BARBADOS
Barbados is tailor made for newlyweds. It serves up a spectacular honeymoon for couples who crave the classic combo of romance and relaxation, but it also offers an unusually wide variety of activities to share. It often surpasses its island neighbors with its white sand beaches, coral reefs and dramatic sunsets. Yet what distinguishes it most is how its rich British colonial heritage and vibrant West Indian cultures have set the stage for a decidedly upscale destination full of history and authentic island flavor.
History buffs will enjoy visiting the well preserved plantation houses as well as the Parliament House in Bridgetown. Couples seeking more active pursuits on their Caribbean honeymoon can golf, hike, snorkel, sail, fish, ride horseback or scuba dive with sea turtles. No matter which you choose, be sure to save some energy for a long, lovely romantic dinner at one of the Zagat-rated restaurants where the cuisine is only matched by the chic décor and breathtaking views.
Divided into 11 “parishes” the island is easy and exciting to explore. A variety of comfortable accommodations offer beautiful settings that range from totally tranquil to surprisingly action packed.
Whether you’re swinging a club at one of the legendary golf courses or swinging your hips to the “Bajan” beat at a Friday night Fish Fry, you’ll find plenty to do together. Or, you can just soak up the sun in the shade of a palm tree on a white sand beach and stroll along the shore to see the stars in each other’s eyes.
You won’t run out of ways to make honeymoon memories that last a lifetime in Barbados!
WHERE TO STAY:
HOTELS YOU’LL LOVE
Where you stay can determine your honeymoon lifestyle.
The West Coast earned its nickname, the Platinum Coast, because many of the island’s best beaches and most luxurious enclaves are on the Caribbean side. Hotels on the lively South Coast have a plethora of restaurants and plenty of nightlife nearby. The more remote East Coast offers small inns and idyllic tranquility. Take your choice, they are all romantic!
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Almond Resorts – Barbados
With three unique properties in Barbados, Almond Resorts offers guests its distinctive "For You. About You." experience. Each wedding or honeymoon is designed to meet your dream of an idyllic Barbados retreat, with everything from exciting activities to gourmet dining to relaxing spa treatments, all within an easy-to-manage all-inclusive package.
Wedding coordinators ensure every detail of your destination event goes off without a hitch. Whether it's an intimate garden wedding for two or a sensational beachside gathering for a large group, you will be free from worry while exchanging vows underneath a gazebo garnished with island flowers, in a tropical garden, alongside the Caribbean surf, or in an ancient sugar mill.
Almond Beach Club & Spa, located in St. James, is perfect for couples seeking an adults-only setting. Almond Beach Village, set on 32 pristine acres of the Platinum Coast, epitomizes all that is Caribbean along one mile of white sand beach. Almond Casuarina Beach, the newest property, is ideally located near the dining, shopping and nightlife at St. Lawrence Gap.
Each property features freshwater pools, a variety of water sports, lush tropical gardens, gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas, authentic island activities, and nightly live entertainment. Better yet, guests can freely roam between the three properties to add to their island experience.
Couples staying seven nights in a deluxe room will receive the Wedding For You Complimentary Package, including:
- Wedding Coordinator
- Tropical flowers for bride and groom
- Single-tiered wedding cake
- Wedding location of your choice on property
- Bottle of champagne
- Clergy/Magistrate
- Government fees
- Ceremony charges
- Taxes & gratuities
Several upgraded packages are also available, including elements like a photography package, spa and salon treatments, reception options, island activities, and more.
Phone: 800.4ALMOND x111
Email:
Website:
HONEYMOON TIPS & HINTS:
HONEYMOON TIPS
AIRPORT CODE: BGI
AREA CODE: 246
CAPITAL: Bridgetown
CURRENCY: The Barbados dollar, but U.S. currency is accepted almost everywhere
DEPARTURE TAX: There is a Departure Tax of approximately 55 Barbadian dollars (about $27.50 US). Check to make sure that your airline ticket includes it.
ELECTRICITY: 110 volts, 50 cycles, same as USA.
LANGUAGE: The official language is English but expect to hear “Bajan” dialect too.
HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS
DRIVE ON THE LEFT.
DRESS CODE: The island dress code is slightly formal so you’ll want to dress in pretty resort wear when you dine or go out at night. Jeans, shorts and tee shirts should not be worn to dinner in most places. At the best restaurants, jackets and ties are required, British style. Also, note that it is against the law to wear camouflage or carry camouflage accessories.
TAKE PLENTY OF SUNBLOCK and wear it throughout the day.
DON’T MISS:
Barbados is an excellent choice for active couples who want to do more on their Caribbean honeymoon than just lie on the beach. Go on a rum tour one day and meander through historic plantation houses the next. Search for sea turtles hatching on the sand or put on snorkel gear and find them in the sea. Play a round on the golf course where Tiger Woods got married. Dive, sail, windsurf, play tennis, visit a museum, see the sights and much more. It will be time to return home long before you run out of things to do!
SEE THE SEA TURTLES. Sea turtles love Barbados as much as newlyweds do. You can also book a snorkeling tour to swim with the turtles in Paynes Bay as well as other spots around the island where turtles lay their eggs which hatch 30 days later. If your timing is right, you may see hundreds of baby turtles scrambling toward the sea. These adorable creatures may inspire you to do some nesting of your own!
PLAY GOLF. The lush, hilly interior provides perfect terrain for world class golf courses. You don’t have to stay at Sandy Lane to play the incredible Tom Fazio courses, one of which, the Green Monkey, is carved out of an old limestone quarry. Also, check out other par 72 courses like Barbados Golf Club designed by Ron Kirby and the Royal Westmoreland designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
TRY A LOCAL DRINK. Mount Gay is one of the world’s best rums. Banks is the local beer. Nonalcoholic Mauby is a tasty local drink made of bark and spices.
TAKE A RUM TOUR. Rum was invented here in the 17th Century. Get tipsy with your sweetheart over a history lesson at the atmospheric 300 year old Mount Gay Rum distillery in Bridgetown.
WATCH A GAME OF CRICKET OR POLO. These British sports never fail to be exciting!
STEAL A KISS IN THE FLOWER FOREST, St. Joseph. It sounds like something out of a fairytale and looks like it too! The 50 acre Flower Forest on a former sugar plantation in the Scotland District is very real. Enjoy breathtaking views as you walk along shady paths or get cozy on the strategically placed benches. You might even spot a green monkey!
COOL OFF IN A CAVE, St. Thomas. Take a break from the sun at Harrison’s Cave, a top tourist attraction. Hold hands as you ride in a trolley through the dark along this limestone cavern, admiring the stalactites, stalagmites and a 40 ft. waterfall!
PARTY, PARTY AT A FISH FRY, Christ Church. On Friday nights, the small fishing village of Oistin turns into one big street party and visitors are more than welcome. It’s the perfect place to mingle with the locals, who come for the delicious chicken and fish, cooked and eaten outside. Prepare to dance the night away with your honey as you experience one of the most treasured island traditions.
HAVE TEA ON THE TERRACE AT ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY. This isn’t a church but a former sugar plantation with a beautiful Jacobean mansion built in 1660. It’s a very romantic place to spend an afternoon, and the Terrace Café is open for lunch.
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Barbados is a bastion of sophisticated dining. There are so many great restaurants to try that it even has its own Zagat Guide! Most of the best restaurants are by the sea, so when you make a reservation be sure to mention that you’re honeymooners and request a table with a romantic view. Also inquire about the dress code for men.
Seafood stars on most menus. Steak, lamb and pork dishes are also popular. Local specialties like Buljol (a cold cod fish salad) and Coucou (a mix of okra and cornmeal) are often served with them. Some local dishes can be very spicy, so consult with your waiter!
Here are a few of our favorite romantic places to dine.
AQUA, Christ Church. This ultra-modern, open air restaurant will satisfy design aficionados, gourmands and romance seekers all at once. You’ll love dining on top-notch fusion fare at this sleek setting by the sea. Stay for an after dinner drink. The late night bar is one of the trendiest scenes on the island!
