You’ve booked your trip, and you’re excited to settle into Queens Tower and enjoy island life in Barbados.

You whip out your suitcase and realise that you are not fully sure what you need for this trip.

Sound like your predicament?

We’re here to help you out. Pretty much everything is provided in the house and cottage for you to enjoy your stay, from beach towels, snorkels, to essential toiletries and hairdryers. So, aside from any personal items, we have a list of everything that you will need to enjoy your trip to paradise.

#1 Swimwear

We’re about two minutes walk from the beach, so packing swimwear is essential. You’ll want to pack a few items as you won’t be able to resist spending time relaxing on the soft sand and swimming in the clear blue waters more than once a day! There are plenty of water activities to enjoy, including snorkelling, paddle boarding, diving, catamaran trips, and more. After the beach, you can refresh in the rain shower by the pool, change into another swimsuit and lounge around the pool with your favourite music playing and a cool wine or local rum.

#2 Light clothing

There are plenty of activities to do on the beautiful island of Barbados besides the beach, so you’ll want to pack some casual outfits for exploring and enjoying the cafes, restaurants and shops. Also, why not bring some sports wear and trainers if you decide to embark in many of the sporting activities on the island from yoga, gym, cycling or horse riding. For those tropical 5-minute rain showers, we always have umbrellas in the house, but usually by the time you have reached for it, you are needing your sunglasses again. Just keep in mind that army/combat/camouflage printed clothing is banned in Barbados, so leave that at home.

#3 Evening wear

Another main attraction for most people visiting Barbados is the many restaurants on the island, some casual, and some fine dining. And if you don’t want to fit in with the local carnival crew, then just check with Celeste the house manager before going what the dress code is. It’s fun to get dressed up and spend a night out while on holiday, especially if you’ve spent a busy day on the beach. So pack a summer dress for the ladies and long pants and a linen shirt for the men and you’ll have every eventuality covered. It’s generally too warm for blazers throughout the year but maybe just bring one for the indoor air-conditioned restaurants is an idea.

#4 Shoes

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There are a few types of shoes that you should bring on your trip; some flip-flops for the beach, flats for walking around town, and sneakers if you want to go on a hike. Although it is a very chilled flip flop type of island, depending on some of your evening restaurant choices, the ladies may want to bring some wedges. Its generally, not a “high heeled” type of place.

#5 Sunglasses

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Our location averages over 250 hours of sunshine per month! With so much sunlight, you’ll need to protect your eyes. Make sure that you bring some high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with you on your trip. That way, you can spend your time enjoying the outdoors without hurting your eyes or giving yourself a headache – let it be just the rum causing this!

#6 Hat

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You’ll need a hat for the same reasons you need sunglasses. Covering your head will protect your eyes and face from the strong sunshine. And not only that – you can look stylish too! Or carefully hide behind so you can watch out for one of the many celebrities that are always on the island.

#7 Reef Safe Sunscreen and Aloe Gel

If you haven’t noticed a theme in this article, we will reiterate that the sun in Barbados is intense. You’ll need to pack some reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential because chemical-laden products can damage fragile coral reefs and sea life. We cannot allow P20 products in the house unfortunately as they are very chemically based and ruin the sheets after just once application – sorry. Additionally, have some aloe vera on hand in case you do get sunburnt, or wander down to the beach near Holetown where you will often find a friendly Bajan selling pure natural aloe vera leaves. You cannot get more natural remedy than this to help soothe your skin and burns.

#8 Camera

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We may be biased, but Barbados is a stunning place to visit. Step out of your room, and you’ll already have lush greenery and palm trees surrounding you. All around the island, there are beautiful natural wonders, colourful houses, and clear blue waters. It’s essential to bring your phone or camera to document your trip. If you’re using your phone, consider a waterproof case for underwater photos – particularly if swimming with the turtles! And don’t of course forget your chargers.

In Essence

Bring a few essentials and a sense of adventure, and we’ll take care of the rest!