7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Bridgetown

Barbados, a gem in the Eastern Caribbean, is a haven for digital nomads seeking the perfect blend of work and leisure. Bridgetown, the island's vibrant capital, offers a unique mix of colonial history, modern amenities, and a laid-back beach lifestyle. While the city itself is full of attractions, the island is small enough that weekend getaways are a must for those looking to explore more of what Barbados has to offer. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven destinations that promise to make your weekends as unforgettable as your workdays.

Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach, located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, is a surfer's paradise and a photographer's dream. With its dramatic rock formations and thundering waves, it offers a stark contrast to the calm western shores. Spend your weekend surfing the Soup Bowl or simply relaxing and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The area is also great for hiking, with trails leading through the nearby Andromeda Botanic Gardens.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Bathsheba Beach is by car or bus. It's about a 40-minute drive from Bridgetown, and there are regular bus services that can take you there.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to take a dip in one of the natural pools formed by the coral reef. They offer a refreshing break from the Atlantic's powerful swells.

Where to Stay: The Atlantis Historic Inn offers a blend of history and modern comfort, with stunning ocean views. For a more intimate experience, Sea-U Guest House provides a cozy, eco-friendly atmosphere.

Where to Eat: The Round House Inn is not only known for its delicious Caribbean cuisine but also for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Try their flying fish cutter, a local favorite.

Harrison's Cave

Harrison's Cave is a crystallized limestone cavern that offers an otherworldly experience. Take a tram tour deep into the cave to see the flowing streams, deep pools of crystal-clear water, and towering columns of stalactites and stalagmites. It's a cool and fascinating escape from the tropical heat above ground.

How to Get There: Located in the central uplands of Barbados, Harrison's Cave is about a 30-minute drive from Bridgetown. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or join a guided tour.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as it can be quite cool and damp inside the cave.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at the nearby Sweetfield Manor, a boutique hotel that offers a unique historical ambiance and tropical gardens.

Where to Eat: After your cave adventure, stop by the nearby Chatters Tea Room for a delightful afternoon tea experience with a Bajan twist.

Holetown

Holetown, the site of the first English settlement in Barbados, is now a bustling area with a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. The weekend is the perfect time to explore the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, enjoy the local beaches, and experience the vibrant Holetown Festival if you're visiting in February.

How to Get There: Holetown is just a 20-minute drive up the west coast from Bridgetown. Public buses run regularly between the two locations.

Travel Tip: Visit the Holetown Monument, which commemorates the first English landing in Barbados in 1625.

Where to Stay: The Colony Club by Elegant Hotels offers luxury accommodations and a variety of water sports. For a more boutique experience, try the Coral Reef Club with its beautiful gardens and spa.

Where to Eat: The Tides Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite seafood and oceanfront dining experience. Don't miss their signature dishes like the blackened mahi-mahi.

Animal Flower Cave

The Animal Flower Cave is Barbados' lone accessible sea cave, located at the northern tip of the island. Named after the sea anemones found in its pools, the cave features several chambers with natural rock formations and pools where you can swim. The clifftop views above the cave are equally stunning, offering a perfect spot for whale watching during the season.

How to Get There: The drive to Animal Flower Cave from Bridgetown takes about an hour. Renting a car is the most convenient option, but there are also bus tours available.

Travel Tip: Visit the cave during low tide for the best chance to see the sea anemones and to swim in the pools.

Where to Stay: Nearby, the Little Good Harbour offers charming cottages and a serene atmosphere away from the crowds.

Where to Eat: The Animal Flower Cave Restaurant provides not only a tasty local menu but also spectacular views of the crashing waves below.

Speightstown

Speightstown, often referred to as "Little Bristol," is one of the island's major towns and exudes a quaint, colonial charm. Stroll along the historic streets, visit the Arlington House Museum, and enjoy the local art scene. The town's beachfront is less crowded than many others on the island, offering a peaceful retreat.

How to Get There: Speightstown is about a 30-minute drive from Bridgetown. Public transportation is also available, with buses frequently running to and from the town.

Travel Tip: Check out the Speightstown Mural, which depicts the history of Barbados and adds a vibrant touch to the town's streetscape.

Where to Stay: The Cobblers Cove Hotel, with its English country house style and luxury beachfront setting, is a delightful choice.

Where to Eat: The Fisherman's Pub is a local institution, offering hearty Bajan meals right on the water's edge. Try their famous macaroni pie.

Cherry Tree Hill

Cherry Tree Hill offers one of the most spectacular views in Barbados, with a panorama of the island's rugged east coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The hill is located within the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation, making it an ideal stop after touring the historic property and sampling its rum.

How to Get There: It's about a 45-minute drive from Bridgetown to Cherry Tree Hill. The roads are well-marked, but a GPS can be helpful for those unfamiliar with the area.

Travel Tip: Visit on a clear day for the best visibility, and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Where to Stay: The nearby Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil hilltop retreat with lush gardens and a spa.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at the Terrace Café at St. Nicholas Abbey, where you can dine on local cuisine while surrounded by history.

Hunte's Gardens

Hunte's Gardens, created by the legendary horticulturist Anthony Hunte, are a magical and enchanting place nestled in the heart of Barbados' rainforest. This lush, tropical paradise is filled with a variety of plants, flowers, and birds, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers and a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

How to Get There: Located in the central parish of St. Joseph, Hunte's Gardens are about a 40-minute drive from Bridgetown. The roads are scenic, winding through the lush Barbadian countryside.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning array of flora and fauna, and keep an eye out for the charming hummingbirds that frequent the gardens.

Where to Stay: The Round House Inn, with its historic charm and stunning views, is a great place to stay nearby.

Where to Eat: The garden itself has a quaint tea house where you can enjoy refreshments amidst the beauty of the surroundings. For a more substantial meal, try the Atlantis Hotel's restaurant, which offers delicious local dishes with a view.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these weekend getaways from Bridgetown, offer something for every digital nomad. Enjoy the island's natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture as you explore these diverse destinations.