When I think of Barbados I now think of the word "paradise." That is exactly what this beautiful island is. Home of Rihanna and known as the pearl of the Caribbean (now I see why) I recently took a trip with a girlfriend down to Barbados. We had originally planned on Puerto Rico but the day before our flight was scheduled, unfortunately, the hurricane hit and we were really left with no choice but to rebook and choose a location not harmed by Maria.
~On a side note I really hope, with time, Puerto Rico recovers. My prayers are always with you guys.~
...And so thankfully CheapCaribbean.com had such a wonderful staff and the rebook was no work at all for me. I always choose Cheap Caribbean because they have the greatest prices, in my opinion. They're customer service is the best.
Off to Barbados ...for yet, another adventure...
We flew Jet Blue because, duh, it's the best. The flight from New York is a little over 4 and half hours and we landed in Bridgetown, capital of the island, in no time. Turbulence and all!
Once we arrived to the South Gap Hotel, which by the way, was freakin amazing to us, we were ready for 6 days 5 nights in paradise.
~On a side note I really hope, with time, Puerto Rico recovers. My prayers are always with you guys.~
...And so thankfully CheapCaribbean.com had such a wonderful staff and the rebook was no work at all for me. I always choose Cheap Caribbean because they have the greatest prices, in my opinion. They're customer service is the best.
Off to Barbados ...for yet, another adventure...
We flew Jet Blue because, duh, it's the best. The flight from New York is a little over 4 and half hours and we landed in Bridgetown, capital of the island, in no time. Turbulence and all!
Once we arrived to the South Gap Hotel, which by the way, was freakin amazing to us, we were ready for 6 days 5 nights in paradise.
At first it looks like a humble little hut in the middle of nowhere, but The South Gap Hotel has one of the best views I've probably ever encountered in my wanderlust life. It was literally in the middle of everything, restaurants, nightlife and the beach as well. The beach was about a 5 minute walk. The views still resonate with me here in New York.
This is the exact view from our balcony room. No filters necessary! Waking up to this every morning was breathtaking. Can I just live on an island already.
Our first day there was beach day, we just really wanted to walk around and explore. The good thing about our hotel was that, unlike other resorts, you're not isolated from the locals or the town itself. You're dead center in the middle of it all, and that makes a world of difference when traveling. You want to see the beauty but you also want to EXPERIENCE the life and the people there. That is, after all, what traveling is about. We met Bajan locals who showed us around for the most part and not once did I feel out of place, or unsafe.
side note : In Barbados the currency is in Bajan dollars but they accept American dollars as well. For every US $1 is $2 Bajan dollars. You do the math..
We decided on two activities which were jet skiing and The Harrison Caves. Jet skiing is pretty cheap there. About $50 dollars for two people...half an hour each. You can book activities through your hotel but also book them personally on the beach, through private owners. We chose that route. When traveling I like to wander off and find my own deals. Sometimes it's a lot cheaper than booking through your hotel. (just saying)
We decided on two activities which were jet skiing and The Harrison Caves. Jet skiing is pretty cheap there. About $50 dollars for two people...half an hour each. You can book activities through your hotel but also book them personally on the beach, through private owners. We chose that route. When traveling I like to wander off and find my own deals. Sometimes it's a lot cheaper than booking through your hotel. (just saying)
I had heard of Harrison Caves in Barbados. They're one of the world's greatest wonders and I wanted to see for myself. Located in the uplands of the island the cave is breathtaking. You leave there in awe of life's little wonders. This gem of an experience is a limestone cave with flowing streams and pools of crystal waters. The caves are new since they opened in 1981 and is very much an active cave today. It really takes your breath away.
actual calcium in the flesh
The tour through the caves was really informative and interesting. The nerd in me always likes to fit something educational in my trips. On the way out of the caves a family of monkeys passed right by us. Adorbs! Like where else do you see this happen? lol
We managed to get a feel of the nightlife as well, as there were bars and lounges all throughout the area. From reggae bars with live bands to karaoke huts on every corner, there is no way to get bored in the Gap. We would always pass this Cuban fella who sold drinks out of the back of his van. Best mojitos in town. That's the type of stuff I like.
We also made some new friends who we both still keep in contact with. Shakur, Mario and Dwayne..thanks for being so nice to us. You guys really made our trip worth having and we will visit you guys again! xoxo
Our days were long and nights even longer and thats what made this trip even more special. I also want to add that this was a spiritual type of trip for me. I feel every time I travel there's growth in me, and the places I travel to hold a special place in my soul. On our last day there I found out my uncle passed away and just the series of events that same day drew me closer to God. From the two rainbows I saw to waking up at the same hour he passed and feeling his presence, I can't help but mention these things. I was exactly where I needed to be at that moment in time. I'm so grateful for having visited the beautiful Barbados. I will add this paradise to my collection of soul places on earth. If you guys get a chance to visit please do so. It's a very special place on this wonderful planet of ours <3