its roots to the 17^th and 18^th centuries when sugar cane dominated the island’s colonial economy, features concerts, calypso competitions, and revelry at Foreday Morning Jam—all capped off by the Grand Kadooment when costumed bands and masqueraders parade through the streets and party late into the night with music, food and fireworks.  

If four days of nonstop eating and sipping rum cocktails is more your style, the annual Barbados Food & Rum Festival takes place in late October, bringing together the island’s top chefs and mixologists, along with international culinary stars. The 2022 festival was held after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus and showcased 32 local culinary talents—among them Javon Cummins, Damian Leach, Trevon Stoute, and Rhea Gilkes—and featured Food Network chefs Marc Murphy, Anne Burrell, David Rose, and Huda Mu’min and Top Chef finalist Eric Adjepong. 

Events included Oistins Under the Stars (a celebration of this fishing village’s lively weekly fish fry), Chef Classics (cooking demos by the invited international chefs), a St. Lawrence Gap Street Party, a boozy Rise and Rum sunrise beach party, Journey of Food (intimate chef-hosted dinners at the island’s top restaurants), and the Liquid Gold Feast (a tented bacchanal featuring small plates from 17 island chefs and free-flowing rum and other spirits with live entertainment). 

Take a food-focused walking tour in Bridgetown

It’s easy to explore Bridgetown on your own, even from the nearby cruise port, but it helps to have a food-loving Bajan pointing out the top sights and leading you to some of the city’s best local bites. That’s the formula at Lickrish Food Tours, which offers the Original Bajan Walking Food Tour ($80 per person), a three-hour midday meander through the streets of Bridgetown with stops to try a wide range of traditional favorites, including deep-fried fishcakes (at the Hot Legendary Fishcakes cart on Tudor Street), grilled cassava, pickled cucumber salad, cornmeal coucou with mahi mahi (or flying fish in season), savory and sweet treats at Crumbz Bakery, and delicious ice cream made with coconut milk at the Agapey Chocolate Factory. 

You’ll walk about 1.5 miles in the heat—but it won’t be quite enough to burn all the calories you’ll consume. 

Enjoy a rum tasting and lunch at Mount Gay Rum Visitor’s Centre

It all started back in 1703 when John Sober (ironic, right?) inherited a small distillery on the slopes of Mount Gilboa in St. Lucy parish—but it was the hiring of 4^th generation Barbadian Sir John Gay Alleyne to run the distillery that ushered in commercial success and the name Mount Gay. 

Today, the brand’s signature barrel-aged rums—Eclipse, Black Barrel, and XO—are in the hands of its first female master blender, Trudiann Branker, and you can sample them at the original distillery or, more conveniently, at the Visitor’s Centre just outside of Bridgetown, where the Signature Rum Tasting is $25 per person and the Rum Tasting and Lunch is $70 per person. The latter, with flavorful dishes created by Chef Gregory Austin served buffet-style on an open-air covered patio with ocean views, is a delicious and relaxing option. 

Tip: Save room for dessert!

Attend a Friday night fish fry at Oistins

Even if your travel dates don’t correspond with the Food and Rum Festival, plan to be on Barbados on a Friday night and you can enjoy the lively vibe and great food at the weekly Oistins fish fry. This fishing village goes all out as locals and visitors mingle amid a maze of food stands selling heaping portions of fried and grilled fish with sides such as breadfruit, macaroni salad, and peas and rice. Order a local Banks beer or a rum punch and soak in the celebration.

Swing by Rihanna Drive

Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the singer Rihanna was raised in Bridgetown and in 2021 was declared a “national hero” during the presidential inauguration as Barbados became a republic. You’ll see her face and name (and hear her many hit singles) around the island, but a top spot for a photo keepsake is Rihanna Drive, the one-way street where she grew up that was renamed in her honor in 2017. 

The house? It’s painted green and peach with the name Sonia Ville above the door and a blue-and-yellow “Rihanna” insignia painted on the curb (a Rihanna fan and not the singer’s family now lives there). Prepare to “shine like a diamond” or grab your umbrella-ella-ella and strike a pose.

