What to Pack for Barbados Crop Over Festival

Whether you’re bouncing from fete to fete during Crop Over, or visiting the country on vacation at any time of year, Barbados has plenty of attractions to get into. Regardless of when you’re there, there are a few experiences it would be remiss not to recommend.

Stay somewhere nice.

The Caribbean is well known for its all-inclusive resorts and their fantastic service. The Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle is another example of why the region is so world-renowned. The architecture is modern and clean, but without that sterility — this one is breezy and welcoming. Nine restaurants, several outdoor pools, a stunning beach, spa, tennis courts, gym, and more make it well worth the price and the stay. Check out the secret rum bar and if you’re hungry late night, there’s a grab & go food station in the lobby. On site, there is what is left of an old castle that used to house a land pirate, so you can get a little taste of Barbados history while you’re there. Rooms start at $431 a night.

Cocktail Kitchen

Don’t leave Barbados without eating at Cocktail Kitchen. Located in the lively St. Lawrence Gap, Christ’s Church, the eatery, from award-winning chef Damian Leach, brings the flavors of the Caribbean to places you never expected. This will likely be your favorite meal of the trip. Must-tries include the shrimp & gnocchi, Thai fish cakes, roast breadfruit & lobster, and smoked black belly lamb risotto.

Go to a Fete

Caribbean parties are like no other, and few events show this better than a fete. If you like a night — or early morning, or afternoon — out, get a ticket to a fete. Vibe out to some soca, have a little rum, and enjoy this feature of island culture.

Their frequency is more intense during the festival season, but even if it’s not Crop Over, there’s a good chance you can find a fete offering a nice all-inclusive situation. Plan ahead and browse Ticketlinkz before you leave to see if anything looks interesting.
If you’re in town for Crop Over, make sure you hit up at least one morning breakfast fete. Mimosa is a premium all inclusive affair with several food stations, full bars, and of course, mimosas of all kinds. Not getting up that early? Lost in Paradise on Sunday night is another one to add to the list. On Crop Over Thursday, Lifted Beach fete is the move. Tickets for the all inclusives run between $100 and $200, but keep in mind, the food and drinks are flowing the whole time. You definitely get your money’s worth.

Visit Harrison’s Caves

In Allen View, Barbados you’ll find a waterfall — but you’ve gotta go underground to get to it first. Harrison’s Cave is a stunning natural wonder, 2.3 miles of ivory stalactite-adorned ceilings and stalagmite-blooming floors. You’ll find pools of pure, centuries-old waters (don’t touch them!) and caverns so high and spacious, you quite actually throw a party in them — and they do. Book a tram tour with Chukka, or if you’re more of a nature walk person, do a guided tour crawling and walking through the caves like a real explorer.

Go to Oistins Fish Fry

Get there early to beat the lines, but reserve time on Friday night to hit up Oistins Bay Gardens, just by the water and indulge in its famous fish fry. Seating is no frills — long tables lined with chairs — something you’d see at a backyard barbecue. And the food itself feels just like home. Dig into some snapper or Barbados’ signature flying fish as you listen to soca, reggae, or a live band play. Then, head over to the craft fair just steps away and pick up something to remember the night by.