Basking in Barbados

A Local Fish Fry, Country Line Dancing, & a Sea Turtle Named Fred

Travel Group: Coconut & Concrete

I never understood the term “island time” until my first trip to the Bahamas. It is a way of life uncommon to us Americans, who spend our days texting while driving, guzzling caffeine while rushing from meeting to meeting, and gloating about 20-hour workdays on 5-hours of sleep. The Island way of life catapults you into a space of carefree bliss; where time is considered but not lived by and everything around you seems to move in slow motion.

I did not know what to expect when arriving in Barbados other than this lackadaisical approach to daily life. I only knew that I would spend the next few days with a group of vivacious women, explore a beautiful island bursting at the seems with vibrant culture, and work on my tan.

How does one describe the color of Caribbean waters? Every day that I stared out into the vast salty sea, I conjured up some of my favorite hues: cerulean, turquoise, jade, aqua, and ultramarine. The reality is that it was all of these and more. Azure would blend into emerald before transitioning into cobalt and then sapphire. The clarity is like no other as you wade into the cool refreshing pool, catching views straight to the bottom before lying back and floating with ease. These waters will be your introduction to Barbados, with its vividness visible from your airplanes window, and will remain a highlight of your adventure.

This was my second year participating in a group trip with Coconut & Concrete, a women-only small travel Club dedicated to bringing women together for several days of relaxation and fun in tropical paradises. Founded by Wesley (Wes) Francis, Coconut & Concrete works to bring together women for fun in the tropical sun. Tailored for women who often travel solo, are looking to connect with other female travelers, or want to join a small group of vibrant women travelers, Wes works hard to curate beach getaways that make it easy for any level of traveler - from accommodations, to transportation, to excursions.

My first experience with Coconut & Concrete was in 2021 in Holbox, Mexico, a place I had never even heard of until I put down my deposit. The entire experience was unforgettable, and I did not hesitate to book Barbados when it was formally announced via her email list > > get on it HERE

Barbados in July can be unpredictable, with passing showers so quick, you barely bother with running for cover. The weather Gods worked in our favor, and we arrived to sunshine and the kind of heat that makes you want to strip down to your suit and head to the closest body of water. After a long day of flying however, my goal was to check into the resort, lightly unpack, and order a frosty pina colada.

Accommodations

The Seabreeze Beach House is a beach front, all-inclusive property that includes multiple restaurants and lodging to accommodate everything from solo travelers to families to large groups. The expansive breezeways make way for intoxicating fresh ocean winds and the décor is a gorgeous palette of baby blues, lime greens, and pops of coral.

Pros:

Aesthetics: The property is gorgeous, with white-washed buildings set amidst a tropical oasis of plush palms and blooming flowers.

Location: Beachfront properties are always favorable to inland ones as they provide stunning views, easy water access, and the glorious sound of crashing waves.

Amenities: The property features four restaurants and two full-service tiki bars, as well as an adults-only pool and access to water sports (non-motorized are included).

Beach: While there was an unprecedented amount of seaweed on this trip, the beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand spotted with covered lounge chairs for guests.

Accommodations: I absolutely loved my room and found it quite comfortable. It was spacious, equipped with a smart television, had a gorgeous rainwater shower head, and a furnished balcony. The full-length mirror was a plus as well as the mini fridge stocked with water and the large, comfortable bed.

Cons:

Dining: While all-inclusive, the on-site dining closes early (11 pm) and not every restaurant opens at the same time daily. There is also no room service or snack bar available to accommodate those with late-night munchies.

Food: I was looking forward to fully immersing my palette in traditional Bajan fare and was disappointed that the resort’s food was often bland and commercialized. My best eats were off-site, but I did enjoy the morning Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar as well as the coffee.

Service: The service really depended on the shift each day and I tend to expect a lot more consistency when it comes to overall service. Long wait times, subpar housekeeping, and lack of communication as it related to daily activities made the overall experience feel like less than 4.5 stars (which is what the resort is rated).

Overall, while I did enjoy the vibe, location, and room, I would be curious to compare service at another resort on my next visit.

