14 Romantic Must Do’s in Barbados

Valentine’s Day, arguably the most romantic day of the year. You might think of flowers and chocolates, but if you want to change things up we came up with 14 romantic ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner.

1. Stay in a Private Villa

By changing your regular environment you automatically bring some excitement to your life. If you’re a local, book a Staycation at Craggy Nook Villas (E-mail reservations@craggynook.com to ask about our staycations rates and availability) Visiting the island? Email our team and ask about our upcoming 2020 specials and get all the perks of being a Craggy Nook guest which include: 10% off – Cool Runnings Catamaran, Stoutes Car Rental, and Barry’s Surf School.

2. Morning Walks on the Boardwalk

Whether you are a morning person or not, there’s something special about getting up before the sun to watch a sunrise together while listening to the waves breaking. After the sun rises you can head to Art Splash, just off the boardwalk for a coffee and breakfast. If you want to get some exercise in, bring some cash and you could spontaneously join in on a yoga class and then take a swim in the sea to cool down afterwards.

Photo by IG user @thrurhondalens

3. Naniki Morning Walk

For the active couples who want to connect not only with each other but with nature, we recommend signing up at Naniki Barbados for yoga, a hike, and breakfast package ($35 USD/person). Disconnect from technology and the screens that consume regular life and take some time to be one with nature. During the hike, you will learn the names of some tropical trees and flowers, enjoy a traditional Bajan breakfast with fishcakes, buljol (salt fish dish), fresh fruit and feel renewed with the yoga session.  

4. Surf Lessons

Surfing is a traditional, local pastime and as well as a fun way to get some exercise in. Add some adventure to your romantic escape by signing up for a lesson to learn/improve your surfing skills. We highly recommend the friendly and fun team at Barry’s Surf School (Craggy Nook guests get 10 % off Barry’s Surf School).

Photo by IG user @barryssurfschool

5. Explore Barbados together

Rent a car from Stoutes Car Rental (10% off for Craggy Nook guests) and explore the island, maybe try to do it old school with a paper map of Barbados. This can help strengthen your communication skills as a couple and if you get lost together… well, at least you’re together and have GPS as back up. Some of our favourite places include on an island tour are Animal Flower Cave, Farley Hill, Harrison’s Cave, Bathsheba, Gun Hill, Bridgetown, after a day of driving and exploring the island head over to Sea Shed on the West Coast for sunset drinks and dinner – we recommend the pizza.

Photo by IG user: @visitbarbados

6. Picnic in Huntes Garden

Pack your favourite snacks, a cozy blanket, and a bottle of wine and surround yourself with the beauty of nature in Huntes Garden. This tropical garden is magic on earth! Don’t forget your cameras you will want to take photos of your partner glowing in the natural beauty of Barbados. Huntes Garden is one of the most popular places to schedule an engagement shoot. See if you can spot the happy buddha in the gardens and rub his tummy for good luck.

Photo by IG user @ofwanderandwild

7. Animal Flower Cave

Animal Flower Cave has one of the most picturesque locations for a romantic photoshoot. Book a local photographer to capture some pictures that will last a lifetime and then spend the rest of the time swimming in the cave pool, taking in the cliff views, and when you start to get hungry you can enjoy lunch at the clifftop restaurant, you might even spot a whale!

Tip: This is a great spot to plan a magical Barbadian proposal! 

Photo by IG user: @maya__morena

8. Couples Massage

Daily life can get monotonous and you may find yourself stressed with your everyday tasks so booking a couples massage would be the perfect way to wind down with your partner. Our Craggy Nook team can help you arrange to have a masseuse come to your villa so you can relax in the comfort of your private beachfront villa. 

9. Catamaran Cruise 

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation then Cool Runnings catamaran cruise (10% off for Craggy Nook guests) is a fantastic option. From the moment you step onto the catamaran the day is planned out for you including a traditional Bajan lunch (flying fish and macaroni pie among the choices), snack and unlimited drinks (nonalcoholic & alcoholic options – try the local rum punch). All while sailing along the coast with stops to swim with sea turtles, snorkel with the fish over reefs and shipwrecks, float in the waves or just sunbathe on deck. End the day by dancing on deck to some traditional Caribbean tunes as you sail back to port.

Photo by IG user @coolrunningsbarbados 

10. Camping at PEG farm 

For the couple that is looking for something environmentally sustainable, delicious, and fun, PEG farm is the place that has it all! The menu at their cafe features items that have been locally raised or grown at PEG farm itself which includes the eggs, sausage, and other plant-based options. There is also an overnight option to camp under a full moon and roast your dinner on a campfire followed by breakfast at the cafe in the morning. Not only is this extremely romantic but you know you also have the peace of mind that you are contributing to an eco-friendly evening.

11. Sunset Drinks & Dinner  

There are plenty of places to view the sunset but a few romantic options are La Cabane, The Cliff Beach Club –  known for fabulous live music on Sundays, and Sea Shed.  All of these beach bars are located on the west coast for the prime sunset. There are some other beautiful locations to watch the sunset including Blue Pineapple which is located on the south coast boardwalk or simply enjoy the sunset from your private Craggy Nook balcony. 

Photo by IG user: @thecliffbeachclub

12. Romantic Dinner for Two 

Sitting down together to enjoy a meal together is a different kind of intimacy. Take a minute to really experience the taste of each food item. Try ordering different dishes and share, use this quiet time to really connect and talk with your partner. Barbados is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean so you have plenty of tantalizing dining options. Some of our favourite romantic restaurants on the south coast are Champers, Pavao, Cafe Luna and Buzo (which is directly opposite Craggy Nook Villas)  

Photo by IG user: @ChampersBarbados

13. Cook together

As mentioned before, food is a different kind of intimacy and cooking it together takes things to another level. Cook your favourite meal in your fully equipped Craggy Nook kitchen. Spice things up a bit with a cooking class with a local chef – ask our reservations team and we would be happy to book a class for you. Learning to cook a new ‘Bajan’ dish can bring some new flames to the relationship by learning a new skill together. Plus you can recreate the dish for your friends and family when you are back home.

14. Relax Together

This one might sound simple however it is very important! Our lives are so consumed by everything that is going on around us and on our devices, sometimes we forget to take a step back and just enjoy each other’s company. Plan a day at the beach, read a book, just do nothing but be present in the moment and spend time with your loved one.

Tip – Put your phones facedown, in another room, on silent, so you aren’t tempted to check them. Take the day to enjoy the simple pleasures of just being together and being part of each other’s lives.  

Interested in booking a romantic escape to Craggy Nook Villas on the beachfront of Barbados? Email our team at reservations@craggynook.com to book.