A day trip to the island's less-settled eastern shore reveals a different side of Barbados
Barbados offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Along the island’s western shore, genteel resorts overlook dazzling white sands and calm Caribbean waters. Travel east, and the vistas change to surf-washed shores swept by Atlantic trade winds. Few visitors choose to vacation on this wilder coast, but many will make day trips.
One of the best east-coast itineraries takes in two of Barbados’ most popular natural attractions, both of which lie in the quiet coastal village of Bathsheba, less than an hour’s drive from any resort on the island. Start your day with a relaxing visit to the Andromeda Botanical Gardens. Once the private passion of a local horticulturalist, this six-acre garden is now under the care of the Barbados National Trust. Within the manicured grounds, guests can wander verdant pathways to take in more than 600 varieties of exotic tropical plants, including orchids, palms, ferns, heliconia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, begonias and cacti. Signature sightings include a sprawling banyan tree and a talipot palm, which is one of the largest species of palm trees in the world. The trek is easy, suitable for all ages, and visits can include an on-site shop selling local handicrafts.
Well-maintained pathways lead visitors through the verdant grounds of the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, where more than 600 species of exotic tropical plants flourish. Photo: Flavio Vallenari/iStock
Just down the road from the Gardens is Bathsheba Park, which becomes base camp for an afternoon at the beach. Here you’ll find washrooms, changing facilities, and a green lawn to spread out a picnic. Those who didn’t pack a lunch can always visit one of the small local restaurants or street food kiosks near the beach. With Atlantic rollers crashing over rocky shores, Bathsheba Beach is not for swimmers. Some of the world’s best surfers come to ride a wave known as Soup Bowl; less adventurous bathers can relax in the calmer tide pools near the shore, or wade into the foamy shore break. According to island lore, this frothy white mix, which is said to provide restorative properties, is reminiscent of the milk baths that the beaches namesake biblical queen used to maintain her immaculate complexion. Whatever healing properties Bathsheba’s waters might have, the view certainly refreshes. In addition to a world-class surf break, this stretch of coast offers dramatic rock formations, with huge boulders scattered along the beach and rising precipitously from the shallows.
Surfers come to Bathsheba Beach to challenge the wave known as the Soup Bowl. Closer to shore, bathers immerse themselves in the foamy crests, which are said to provide healing properties. Photo: iStock
After the beach, Bathseba offers one more indulgence. For more than 100 years, the Round House has sat cliffside overlooking the breaking waves of the Soup Bowl. It’s the perfect setting for a happy hour celebration, and the kitchen provides ample incentives to linger over a rum cocktail or two and dinner. For a taste of the island, try some Baja pumpkin fritters. Followed by flying fish with breadfruit cou cou.
