Wild nature concentrate
East coast, Atlantic.
Powerful waves sculpt the shore.
Steep cliffs, wild beaches.
To the west, the Caribbean Sea, more clement, unrolls its tongue of blond sand along a UNESCO-listed bay.
An island of 430 km² south of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is a geographical land of contrasts between tropical vegetation, coconut groves, endless beaches, villages with multicolored houses... In this fabulous setting, wildlife thrives.
The country is full of natural sanctuaries accessible to visitors: the wildlife reserve, the cave of animal flowers or the sumptuous botanical gardens of Andromeda, in Saint Joseph.
Tropical wildlife roams freely there: crested hummingbird, mara, iguana… not forgetting the local star, the green monkey.
Under the ocean, the spectacle is just as grandiose.
The only coral island in the Caribbean, Barbados is home to a teeming ecosystem.
Barracudas, parrotfish and stingrays live off the coast, which are also nesting areas for several species of marine turtles protected by local authorities.
Barbados: the tropical and glam Eden of the moment Flystock / Shutterstock
The capital of Caribbean chic
A chic and ultra-glamorous destination, the little confetti of land in the middle of the Caribbean is the HQ of world stars.
Starting with the country's heroine, Rihanna, who returns to her native island every year for vacation.
On the west coast, called the “Platinum Coast”, luxury boutique hotels and trendy restaurants embody the quintessence of the Barbadian art of living: a subtle blend of elegance and relaxation.
In the evening, we dine at the legendary The Cliff by starred chef Matt Worswick or at QP Bistro, with a jazzy waterfront atmosphere.
The trendy spot of the moment?
La Cabane, a beach bar in Saint James run by two French people, offering grilled fish and well-made cocktails with an electro playlist in the background.
Want some calm?
Head east to settle down at the ECO Lifestyle Lodge, an intimate setting immersed in the heart of nature offering a breathtaking view of the ocean, five minutes from Bathsheba beach.
The island also has a fine selection of private villas for a five-star vacation in complete privacy.
Barbados: the tropical and glam Eden of the moment onfilm / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Surf the wave
With more than 50 km of paradise coastline, Barbados is certainly the best surfing destination in the Caribbean.
World-famous sites like Soup Bowl but also South Point, Freights Bay or Duppies... From beginner to professional, surfers can find a wave adapted to their level.
The whole range of water sports can be practiced: windfoil, jet-ski, kitesurfing... and of course scuba diving in Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown or in the Folkestone Marine Park.
The pure waters ensure perfect visibility.
On land, there is no shortage of options either.
Hiking enthusiasts explore the trails that wind through lush ravines and 17th-century sugar cane plantations.
Ultra-popular in the former British colony, golf occupies a prestigious position, alongside polo and cricket, with seven courses listed among the best in the world, such as Sandy Lane, Apes Hill and Royal Westmoreland.