Barbados Beyond The Resort

There are plenty of reasons to love Barbados. The Caribbean’s easternmost island is the birthplace of rum and of Rihanna. And its beaches – talcum white on one side, wild and rugged on other – are the stuff of old-school postcards. But you’ll never really know the island or understand what makes it so beloved if you don’t venture further than your perch at the hotel's swim-up pool bar.

To truly appreciate the essence of Barbados you have to get out and connect with the local culture and with Bajans themselves. And in my first feature for Thrillist, I'm sharing itineraries that take a deep dive into "Bim," whether you're jetting in for a long weekend or have more than a week to spare.