Back to beautiful Barbados
By Virgin Atlantic | 30 October 2025 | 4 minute read
If you’re anything like us, then white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and rum punches are often on your mind
We chatted to Virgin Atlantic’s Hannah Swift, Country Manager – Caribbean, to get the inside info on the best bits of Barbados.
Firstly, what’s the thing you most love about Barbados?
Absolutely 100% – it’s the people. It still blows me away how warm and genuine everyone is here. Barbadians have so many tales to tell – I could spend all day in a local rum shop listening to the heartwarming and hilarious stories. There’s always stories to be told, and memories to be made in Barbados.
Tell us about some of your favourite places to explore
One of my favourites has to be Huntes Gardens, a private botanical garden set in a natural sinkhole, with soaring palms and amazing tropical plants. The oldest building in the Caribbean, St Nicholas Abbey, is another fantastic place for a wander. This Jacobean house has its own rum distillery, plus a railway and heritage train which takes you up Cherry Tree Hill for sweeping views of the entire east coast.
What’s the one thing you’d say best captures the essence of Barbados?
Nothing beats a rum and coke on the beach. Barbados is the birthplace of rum and Mount Gay is actually the oldest continuously-running rum distillery in the world, dating back to the 1700s. Rum-lovers should definitely make time to go on a rum-tasting tour at one of the four island distilleries to learn how the spirit has shaped Barbados’ culture and history. There are rum-themed events too: Crop Over is the island’s most colourful and marks the end of a successful sugar cane harvest. The Rum and Food Festival (29th October 2021) is a month-long international-standard event, showcasing rum, cocktails and local food, as well as special events and tasting menus. Barbados is, of course, world-famous for its legendary cricket players, and visiting cricket fans will want to plan their trip around Bridgetown’s test matches (January to April).
And how about family holidays?
Barbados is the best place for kids. There’s so much to do, from glass-bottom boat trips and submarine excursions, to turtle spotting and caving. Kids will love visiting Peg Farm and Nature Sanctuary.
What’s the best way to see the whole island?
Hiring a car is an ideal way to access the lush heart of the island, where you’ll find natural wonders like Welchman Hall Gully and Coco Hills Forest. Every sign reads either ‘To’ or ‘From Bridgetown’ and the coasts are so distinctly different you’ll be able to tell if you’re east or west – there’s no need for Google Maps. If you do need WiFi, there are excellent fibre networks and strong signals everywhere, even at the beach – ideal for those keen to share some real-time selfies.
With massive thanks to Hannah (seen here enjoying her Caribbean life above and below the sea) for her incredible tips. We’ll see you at the Friday Night Fish Fry!
Virgin Atlantic operates daily, year-round direct flights to Barbados from London Heathrow, with additional seasonal services from Manchester. The flight time is around 9 hours, giving you just enough time to relax and start dreaming of the island sunshine.
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Back to beautiful Barbados