So I’ve officially been in Barbados for 18 days and had it not been for the perfect timing of my bestie’s arrival, I would not have made as much progress exploring the island as I have to this point. Her timing was impeccable for several reasons, especially since I had been struggling mentally and emotionally for a few weeks before and upon landing in “the land of flying fish”. But, I mean, is there really ever a bad time for quality time with your bestie?
We tried a little bit of everything while she was here, as you’ll see below, and even had enough energy left to come up with a few future business ideas/dreams (The Bajun Cajun H20 & Air Bar anyone?). But more on that later. For now, let’s dive into the shenans… again. 😀
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BouJHetto String Bikini
Best Beach Deals:
My bestie and I both love the beach and ocean (although Tonga could do without the sand), so almost every day was a beach day while she was here. While there is no such thing (by law) as a private beach in Barbados, there are several restaurants and beach/day clubs that offer more than just fruity drinks, umbrellas, and sunburns.
Boatyard Beach Club: Set off the north end of Brownes Beach, Boatyard has a $35 day pass that includes beach chairs and an umbrella, access to water toys, a snorkeling excursion to swim with the turtles, $20 credit on food and drinks, and a 2-for-1 morning happy hour. While we did find Dory during the snorkeling/shipwreck adventure, there was not a Crush or Squirt in site. However, you really can’t beat the atmosphere and value for money with this one. 10/10, no notes. Arriving via cruise? Book in advance and receive free transportation from the cruise ship terminal.
The Tiki Bar: Located at the edge of Accra/Rockley Beach, Tiki is a beachside bar and restaurant that offers a beach chair, umbrella, and $10 food and beverage credit for a total of $15 per person. If you’re looking for something more secluded and less busy than Boatyard, The Tiki Bar is your answer.
After a short bus ride and a long walk (in the blazing Bajan heat) we finally made it to Rihanna Way
A fabulously rainy Friday night at the Fish Fry
As Instagram-worthy as any brunch hotspot in Houston, Miami, or Atlanta, Blush offers multiple selfie ops, classic international brunch staples (think Bottomless Mimosas, Chicken & Waffles, English Breakfast, and apparently the reason none of us millennials can afford a home, Avocado Toast) with a Bajan twist, and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
Best Food:
Influence Bar & Grill: Tripling as a hookah lounge and tattoo parlor (yes, we got a few tiny tattoos), Influence is a low-key, roadside spot that has great bar food and drinks, perfect to satiate any late-night cravings.
Blush Cafe: As Instagram-worthy as any brunch hotspot in Houston, Miami, or Atlanta, Blush offers multiple selfie opportunities, classic international brunch staples (think Bottomless Mimosas, Chicken & Waffles, English Breakfast, and apparently the reason none of us millennials can afford a home, Avocado Toast) with a Bajan twist, and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
Cocktail Kitchen: Located in the middle of St. Lawrence Gap, literally right on the curve, Cocktail Kitchen is a quaint, upscale dinner and drinks spot with laid-back, loungey vibes and a rooftop perfect for taking in the dramatic island sunsets. While on the more expensive side, the seasoned popcorn starter, signature cocktails, and deeply satisfying pasta make it worth at least a single visit.
Oistins Fish Fry: An absolute must for any one visiting the island, the Oistins Fish Fry offers a quintessentially traditional Bajan experience. This weekly block party is just that, complete with DJs, buskers, live music, and of course the freshest of dinner offerings. Guided by my Airbnb host, my bestie and I ate from the “Chillin and Grillin” stall, sharing a massive plate of fresh Swordfish, fries, salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, and rice and peas, plus two drinks (and tip) for just $20.
Fighting (and losing) the millennial urge to throw peace signs and duck lips into every selfie…
Fresh fruit was the first priority after the grueling trek to RiRi’s childhood home
Best of Everything Else:
Rihanna’s Childhood Home: Despite receiving detailed instructions from multiple locals, Tonga and I managed to walk the longest possible route to RiRi’s childhood home after taking a van (ie: cargo van, ie: bus) into Bridgetown. Nevertheless, we were able to take in the sites of Btown and its surrounding neighborhoods, while ducking into local beauty supplies and bars to briefly escape the blistering (no exaggeration) heat and humidity. The photoshoot and proximity to greatness were well worth it however, made all the better by knowing we were headed to the perfect beach day at Boatyard… once we figured out how to get there, LOL!
Food Markets: After leaving RiRi Way, Tonga was determined to find fruit to dip in the ocean. That led us to the Cheapside Public Market and its variety of fruit, vegetable, fish, and meat vendors. While we stay focused on the task hand, we easily could’ve walked around the markets for a few hours and still not taken in all of the sites and sounds of the area.
Grocery Store Shenanigans: One of my favorite things to do when visiting any new country is product and price comparisons at the local grocery stores. To be perfectly honest, food costs have been the biggest culture shock to me since arriving on this beautiful island, and I wanted to take Tonga on an adventure to experience this as well. With a pound of Kerrygold butter being twice the price of what would be in the States, and Kraft Grated Cheese more than three times, let’s just say there was some entertaining content to be made. And on that note, while most of the cost of living in Barbados is more than affordable, be prepared for much higher food prices than expected.
Living the Boujhetto lifestlye in my M.A.G. Couture Boujhetto String Bikini…
Pebble Beach Horse Experience: Nestled on the small stretch of sand between the Hilton and Radisson, every Sunday morning (from about 6-9 AM), the island’s racehorses leave their stalls at the Garrison for a spa day at Pebbles Beach. A popular destination for tourists, the experience allows you to take a picture with the horses (for a donation) or ride one in the ocean shallows for $20. We chose the former for a variety of reasons (ie: fear) and stayed on the beach after to take a dip on what would end up being the coolest day of Tonga’s visit. While you don’t need to get there at 6 AM like we did, it’s worth taking an hour out of your morning to enjoy some quality time with the island’s equine inhabitants.
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[…] side of things. However, my best friend was here for about a week earlier this month, and I highlighted our shenanigans here. For the purpose of this guide, however, I’ll include the beach/day […]