Best Socially Distanced Activities to Enjoy in Barbados

Visitors travelling to any destination throughout the pandemic will be mindful of the need to stay safe as they enjoy their holidays. For people looking for safe things to do when visiting Barbados, we’ve put together some fantastic socially distanced activities that will give you peace of mind while allowing you to experience the best of our wonderful island.

Overall safety in Barbados

Before discussing individual activities, it is important to know that Barbados is one of the safest destinations you can travel to. Incidents of coronavirus have been consistently low and while no lockdown is in place and all amenities are open for business, just like everywhere else, strict protocols are in place for everyone’s protection. You’ll find hygiene, social distancing and other measures in every resort, amenity and attraction.

With that in mind, here are some of the best Barbadian activities that are ideal for social distancing.

First-class alfresco dining

For those who love first-class food but have concerns about visiting a restaurant, the Fusion Rooftop is the ideal place for that special dinner. As the name implies, you’ll be eating al fresco under the glorious Caribbean stars. You’ll have all the luxury you’d expect from one of Barbados’ finest restaurants with the reassurance that you’ll be outdoors and with tables socially distanced according to government protocol.

Of course, this is by no means the only reason to visit the Fusion Rooftop. Located in the island’s most upmarket shopping centre, the Limegrove, in Holetown, the restaurant is considered the chicest in Barbados, with a fabulous Feng Shui design, Zen water-table and fire pits that add a touch of cosy mystique to the surroundings and warmth to the air. And with a wonderful menu to choose from, it’s a dreamy way to finish off a glorious day.

Safety on the greens

As a non-contact sport played in small numbers over large, open spaces, golf is one of the safest sporting activities to participate in during the pandemic. The best golfing experience to enjoy in Barbados is at Royal Westmoreland’s par 72, 7,045-yard championship-class golf course in St James. Designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr., this spectacular and perfectly maintained course offers thrilling challenges, such as its signature Par 3s, as well as the pure enjoyment of playing amongst its stunning fairways with accompanying vistas of verdant landscapes and the beautiful Caribbean.   

The comprehensive range of amenities at Royal Westmoreland Golf Course include changing rooms, pro shop, practice greens, a driving range, short game academy, club hire, buggy hire, professional lessons, Club House and Halfway House. Not only are these first-class; you’ll also find all services strictly adhere to government safety guidelines for COVID-19.   

Safe, sumptuous pampering

Spas are open for business in Barbados but because of the close contact needed between customers and staff for treatments, special protocols are in place for everyone’s safety. You will find staff protected by PPE, robust hygiene routines and appointment only access. For some treatments, guests may need to wear a facemask.

One of the best and safest spas in Barbados is the Singita Wellness Spa at Mullins beach. Not only does it offer a calm and exquisite setting for treatments; some of its treatment rooms are open-air, private bays. This way not only is the treatment safer; you get to enjoy the sunshine at the same time. Treatments available include massage, facials, Bemer BioMat, reflexology, manicures and pedicures.

The centre also offers sessions of yoga, Pilates, Ballet Barre, athletic circuits and various other regimes in its air-conditioned studio. While social distancing has limited the number of attendees, guests can attend via Zoom if they wish. Guests at Royal Westmoreland resort have access to special exclusive spa packages at Singita.

Socially distanced exploring

Barbados has some wonderful places to explore and with many of these being outdoor, they are ideal for discovering the island while maintaining social distancing.

Barbados has a beautiful coastline, from the staggeringly rugged Bathsheba on the east coast, buffeted by a constant barrage of barrel waves, to the busy beaches of the south with their water sports and surfers, you’ll find a wide variety of unforgettable seascapes. Of particular note is the west coast; its calmer waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving and its palm-fringed beaches the perfect place to bask in the sunshine. Mullins Beach is especially heavenly and has the wonderful Royal Westmoreland Beach Club offering daytime refreshments and open-terraced evening dining for members and guests.

The island’s interior is just as fascinating and boasts areas of natural beauty as well as historical and cultural interest. These include internationally renowned public gardens like Andromeda and Hunte’s Gardens, natural wonders like Welchman Hall Gully and the Animal Flower Cave, historical treasures such as George Washington House and St Ann’s Fort, and arts and craft venues like the Gallery of Caribbean Art and the Pelican Crafts Centre.

The safest way to explore is to hire a car so that you can stay within your bubble. However, you’ll find social distancing measures in place on the island’s excellent public transport system. Alternatively, you can book a more adventurous island safari in an open-sided jeep and discover the island’s more remote gems on these guided tours.

Summing up

Staying safe during the pandemic doesn’t mean you need to stay in. Barbados has plenty of great places to visit and experiences to enjoy in places where you can maintain social distancing and be sure that all necessary safety protocols are in place.

For luxury barbados villas and apartments on Royal Westmoreland’s safe, private 750-acre resort, visit our Holidays Page.