We have MOVED!

 

Yes it is true, Loop Barbados (The Blog) has moved location and we want you to follow us. Since our Loop Barbados site has launched, we have decided to move our very popular blog on to its own platform. From here  we will continue to share interesting, up to date information and local tips on our magical island. And not to worry, Melanie and myself have moved all of that delicious information we previously gave you over the past couple of months to our new platform. Hope you like it and can't wait to see you over there.  

Go check out our new site and let us know what you think. Also don't forget to register to win yourself and a guest a FREE trip to Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Off The Beaten Track: Hackletons Cliff

So, an "off the beaten track" feature has not been posted in quite a while now, but we think we have one which will make up for it. Today we are going to introduce you to a cliff known as Hackletons which is just about the best view of the East Coast of Barbados.  Not only is it utterly breathtaking but where you stand to embrace it's magnificence lay three burial vaults containing the remains of the Hackleton, Forster, Cox and Culpepper Families which date back to 1685. These families were one of the first set of families to move across the Atlantic and reside on our Island, Barbados. See below and bask in the beauty yourself.

Hackletons Cliff Barbados

Hackletons Cliff Barbados

And these pictures don't even do this view justice, so just imagine!

Don't forgot - Win a Trip to Barbados FREE! Find out how!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

We are aLIVE!!!

It has finally come Loop Barbados is ready and live.

Go check it out and let us know what you think. Also don't forget to register to win yourself and a guest a FREE trip to Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Happy Monday (I mean Tuesday)

Well, the long Easter/Passover weekend is over and yet another week lays ahead. With all the loose ends to tie on our official website before the launch we decided to leave you with a sunset which was taken this very same weekend! It was breathtaking (to say the least) and we know you will think so too.

Sunset on the West Coast of Barbados

Can you guess where this was taken from?

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

It's Time To Reap the Harvest

It's that time of year again, the time where the roads are filled with tractors transporting harvested sugar cane to the factories to produce sugar and rum, the time where all the fields lay bare and cleanly cut, the time where you see people walking down the road chewing on some freshly cut cane itself.  Sugar Harvest has arrived and we thought we would give you a little glimpse of it in action.

Carts waiting to be filled up with Sugar Cane

Sugar Cane Carts Ready to go

Harvesting the sugar cane

The sugar cane harvester hard at work

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Barbados Events- April 2012

April is upon us! If you are going to be in Barbados for April, take a look below to see what's happening on the island.

April Event 1. Digical Series 2012 West Indies vs. Australia- This series will be held from the 7th-11th April at Kensington Oval. This is the first test match out of three test matches to be played. For more information on tickets, please contact (246) 426-2018 or visit the website.

Barbados April Event

April Event 2. Oistins Fish Festival- This festival will be held on the 7th, 8th and 9th of April at Oistins Fishing village and is a celebration for all of those who work in the fishing industry. You can enjoy local fish/seafood dishes, entertainment from musical artists, family games and of course the famous grease pole competition. For more information on this event, please contact (246) 428-6738.

Barbados April Event

April Event 3. Barbados Reggae Festival- This festival will be held from the 22nd- 29th April and throughout this time there will be different events such as Reggae on the Hill, Reggae Beach Party, Vintage Reggae Show and Dance and Bajan Reggae Night. There will be many international reggae performers for your entertainment. For more information, please see their website or contact (246) 826-2728.

Barbados April Event

April Event 4. Eleventh Annual Sir Garfield Sobers Golf Championship- This regional Golf Championship attracts over 300 entrants and will be held from the 26th-29th April at various golf courses around the island such as Royal Westmoreland, Barbados Golf Club, Apes Hill and Sandy Lane. For more information on this event, please see their website.

Barbados April Event

April Event 5. CWC Eighth Annual Food Festival and Charity Auction- This festival held annually by the Canadian Women's Club of Barbados will be on the 21st April at Lion Castle Polo Club. You can enjoy canapés and refreshments in a casual setting from 1:00- 5:00PM. For more information on this event, please contact (246) 837 6196 or see their website.

