Brighton Beach

Located on the south-west coast of Barbados, Brighton Beach lies somewhat under the tourism radar and is mostly frequented by local Barbadians seeking a place to chill out after a hard day's work. That being said, its close proximity to the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal often makes it the first port of call for cruise visitors searching for somewhere to spend the day after disembarking from one of the many luxury cruise ships that dock nearby.

Take part in some beach activities and get to know the locals, renowned for their friendliness and laid-back attitude, who gather here to swim, sunbathe, play volleyball or simply relax. Enjoy a warm soak in the beach’s famous Hot Pot, a natural inlet of hot water expelled from a nearby plant’s run-off pipe. This toasty natural pool will make you feel like you’re in an outdoor Jacuzzi so lie back and let the warm water wash all your cares away.

If you want nothing more than to lounge on a sun bed with a good book as you sip on a cocktail, then look no further: beach chairs and umbrellas are available for renting. Afterwards, take a stroll along this wide stretch of sandy beach, admiring the stunning ocean vistas as you drink in the aromas of sugar and spice that waft through the air from the local rum and Malibu factories.

If this sweet fragrance has tempted you, then why not take a trip to the Mount Gay Rum factory and do a taste-testing tour? Open weekdays during most of the year and on Saturdays only during the winter time, savour the different types of rum on offer and treat yourself to a cocktail and lunch afterwards. Remember though, all of this rum tasting adds up so make sure you arrange to have a bus or taxi collect you when you’re finished.

Free parking is available in the nearby Brandons Beach car park so come on down, mingle with the locals and get a true sense of what Barbados is all about.