Barbados is forecasting large numbers this year; here is why!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

When many of us think about Barbados, one of the first things that come to mind is the beautiful Rihanna, Barbados singing diva that happens to be ranked seventh best-selling music artist worldwide. Another popular feature of Barbados is the flying fish, which is one of the national symbols of the island, and the reason that Barbados is known as ‘the land of the flying fish.’

Both of these reasons are great reasons for wanting to visit Barbados, but it is not the reason that Barbados made Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s Winter Wish List. This list has been created to highlight hot vacation spots throughout the Caribbean that many of us may not have considered visiting. Each edition we highlight islands that have made significant strives in the area of tourism, and as a growing community, we are finding ways to support the larger Caribbean.

Barbados has forecasted large numbers this year, and these are due to a number of strategic initiatives that have been created to ensure that the influx of tourists continue to flood this beautiful island. Barbados was nominated once again as a ‘Favourite Cruise Destination’ according to 2019 Cruise International’s British Cruise Awards. Determined by public vote, they beat out: Jamaica, Dubrovnik, Norway and Singapore to win the prestigious accolade in the UK. They were also nominated for: Barbados Leading Resort 2019 (Sandals Barbados & Hilton’s Barbados Resort), Barbados Leading Boutique Resort 2019 (Mango Bay Barbados), and Barbados Leading Hotel (Cobblers Cove).

Sandals Barbados is an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat located in the St. Lawrence Gap area. The resort spans three unique villages, features world-class cuisine, and guests are invited to visit the innovative bar and pool designs. In true Bajan fashion, Sandal’s guests can unwind to culturally popular calypso beats, while they enjoy the sun and surf. The amenities include: a Butler Elite service, Barbados largest and longest lagoon pool, as well as private Tranquillity Soaking Tubs which are custom-sculpted stone tubs with a back slant of 130 degrees, and armrests that aid in giving the bather ultimate comfort. Suites are all designed with custom-made mahogany four poster king sized beds, plush his and her robes, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen TV’s and fully stocked bars.

Barbados Leading Boutique Resort Mangobay is located in the historic Holetown area on the Gold Coast of Barbados, which has been more recently upgraded to the “Platinum Coast of Barbados.” The 76-room Mangobay has a casual sophisticated feel, and like Sandals Resort is all-inclusive. What makes this resort such a sought-after vacation stay is the fact that it has a magnificent beachfront setting in St. James, and is located on the famous west coast of Barbados.

Finally, we have Cobblers Cove, which is renowned for its country house feel, and quaint Caribbean charm. Also located on the west coast of Barbados, Cobblers Cove has been reviewed as a place of tranquillity. A much smaller resort with only 40 suites, each suite has a veranda that overlooks the enchanting tropical gardens and the beautiful, blue ocean. Currently ranked as a 5-star property, Cobblers Cove also has a unique history. It used to be plantation, and the honeymoon suites are housed in the original Great House. In 1968, the house was converted into a hotel, and began to garner recognition as a classy, charming, and elegant attraction in Barbados.

With the cruises evolving into a multimillion dollar leisure industry, Barbados remains a favourite on the Caribbean cruise circuit, and continues to appear on itineraries for popular cruise lines such as: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, P&O, TUI, Marella Star Clipper, Silversea, Seabourn, and Fred Olsen. Earlier this year, Barbados was named one of the Top 5 in the category of ‘Best Cruise Destinations in the Southern Caribbean’ in Cruise Critic’s Annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.

There is so much to be said about this incredibly, alluring island, but we can’t give away everything; you are going to have to visit to actually experience the island in its natural beauty. Visit  www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.