Approaching Christmas, there’s plenty to do in Barbados besides duty-free shopping for presents. 

Bajans, as we’re quite happy to be a called, are motorsports-mad. Following the success of last year’s Red Bull Global Rallycross, the event will be repeated at the revamped Bushy park circuit in early Oct 2015. 

From full-service VIP to self-service 4x4 parking, there is a spectating experience for everyone. Our recommendation? Jump into a 4x4 with some friendly Bajans and spend the day under a tent within easy reach of the cooler and BBQ, revelling in some rallycross action!

Known as the birthplace of rum, with production beginning in the 1630s, Barbados also hosts the Food Rum and Wine Festival In November (19-22) 2015. 

A celebration of the spirit which has put the island on the world’s stage (along with singing sensation Rihanna and cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers), the Festival also celebrates and promotes the culinary culture that has emerged in this former British colony. 

With a blend of many influences, from Africa to Europe and Asia, Bajan food spans the culinary spectrum, from the fish-cutter eaten while shading under a casuarina tree watching the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea, to the ‘food vans’ that serve constructions workers and offices the length and breadth of the island, to haute cuisine restaurants on the West Coast rated as Michelin Quality by some reviewers. 

With the calm Caribbean on the West and the (sometimes) wild Atlantic on the East, Barbados also offers many sporting diversions for the sea-farer. 

The annual Mount Gay Regatta is the biggest sailing event in the region, culminating in the round the island race. 

There’s surfing, (frequent visitor 11-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater ranks Soupbowl on the East Coast as one of his favourite waves in the world) windsurfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, snorkelling, scuba-diving and deep sea fishing, the seasonal highlight of which is the Barbados Game Fishing Association’s International Tournament. 

Not every ocean-going activity requires exertion however. From Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, many of Barbados’ beaches are alive with BBQs, pick-up cricket matches or people simply watching the sun go down on another splendid day in the Caribbean.

Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals has Barbados holiday rental properties conveniently located to any of these activities. Watch the Mount Gay round the island race pass you by in January each year from the comfort of your balcony in Beach View 309 on Paynes bay in St. James.

Unit 402 at Palm Beach is the perfect home base for a Barbados surf vacation. check the waves from your balcony every morning. When the surf is up you can even hear the waves breaking at night, and Brandons (one of the best breaks on the South Coast) is a five-minute walk along the beach.

Image copyright AboveBarbados.com