BARBADOS Partner Setting sail INSIGHTS


“The Inspiring Women Retreat offers time out with like-minded women and the chance to listen to inspirational speakers. The camaraderie and networking was outstanding. Barbados JCU UWEJ CP CHƂPKV[ YKVJ VJG 7-


OCTMGV CPF DGKPI VJGTG TGCNN[ UJQYECUGF UQOG PGY initiatives that will be great for Seabourn guests, KPENWFKPI VJG PGY NWZWT[ NQWPIG CV VJG ETWKUG RQTV q Lynn Narraway, Seabourn


“The event allowed me to connect with Barbados on C FGGRGT NGXGN $G[QPF VJG beautiful beaches and hotels, we experienced the warm culture, proud heritage and central role tourism and


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“An absolute stand-out for me was our catamaran cruise along $CTDCFQUoU 2NCVKPWO %QCUV s KVoU GZCEVN[ VJG MKPF QH GZEWTUKQP +oF WTIG GXGT[ XKUKVQT VQ FQ 5VC[KPI CV %QNQP[ %NWD C .WZWT[ %QNNGEVKQP 4GUQTV $CTDCFQU


was another highlight. I last visited more than a decade ago and the transformation of the hotel is TGOCTMCDNG +V YCU VJG RGTHGEV UGVVKPI q Sarah Lancashire, Pure Luxury


Change is also afoot on the island’s cruise scene, after a $2 million facelift for its Bridgetown port was completed in April last year. Following the renovation, which hopes to showcase a “more luxury feel” for passengers, the terminal is expected to welcome more than 400 ships in 2026, including Four Seasons I] Ìhi wÀÃÌ ÛiÃÃil vÀom oÕÀ Seasons Yachts, which will homeport on the island. Aquatic adventures aren’t limited to cruise holidays either – there is a wealth of day trips available. We take to the water with Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises for a leisurely few hours of snorkelling, sunbathing and in`Õl}in} in jiÀk VhiVkin >n` }Àilli` kin}wÃh vÀiÃhlÞ prepared by one of the crew’s mum and aunt, before the ÀÕm «ÕnVhià Li}in yoÜin} >n` Ìhi wÛi-m>n VÀiÜ }iÛi Õà a Bajan dancing masterclass – the boat was truly rocking.


Changing tides From the water, we’re offered a whole new perspective of the island – much like what we’re treated to with our ÛiÃiÌ Ìo v>Àm-Ìo-Ì>Lli ÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ>nÌ oV>l E o° iÀi] Vhiv Sophie Michell tells us how most Barbadian restaurants im«oÀÌ moÀi Ìh>n Çä¯ ov ÌhiiÀ voo`] LÕÌ oV>l E o >imà Ìo ÀiÛiÀÃi ÌhiÃi w}ÕÀià >n` ÃoÕÀVi Ìhi m>joÀiÌÞ ov iÌà produce from local suppliers. She is also passionate about getting more women into culinary careers and strives to employ as many in the kitchen as possible. This heightened support for local communities and a


growing focus on opportunities for women can be traced L>Vk Ìo Ìhi wÀÃÌ vim>li «Àimi miniÃÌiÀ ov >ÀL>`oÃ] i> oÌÌliÞ° -inVi Ì>kin} ovwVi in Óä£n] oÌÌliÞ h>à iÝ«ÀiÃÃi` her support for empowering local workers and women, creating opportunities for both groups to thrive. We’re lucky to be addressed by the prime minister during our time on the island, and it’s clear her passion for people and tourism go hand in hand to help build the warm spirit that, as we have discovered, permeates all parts of Bajan life.


BOOK IT: Pure Luxury offers seven nights at Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Barbados, staying in a Pool Garden View room from £1,999 per person. The price includes breakfast, direct economy class


flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic and private transfers. GOLDMEDAL.CO.UK/PURE-LUXURY i In the Picture, page 102


88 ASPIRE JANUARY 2026 aspiretravelclub.co.uk


CREDIT: Graham Belle


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