Barbados

The other day I talked about my favourite Canadian destinations and travel bits for 2014. Here are some thoughts (okay, a LOT of thoughts) about the U.S. and a couple Caribbean and European spots I visited during the year. Most surprising U.S. destination: Apalachicola, Florida. A super-relaxed, fun town in a quiet section of the Florida panhandle with just the right mix of old-time charm and trendy, new shops. A very good brewpub, too. Most wonderful host: The delightful Anthony Hunte of Hunte’s Gardens in Barbados. A lovely man, great conversationalist and incredible gardener. His garden is always the highlight Read more

Barbados features fantastic resorts and golf courses. But my favourite spot on the island is probably Anthony Hunte’s luscious garden in the hills. Click here for my Toronto Star story on Barbados from December, 2014.

Royal Westmoreland is a marvellous golf course in the northwest part of Barbados. The conditioning is superb and there are plenty of elevation changes to keep things interesting. Royal Westmoreland was designed by famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones II, so you know it’s an outstanding track. One bonus feature at Royal Westmoreland are the green monkeys that live in a nearby ravine. They’re awfully cute, unless they steal your golf ball that is. There’s a free shuttle from the villas at Royal Westmoreland to Mullins Beach, a terrific stretch of sand on the west coast of Barbados. Take a Read more

From lovely Miami Beach in the south to the wild east coast of Bathsheba and further afield, there’s so much to see in Barbados. Miami Beach is one of the top swimming (and sunning) beaches in Barbados. The water is warm and gorgeous to look at. There’s a food truck called Mr. Delicious that makes good rum drinks and very good rotis for lunch. They’ve discovered old tunnels in central Barbados, part of British military fortifications from some 200 years ago. They’re slated to open to the public soon for tours. Well worth it! Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is Read more