The Caribbean island of Barbados welcomes more than half a million tourists every year thanks to its beautiful climate and picturesque sandy beaches. Many of these tourists are couples seeking a romantic retreat for themselves and their partner, often choosing the island as the location for a marriage proposal or honeymoon.
Whatever the motive for a couple’s Barbados holiday, here are five sure ways to guarantee romance whilst away:
Visit the Animal Flower Cave
The Animal Flower Cave, Barbados
The Animal Flower Cave – which derives its name from the fact that its interior is littered with sea anemones – is Barbados’ only human-accessible sea cave. Located within the cliffs of North Point, this coral-floored cave is thought to be at least 400,000 years old and its various openings provide breathtaking backdrops of the sea crashing against the cliffs – idyllic scenery for those holding hands with and whispering sweet nothings into the ear of their sweetheart!
For the most romantic of visits to the attraction, be sure to organise your guided tour for a day on which weather conditions are calm, for rougher days see access to the Animal Flower cave denied for safety reasons. On days with pleasant conditions, couples can relax together in the cave’s naturally formed rock pools – an unmissable experience!
Visit the Flower Forest
The Flower Forest, Barbados
The Flower Forrest horticultural park is a tropical paradise comprising many species of palm trees and tropical fauna across a gently-hilled landscape. The highest points of the park provide visitors with unmatched views of the eastern-Barbados coastline (best witnessed during sunset).
If near-solitude is preferred then visiting the forest post-flowering season is a good idea though it is best to visit during high season if is the bright flowers the couple in question specifically wishes to see. Visitors to the park are allowed to explore the area unguided (so long as the designated paths are stuck to) and it is a premier spot for afternoon picnics. After exploring the park, a present can be purchased for a loved one from the gift shop and/or refreshments can be acquired at the forests’ cafe.
Stay at the Little Arches Hotel
The Little Arches Hotel, Barbados
Romantic holidays are not those in which a couple constantly has to avoid other tourists! Partners looking for a little privacy then should look to book themselves a hotel that is not only secluded but also limits the number of guests and allows adults only.
The Little Arches Hotel – a boutique affair located in Barbados’ equivalent of Miami Beach – then is an ideal choice. This hotel comprises a rooftop swimming pool, private yacht and spa and many of the resort’s 10 rooms also contain whirlpool baths and private terraces. Even better; couples who book with the Little Arches hotel for 10 days or more will be provided a daily breakfast free of charge and will also receive a one of several complimentary, fully catered luxury Caribbean cruises, a tank dive or a round of golf.
Have a Barbados Beach Picnic
Barbados Beach Picnic
Obviously there are endless beaches on which a couple could enjoy a picnic together whilst away on a Caribbean holiday but utilizing the one located on the doorstep of the selected hotel room makes perfect sense for surprising a romantic partner. One partner could sneak out in the early hours whilst their other half sleeps to lay a blanket on the sand and arrange chilled wine/champagne and a tropical fruit-heavy breakfast nicely on top – this is sure to keep the sparks flying between the two lovers!
Even the grumpiest of morning folk will be thrilled to be greeted by such a scene when awoken by their partner. Watching the palm-littered sunrise is not something either party will be forgetting in a hurry!
Boogie at the Harbour Lights Club
Harbour Lights, Barbados
It is unlikely that a couple will want to spend the entirety of their Barbados holiday away from other people for this will take away from the authentic experience offered by the Caribbean island. Being around others does not have to mean a lack of romance however; indulging in some local culture with natives and other holidaymakers whilst spending some quality time with a partner is made easy thanks to the open-air, beachfront nightclub that is Harbour Lights.
Every Monday and Wednesday sees a ‘Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show’ held at the club which sees a local band getting everyone dancing barefoot under the stars to calypso music until the early hours. Fire eaters and limbo dancers add to the spectacle which also provides free alcohol until 2am every morning! A free BBQ banquet is also provided making this dinner show an exciting alternative to eating out at a restaurant.
Travel Article by:
Mary Clipper is the author of this blog post. As well as Caribbean cruises, Mary also takes Mediterranean cruises with her husband on a regular basis.
