Content Produced in Partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
There’s nothing like the sparkling Caribbean Sea, sand and sun to stimulate the senses. For couples seeking a Caribbean vacation that is as romantic as it is entertaining there is only one choice. Nestled squarely between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the small island of Barbados has some of the clearest waters and beaches of the Caribbean. Full of colonial charm and plenty of cultural heritage, Barbados is stunningly remote and inviting, allowing visitors to truly embrace the local culture at their leisure. It's time to find out why they say Barbados is for lovers.
Set the tone for your stay by checking into the luxurious Fairmont Royal Pavilion beach resort. The recent multimillion dollar renovations that have added panache with a contemporary, beachy design to showcase all things Baja have only enhanced the beloved colonial-style architecture of the hotel. In addition to all 72 unique guest rooms and suites boasting an ocean view, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion is the only luxury hotel on the island that's located directly on the beach. For the ultimate romantic rendezvous, spoil yourself and book a specialty suite with butler service so you can enjoy balcony breakfasts and craft cocktails on your own private terrace overlooking the water.
Because the hotel is located on the beach, Fairmont Royal Pavilion guests are able to enjoy a full range of non-motorized sports equipment rentals, including kayaks and paddleboards, and the concierge can also help to book tours and excursions elsewhere on the island. Afterward, pampering is earned with a relaxing in-suite couple’s massage before dinner at the Palm Terrace Restaurant, where you can feast on authentic Caribbean flavors — you'll be glad you did.
Over on the western side of the island, visitors will want to make time to check out the city's capital of Bridgetown. The historic port city overlooking Carlisle Bay dates back to the 1700s and boasts a series of attractions including the famous Barbados Garrison. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the home of the Barbados National Armory, St. Ann's Fort and — surprisingly — the only home outside America in which former President George Washington lived in. The soon-to-be president stayed in the home, which is simply called the George Washington House, for almost seven weeks in 1751.
For sure Barbados is a water lover’s haven, but its cuisine is just as impressive. There is no shortage of restaurants with ocean views that are about as dreamy as they come. Perched overlooking the lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea, Champers in Christ Church is ideal for lunch. There are no bad choices on the menu, but we heartily recommend the Bajan flying fish, crab crepe or Champers fish pie (a house favorite). As an added bonus, an entire section of the restaurant is an art gallery featuring some of the most prominent artists in the region.
If you’re in Barbados on a Friday, there’s one place you must go: Oistins Bay Gardens. Famous for its array of fish dishes, all the seafood at Oistins is freshly caught and prepared right in front of you in a setting that is distinctly Bajan. It’s a great cultural scene with live music, serious games of dominoes and plenty of dancing. Feeling inspired by the dancing? Head to St. Lawrence Gap to dance the night away at the Old Jamm Inn, where there's live music every night.
Finally, no romantic rendezvous to Barbados is complete without a dinner at The Cliff. With Chef Paul Owens at the helm, the restaurant has received rave reviews for its creative cocktails and fantastic food. Lulled by the sound of the waves and charmed by a setting you're more likely to see in the movies, we guarantee you’ll both leave starry-eyed. But, then again, that’s what Barbados does. After all, it’s for lovers.