Barbados 2020
This was a last-minute break, so there was no time to waste. Barbados is on the government’s ‘safe corridor’ list, so no quarantine is necessary on return, but negative PCR (covid) test-two of them-are required. The first test is within three days of travel. A private clinic performed the test with guaranteed results by the following evening. Once I had my negative certificate, I uploaded this to the Barbados immigration form, printed off several copies, and was ready to go.
The airport experience at Heathrow was identical to normal, just with masks on and social distancing in place throughout. There was a palpable atmosphere of excitement when we took off, this was the first trip abroad for many since the start of the pandemic and everyone was thrilled to be flying again.
Our arrival in Barbados was spectacular. There in the balmy darkness on the warm runway was a full brass band and stilt walkers to welcome us. As we entered the terminal building, our PCR certificates were checked, and we were each given wristbands to signify we had just arrived and were now in quarantine until our second negative test. Our temperatures were checked, and we were asked to record and submit our temperatures twice daily.
Check in at The Sands hotel was seamless. Our temperatures were checked again, and we were shown to our spotlessly clean room. It was explained that until we’d had a second test, we’d be asked to stay in the quarantine areas of the hotel with no access to the pool or to the beach, as all beaches in Barbados are public. There is a lovely garden with sun loungers for the initial quarantine, and a separate area within the restaurant. Content with being asked to lie on a sun lounger until asked to move, I was happy with this arrangement! The Sands, Barbados offers apartment accommodation with a slick and distinctive smart Miami Beach feel. It has a superb location right on Worthing Beach, whilst also being within easy walking distance of St Lawrence Gap’s many restaurants, cafés and bars. The flexible apartment rooms can be adapted from double rooms all the way up to two-bedroom duplexes set over two stories, ideal for larger families. The rooms overlooking the beach are south facing, so capture both the sunrise and sunsets that grace the island with a riot of colour. The beach front restaurant here provides delicious fresh à la carte meals, and the pool is larger than most, with a graduate entry point.
Our second covid test, 48 hours after arrival, was a private test, arranged through the hotel. We were tested at 6.30am and the results were back by early that evening. Our wristbands were ceremoniously removed, and now permitted to leave the hotel, we got straight into a taxi for a sunset cruise on board the luxury catamaran Cool Runnings IV. This was an experience I’d highly recommend. The food and drinks on board were incredible, the views were divine, and once moored we swam from the back of the boat in the still warm waters.
With the remaining time in Barbados, we explored different hotels and activities. The Sea Breeze Beach House have not only adapted to the way we now travel; they have positively embraced it. Their ‘VIP experience’ area they have created for quarantining guests has access to a swimming pool and huge comfy loungers. The luxury block of the hotel houses the best rooms: pared back minimal beach house style overlooking the wide expanse of white sandy beach. Situated close to the fishing village of Oistins on the south coast of Barbados, we were lucky to be taken to the fish market, where turtles swam underneath the pier and local fisherman prepare their catch for market.
Coral Reef Club offers not only a calm sandy beach but also the opportunity to snorkel the kaleidoscope of coral located right in front of the hotel. The impressive spa here is a destination in its own right. The luxurious rooms are spaciously set within the 12 acres of lush tropical garden, and there’s a feeling of space and privacy with all the rooms. An incredibly popular hotel with repeat clients, it is easy to see why guests return year after year here.
The Sandpiper is a sister hotel to Coral Reef Club with lush and verdant garden areas. Guests are free to use the facilities at both hotels. A distinctly family-run hotel, it has a lovely boutique feel. The newly built Tree Top Suite has jaw dropping views over the ocean from its glass fronted balcony. Families are encouraged and welcomed, with two-bedroom suites that sleep five comfortably and with a popular and award-winning restaurant, foodies won’t be disappointed.
Cobbler’s Cove is a small family-owned converted mansion painted pastel pink throughout that is a Barbados institution. With only 40 suites, guests here are mainly repeat clients and know the hotel staff by first name, creating a charming laid-back atmosphere. It is a benchmark in old school luxury and glamour, where the comforts of a grand country house meet the rustic charm and colour of the Caribbean.
A pool party thrown by our hosts at Villa Tamarindo was graced by an exquisite sunset and the Barbados Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Lisa Cummins, who spoke with positivity and hope for the future. The villa itself, highly spec’d with five bedrooms, private pool and direct beach access, is a west coast high-end luxury gem, ideal for a special occasion or family/group holiday.
A journey around the island on board the vintage #1 Bajan Bus was a highlight. The rugged east coast of the island, pummelled by the Atlantic, is such a contrast to the calm Caribbean west. We stopped at Mount Gay rum distillery, the oldest in the world, and sampled the delicious products!
There was a sense of renewed normality in Barbados. In so many ways it was a glimpse of holidays pre-covid; Live music, dancing, families splashing in the pool together, meals with new friends. But in many other ways there was always a reminder that times have changed, masks, temperature checks and social distancing vigilance. It reminded me just why I love travel so much, and how it is possible to travel safely in 2020 and beyond with the right preparation and advice from a trusted travel agent.