For those of you living in the UK, you probably know the ‘January Blues’ too intimately. Trust me, I know, as I lived there for many years and experienced those dark and cold mornings, short days and constant rain. So, I moved out to Barbados to live and breathe the island life! Want some winter sun, why don’t you book that flight and head for the Caribbean?
January is one of the best times to escape the UK and come here. Weather will more than likely be blue skies, fluffy white clouds and low humidity with an average of nine hours of sunshine per day which is more than enough time to enjoy whatever you wish to do on the island. Don’t forget to pop in and visit us at our flagship store in Holetown, come and see our latest Beth & Tracie resort wear @bethandtraciebarbados or check out our ‘cherry picked’ styles from many global resortwear brands that we stock.
Barbados has some of the most picturesque beaches in the Caribbean and no doubt you will want to spend a significant amount of time on the sand by the sea. For calm swimming conditions and white sandy beaches, head to the west coast of the island and try some of my favourite beachside restaurants below:
CABOOSE
Named after a small ship’s galley, this is a must on any island tour. A charming brightly painted wooden boat kitchen, stranded on the sand under shady trees across the road from the beach. Eat your fresh fish cutter (sandwich), washed down with chilled beer sitting on wooden stools at hand-painted repurposed wooden tables. Pssst …. The best fish cutters on the island without a doubt! Located on Sand Street, Speightstown. @caboosebarbados
THE LOCAL & CO
A restaurant, bar and shop situated right on the beach in Speightstown. With the emphasis on local food systems, building biodiversity and supporting the local economy … you can simultaneously eat delicious food whilst making a positive impact. They showcase ingredients sourced from local and regional farms, producers and wild foragers. Their menu is determined by what their farmers have available at the time and what their chefs have managed to gather and preserve in-house through the seasons. @thelocalbarbados
SEA SHED
This restaurant definitely has that ‘toes in the sand’ vibe and is set right on the beach in Mullins Bay. You can spend your day lounging by turquoise waters and then slip easily into evening dining under the starry Caribbean sky. Food is constantly delicious and Sea Shed is one of those venues with the perfect balance of style with substance, so bring your camera because there will be tons of Insta-worthy moments! @seashedbarbados
LA CABANE
A casual-chic, St. Tropez-style beach bar and restaurant, serving a Mediterranean-influenced menu of locally sourced fresh produce. Open for lunch and dinner and offering a relaxed beach vibe that ranges from early morning yoga to lunchtime swim to crafted cocktails, an excellent wine list, great music and dinner under the stars, La Cabane is an ideal chillaxing spot for friends and families alike.
The new year can be a challenging time for us all. Still, when faced with long sun-drenched days, a refreshing turquoise sea and an array of tropical scenery and exciting activities, Barbados is the perfect place for a fresh start, new beginnings and starting the year how we always intended to.
Tracie xoxo