Once the festivities of the holiday season are over, the remainder of the winter months can be a miserable mix of dim, damp days and bitterly cold temperatures, where there’s little to do but binge on box sets and munch through what’s left of the Christmas chocolates. It is no surprise, therefore, that many of us see this as the optimal time to jet off to somewhere where our days and our moods will be brighter. If that sounds like you, here’s why a Barbados villa holiday is perfect for shaking off the winter blues.
Long days and warm weather
The short days of winter deprive us of sunshine and warmth and this can have a negative effect on our mood, even triggering conditions like Seasonally Adjusted Depression. Heading to Barbados, where the days are longer and offer an average of eight hours of sunshine, can make us feel naturally happier. And with temperatures of around 28°C in winter, you can get outside and take full advantage of all the great things to do and places to go in Barbados.
Relax and unwind
Barbados is a fantastic location for taking it easy. There’s ample time to bask on a sun lounger, whether by the pool or at one of the island’s many beautiful beaches, get stuck into the latest page-turner, or simply sit and gaze at the fantastic ocean views and stunning scenery that are to be had wherever you go. Greensleeves Barbados would be a dream vacation full of amazing views if you were looking to really experience the island.
Pamper yourself with a spa
Of course, you can take relaxation to the next level by visiting one of the island’s high-quality spas, like the Singita Wellness Centre at Mullins Beach. With blissful treatments in sumptuous surroundings, you can soothe away the physical aches and strains and destress at the same time. What better way to put yourself in the right mood to enjoy the rest of your tropical holiday?
And if wellness is your thing, you’ll also find ample opportunity to take part in all kinds of classes, including yoga on the beach, Pilates, meditation, instructor-led private gym sessions and more.
Get in touch with nature
Barbados is a stunningly beautiful island and the wonders of nature can be found not just on land but at sea and even beneath the waves. On the island itself, you’ll find paradise beaches, rocky shorelines pounded by giant Atlantic rolling waves, tropical rainforests, exotic caves and award-winning gardens. There is a wealth of animal and plant life to discover too, including green monkeys and hummingbirds. As for getting around, you can hike, go on horseback or, if you fancy something a little more adventurous, take an off-road Jeep Safari.
If you go on a catamaran tour along the calmer west coast, you’ll get to see the magnificent shore with its beautiful beaches, inlets and bays. Beneath the water, meanwhile, you can snorkel the shallow reefs and see the brightly coloured corals and the multitude of sea life that lives among them, including turtles, barracudas, sea horses, frogfish, stingrays, octopi, squid and moray eels.
Get back to having fun
If the winter back home is stopping you from getting out and having fun, you’ll find a huge range of things to enjoy in Barbados. You can dine at internationally renowned restaurants, play golf on exceptional courses, like Royal Westmoreland, watch world-class cricket, enjoy a tasting session at Mount Gay, the world’s oldest rum distillery, visit underwater shipwrecks and reefs in the Atlantis submarine and take part in a plethora of fun water sports. There is fascinating culture, art, music and history to be found right across the island, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the old part of Bridgetown. And, of course, there are plenty of bars, music venues, festivals and other activities to enjoy.
A perfect place to stay
Barbados offers a wide range of accommodation for its visitors, from small self-catering apartments to all-inclusive hotels, most of which are located on the south coast. For those looking for luxury villas or apartments, the best place to find them is on the west coast, around St James Parish and Holetown. In this part of the island, you’ll find the prestigious Royal Westmoreland resort, a private, gated estate featuring 250 of the island’s most exclusive villas and apartments situated in 750-acres of lush, tropical landscape with stunning views of the Caribbean. Offering world-class amenities, including a private beach club, championship standard golf course, gym and several eateries, guests also have a housekeeper, concierge and private chef service.
For more information about Royal Westmoreland and to take advantage of their special offer, visit their Transferable Deposit Offer page.