Barbados bounces to its Bajan beat, discovers Karl Cushing on a Funway fam
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What’s the best way for an operator to create a buzz around the launch of a new dedicated Barbados brochure? Why, invite four small groups of agents and Travel Weekly out to sample the merchandise, of course.
And so it was that back in June I found myself Barbados-bound on the last of four Funway Holidays fams to the island. Our base was the Accra Beach Hotel on the south coast; our mission, to complete a bunch of hotel site inspections along the south and west coasts, interspersed with high jinks and hosted meals.
It’s worth noting that Funway has relaunched its MoneyCard incentive scheme and will select only participating agents for future fams – so if you’d like to go along in future, make sure you sign up at yourmoneycard.co.uk
Out and about
For me, one of the island’s best selling points is that all the beaches are public. It really encourages mixing with the locals, partying and dining around. The food is a real highlight and there’s no shortage of great restaurants to check out, even if your budget won’t stretch to high-end eateries such as The Cliff.
I developed an appreciation for the monster portions served up at Daddy’s on Dover Beach and Oistins, where a wodge of grilled fish with sides such as macaroni cheese, coleslaw and rice and beans, accompanied by a cold beer, can be had for 30 Bajan dollars (about £9).
Oistins’ famous Friday Fish Fry proved a riot of music, dancing, bars and smoking grills. Heavy rain dampened the night but not our enthusiasm and a few nightcaps and dance moves ensued at nearby bars, including Lexie’s.
The lively Lawrence Gap strip drew us in most nights. Staples such as Old Jamm Inn got the party started with some quality live music, before some hot stepping ensued at McBrides one night and Sugar another.
Another highlight was the Silver Moon west coast catamaran cruise. With some 9am cocktails kicking off proceedings, the sunbathing was broken only by lunch and snorkelling stops, the first involving some very obliging green turtles.
Meanwhile an island drive, broken by scenic stops at Cherry Tree Hill Reserve and popular surfing spot Bathsheba, served to show how the rugged east coastline, home to well-appointed properties such as The Crane, contrasts markedly with the calmer west and lively south.
Another high point was our trip to the capital Bridgetown, which coincided with a colourful parade celebrating the end of the sugar cane harvest, part of the annual Cropover festival.
Get a room
Our itinerary covered the majority of hotels in Funway’s brochure, from lead-in Butterfly Beach – an affordable, basic but very homely three-star with breaks offered for under £900 – to the refined Colony Club with its tasteful, well-equipped rooms and exquisitely manicured grounds.
Elegant Resorts was much represented, and I was impressed by the all-inclusive Turtle Beach, with its light, airy feel and spacious rooms. With a kids’ club for ages three to 11 running from 9am-9pm, and a great spot on Dover Beach, it’s a strong choice for families.
Next door, the new Sandals, also featured in Funway’s brochure, is slated to open on January 28 with highlights for couples that include a wedding garden, fire pits, a beachfront whirlpool and Sandals’ first-ever Indian restaurant.
Refurbished last summer, the four-star Sea Breeze Beach – formerly a Virgin Holidays property – is a reliable all-inclusive option. Of the 78 rooms, the Superior Oceanfronts stood out, while the spread-out buildings helped create an intimate and cosy feel. Our group also liked the modern stylings of the rooms at sister property Ocean Two, with its rooftop chill-out area and plunge pool.
Our home for the trip, Accra Beach, with its 224 rooms across 11 categories, was a mixed bag. On the plus side the staff were wonderful, it sits on a great stretch of beach, the pool area is ample and it has recently been trialling all-inclusive plans. However, we all commented that it could benefit from more in the way of entertainment and livelier bars – the lobby bar and swim-up bar both closed around 10pm.
The conclusion? I’ll leave that to Funway Holidays managing director Stephen Rhodes, who said: “Barbados was a new destination for us and the four trips we did have had fantastic feedback.
“Having small groups of agents really helps them to experience the destination, and what their customers will get. Nothing can beat actually being there.”
Ask the agents
Gemma Matthews, Newell’s Travel, Kingsbridge
I really enjoyed Barbados and, having seen it for myself, I have more confidence in selling the destination. Travelling business class was a wonderful way to start and end the trip. I enjoyed swimming with turtles and just looking around the island was interesting, as was soaking up the atmosphere at Oistins.
I was also surprised at the range of accommodation to suit any budget. The west coast offered more of a relaxing holiday, I felt, with a bit more happening in the south. While you can easily get taxis, for certain clients the ‘West is Best’ slogan may not always be the case.
Jennifer Gibbons, Regal Travel, Maesteg
I was really surprised how close together hotels and attractions were and how easy it is to get around. I felt 100% safe and especially loved the nightlife in St Lawrence Gap. My highlight was flying Club World with British Airways. The on-board service was excellent. And Oistins is a must!
My advice to other agents would be to not be afraid to sell Barbados to anyone. The west coast would be best for families – the waters are calmer and the beaches are beautiful.
Personally, I would opt for a twin centre with a few nights’ self-catering on the south coast and then a bit of luxury on the west coast in a stunning all-inclusive. Going on this fam has increased my knowledge 110%. Without doubt, I will return. I loved it!
Mandy Jones, Travel House, Ammanford
I really fell in love with Barbados. The island is small enough so you can see it all but it’s packed with beaches, museums and charm. My favourite part was swimming with turtles on the catamaran cruise. Barbados is very safe and there are lots of places to go shopping, eating out and clubbing. Night owls need look no further than St Lawrence Gap. There are many bars and nightclubs along the strip, from reggae lounges to Irish bars and Sugar, where Rihanna likes to hang out.
I will definitely be recommending Barbados for everyone. The Bajan people are really friendly and there’s a wide range of accommodation options, from budget self-catering to luxury all-inclusives catering to adults-only and families. Car hire is highly recommended.
The fam trip gave me just a taste of what Barbados has to offer and I can’t wait to go back and experience its full flavour.
Sample product
Funway offers seven nights’ room-only at Accra Beach Hotel & Spa from £869 including Thomas Cook Airlines flights from Manchester on November 27.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the new Sandals Barbados start from £1,835 including BA flights from Gatwick.
