Written by Falene Nurse
Serena Williams, the Beckham’s, Wendy Williams, and Mariah Carey are just a few of the celebrities that have descended onto Barbados during the winter months. From luxury villas to the most Instagrammable views on the island, you too can vacation like the stars. Here are 10 celebrity hot spots in Barbados, that you need to visit.
In 2011, hip-hop’s favorite couple enjoyed a secret Bajan getaway just before the announcement of Beyonce’s first born, Blue Ivy. The Carters dined at the fashionable West Coast restaurant multiple times. Yara Shahidi, sang her Cin Cin (chin-chin) praises, that it “offers delicious island and European style dishes, ocean breezes and wonderful conversations. Ask for a table with a view!”
Sandy Lane has a reputation for catering to an elite crowd. JAY-Z & Beyoncé, Tiger Woods, Oprah, Michael Jordan, to name a few. Penthouses go for at least $5000 a night. Frequent visitors, like Simon Cowell and Rihanna, have opted instead to drop around $22 million and buy their beachside real estate. For us mere mortals, there’s the more affordable option, the genteel British custom of “Afternoon Tea.” Make reservations in advance and enjoy delicious pastries, fancy teapots, and the daintiest of sandwiches.
Oistins Fish Fry – Reimagined: Fish Festival
Every Friday night like clockwork, the So-Co beach town of Oistins is invaded by a few thousand “foodies,” seeking rum, Rihanna sightings, and freshly grilled flying fish. It’s the ultimate street food experience under the stars. Bajan seniors twirl at Lexi’s or loudly slam Dominoes down in fierce competition. Afterward, dance it off to live music and DJs in the moonlight. Recently, guests Lil Kim, Chilli, and Mya, made an appearance.
This intimate lounge and dance club is at the end of a pedestrian gap in Holetown, hidden behind its namesake. Like an achingly-cool Brooklyn party or South Beach disco, it can only contain about 300 people with no cover charge. Locals and visitors alike all end up here, as did Ludacris, Rihanna, and models like Jourdan Dunn. The dance floor is small, but the cocktails are plentiful. The best part is there’s no velvet rope!
Get your Jumanji on in the back of a Pioneer Jeep with Island Safari Barbados. Yara Shahidi and her whole family shared their adventure on Instagram. The tours vary depending on your tastes, but they include sights as diverse as George Washington House, Cherry Tree View or the Animal Flower Cave. Just remember it goes off-road and it’s a bumpy ride!
Considered the number 1 spot on the celebrity circuit, this restaurant is a sight to behold! Set on a cliff’s edge, amidst torches and tied cream canopies, it resembles an elegant yet Avante Garde pirate ship! Servers wear designer duds, there’s a $600-a-glass brandy, and manta rays swim beneath your feet. The recently opened — and more affordable — addition is the Beach Club. Dance carefree under a billowy ceiling of floating sharks and glitter balls.
Crop Over is a festival celebrating the ending of the Sugar Cane Harvest, that closes with Carnival on Kadooment Day. Before Rihanna repeatedly melted the internet with her bedazzled costumes, the stars always came out for Carnival. Thanks to partiers Lewis Hamilton, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn, visitors are opting for all-inclusive luxury VIP packages for the chance to “wuk up” alongside Chanel Iman. The goal, a “luxury Crop Over experience that’s fun at the same time,” Director of Marketing and Events, Aura Experience, Matthew Ashby.
If you want to escape the designer boutiques and mansions of St. James take a leaf out of Stacey McKenzie and Ludacris‘ book and head to St. Lucy. The North Point faces the wild Atlantic waters with winding roadsides that lead to coconut stands, akee stalls, and beautifully disheveled rum shops. Apart, from lush agriculture and wild landscapes, it’s wonderfully isolated.
The Hennessy Artistry Show/Concert
Ri-Ri’s annual “go-to-party” with childhood friends at Christmas time. It’s for real music lovers that want to experience first-class entertainment, incredible performances (Lauryn Hill, Sizzla, Peter Tosh, Trey Songz) and a glamorous but laid back party vibe.
Few things are more beloved to Bajans than the game of cricket. The national sport is quite complicated to follow for the novice, but the energy in the stands is infectious. The crowd limes (hangs out), drinks, and socializes with friends, while watching. Mark Wahlberg caught cricket fever so bad he became an “Honorary Trident” after acquiring equity in the team.
