Travel Journal from Barbados

One of my favourite things about flying into a hot country is that moment when you step off the plane. It’s like walking into a heavy fog of glorious heat that instantly warms you all the way to your bones.

You take a second before you begin your descent down the wobbily plane steps to inhale that thick heat and feel the sun on your face.

Yes, this is what you came on holiday for.

If you’re from a warm country I’m not sure you’ll understand this feeling.

After months of hiding under layers of clothing and feeling nothing but an icy chill on your face, this kind of intense heat is welcomed with arms wide open – admittedly with sweaty arms and hair that has instantly fizzed with the humidity but we don’t care.

After an 8 hour flight from London to Barbados, I arrive at around 4pm with just enough time to get to my hotel, enjoy a glass of champers and take a relaxing walk along the beach as the sun sets.

I instantly chill out and embrace ‘island time’ as the locals call it. You have to say ‘island time’ with a Caribbean accent and a little grin as though you’re recalling a dirty a joke.

I settle into my room at the Almond Beach Resort and then head out for dinner at Brown Sugar in Bridgetown. I have coconut beer shrimp to start followed by Barbados’ famous flying fish. By the time dessert comes around I’m falling asleep into my rum soaked bread pudding so quickly call it a night.

The following morning I’m up early for a catamaran cruise with Jammin’ Cruises. By 10am the tunes are banging and the rum is flowing and I’ve made more friends than I can count (that might be the rum!)

We have three chances to jump (or slide) off board to snorkel or lazily bob around on noodles while the crew swam rum punch out to us. We ended up drinking a concoction of punch and seawater but by midday I don’t think anyone cared.

We were lucky enough to see three turtles while snorkeling and even got a glimpse of a stingray too.

Once the cruise is over I visit Harrison Caves, an incredible network of living caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Crystal clear waterfalls trickle through the rocks to form perfect pools of glistening water. I take a mini train ride through the cave to see all the hidden spots.

Dinner tonight is at The Tides. It’s known to be one of the nicest restaurants in Barbados and it didn’t disappoint. I have the best table in the house on the beach front where I could listen to the soft shush of the waves while sipping my wine.

It was another end to a perfect day as I dined on lobster followed by the most incredible Mars bar and Oreo cookie cheesecake.

It’s my final day in Barbados and I spent the morning exploring the historical Garrison district. I visit the old British armory, see the house George Washington lived in, see the tunnels that run beneath the area and find out more about the history of the island. When a place is as beautiful as Barbados it can be easy to forget about the history and what happened to make it become the place it is today. This tour was fantastic and my infectiously enthusiastic guides had me fascinated by the military history. There are so many secrets hidden away in those tunnels and underground rooms and many of them are still being discovered.

I visit Sunbury Plantation House for lunch and to explore the old building. It’s a 300-year-old sugar estate that has been meticulously preserved and restored so I immediately felt like I was stepping back in time.

I had a typical Bajan meal for lunch including chicken thighs, rice and peas and macaroni pie.

It’s then time to say a sad goodbye to Barbados but I can’t help but be excited because my next stop is St Kitts!

My travel journal from St Kitts is coming tomorrow.

I’d like to say a huge thanks to British Airways, Time Out London and Visit Barbados for making this trip possible.