Visit the George Washington House and the Synagogue Historic District

Yes, George Washington slept here. Barbados is, in fact, the only place outside the United States visited by George Washington, who in 1751, at age 19, stayed for two months while accompanying his half-brother as he was recuperating from tuberculosis. The place where they resided just outside of Bridgetown, then known as Captain Croftan’s House at Carlisle Bay but now called the George Washington House, is managed by the Barbados National Trust and can be toured. 

The Synagogue Historic District in the heart of central Bridgetown, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an entire city block dating back to the mid-17^th century and is home to the Nidhe Israel Synagogue (built in 1654) and the Nidhe Israel Museum, which chronicles the story of the Jewish Settlement of Barbados. The area is also home to the historic Jewish Cemetery, the ceremonial Mikvah, and several other heritage buildings.

Indulge in a range of Bajan dining experiences

You may want to go on a diet before you vacation in Barbados, an island known for its robust dining scene and huge “Bajan portions.” Two upscale options not to miss? First, Cocktail Kitchen, Chef Damian Leach’s bar and restaurant in lively St. Lawrence Gap, where the menu includes delicious contemporary Caribbean cuisine such as shrimp and gnocchi, coconut-and-ginger-crusted catch, and roast breadfruit and lobster. 

The second must-try is Sea Shed in Mullins Beach, where you should book a table for just before sunset to savor the open-air beachside ambience and allow yourselves time to peruse the lengthy menu offering everything from char-grilled octopus and marinated tuna tacos to green Thai fish curry and coconut fish and chips. There are also a dozen pizzas and several generously sized and delicious salads. 

To enjoy Bajan cooking the way locals like it, have lunch at Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown. At this rustic, family-run seaside eatery open since 1937 and currently owned by nattily dressed Mr. Clement Armstrong, you’ll choose from a selection of options behind a glass counter, which include macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, cornmeal coucou, barbecued chicken, fishcakes, and rice and peas, and enjoy them outside as aquamarine water laps the beach just feet away.

Curious about all those Chefette locations you’re seeing? This only-in-Barbados fast-food chain is worth a stop for a quick and filling grab-and-go roti, available in beef, chicken, potato, and combinations thereof.

Hire a local taxi driver for an island tour

If you’re arriving via cruise ship at the colorful and welcoming Bridgetown cruise terminal, you’ll find a line-up of taxis offering tours of the island. The drivers, who include Carson Moore (aka Skinny Carson), can tailor an itinerary to your interests and serve as a guide/raconteur. 

An option for a larger group is to book a custom tour with No. 1 Bajan Bus. The company traverses the island on its colorful, open-air retro-style buses and hand-painted mini-buses, starting at Barbados $75 (U.S. $37.50) per person. 

Book a rum shop tour

Rum shops—tiny neighborhood social gathering spots where locals drink rum the Bajan way—are ubiquitous on Barbados (there are thousands of them, many located near a church). Several cruise lines calling on Bridgetown are now offering guided tours that visit several rum shops for an inside look at the island’s rum culture.

Step back in time at St. Nicholas Abbey

A visit to a sugar-cane plantation Great House is a must while on Barbados and a top option is St. Nicholas Abbey, where lush grounds provide a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll and the circa-1658 Great House —one of just three Jacobian-style mansions remaining in the Western Hemisphere—offers insights into the lives of its owners over the past 350 years. Plus, the property is also home to one of the four remaining distilleries on Barbados and tours and tastings (the rum here is distilled using traditional pot-still methods) are available.

Get a geology lesson at Harrison’s Cave

Yes, it’s one of the most touristy things you can do in Barbados, but a guided tram ride ($57 per person) down into the crystalized limestone depths of Harrison’s Cave also provides terrific insight into the geological formation of the island and some fun photo-ops amid the stalagmites and stalactites of the Great Hall. 

A Note About Cruising to Barbados: The port in Bridgetown welcomes 800,000 passengers annually and cruise season in Barbados runs from mid-October to late April, with 33 cruise lines calling here. A number of larger and smaller ships—including Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, MSC Seaside, Silver Dawn, Silver Shadow, Regent Seven Seas Navigator, Seabourn Ovation, Oceania Sirena and Oceania Insignia, and the new Ritz-Carlton Evrima—seasonally homeport in Barbados, meaning passengers embark and disembark in Bridgetown, which offers a chance for a pre- or post-cruise resort stay and more time to explore the island. You can check the 2022-2023 port schedule here.

The post The Best and Most Authentic Ways to Experience Barbados appeared first on Islands.

There’s never been a better time to visit Barbados and the island’s newest luxury resort is the perfect way to experience this laid back, beachy paradise. The lively and vibrant southern coast is now home to O2 Beach Club & Spa, a new five-star all-inclusive luxury boutique resort, that will ensure the perfect vacation experience with some unique offerings.

The resort features 130 luxurious rooms and suites, and guests can choose between three different service offerings, or “Collections”: Club, Luxury, and Concierge. Club Collection rooms are the resort’s standard offering with the option of king or twin beds. The adults only Luxury Collection includes ocean view and oceanfront suites, as well as swim-up rooms that access the resort’s adult-only river pool and swim-up bar. 

The Concierge Collection offers more spacious and luxurious one or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens for guests who want the full range of amenities. Guests of the Concierge Collection also have access to the resort’s free masterclass program that includes activities ranging from windsurfing to golfing to mindfulness lessons and more.

All guests have access to the resort’s three scenic pools, including one of the only rooftop pools in Barbados. For the ultimate relaxation, guests can visit the Acqua spa with treatments that focus on healing through water. The spa also boasts the only Hammam room on the island. 

There are six dining options to please every palate. Elements beachside open-air restaurant and the Bluefin Beachside Grill are perfect spots to grab a casual bite, while Brisa rooftop tapas bar is the spot to watch the sunset over cocktails. The resort’s fine dining venue, Oro, is uniquely European fusion with a Caribbean twist, enjoyed with 360-degree views of the south coast. Guests will certainly want to visit Oro for one of the nightly sunset celebrations featuring Champagne and canapes on the sky terrace. Guests of O2 also have access to the sister hotel’s five restaurants just a few minutes away.

The resort offers guests a truly unique experience with its Local Experience Ambassador program. These daily signature “how-to” classes feature lessons on authentic locally inspired activities like cooking, learning to play the steel pan drum, and playing island dominoes.

The post Inside the Newest Luxury Resort that has Barbados (and the Rest of the World) Buzzing appeared first on Islands.

When you think about escaping to paradise, does a beachfront villa in the Caribbean spring to mind? Aside from providing plenty of living space—whether traveling as a family or with a group of friends—a villa rental offers privacy, both on the beach and at the pool. Love to cook? With a modern kitchen, it’s easy to delve into local culture by transforming fresh regional ingredients into a communal feast and enjoying at around a dining table with a sea view.

Best of all: The nightly cost per person is usually far less than what you would pay at a resort. Here are 10 beautiful Caribbean beach villas for rent on Vrbo. All accommodate at least six guests (and as many as 16), have a private pool or hot tub and can be booked for about $89 to $140 per person per night at full occupancy.

Sea’s Edge—St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Sweeping sea views—especially from the 42-foot infinity-edge pool—are one of the main selling points of this five-bedroom/five-bath villa set on a 60-foot cliff top overlooking Rendezvous Bay on the south shore of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

But a recent refurbishment has also freshened the indoor and outdoor living spaces with island-inspired décor, there’s a trail down to a small private cove and it’s just a 10-minute drive to Cruz Bay and 2.3 miles to famed white-sand beaches such as Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay Beach.

The villa is adults-only (all bedrooms have king or queen beds) and pets or smoking are not allowed.

Rates from $1,429 night for up to 10 guests, with a five-night minimum stay.

Estrella del Mar—Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Set in a quiet residential area on Playa Bonita Beach and offering direct access to the sand, this four bedroom/four-bathroom villa sleeps six adults and three children, making it ideal for young families looking to get away together or an intimate multigenerational gathering.

A thatch-covered veranda area overlooking the pool features a living area, dining area and hammock. There’s also an onsite housekeeper to keep things today and prepare breakfast and lunch (grocery costs not included).

Rates from $784 night for up to 9 guests, with a five-night minimum stay.

Camden Nook Beach Front Villa—Barbados

Airy and modern, the three-bedroom/three-bath Camden Nook villa is located steps from the sand between Mullins Beach and Holetown on the west coast of Barbados. Outdoor daybeds with gauzy canopies create a chic beach club vibe and a large plunge pool/Jacuzzi overlooks the brilliant blue sea—offering views of magnificent sunsets that guests rave about.

