Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently announced at the reopening of Primo Bar and Bistro, “We want to create an environment that will allow people to come to Barbados to work, to rest and to play from here for an extended period of time during COVID-19.” Barbados COVID-19 protocols have recently relaxed to include social distancing at least three feet and opening up social events to a maximum of 500 patrons. Visitors are required to either present a negative coronavirus test or get swabbed and quarantine upon arrival. So if you’re contemplating tickets for the next flight to the Caribbean island but are wondering what you can do outside of WFH -- we’ve got you covered.
Adventure
There's no better way to escape the bustle of the city than to get back to nature. It's easy: Enjoy the island by foot and visit Barbados’ hiking trails and embark on walking tours. Explore lush forests, rugged coasts and dramatic beaches after your work day and on weekends. Free weekly expeditions are offered by Hike Barbados, and donations to the Barbados National Trust are appreciated. Whether you’re seeking relaxing strolls alongside tranquil beaches like the Silver Sands trail or challenging hikes with breathtaking views like Chalky Mount, Barbados has something for everyone!
The Animal Flower Cave, one of the oldest attractions in Barbados, is a natural sea cave beneath a jaw-dropping cliff. Go for a swim on calmer days or take in views of the Atlantic through the cave's openings. Oh, and keep an eye out for humpback whales! Once you're finished exploring, head to the restaurant at the top of the cliff for a meal with a stunning view. The Animal Flower Cave is currently open with social distancing protocols in place.
Eat and Drink
Looking to unwind from all that activity with a drink? Be sure to crack open a Banks beer. It's the beer of Barbados, and it's brewed using Barbados’ water. It’s available at most restaurants and bars, but better yet, stop by the Banks Barbados Brewery!
If rum is more your speed, you’re definitely in the right place -- Barbados is the birthplace of rum. Stop by the St. Nicholas Abbey for all things rum. (Contrary to the name, the St. Nicholas Abbey has no church connection.) It's a plantation house, museum and rum distillery currently open for rum sampling, as well as riding the excursion train to explore the heritage of the plantation. Mount Gay Distilleries, another popular distillery, produces the oldest rum in the world and just reopened on July 11. We'll cheers to that!
Hungry? Don't forget to order the national dish of Barbados: cou cou and flying fish, prepared by steaming or frying the fish with local spices and seasoning. Cou cou, similar to polenta, is made with cornmeal and okra. Another delicious must-try Caribbean treat: tamarind balls. Not only is tamarind known to promote heart health and lower cholesterol, it also aids in digestion and is a good source of vitamin B and calcium.
Relax
I don't know about you, but when I think Barbados, I think of its gorgeous, picturesque beaches. Excited to swim? Hit up Bath Beach -- it's known for its calm waters. Searching for privacy? We recommend frequenting the secluded Bottom Bay Beach. It’s smaller than most, but worth it. For those in search of adventure, Carlisle Bay is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling -- it has six shipwrecks in the bay! Meanwhile, Bathsheba Beach, located on the east coast of the island, is a surfer's paradise. And if you're not content with any of these spectacular seashores, Crane Beach is known for its pink-tinged sands and clear waters. Perfect for your next Instagram post. Seriously, life's a beach in Barbados!
You won't want to miss an idyllic stroll within the Andromeda Botanic Gardens. The serene, six-acre botanical garden is home to over 500 different native plant species, tropical flowers and trees. Spend a few hours taking in the sights, or nip out here for a quick break when you tell your coworkers you're taking a walk. The Andromeda Botanic Gardens reopens in August.
If you're craving a change in scenery, consider Barbados, because working from the beach definitely beats working from apartment.
“You don’t need to work in Europe, or the U.S. or Latin America if you can come here and work for a couple months at a time; go back and come back. But in order for those things to truly resonate, what does it mean? It means that what we offer has to be world-class and what we continue to offer is world-class,” Motley said.
Work from home never looked so good. Consider our bags packed.