It can be tough to manage everyday life and with the rise of the #SelfCare movement, Canadians are in desperate need of a seamless getaway that perfectly combines wellness and adventure. Considering this demand, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. is celebrating 2019 as the “Year of Wellness & Soft Adventure.” Ranked as the #1 destination in the world for visitor satisfaction, Barbados guarantees a stress-free vacation that’s sure to enrich a traveler’s mind, body and soul.

Barbados has long been renowned as a healthy destination and spa resort, dating as far back as 1751 when first American president George Washington brought his ailing brother to convalesce on the island. The fresh and invigorating sea breezes, and peaceful coastal getaways that have drawn visitors to the Barbados shores for centuries are now combined with some of the world’s finest and most luxurious spa facilities. The country also offers exciting activities to satisfy even the most adventurous soul ranging from surfing and river tubing to horse riding and biking.

Festivals and Events

Barbados IslandFit Games (May 10-11): IslandFit Games is one of the largest functional fitness competitions in the Caribbean. It provides an opportunity for athletes from all over to test their fitness against fellow athletes.

Ninja Throwdown (May 11): The Ninja Throwdown is modeled off the “American Ninja Warrior” series and includes unique local twists. It’s the ultimate choice for the true adrenaline junkies and perhaps the perfect activity for a fitness focused family.

SOL Rally Festival (May 31 – June 2): Rev your engines for a holiday unusual by attending the biggest motor sport event in Barbados at Bushy Park. Visitors can test their high-speed driving on the same track as Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton. The park also offers go-karting packages for kids and amateurs.

Dive Fest (July 3 – 7): Whether you can swim, float, dive, or prefer to soak up some sun on the beach, this festival has something for everyone! Dive Fest will feature water awareness programs, scuba and freediving demonstrations and trials, beach clean ups, conservation tips, lionfish hunting and tasting, as well as scuba dives all over the island - including the exhilarating east coast!

Open Water Festival (November 6 – 10): Join hundreds of other swimmers and open water enthusiast in Barbados’ turquoise waters for races of 3.3, 5 and 10 km. Swimmers this year also have a chance to rub shoulders (or fins) with Oceans Seven swimmer, Cameron Bellamy!

Run Barbados Marathon (December 6 – 8): The island’s largest running event is perfect for marathoners seeking to test their endurance against a tropical backdrop. Participants will run through the beautiful capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bridgetown and its spellbinding natural harbor at Carlisle Bay. Canada Running Series has worked with the festival for over 20 years in bringing groups of Canadians down to come for the run, and stay for the fun!

Beach & Wellness Festival (September 2019): More information coming soon.

Water Activities

Atlantis Submarine: Dive to 150 feet with the award winning, Atlantis Submarine to explore tropical fish, haunting wrecks and forests of coral. The night dive is said to be more impressive as a greater and even more vibrant range of sea life, including the larger species of fish, venture out once the sun sets.

Surfing: Barbados has long been a best kept secret in the surf world, having hosted and produced some of the world’s brilliant surf talent on its shores. Surf legend, Kelly Slater, has consistently rated the island’s most famous surf locale, “The Soup Bowl” among his top three waves in the world.

Additional water activities include big game fishing, kitesurfing, jet blading, and sailing!

Land Activities

Cave Spelunking: Barbados’ most popular natural attraction is the awe-inspiring Harrison’s Cave. Thousands of visitors have experienced the beauty of this natural wonder on the informative 40minute tram tour but for those who want a more up close and intimate experience with the majesty of the cave can go cave spelunking!

Hiking, Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking: Trails in Barbados is an experience to behold; trek through vast sugar cane plantations, past tropical thickets teaming with island fauna and take in the majesty of the wide-open vistas of the island’s more rugged heartland. Visitors can enjoy free hikes year-round, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Island & Sea Safaris: Boasting six consecutive years of Trip Advisor Excellence Ratings, Island Safari tours are the ultimate in off road adventure. Book the Sea and Land Safari combo to experience seemingly impossible inclines and carve paths through thick underbrush as well as snorkeling with curious fish and other marine life like sea turtles!

Tours: Take to the skies with veteran pilot, Paul Nugent, for microlight aerial tours of Barbados that are guaranteed to thrill and inspire. Once airborne, expect 360-degree views of some of the island’s most iconic landmarks.