The villa also has a sleeper sofa, so it can accommodate up to eight guests and nearby Holetown, a charming foodie haven lined with restaurants, offers plenty of dining options.

Rates from $850/night for up to 8 guests, with a three-night minimum stay.

Sandpebbles Villa—Jamaica

With its rattan furniture and soaring wood-beam ceilings, this villa feels right at home on Jamaica’s north shore. Located just yards away from the white sand and aquamarine sea of Bengal Beach, between Ocho Rios and Falmouth, Sandpebbles features four bedrooms/four bathrooms and can accommodate up to 10 guests (bed configurations are ideal for six adults and four kids).

Loungers line a sparkling beachfront pool with a swim-up bar and indoor/outdoor living spaces with natural wood furniture make the most of the lush tropical setting and ocean views.

Rates from $890/night for up to 10 guests, with a three-night minimum stay.

Starfish Villa—St. Maarten

Located on Dawn Beach within the Coral Beach Club community on St. Maarten, the three-bedroom/three-bath Starfish Villa sleeps six and offers 5,300-sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor living space. A recent renovation has brightened the overall ambience and given the home a modern gourmet kitchen.

Guests can lounge around a magazine-shoot-ready beachfront terrace and pool with a covered gazebo or relax indoors amid breezy décor featuring Tommy Bahama furnishings.

Rates from $575/night for up to 6 guests, with a five-night minimum stay.

Bellamare Villa—Anguilla

Set around a main infinity pool overlooking the tranquil sea just to the east of Anguilla’s stunning Shoal Bay Beach, Bellamare Villa features three bedrooms (two of them with king-size beds and ocean views; the third is much smaller with the option of two twins or a king) and three bathrooms, making it ideal for two couples and two or three kids.

A shady gazebo, lush tropical foliage and natural stone accents outdoors are complemented by polished wood floors and a white, blue, gray and yellow palette inside.

Rates from $770/night for up to 8 guests, with a seven-night minimum stay.

Palm Jewel—Turks and Caicos

With room for 14 guests (eight of them adults), this five-bedroom/four-bathroom villa on Providenciales in Turks and Caicos makes a terrific spot for a small family reunion or a gathering of friends with young kids.

Located just 100 yards away from secluded, quarter-mile-long Sapodilla Beach, Palm Jewel features 2,200-sq. ft. of outdoor living space with a 40-foot infinity-edge pool, hammocks and a shady gazebo. Indoors, clean modern finishes and soaring whitewashed ceilings create a chic yet relaxed ambiance.

Rates from $950/night for up to 14 guests, with a seven-night (Saturday to Saturday) minimum stay.

Yumey Sands Villa—Exuma, Bahamas

Open-air relaxation, panoramic views and serene Out Island vibes are the hallmarks of this new four-bedroom/four-bath villa on Exuma in the Bahamas. It overlooks tranquil Tropic of Cancer Beach, sleeps 10 (eight of them adults) and features soaring ceilings with equally soothing taupe and pale blue décor atop natural wood flooring that brings the beach palette indoors.

An outdoor dining and lounging deck leads to a sparkling pool and hot tub with a stairway onto the beach.

Rates from $1,245/night for up to 10 guests, with a seven-night (Saturday to Saturday) minimum stay.

La Marea Oceanfront Three-Bedroom Villa—Antigua

Gather your best friends for a couples’ getaway at this sophisticated three-bedroom/three-bathroom oceanfront villa located on the northwest coast of Antigua. La Marea’s owner has filled the home with globally sourced, handcrafted furniture and artwork, giving it a Bali-and-Africa-meet-Caribbean ambience that’s rare in a rental villa.

There’s water access for snorkeling and beaches are nearby, but the pool with its surrounding green lawn is the place to be, especially at sunset when tangerine and mauve transform the 270-degree ocean views.

Rates from $760/night for up to six guests, with a three-night minimum stay.

Encantada Vieques Eco-Luxury Villa—Vieques, Puerto Rico

Open-air living is why many travelers escape to the Caribbean—and this five-bedroom/five-bathroom eco-villa on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques takes that concept to the max. Architect John Hix designed Encantada Vieques to be environmentally friendly and that not only means cement construction, no air-conditioning, and outdoor showers, but also no glass or screens in the windows. This provides natural cooling breezes, but also lets in local residents (yes, that means mosquitos and other larger insects).

