Once a playground for British high society, Barbados has a historic reputation for luxury. Today, the island blends a unique Caribbean cocktail of culture, luxury and budget destinations that few others can offer   

In the 1600s, Barbados was a sugarcane powerhouse that accumulated so much wealth that it attracted the fancy of the British Empire’s rich and famous for centuries to come. That penchant for high-end luxury still exists today, albeit alongside a Southern Caribbean culture that nurtures a truly inclusive spirit.  

Across the island of Barbados, visitors will discover a number of small budget hotels that are indigenous and not run by international brands. The average room size is from 15 to 70, and most establishments report large amounts of repeat and long-stay visitors, says Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerrie Symmonds. 

“Everyone knows your name, and when you return they remember you and they also remember your favorite drink,” says Symmonds. “It is a very personal type of experience.”  

This intimacy makes understanding the island’s people and culture easy – which is not always the case in more commercialized Caribbean destinations. Barbados offers stunning luxury villas and colonial heritage prosperities, yet all of the island’s beaches are open to the public. Offering both luxury and accessibility is a trait that is truly Barbadian.   

“Barbados was viewed as a high-end destination, almost iconic in nature,” reflects Symmonds. “But the flip side of the coin is that we are a very small island, and there are lots of experiences that are very affordable.”