Barbados April Event

April Event 6. Barbados Polo- This month there will be a few polo tours such as the Apes Hill Tour, Lion Castle Brazil Tour and Goal Tournament Prelims. It is a great sporting display of both the athlete riders and horses, and of course the "can't miss" after parties! The Apes Hill Tour will be from the 3rd-9th April. The Lion Castle Brazil Tour will be from the 10th -15th April and the Goal Tournament Prelims will be from the 22nd-29th April. For more information, the schedules and venues please see the website or contact (246) 432-1802.

Barbados April Event

Hope you can enjoy some of these events in April on our island!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Bajan Sun, Glitter Guide, Sporting Barbados

The Beach With No Pebbles

This white sandy beauty, Pebbles beach, lies along the South coast of the island next to Hilton Beach (Needham's Point). We have no clue why it was named Pebbles beach as there are absolutely no pebbles! :) For some reason (which we love) this beach is never highly populated so it is basically yours when you go. Relax and soak up the beams; take a blanket and a picnic basket or better yet...Cuz is selling his famous food right next door!

Pebbles Beach, Barbados

Pebbles Beach Barbados

Pebbles Beach, Barbados

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Uncovering a Local Secret - "Cuz" We Think You Should Know

Down on the South coast of Barbados,  next to the Hilton car park is a small, crazy coloured hut and a  gentleman by the name of Cuz who has set up shop and sells some of the best 'cutters'  (salt bread bun sandwiches) on the island! For over two decades Cuz has been selling pan fried fish, egg and cheese cutters (if you want all three in one bread that's fine too). He is adored by locals and travelers alike for selling famously tender and tasty cutters at famously fresh prices. When we asked him the trick behind it all...he laughed out loud and said "now why would I tell you that". All we can guess is- its all the love he puts in his cooking and the fact that he serves the freshest of fresh fish which comes straight out our beautiful Bajan seas.

Cuz's crazy but fun hut, Barbados

The man himself, Cuz

So next time you are in the island or in the area don't forget to stop by and see for yourself how incredibly scrumptious these cutters really are.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Do you know...

Loop Barbados is on Pinterest? We don't know about you, but 'pinning' has actually become a small addiction. For those who do not know, Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you 'pin' your favorite images from all over the internet in to different boards. Follow us (LoopBarbados) for a collection of some of the most beautiful photos of our magical home. 

Trust us, once you start 'pinning' its hard to stop.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Does It Have To End?

This weekend was fabulous...to say the least. We decided to go to Ju Ju's where the waters were calm, the sand white and everything just..very relaxing. Below is a picture of the sun as it set yesterday. We could have stayed here all week..but no such luck as life still has to go on.  Right?

How was your weekend?

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Sea us there...All Weekend

The first weekend of Spring is among us. We have to admit, it has been a long long time since the beach has seen our faces. Why you ask? Well work does not seem to stop (even on weekends)..so tomorrow and the following day we will be spent lounging at one of Barbados's most fabulous  beaches.

Look at those never ending shades of Blue, Barbados

 What are you plans for this coming Spring weekend?

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Spring Is In The Air - Flowering Frangipanis

In celebration of the arrival of Spring (Yes, its okay to scream with excitement) we decided to compose a small post of a flower that too arrives in Spring here in Barbados. Scattered across our island are these beautiful, very tropical looking flowers bursting from lush and leafy trees. The common name for these flowers are Frangipani but they are known as Plumeria. The flowers bloom in a bunch all nestled beside one another and can be seen in two popular colors- white with vibrant yellow centers and then pink with the same vibrant yellow centers.

Pink Franginpani Flowers Barbados

White Frangipani Flowers Barbados

These tropical flowers can be seen in many places in Barbados, from churches to hotels to local's backyards or gardens!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

And a Happy Monday to All...

We over at Loop Barbados hope your past weekend was peaceful and relaxing and your week ahead will be productive and prosperous.  

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Jose Villa

It's Local!

I love when we can eat local foods...especially vegetables and fruits. Barbados is full of sunlight and has the perfect climate for many food crops, however we always seem to be importing a never ending supply of them. Today we thought we would talk about a type of lettuce which is locally grown but greatly underused in many hotels, restaurants and homes across the island.

