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The Penny-Wise Guide to a Girlfriend Getaway


by Kimberly Hodges

Recently named top Vacation Spot for Celebrities by Expedia.com and an island best known for its family-oriented resorts, Barbados has a little secret: it’s a great place for a Girlfriend Getaway!

Pop into one of the island’s trendy restaurants or take a stroll along the many beautiful beaches and you will see clusters of happy-go-lucky female friends planning their next island adventure. There is so much to do and see – whether you and your girlfriends pre-planned for a year or decided to dash on a last-second whim. 

Getting There from Here

One-piece swimsuit or bikini? That depends. But on the question of whether to splurge or not on your big island escapade, here’s a list of things you must do and see even if you can’t or don’t plan to dig deep in your purse:

1. Start the day with a massage.
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To go the frugal route, try:

Mobile Massage Service

A London-trained massage therapist comes to you, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your hotel or villa.

To splurge, try:

Suga Suga Spa & Beach Club

Located at Mullins in St. Peter, Suga Suga Spa features a broad range of professional spa therapies and a pool area that is adorned with a cascading waterfall – a great place to relax before your treatment.

2. Hit a local attraction.
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If you’re pinching pennies, try:

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Take a walk through a true Garden of Eden. A National Trust-owned landmark, it boasts over 600 species of plants. A must see for flower lovers. 

If you’re feeling extravagant, try:

Atlantis Submarines

See Barbados’ most beautiful residents, the underwater creatures! This 65-ft long submarine descends up to 150 ft and offers a view of the island rarely seen by visitors or residents.  

3. Have lunch Bajan style.
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For penny-wise dining, try:

Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy no frills, authentic and hearty Bajan cuisine while people watching in this pub-like spot in St. Lawerence Gap. Be sure to try the flying fish! 

For pound-foolish gorging, try:

Fisherpond Great House

Enjoy Bajan delights in this colonial beauty set on a former plantation. A great place for Sunday brunch (by reservation only.)

4. Get in some quality beach time.
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Economy:

Crane Beach

Named by “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” as one of the best beaches in the world, your eyes will feast on pink sands, dunes, cliffs and beautiful waters.

First-class:

Bathsheba

Take a ride over to the east coast of the island and take advantage of the miles of untouched beaches.  Don’t forget a camera as the unusual land formations are spectacular.
  
5. Enjoy a wonderful dinner.
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If you’re especially thrifty:

Bajan Roots & Rythms

Enjoy a colorful show stacked with showgirls, fire-eaters and stilt walkers. Be very careful, as you may find yourself performing the limbo on the stage for prizes.

If you have so much cash you don’t know what to do with it, try:

The Cliff

Ranked Barbados’ most popular restaurant in 2008 by Zagat, this cliff-side restaurant offers waterside tables and beautifully presented eclectic fare with French nuances.  

Barbados will be an unforgettable adventure for you and your group of forever-young gal pals, whether you go soon or wait until the economy is a bit more stable. You may even end up sharing your sun block or fresh-cut aloe with one of the many celebrities who make Barbados their private get away. Enjoy!

For more on the wonders of the island, check out the Official Barbados Tourism Guide. 

Kimberly Hodges is a public relations consultant who loves to read, write and travel. This article originally appeared in the Mar/April 18 Issue.
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