Activities:

Carlisle Bay: I do not know that I could have made a better decision than to spend my first full day in Barbados at Carlisle Bay. This natural harbor is a protected marine area and provides stunning views from its crescent shaped beach. We spent the day lounging in front of Harbour Lights, a fantastic bar and outdoor lounge that makes a delicious pina colada and has a full food menu. Our almost catatonic state was interrupted by a quick jet ski adventure around the bay, where we encountered a full-scale pirate ship with plank among an array of colorful fishing boats. I highly recommend a full day at Carlisle Bay for sunbathing, swimming, and fun.

Good Times Catamaran: Who does not love a relaxing boat day? The first of two planned excursions by Coconut & Concrete, this was the highlight of my trip. Good Times Catamaran greeted us with smiles and service, including a full open bar on a gorgeous three level catamaran. Setting sail into the crystal blue waters, we were awarded with amazing views of the coastline while Soca played in the background. It was a short sail to Shipwreck, an area on the south-west corner of Barbados that boasts seven incredible shipwrecks, easily visible from the surface and an explorer’s dream.

Equipped with plenty of snorkel equipment, our Captain securely anchored us before we jumped into the refreshing waters. Colorful fish swarmed around the twisted metal of these large sunken boats; creating a surreal underwater world that was both spooky and mesmerizing. Our guide led us through the wreckage and to an area where we floated carefully over fire coral, a stunning but dangerous organism that causes a severe burning sensation upon contact.

Our snorkeling continued a short distance away, where our guide led us further out to find the infamous Fred, a 150-year-old sea turtle identifiable by his damaged shell. Casually camouflaged on the sea floor, he languidly made his way up to towards the surface to greet us, his massive shell sparkling from the sunlight penetrating through the water. We slowly danced with him for a bit before another guide enticed him away with treats so another group could enjoy, but not before we captured amazing footage of him showing off for us in all his glory.

After snorkeling, the crew of Good Times Catamaran presented us with a traditional Bajan feast of baked chicken, grilled fish, macaroni pie, and rice and peas. I cannot say what my favorite dish was because everything tasted incredible. The seasoning and spices were amazing; the flavors combining in perfect harmony. Paired with tangy Rum Punch, it was an ideal lunch on the water.

After rounding out the day swimming beachside and lounging on the boat, we sadly bid goodbye to the crew and made our way back to the resort. If ever in Barbados, be sure to book Good Times Catamaran for a premier day on the waters of the Caribbean.

Oistins Fish Fry: A long-standing Barbadian tradition, the Fish Fry is when the mellow island transforms into a lively all-night street party. Only a short walk from our resort, Oistins is where the locals go on Friday and Saturday nights for delicious Bajan food, music, and entertainment. Bustling with colorful chaos, large picnic tables are strategically placed in between and around a variety of vendors, all offering their own take on signature dishes, such as flying fish, fish cakes, and roti.

Snapper is my favorite fish and, living in Florida, I have had some deliciously prepared snapper. But nothing compared to the grilled snapper I indulged in from Crystals Bar. Seasoned to perfection, marinated with a savory sauce, and grilled to perfection, the snapper arrived whole with sides of rice and peas, macaroni salad, grilled potatoes, plantains, and a fresh salad. Though flanked by an array of tasty sides, the fish stole the show – including the small filet of swordfish; coated and grilled in a divine citrus marinade and the grilled shrimp; blackened to perfection.

The savory food was a perfect pairing for the entertainment, which ranged from boisterous Soca to Country Line Dancing. Yup, you read that correctly. Country tunes can be heard throughout the island and is a genre most beloved by the locals... so be ready to put your line dancing skills to the test.

Whatever you do, do not leave Barbados without experiencing the beauty, flavors, and culture of Oistins.

While a rainy last day spoiled our opportunity for a Rum Tour, we enjoyed some much needed down-time at the resort playing games, sipping frosty drinks, and bonding. It was the perfect way to round out a vacation that encouraged lots of relaxation and exploration.

And while I did not get my Rum, I did purchase a bottle of Pure White Hennessy, a cognac that is only available in the Caribbean…. cheers friends!