Local Lettuce Barbados

Local lettuce, as it is called, is of the leafy type and has fantastic flavor. Not to mention it is loaded with Vitamin A, C, K, frolic acid, magnesium and potassium. Delicate and fresh, local lettuce can be enjoyed with a variety of vinaigrettes or as a healthy addition to any sandwich. Ask for it the next time you dine out...with increased demand comes increased supply!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Who Wants To Come To Barbados - FREE

So as we promised, we are going to unveil a surprise for our Loop travelers! To celebrate the launch of our website next month, Loop Barbados we will be GIVING AWAY (yes, you read correctly) a trip to our amazing island to one lucky person and their guest! The contest will be social media based and is entitled "Likes For Nights." What does that mean? Well, the more virtual social engagement we get, the longer your vacation in Barbados is. Flight, accommodation, some excursions and some dining will be included in this great giveaway! All you need to do  is follow a few instructions and you have a chance to fly away and enjoy a great vacation in Barbados!

We will be letting you know a bit more about the details and instructions of the giveaway very soon! But for now you can spread the word to all your friends and family!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Put Down the Map and Get Wonderfully Lost!

On this Friday let us remind you to....

When we travel one of our favorite things to do is exactly this. You just happen to stumble upon 'things' you would never have known were there and sometimes these 'things' end up being the best part of your trip. You immerse yourself completely in the culture and that is what a part of travel is about..isn't it? Have a great weekend everyone!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Axses-Destination

Where The Cattle Used To Wash

To the North of the Bathsheba Village is another beautiful and enticing beach called Cattlewash. The beach is said to get its name from the cattle that were once brought down to the shore line by their owners to be washed in the salt water. At present, this undisturbed beach is lined with an expanse of white sands and greeted by the cool trade winds off the East. In Summer, Cattlewash is a very popular spot among locals who rent out the beach houses that line the coast. On the weekends during these summer months, majority of the temporary residents have large lunch parties (that often run into the night) serving the staple - rumpunch as well as large quantities of local food like baked chicken, pork, fish, macaroni pie, pudding and souse, barbequed pig tails...and the list goes on. Everyone seems to be invited, from family to friends of friends. There is no doubt that some of the best summer moments are spent along this beach!

Cattlewash Beach, Barbados

One of the local Beach houses on Cattlewash Beach, Barbados

Cattlewash Beach, Barbados

You can be sure to enjoy your day spent on Cattlewash, maybe stop by Sand Dunes, pick up some lunch and then head down to the beach. Please note that the open ocean is not advised for swimming due to many rip currents. Instead, take advantage of the exotic rock pools scattered through out the beach and simply live life how its meant to be lived.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Barbados Events- March 2012

Here we are, into March already! If you will be in Barbados in March, take a look below to see all the up and coming events!

March Event 1. Holders Season- This event is known to be one of the top performing arts festivals in the Caribbean, ranging from opera to classical to comedy. Holders Season's dates are from 17th - 31st March (17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 28th, 29th 31st). For more information on this event, you can see their website or contact (246) 432 6385.

Barbados March Event - Holder's Season

March Event 2. International Game Fishing Festival- This event will be held at Port St. Charles from the 29th March- 2nd April. Over 30 boats will be participating in this international event, all competing against one another for the "best catch". For more information on this event, you can take a look at their website.

Barbados March Event - International Gaming Festival

March Event 3.  Barbados Polo Events- This month there will be a few Polo tours held at the various polo fields in Barbados. It is a great sporting display of both the athlete riders and horses, and of course the "can't miss" after parties! There will be the Cheshire Tour, BPC Barbados Open, BPC Ladies Tour and Apes Hill Tour. For more information on this event, you can take a look at their website or contact (246) 432-1802.

Barbados March Event - Barbados Polo

March Event 4. Special Olympics Games- This event is a great opportunity to allow the intellectually challenged athletes to experience the thrill of achievement through their sporting efforts and training. focusing on track and field, it will be held at the National Stadium on the 6th March from 8:30AM- 4:00PM. For more information, you can contact (246) 423 0967.

Barbados March Event - Special Olympics

Barbados March Event 5. Damien's Benefit Party- This is fundraiser to help Damien Straker who has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. It will be held on 23rd March at the Barbados Yacht Club from 8:00PM and will feature the Merry Men and Spice and Co. while also including appearances from Malissa Alanna and DJ KSmith. For more information on this event, take a look on their Facebook page.

Barbados March Event - Damien's Benefit Party

Enjoy!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Holders Season,  Pinterest,