Five Instagrams In: Barbados
Your Insta-friendly guide to the home of Rihanna, rum punch, and ridiculously gorgeous sunsets.
What with blessed warm weather being incorrigibly slow to start this year, beach locales look better and better for a jumpstart on the summer season. And while we'd all love to jet off for weeks on end of surf, sand, and speedos (just me? k), for most of us, a weekend jaunt is all we can spare before the luxury of summer vacations to kick in. Rest assured, however—36-hours is plenty of time for a balmy recharge, so, if and when you're ready to head off, might we suggest: the tiny, titillating Barbados.
You're probably already somewhat familiar with something of this Caribbean island: it's been inhabited since the 13th century; in 1627 it was settled by the British, and to this day it still remains an independent state and Commonwealth realm under Queen Elizabeth II; their chief crop being sugar cane, it's the home to the oldest (and some of the best) rum in the world, Mount Gay Rum; perhaps most importantly, it is the home country of Robyn Rihanna "Pon de Replay" Fenty, hallowed be her name.
As tiny as it might be, there's lots to explore, eat, drink (and drink and drink), and experience, and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to do so thanks to Nikki Beach Worldwide, the global luxury hospitality brand that has signature beach clubs and resorts in cities like Miami, Saint Tropez, and, by the end of this year, Bridgetown, Barbados. And I could talk you through every part of a Barbadian adventure, sure. But let's get rill: as much as travel is about reflection, learning about a new place and new people, and relaxation, your IG game better be gangbuster when you jet off to some exotic place. Thus, consider this a break down of five 'grams to get when on island time.
Why five? Cuz, unless you're, like, really famous, nothing makes an IG user scroll past your content faster, sans double tap, than when you're clogging feeds with poorly curated travel pics. So keep it lite in the name of not over-bragging, and focus on the things you do that really make the trip a trip. Your business class seat? Your tres chic hotel room? A plate of food? It's all part of the Instagram game, but for less eye-popping photographic fare—save it for The Story (instruction on that below, too!).
Look! I'm on a beach
The majority of the world knows what the ocean, sky, and sand look like. So flip the lens around and find those little seaside gems that beef up the beach experience. This is Starfish boutique, a cute little shop on the beach in Mount Standfast. It's the perfect place for all-things beachwear (sandals, caftans, swimsuits,etc.) and it's only a seashell's throw from The Lone Star, a beautiful hotel right on the water with the perfect restaurant for a bottle of rosé, served with an ocean view. It's also smack in the middle of a popular stretch of beaches that, if you just walk along the coast, will usher right up to various shops, hotels, and beachcomber bars.
Save it for your story: Your feet in the sand; the cute bikini you probably didn't actuall buy; you holding a drink up over the ocean; you pouring a glass of aforementioned rosé; your delicious, beautiful, totes-healthy lunch
Culture-ing like a local
I attended the finals of the 2017 Barbados Invitational Polo Open as a guest of Invitation-sponsor Nikki Beach, who hosted a pop-up event where both island locals and international guests co-mingled, mojitos or glasses of wine always in hand, while Nikki Beach Worldwide Director of Culinary Operations Brian Molloy whipped up an array of signature light bites—including some slammin' chicken satay—to manage our day-drinking buzzes.
Polo has been part of Barbadian culture since the 1800's, when officers of the British Military Forces stationed at the Garrison Savannah played for recreation. Now local teams play on the international level and matches often draw spectators from around the world. It was my first polo match, but it was indeed thrilling—also, horsies!
Save it for your story: horsies! And more horsies!; players in tight riding pants; the countless mojitos you'll drink; the impromptu dance party that broke out after the match in the Nikki Beach pop-up tent.
Go forth, and explore
Because islands ain't all beaches and boat drinks, take a trip to the innards of your oasis and see what you find. These crazy rock formations and hanging vines were actually nestled behind the spa of The Port Ferdinand, a resort made up of stunning one to three-room villas, many overlooking the property's marina. On the other side, though, you could enter almost directly into dense jungle, ready to get your Jumanji on. Speaking of, if you're patient enough, you can wait around for troop of monkeys to appear. Throw a few slices of bananas or some grapes their way and before long it'll look like King Louie's castle.
Save it for your story: blurry pics and videos of the monkeys; you in a robe and/or wearing a face mask at the spa; your painted nails; the Boomerang of you toasting your complimentary glass of champagne.
Creature comforts
It wouldn't be a vacay in the caribbean if you didn't get your dive on. Just a few hundred meters off any shore on the west side of the island (the east, Pacific-facing is far rockier) and you'll encounter a vast array of sea life, including sea turtles who are gracious enough to let you touch them. Just remember to keep your fingers splayed and wiggling—these buggers, thinking they're fish or something, will chomp em right off if they get the chance.
The wrap-up post
Chances are you've taken more pictures than you probably should have given you're always getting low-storage warnings from your iPhone, so here's your moment to wrap up your trip with a little gallery IG post of a few more highlights: you, lightly (read: heavily) buzzed on a catamaran day trip (might I suggest Cool Runnings Barbados; charming crew; even more charming captain; very reasonable day rates; awesome name); some of the island's local color; your arms looking great in tank top (added bonus: sailboat); and, of course, a rad sunset from your balcony.
Save it for your story: your last meal; your massive shower and/or tub in your hotel suite; packing—ugh!; being tired in the airport; being sad that you're home
Bonus #tbt!
As if you didn't make your friend take 3,456 versions of this picture, filter the ever-living hell out of it, and save it in your camera roll for a week later when you'd "rather be at the beach." I see you. You see me. We see each other.
The Golden Isles Have a Vacation for Everyone
The Ultimate Girls’-Trip Guide to Washington, D.C.
Luxury Locales for Celestial-Obsessed Travelers
ELLE Escapes: Maldives