Address: Hastings, Christ Church.
Phone: 246 420 2995.
Email: info@aquabarbados.com
Website: http://www.aquabarbados.com/CAFÉ LUNA, Christ Church. Head over to the Little Arches Hotel for a candle-lit meal for two at their rooftop restaurant. The ambiance alone is a sufficient draw, but it’s the delicious Mediterranean, Asian and Caribbean flavors that keeps honeymooners vowing to return.
Address: Ostins, Christ Church.
Phone: 246 420 4689.
Email: paradise@littlearches.com
Website: www.littlearches.com/dining-overview.htmlTHE CLIFF, St. James. Leave room in your budget for the ultimate dining splurge in Barbados. The exquisite cuisine is artfully presented and you’ll want to linger longer. Couples reserve months in advance to enjoy the dramatic sunsets at this open air, three tier restaurant and to be spoiled by the attentive service.
Address: Derricks, St. James.
Phone: 246 432 1922.
Website: www.thecliffbarbados.comJOSEF’S, St. Lawrence Gap. Set in a restored Barbadian house on the edge of a cliff, Josef’s is the perfect choice if you want to have a romantic dinner before hitting the bars and dance clubs in St. Lawrence Gap. The menu is a fusion of exotic Caribbean and Asian flavors. You’ll love the extensive martini list too!
Address: St. Lawrence Gap.
Phone: 246 420 7638.
Email: JosefsRestaurant@hotmail.com
Website: www.josefsinbarbados.comTHE TIDES, St. James. Romance is in the air at this oceanfront Bajan villa with lush gardens. After a tasty seafood dinner, browse the in-house art gallery and consider picking up a piece of local art to decorate your new home!
Address: Holetown, St. James.
Phone: 246 432 8356.
Email: thetidesrest@caribsurf.com
Website: www.tidesbarbados.com
DESTINATION WEDDINGS:
Barbados is a popular spot for destination weddings! It is fairly easy to get married on the island as there is no minimum residency requirement. However, both parties must appear at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown to apply for the marriage license, and you will both need a valid passport or an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and identification card .
Choosing where to get married isn't easy as there are so many truly beautiful places to choose from. There are a number of wedding planners on the island who will help create the ideal Barbados wedding. In addition, the staffs of hotels, resorts, private villas, restaurants and historic sites can also help arrange your romantic ceremony down to the last detail!
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Almond Resorts - Barbados
With three unique properties in Barbados, Almond Resorts offers guests its distinctive "For You. About You." experience. Each wedding or honeymoon is designed to meet your dream of an idyllic Barbados retreat, with everything from exciting activities to gourmet dining to relaxing spa treatments, all within an easy-to-manage all-inclusive package.
Wedding coordinators ensure every detail of your destination event goes off without a hitch. Whether it's an intimate garden wedding for two or a sensational beachside gathering for a large group, you will be free from worry while exchanging vows underneath a gazebo garnished with island flowers, in a tropical garden, alongside the Caribbean surf, or in an ancient sugar mill.
Almond Beach Club & Spa, located in St. James, is perfect for couples seeking an adults-only setting. Almond Beach Village, set on 32 pristine acres of the Platinum Coast, epitomizes all that is Caribbean along one mile of white sand beach. Almond Casuarina Beach, the newest property, is ideally located near the dining, shopping and nightlife at St. Lawrence Gap.
Each property features freshwater pools, a variety of water sports, lush tropical gardens, gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas, authentic island activities, and nightly live entertainment. Better yet, guests can freely roam between the three properties to add to their island experience.
Couples staying seven nights in a deluxe room will receive the Wedding For You Complimentary Package, including:
- Wedding Coordinator
- Tropical flowers for bride and groom
- Single-tiered wedding cake
- Wedding location of your choice on property
- Bottle of champagne
- Clergy/Magistrate
- Government fees
- Ceremony charges
- Taxes & gratuities
Several upgraded packages are also available, including elements like a photography package, spa and salon treatments, reception options, island activities, and more.
Phone: 800.4ALMOND x111
Email:
Website:
