A week of Beaches, Rum Punch & Adventure
After years of dreaming about Barbados, we finally made it happen! Seven days of turquoise waters, historic charm, and some of the best rum punches I’ve ever tasted. Here’s how we spent our week—and what I’d do differently next time.
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
We landed around 2:30 PM, grabbed our rental car (shoutout to the Suzuki Jimny Sport—MVP of the trip!) and headed to Colleton Great House, a hidden gem with boutique vibes and lush gardens. The warm welcome included a rum punch and a quick tour of the historic property.
Dinner was at The Fish Pot, just minutes away—a perfect first-night spot after a travel day. We tried the blackened snapper and snapper green curry. Verdict? Fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed to kick off the trip.
Day 2: Heywood Beach & Rainy Adventures
Breakfast at the house, then off to Heywood Beach—beautiful but no facilities or shade. Beware of the poisonous trees along the beach! Rain rolled in, so we headed to Caboose for Sunday lunch with live music. Pro tip: pre-order fish cutters if you can—they’re worth it!
The rain turned torrential, flooding streets. Driving back was nerve-wracking, but the Jimny handled it like a champ. Dinner at The Tides was upscale but quiet (no music, which felt odd). Food was good, but not a standout.
Day 3: Sea Shed & Local & Co
We spent the day at Sea Shed—book ahead if you’re visiting in peak season. The fish cutter sandwich and tuna poke bowl were trip highlights. Later, Local & Co blew us away with its stylish vibe, creative cocktails (try the Local Dirty martini), and fresh ceviche. Top meal of the trip!
Day 4: Golf at Sandy Lane & Little Arches
We split our stay between Colleton Great House and Little Arches to avoid long drives. Golf at Sandy Lane Country Club was a bucket-list experience, followed by cocktails and lunch overlooking the 18th hole.
Little Arches offered a luxury oceanfront room with a plunge pool—though privacy was limited. Dinner at Café Luna was underwhelming, but the pumpkin pancakes at breakfast? Incredible.
Day 5: Pebbles Beach & Lobster Alive
We headed to Pebbles Beach for crystal-clear waters and rum punch at Bali Beach Club (highly recommend!). Tried fish cutters at Cuz’s—good, but not mind-blowing. Later, massages at the hotel and dinner at Lobster Alive with jazz music. Lobster pasta was great; others complained about overcooked lobster.
Day 6: Little Miami Beach & Champers
Breakfast at Café Luna (pumpkin pancakes again—amazing!). Beach time at Little Miami Beach, then a roti taste test in Oistins (Lisa’s wins for flavor). Dinner at Champers—beautiful setting, great service, but felt more like a generic upscale restaurant than a local experience.
Day 7: Solo Adventures & Oistins Fish Fry
While Zach attended a conference, I explored Holetown’s Chattel Village and Limegrove Shops, snagged a Hunza G swimsuit, and hunted down the perfect Barbados bag. Stopped at La Cabane for a spicy mango margarita—don’t skip this hidden gem! Also visited Rihanna Drive (#iykyk).
Traffic back to the south coast was brutal—90 minutes for what should have been 45. Wrapped up the trip at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry—crowds, music, dancing, and fresh seafood. A must-do!
Final Morning & Departure
Brunch at Café Luna (pumpkin pancakes again!) before relaxing by the pool. Loved that Little Arches offered a hospitality room for showers before our flight—such a nice touch. Direct flight back to Charlotte on AA at 3:37 PM. Security took about 20–30 minutes.
Things I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Return to Sea Shed, Local & Co, and Caboose.
- Explore the east coast more—beautiful scenery.
- Try an e-bike tour or food tour (Licorice Tours was recommended).
- Visit a rum distillery.
- Consider a boat day for variety and access to remote beaches.
Hotel Thoughts
- Colleton Great House: Historic charm, boutique feel, amazing hosts (Haydrian & Sharon). Bed was tiny, but the experience was worth it.
- Little Arches Boutique Hotel: Great location, unique layout, but oceanfront room lacked privacy. Garden view room felt more private.
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