Barbados

Getaways don’t get much more luxurious than holidays in Barbados and we’re delighted to report that every picture-perfect, glamorous image you’re imagining is absolutely spot on – and there’s more.

Sure, the pristine white-sand beaches are pretty nice, and the people are warm and welcoming, oh, and the sea is the most gorgeous shade of blue imaginable, but how about we throw in a UNESCO World Heritage site, mouth-watering food and plenty of rum too?

If you haven’t packed your bags yet, what are you waiting for?

Barbados holidays are, for many people, all about the beaches which are the stars of any travel brochure. And we can’t argue. Beach holidays in Barbados can either be rugged and great for surfers on the east coast (check out Bathsheba), or sweeping swathes of sandy paradise on the south and west coasts. Head to Brownes Beach for amazing diving and snorkelling, Accra Beach for family holidays in Barbados or Miami Beach for the ‘wow’ factor.

Sports fans simply have to head to the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. If you can take in a cricket match, all the better. “I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it” will never be more apt than on this island. But even without a match going on, the buzz given off by this stadium is tangible year-round.

While you’re in Bridgetown – that’s the UNESCO site we mentioned – there are loads of historic places to explore. National Heroes Square and St Michael’s Cathedral are two of the most impressive but the Parliament buildings and Bridgetown harbour are pretty special too.

While in Barbados, it would be rude to not sample the local delicacies. Rum is obviously top of the list, but there’s great food too, including macaroni pie, fried chicken, cou-cou, flying fish and conkies.