EXCLUSIVE: We discovered a celebrity-favourite Caribbean holiday destination and a culinary celebration at the famous Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which is held every October
The flag of Barbados is blue and yellow to represent the colours of the ocean and the sun, and it could not be more apt, as I discovered on a trip to this beautiful island, a jewel in the Caribbean where you’ll find sandy beaches, incredible food, rum and even rare animals.
You can’t visit Barbados without talking about pop star Rihanna, who was born here. The locals call her Robyn when she comes to visit, which she often does, and still treat her like a close friend rather than a global megastar. She also has her own tribute in National Heroes Square after she donated over a million dollars to the island during the pandemic, and she was back on home turf for the Caribbean launch of her beauty brand Fenty last year.
And it’s not only Rihanna who enjoys this stunning island; Simon Cowell, Lewis Hamilton and Oprah Winfrey often holiday here, while Prince Harry has visited numerous times.
Barbados Food and Rum Festival
However, I wasn’t here to celeb spot, but to experience Barbados’ famous Food and Rum Festival. Held every October in the island’s capital Bridgetown, it celebrates the country’s culinary heritage and reportedly the birthplace of rum, and features local and international chefs, rum producers and personalities from the food world.
Opening night in Oistins Bay Garden is an evening to remember and a true celebration of Bajan culture, featuring steel bands, dancing, performers on stilts, fire breathers and, of course, fantastic food.
We headed to bustling Pat’s Place for a bite to eat. I’d recommend the flying fish or the marlin, which both tasted incredible.
We also attended the Rise & Rum Breakfast Beach Party – top tip: be sure to get a good night’s sleep beforehand as this one begins at 4am. Despite the early start, it’s one you don’t want to miss, with everyone wearing yellow, watching the sunrise, partying on the beach and visiting the food and drink stalls. Just beware of the rum punch, as it’s stronger than you think!
Other events to get tickets for are the Rum Route Street Party to see the island’s distilleries, and the Journey Of Food night, where top chefs such as Michelin star winner Michael O’Hare provide unique dining experiences at restaurants across the island.
The Liquid Gold Feast is the final event of the festival, and the classiest, complete with black tie attire and a string orchestra. As it’s the last night, the chefs taking part all serve up their most impressive dishes, desserts and cocktails. My favourite was beautifully flavoured mahi-mahi on a potato fritter.
Where to stay in Barbados
The O2 Beach Club and Spa is a stunning hotel with views that are unmatched. I was lucky enough to stay in a luxurious suite with a huge bathroom and furnished balcony – the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean.
The hotel offers activities such as yoga and aqua aerobics, and you can book massages and facials at its bright and airy Acqua Spa.
If you’re lucky, as we were, you may see baby turtles hatching on the beach. We helped the staff and other hotel guests collect the tiny creatures, ready to be freed into the ocean – an incredible experience.
The food in Barbados
Bajan food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten, particularly the seafood, and the hotel has lots of seafood dishes on its menus, including delicious lobster salad and coconut prawns at its chic Elements restaurant.
Bluefin has a much more relaxed vibe. Here we enjoyed fish tacos, a delicious salmon salad and a huge selection of rum.
We even had a go at cooking ourselves during a lesson with chef Trevon Stoute, where we were introduced to local delicacies like fried flying fish, mouth-watering macaroni pie and an incredible sweet potato and pineapple salad.
What to do in Barbados
There’s so much to do on this small island, including visiting Harrison’s Cave, a natural wonder and a filming location for Netflix adventure series Outer Banks.
You can also take a tour to see the home Rihanna grew up in and the huge villa she owns now, called One Sandy Lane, as well as taking in the incredible views from Cherry Tree Hill.
One of our best moments was a boat tour around the island courtesy of Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, who made the experience a real party with cocktails and music. Remember to take an underwater camera to capture the fish, turtles and shipwreck when you jump in to snorkel in that clear blue water.
How much does it cost?
Seven nights all-inclusive at O2 Beach Club & Spa starts from £2,699pp including flights from London Heathrow, private transfers and a 40% room discount. Price based on selected October departures and two adults travelling together, subject to availability. Book via Trailfinders. For information and tickets for the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, click here.