7 reasons to visit Barbados
Amazing seafood
With 97 km of coastline sourrounding Barbados, it's no wonder fish is the national dish. Here they like to cook it simply: grilled on a barbecue until the skin is golden and crispy and served with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon.
Oistins Fish Fry on the south coast is the place to eat it. On Friday night it feels like the emtire population of the island is sat at long trestle tables tucking in, as they listen to live bands.
There's a yearly Food and Wine Festival in November, with food demonstrations, parties and restaurant events - to find out more about this year’s festival visit www.foodwinerum.com.
Swimming with turtles
Barbados is home to a population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once endangered by over-fishing, these great creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the Island. Several boat cruise companies, including Jammin Cruises, run day trips out to swim with the turtles, with lunch included.
Horse-racing with a difference
Forget the formal rules of a British race course, horse-racing in Barbados is a much more laid-back affair. Join the locals on the edge of the race-track at Garrison Savannah for some nail-biting action - everyone is welcome and the atmosphere is really relaxed.
Culture in the sun
Each year the gardens of Holders House play host to leading artists in opera, theatre and music. Known as the Glyndebourne in the sun, be sure to take a picnic, a brolly and mossie repellent as well as your ticket. 2016 dates yet to be finalised.
A wild coastline
Beautiful flowers
The Andromeda Botanic Gardens, which belong to the Barbados National Trust, has thebiggest range of plants in the West Indies. For an insight into past colonialism, visit St Nicholas Abbey, a Jacobean plantation house built to British plans right down to fireplaces abd chimneys (the last thing you need in Barbados!). It has antiques, a museum, steam mill and distillery.
Rum!
Mount Gay Rum, produced in Barbados, claims to be the oldest rum in the world. A tour of their distillery includes a taster of three of their blends - and the chance to buy their world-famous rum at a huge discount.
Good Housekeeping stayed at The Crane Hotel on Barbados' south east coast and Port Ferdinand on the northwest coast.
The Crane, established 1887, is a cliff-top resort overlooking the powder-pink sands of Crane Beach. A Junior Garden View Suite costs from £257 per night including tax and service charge. www.thecrane.com
Port Ferdinand comprises luxury homes for rental, overlooking a private marina. Amenities include onsite spa, fitness centre, pool-island and restaurant. One bedroom homes start at £624 per home per night. www.portferdinand.com
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