Gather up to 16 friends or family to fill the various beds and sleeper sofas and enjoy being oh-so close to nature. It’s just a two-minute walk to Coco Beach, but the 94-foot infinity pool steals the show.

Rates from $1,299/night for up to 16 guests, with a three-night minimum stay.

The post 10 Beautiful Caribbean Beach Villas for Rent on Vrbo appeared first on Islands.

Let’s face it: Packing up and moving to Barbados for a year of the best remote work situation imaginable is easier said than done. As much as we’d all love to bring a laptop and portable hotspot to Hastings Beach to answer emails and update JIRA tickets between swims, we will have to settle for living vicariously through people who actually get to do it (and if that’s you, email us and let us know all about it).

The good news is you can still bring a delicious piece of Barbados into your home without having to get your dusty luggage out of the garage. Barbados is well-known for a variety of delicacies and must-try street foods, including cassava pone, conkie and macaroni pie. So, when we asked for one of the most beloved dishes on the island, the generous team at Cruise Barbados delivered with this recipe for fish cakes.

This particular recipe comes from a true master of Bajan culinary delights, as Chef Creig Greenridge of CM Catering has twice been named Barbados Chef of the Year and was selected as the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Rum & Rhythm People’s Choice Chef of the Year in 2018 and 2019. And when the people speak, we listen… and then eat the fish cakes.

Barbadian Fish Cakes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs salted cod
• 1 oz dill, chopped
• 1 oz thyme, chopped
• 1 oz Marjoram
• 1 oz chives, chopped
• 3 oz onion, chopped
• 1 oz scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp pepper sauce
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 lb white flour
• 1 ltr cooking oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 oz water (plus extra if needed)

How to Make It:

• Boil cod twice for 30 minutes each time and submerge in water to cool before removing and shredding finely. Keep the salted cod water to add to the batter later.
• Mix dry ingredients together.
• Gradually add salted water from cod and mix gently with a spoon, or by hand, to form a thick batter. Add more water as needed.
• Add oil to saucepan and heat until it reaches 350°F.
• Coat a teaspoon in oil and scoop batter into balls.
• Drop formed batter into hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry at medium heat until golden brown.

Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 oz mayonnaise
• 3 oz mustard
• 20 oz lime juice
• 2 oz brown sugar
• 2 oz sweet chili sauce
• 1 oz Bajan pepper sauce
• 1 tsp dill, chopped

How to Make It:

• Add ingredients to bowl and whisk or stir until emulsified.

The post How to Make Fish Cakes from Barbados appeared first on Islands.

What started as a fun little “What if?” quickly became one of the most buzzed about stories in the Caribbean. In announcing the reopening of the island’s borders to international travelers earlier this month, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley teased the idea of a “12-month Welcome Stamp” that would allow residents of the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America to pack up their home offices and spend the next year working remotely from one of the most beautiful places on Earth?

Who could say no to that? If you need a little more influence, Mottley is happy to oblige.

“Rather than coming for the usual week, or three weeks or a month, why not plan out your business? We have a mechanism that allows people who want to take advantage of being in a different part of the world, of the sun, sea and sand, and a stable society; one that functions well. Barbados is a perfect place for you to come.”

Now, the Welcome Stamp is a reality and the application process is underway, but before you re-pack your bags—assuming you were overly excited by the first announcement—you’ll need to meet the visa requirements. The necessary documents for each applicant include two passport size photographs, the bio data page of passport, birth certificate and proof of relationship to any dependents, in case you’re planning to bring the whole family. Entry visas are also required where applicable. 

Upon approval, individual professional nomads will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $2,000, while the “family bundle” fee is $3,000. It’s a small price to pay, though, for a year of incredible beaches, views and people. And who among us wouldn’t benefit professionally and personally from a literal change of scenery and a mental health break?

“The sunshine is powerful,” Mottley told Today’s WorldView. “The seawater is powerful. They’re both therapeutic in ways that are hard to explain. Why not share it?”

The post Here’s How You Can Apply to Move to Barbados for a Year appeared first on Islands.