One Barbados, Two Beautiful Resorts

Barbados celebrates sixty years of independence in 2026 and the island has been enjoying an unforgettable twelve months of festivities with a packed programme of world-class festivals and sporting events. What better time to visit one of the greatest holiday destinations? Jay Fagan tells us more.

There is so much to do over the next eight months with a huge mix of festivals and events throughout the year. With a proliferation of hotels of all types from the biggest to the smallest, the most expensive to the well, not so expensive, how to make a choice? On a recent visit I decided to concentrate on the independents not the slickest of the corporates and boy, did I get a welcome surprise!

Sugar Bay and Bougainvillea are two contrasting Barbados Resorts now run by the second generation of a local family and offer a range of facilities for families, individual guests and couples. “We are a family business that really believes in the very concept of hospitality, explains Resort Manager of Bougainvillea Barbados, Morgan Seale: “By aiming to make sure every guest has an amazing experience we have generated huge loyalty and have seen families grow up with us. In a desirable location like Barbados, it is ok to get the one-time guest but repeat business is the jewel in our crown and everything we do is designed to make sure we see our guests again.”

Both four-star plus hotels are situated on spectacular sandy beaches. Sugar Bay is an all-inclusive resort on a quiet lagoon making it ideal for families while Bougainvillea offers kitchen facilities in each of its 100 waterfront studios and suites. Both have multiple restaurants and are well situated for the many excursions offered by, arguably, the most exciting island in the Caribbean.

From my very limited exposure – three days in each of the resorts – I’d say they go a long way to achieving repeat visits. I’m a recent convert to the “all-in” concept having for years rather looked down upon it. At Sugar Bay it was a welcome relief not to have to sign for every drink or snack and I became increasingly impressed with the quality and choice of food on offer. However, the more traditional routine at Bougainvillea is hardly arduous. In shorthand I’d say that Sugar Bay would be an ideal choice for families while younger couples and more mature folks, like myself, might prefer the relaxed and hippier vibe at Bougainvillea.

I’ve been holidaying in Barbados for over thirty years and while a lot has changed the overall good time feeling remains. Friday at Oistans Fish Fry is still a “must-do” with loud Caribbean music, wonderful food (spoiler alert it’s mainly fish) and, certainly as far as I’m concerned, a generous helping of Carib beers.

Slightly off the beaten track is St Nicholas Abbey at the top of the island. Not in most guides’ top ten attractions but very definitely in mine. Built in 1658, this Jacobean Great House is only one of three existing in the Western Hemisphere. The Property has been restored as a sustainable heritage attraction and working plantation. It produces its own acclaimed single cask rums. A guided tour includes the Great House, the gardens, a museum, factory and the distillery. There’s also a short movie dating from circa 1930 and a rum tasting. For the enthusiast, a private Rum Experience Tour is bookable on select days. A highlight for me is the historic railway around the grounds. A destination perhaps not for the crowds but a treasure for me.

More popular attractions include an underground electric train tour of stalactites and stalagmites at Harrison’s Cave, too many organised outings on land and at sea to mention, various walking, cycling and hiking tours. Or you can just check out a local beech and enjoy the sun and a good book. There really is something for everybody – it’s a great place to relax and be as active as you wish.

If you want a genuine Bajan experience, you are in great hands with Sugar Bay or Bougainvillea – both will have you coming back for more.

How to get there
Travelling to Barbados from the UK is straightforward, with regular direct flights from London Heathrow Airport operated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The journey takes around nine hours and arrives at Grantley Adams International Airport, located about 30 minutes from the capital, Bridgetown, and the island’s popular south and west coast resorts. Seasonal flights and package holiday departures may also be available from regional UK airports such as Manchester or Birmingham.