Beautiful Bardados
There is something very special about being able to leave the dark December nights and extremely chilly temperatures of the UK for a good promise of vitamin D. With November to April being the optimum time to visit the Caribbean islands, escaping the cool British temperatures is something that appeals to most.
I have friends that travel the world running marathons and ultra races, but the Barbados one was not something I previously knew about. The last time this happened was in 2019, so the Barbados tourism board were having a real push to get people back to the island and involved in the event. Actually there were people from many countries involved in the event and what a superb atmosphere they offer. Hosting this on the east coast of Barbados was a first. It is the lesser known coast because there is no tourist accommodation available there, but boy is it beautiful and what a location to run in!
The running series is made up of shorter 3K and 5K walks, but 5K, 7K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon distance all happen too, and you can enter more than one event, infact, it is encouraged. Steel bands and local artists play to entertain you before, during and after the races, there is plenty of local food to sample and a T-shirt, medals and other little gifts are all a lovely little touch for participants. It offers something for all the family. The shorter events take place on the Saturday afternoon and then those people running the 7K half marathon marathon events return on the Sunday for a pre sunrise start due to the temperatures. The route in 2022, took us through local villages and local sites along this stunning Atlantic coast of island, and I really hope that I can go back and run the marathon in the future.
Whilst I was there, we spent a day doing site visits to a number of properties on the island, ranging from 3 to 5 star and that’s allowed me - at long last - to visit properties that I previously only knew only by name, but had been sending clients to for years. What these in person visits allowed me to see firsthand is a selection of rooms and all the public areas, to speak to the staff and to enjoy some local specialities, oh and understand that there is something for everyones' taste and budget. There is a perception that Barbados is extremely expensive to stay and to self cater in, however I will now not hesitate to broaden the offerings I make, having seen some properties that will make this destination more affordable for people who are not in a position to book five-star all-inclusive stays. We also visited the local Mount Gay rum factory and did a tasting tour, and enjoyed a catamaran cruise - in 5 days we didn't even scratch the surface of the activities there are to do on this island, there are so many watersports you can enjoy. And the people you meet in Barbados are so so friendly, you cannot fail to slow down and embrace the warm, laid-back, Bajan hospitality and enjoy life at their pace.