From culinary to impressive hotel offerings, here are the latest selling points to pitch to travelers looking to head to Barbados for the fall.
The only Zagat-rated Caribbean island, Barbados announces the first annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, from November 19-22. This event is held in partnership with Travel + Leisure, FOOD & WINE, Departures and Executive Travel magazines. The four-day epicurean festival will feature culinary superstars Tom Colicchio, Marcus Samuelsson, Ming Tsai and Tim Love, providing first-hand cooking demonstrations and sessions along with as local Barbadian culinary talent along with wine seminars curated by FOOD & WINE magazine’s wine editor Ray Isle and expert Anthony Giglio. Full festival details and travel packages will be announced in early July. Visit www.foodwinerum.com.
Nishi, the latest gastronomic delight on Barbados’s Platinum Coast offers something completely new. Paul Edwards’ vision for this two storey eatery comes from his experience as a former London restaurateur and Formula One catering legend. Nishi offers a sophisticated twist of informal eating and drinking with a diverse and creative menu of Asian and Caribbean Cuisine. The piece de resistance is the Sushi Bar upstairs featuring top Sushi Chefs from the Far East. The menu is comprehensive and encompasses both traditional as well as the latest evolution of Japanese cuisine. Visit www.nishi-restaurant.com.
The Crane, Barbados’s oldest luxury vacation resort, is an ideal destination for guests seeking comfort in a relatively secluded, lush location on the island’s Southeast coast. The Crane houses a historic hotel building dating back to the 1700s, as well as an all-new resort complex with spacious suites and residences complete with fully-equipped kitchens, private plunge pools and Jacuzzi hot tubs. The resort also features newly-open Crane Village, modeled after a traditional 18-century Barbadian village and offering guests and locals alike al fresco dining at D’Onofrio’s, rum from around the world and authentic Bajan tapas at Bar 1887, and treatments at Serenity Spa, which launched at the end of July. Visit www.thecrane.com.
Tamarind Cove Hotel (part of the Elegant Hotels Group) closed for a complete metamorphosis in July, transforming into the new “Tamarind.” When it reopens on November 1, it will feature fully renovated and modernized guestrooms, the addition of an intimate spa and relaxation space, two completely redesigned and re-imagined restaurants – including a stylish new late-night poolside tapas lounge at the former Sasso – and the transformation of Tangiers Restaurant with a new deck overlooking the ocean.
Pool and communal areas at Tamarind will feature contemporary sun-loungers, day beds and decks, transforming outdoor spaces into outdoor ‘living rooms’ providing flexible spaces for dining, drinking, relaxing and events. With floor cushions, throws and striking new lighting, Tamarind will be able to simultaneously offer a romantic atmosphere for couples and great amenities for families. To celebrate the metamorphosis and welcome guests, Tamarind will offer a special introductory rate of $199 per night through December 18 (with a three-night minimum stay required) - marking a 40% savings for guests. Visit www.eleganthotels.com.
Visitors to the new Harrisons Cave will enjoy impressive views of one of Barbados’s natural wonders. With state of the art glass-fronted elevators, guests will descend from the cliff top to the valley floor where they can then participate in several interactive displays be before boarding a tram for a forty-minute underground journey. Guests are then welcomed to explore the valley floor with its lush flora and fauna or take the self guided Scenic Walk. Harrison’s Cave is opened to the public seven days a week with the exception of Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Kadooment Day and Christmas Day. Daily tours run from 8:45 am - 3:45 pm. Visit www.harrisonscave.com.