“My God. Barbados is gorgeous.” are words that I utter each time I step off the plane. I’m very prone to exaggeration, but I mean it. Truly. Barbados is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
“Have a nice little life, a little boat, a little beach, a little routine I liked, a blue ocean view, free to go with the flow…” – George Strait
Each time the plane touches down on this jewel in the middle of the sea, I can’t help but smile from ear to ear. It’s picture perfect gorgeous. The island is flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic, and to describe the waters as “fantastically turquoise” is an understatement.
Everything about the place is surreal – the beaches, THE FOOD, the beautiful people, the easy-going vibe..the rum punches!!!! I could totally live there. Like, I would pick up and move in a heartbeat, if I could.
My last trip to Bim, as the locals affectionately refer to the island, was truly magical. I reconnected with my cousins, and got to really know the island. Like I mentioned, the food is kick-ass. Every Friday night, Oistins, a little seaside strip, comes to life with their popular outdoor fish fry. Local restaurants cook up the best seafood you’ve ever tasted. We washed down green dolphin (not actually dolphin!), breadfruit, rotis, and fish cutters with ice cold Banks Beer. After that, we got our dance on with live, outdoor reggae shows. It was the most fun I’ve ever had in a really long time.
We would then spend our days lounging on the most idyllic beaches like Accra, Miami Beach and Brown’s Beach. Other notable beaches are Bottom’s Bay – known as one of the world’s prettiest along with Crane Beach. Crane is gorgeous, but rough. Perfect if you are a surfer – just don’t you know, turn your back to the Atlantic – EVER. It does not mess around with its riptides.
Speaking of surfers, my cousin Kai just so happens to be the Captain of the Barbados National Surf Team. No big deal. *side glance* He took us along to one of his competitions at South Pointe Beach and I was blown away! This kid is GOOD. I’ve seen surfing up close before in Costa Rica, but he’s a true talent. So proud!
With any great trip, it’s nice to get off the beaten path and get to know the locals. This was easy for me as I have so much family there. My grandparents live in a beautiful home in a rural spot near some picturesque cliffs. Each night after dinner, we would take long walks down to the cliffs and take in the stunning sunsets and breathe the fresh ocean air. I remember one night in particular, watching my cousins goof around at the cliffs, while the sky turned orange at sunset, and the ocean sparkled in the distance. I thought how lucky I was. How much I loved and missed my Grandmother and how I wished the moment could last forever. Corny, right? But really, at that moment, I had never felt better, freer or more relaxed.
Barbados The Beautiful, indeed.
*Header image of Bottom Bay courtesy of Crane Beach Resort.
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
It looks like you had an AMAZING time in Barbados! I have never been but those beaches look gorgeous! Love that see through water!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Author
You would love it, Jessica. You should Babymoon there!! LOL!
it’s gorgeous, and I love all your outfits!
Author
Thank you, my dear!
You are so gorgeous DOM! I loved reading about your family! The photography is so incredible and wow – I would love to visit!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Author
Debbie – you’re the best! And thank you for the kind words about my family. They are my heart! xoxo
So beautiful! This might have to be my next beach vacation. And the photos are breathtaking!
Author
Aww Amy! Thank you! The beaches are pristine and gorgeous. GO NOW!!! xo
I’ve been wanting to go! The water and architecture looks amazing. Plus the FOOD!
Author
The food is so crazy good, Leslie. The vibe of the island is wonderful too. Go and enjoy yourself! You will not be disappointed!
Thanks for sharing, so beautiful indeed, we where there 20 years ago..must go back!
Author
You definitely must go back. It’s gorgeous!!
You look so pretty in these photos and thank you for sharing images of your family as well. I’ve never been to Barbados but I do love the water in the Caribbean.
Your skin looks absolutely stunning!!
https://therytashablog.blogspot.co.nz/2017/07/the-street-edit.html
Author
Thank you!!