Barbados Bound

The streets of Bridgetown, Barbados are lined with brightly painted Colonial-era buildings and homes.

Although I briefly touched upon the Island of Barbados in a post dated November 15, 2025 titled The Caribbean Beckons, a single paragraph does not do it justice. The allure of Barbados lies in its perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, from turquoise Caribbean waters to rugged Atlantic coasts. Add to the mix its vibrant Bajan culture, which is a blend of West African and British influences rich in music and history and the island makes for a wonderful destination. Of course, there’s delicious rum and cuisine to consider, along with diverse activities like swimming with turtles, exploring caves, and experiencing lively festivals like Crop Over, all set within a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It really does offer something for everyone, from luxurious relaxation on the Platinum Coast to adventurous surfing and cultural immersion in historic Bridgetown, making it a quintessential Caribbean paradise. It was my good fortune to visit the island for business over one winter weekend during which I found it to be every bit as lovely as all the brochures make it out to be.

The Charlotte Admirals Club has an arched ceiling and a "window wall" which overlooks the tarmac.

I set off on a very early morning flight from the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), first to the Charlotte-Douglas Airport (CLT) on an American Airlines B737-800 aircraft with 16 seats in First Class arranged in a 2 x 2 configuration in four rows. The carrier offered only a beverage service on this nearly one and a half hour flight, but juice and coffee was all I needed to tide me over. After landing in North Carolina, I had almost 90 minutes before my connecting flight to Bridgetown departed so I had time for a short visit to the Admirals Club located airside at the intersection of Concourses C and D. This was formerly a US Airways Club and looked exactly as it had some years earlier prior to their merger in late 2013. I’d give this club a negative rating as it’s always been overcrowded every time I’ve visited, with outdated decor, and rather subpar food and drink offerings, especially given CLT’s status as American’s second largest hub after Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). On a positive note, boarding for the next flight was on time and we pushed back around 9:30 that morning. 

BGI's self-service border control stations accelerate the clearance process and improve waiting time.

My connecting flight was also on a B737-800 aircraft and I occupied my favorite seat 2B on the port side of the plane. The flight crew was extremely friendly and made everyone in the forward cabin feel most welcome. Shortly after takeoff, our flight attendant distributed hot towels and took beverage orders. I had pre ordered the Cold Breakfast Buffet Plate, which consisted of Fresh Fruit, Yogurt, Cereal, and a Bagel with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, along with a Hard-Boiled Egg.  Since this was considered an international flight and I was seated in what was labeled Business Class, the breakfast was more substantial than those served on domestic flights. I was so pleased I didn’t eat anything in the club and thoroughly enjoyed the hearty meal. Our flight attendant made sure we were well taken care of with snacks and beverages during this four and a half-hour flight and we touched down at the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) shortly after two o’clock. Immigration formalities were quick, as arriving passengers are required to complete an online Immigration and Customs Form within 72 hours of arrival. I was in a taxi en route to the hotel some thirty minutes after landing. 

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion Hotel is an intimate, beachfront oasis on Barbados' idyllic west coast.

Our meeting was held at the lovely Fairmont Royal Pavilion Hotel. Situated on a beautiful, calm stretch of beach on Barbados's West Coast, perfect for swimming and sunsets, all 72 rooms and suites offer wonderful ocean views. The Royal Pavilion’s striking pink building blends in with its fragrant gardens where I spotted several monkeys cavorting about giving it a tranquil and authentic Caribbean feel. I can attest that the hotel’s reputation for attentive, polite staff, is accurate and enjoyed the highly-praised Buffet Breakfast and delicious afternoon Tea Service, complete with Scones, Cakes, and Sandwiches. Some in our group also took advantage of the complimentary non-motorized water sports offered like kayaking, snorkeling and swimming with the turtles, all of which hit the mark for their fun-filled island sojourn. 

Foursquare Sovereignty is a complex, high-quality rum reminiscent of fine whiskey or aged sherry.

Barbados is the Caribbean island most famous for rum and is widely regarded as the birthplace of that favored spirit. For locals, rum appears to be more than a drink; it seems to be an integral part of their cultural fabric, so several of us were anxious to tour a distillery after our business concluded.  The hotel concierge recommended we visit R. L. Seale's Foursquare Distillery. It’s one of the most respected producers in Barbados and the tour gave us an opportunity to explore a bit of the island’s history while sampling their carefully-crafted rums. For background, the Seale family had been involved in Barbadian rum making since the 1800s, although R.L. Seale & Co. was not founded until 1926. Tucked away in the southern countryside of Saint Philip on seven acres of a former sugar plantation, the Foursquare Distillery has been producing exceptional, authentic Barbados rum for nearly 30 years. We learned their rums undergo the beginning of the blending process before barreling, where they are tropically matured in the distillery’s four aging warehouses that contain a combined 45,000 barrels of aging stock. Our knowledgeable guide led us through the process and the tour culminated with an enjoyable tasting of a good number of their ironically "no-sugar-added" rums. 

Built in 1803, the Garrison Savannah Clock Tower serves as a lasting symbol of British colonial days.

Always interested in history, several of us made time to take in the capital city of Bridgetown and its Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established by the English in the Seventeenth Century, the street plan of this city mirrors that of English market towns, distinct from most Spanish and Dutch colonial layouts. The Garrison is a large parade ground that is a separate but connected district south of the city. It houses military buildings and plays host to the historic Garrison Savannah Gold Cup Horse Race. It’s also a popular spot for general recreation and I noticed groups of joggers and several picnickers, later learning the Garrison also hosts major community events like the Barbados Independence Day Parade every November 30th, which blend sport, history and leisure activities. Bridgetown is also well known for its vibrant cuisine blending African, British and Caribbean influences. I was lucky enough to sample some delicious and authentic street food offered outside the rum shops on Baxters Road. The offerings included Grilled Fish, Chicken and Fish Cakes. The bustling street was lined with food shops and vendors drawing locals and tourists alike. 

Our first President attended services at this very cathedral when he visited Bridgetown, Barbados.

After visiting the famous Parliament Buildings, we stopped by the nearby St. Michael’s Cathedral. The first city church on the site dated back to 1641 and George Washington attended service here in 1751 during his first and only trip outside of the United States. The current structure was established in 1825 after a devastating hurricane destroyed the original church. St. Michael’s is a notable example of Georgian architecture, featuring distinctive red roofing and a historic marble font from 1680. The cathedral can seat up to 1,600 persons and is home to the largest pipe organ in the Caribbean. I particularly admired the beautifully carved choir stalls, pulpits, and other fittings that were crafted from local Barbados mahogany and showcased indigenous artistry.

My trip to Barbados highlighted its stunning, accessible beaches, rich Bajan culture, a world-class rum distillery and a variety of historic sites, all within a safe, English-speaking friendly environment. I would welcome a return.

Until next time…safe travels.