While everyone loves a traditional, Dickensian white Christmas, in reality, they are few and far between. It’s perhaps one of the reasons more of us are jetting off to the beach during the winter break. So, if you’re dreaming of swapping white snow for white sand this Christmas but still want to celebrate the season, here’s why you should visit Barbados.
Barbados really celebrates Christmas
Just because you’re heading somewhere tropical doesn’t mean you have to forget about any of the classic Christmas traditions. Barbadians celebrate Christmas just like in most predominantly Christian countries, so you certainly aren’t going to miss out on the festivities.
While you certainly won’t find jack frost nipping at your toes, you will have Yuletide carols, Christmas trees, decorated storefronts, seasonal street lighting and a sleighful of seasonal experiences and delights. Feasting is a big part of the Barbadian Christmas, so it’s a good time to sample some of their homegrown treats, like the Great Cake, their own version of a Christmas pudding doused in flaming rum, or Jug-Jug, a savoury pudding made from pigeon peas, salt meat, corn, onions, minced pork and herbs.
Seasonal events to look out for include the Carols by Candlelight concert in the beautiful gardens of the Prime Minister’s residence; Christmas jazz and carol concerts at St Nicholas Abbey; Christmas morning at Queen’s Park in Bridgetown, where everyone gathers after church, dressed in their Sunday best, to listen to bands play seasonal tunes; and the Boxing Day Races at the historic Garrison Savannah racecourse.
Celebrate in style
When it comes to Christmas and New Year dining, Barbados has some amazing restaurants in which to celebrate the big occasions. And at Christmas, you can expect your seasonal feasts to come with all the trimmings and great service. Seasonal dinners here include everything from traditional turkey roasts to experimental fusion dishes and five-course gourmet indulgences. Champagne, fine wines, ports, sherries, cognacs, whiskeys and spiced rums complement the great fayre.
With the festive period going all the way to New Year, you’ll have just as many options when it comes to welcoming the new year in. Many good restaurants put on New Year’s Eve events with special menus, firework displays, champagne and entertainment. Restaurants to look out for include The Cliff, the Rooftop Fusion, Cin Cin, Champers and the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club.
Christmas shopping
With shopping experiences to rival any of the world’s chicest capitals, you’ll find Barbados has everything you need when it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gifts. With galleries and street stalls selling unique, artisan arts and crafts, and high-end boutiques selling premium brands, it’s like Santa has brought his workshop to the Caribbean. Indeed, you’re more than likely to find a number of his grottos around the place.
If you’re used to visiting Fortnum’s, Hamleys or Harrods over the festive period, make a beeline for the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown where you’ll discover a winter wonderland of the island’s best stores, replete with seasonal trimmings, offering world-famous jewellery, watches, perfume, electronics and clothing brands, as well as top of the range presents for the kids.
Explore the island
With average temperatures of around 27°C during the holiday season, there’s no need to stay curled up by the fire watching reruns of old Christmas movies. Instead, make the most of the splendid weather and get out and see the best that Barbados has to offer. There’s a lot to do.
You’ll discover palm-fringed paradise beaches, calm, transparent seas, lush tropical landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, art galleries, historical places of interest, the world’s oldest rum distillery and more. You can surf, windsurf, take an off-road jeep safari, go sports car racing, deep-sea fishing, reef and wreck diving, pony trekking or even take a trip on a tourist submarine. And this is only scratching the surface of the unbelievable number of things that you can do on this small island. And being small, nowhere is ever too far to get to.
Royal Westmoreland – your winter wonderland
For a truly sensational winter holiday with family and friends, consider one of the most prestigious Barbados resorts, Royal Westmoreland. It has everything you’ll need, with tinsel on the top. A villa or apartment at this private, 750-acre gated estate puts you right at the heart of the island’s exclusive west coast and a stone’s throw away from the island’s best beaches, restaurants, bars, spas and boutiques. Offering everything from two-bedroomed apartments to seven-bedroom villas with private pools, all accommodation is of the highest standard and comes with exclusive use of the resort’s amenities. These include a championship standard golf course, gym, beach club, clubhouse, concierge, housekeeper and private chef service.
For more information, visit Royal Westmoreland’s Holidays Page.
