Introduction
As countries around the world begin to re-open their borders following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) is sending signals that Barbados is open for business as one of the major tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
Stabroek News was invited by the BTA to explore and experience for five days a post-Covid Barbados as a major tourist destination. The BTA package comprises two major tourism components – nature tourism, which includes trail hiking through woods, underwater exploration and snorkeling, and cultural tourism (experiencing the cultural heritage through the history and settlement of Barbados). The following is our reporter’s account of that experience.
Naniki, an Arawak word meaning spirited or full of life, sits at the foot of the hills in St. Joseph Parish, and a visit to Naniki can be experienced either at the beginning or at the end of a visit to Barbados. Tom Hinds, owner of Naniki explained to a group of reporters that he bought this piece of land several years ago and built cottages to cater for the overseas and local tourist industry. The pre-existing hiking trail is a work of nature itself. The Naniki landscape, which overlooks Scottish District, has been compared to the highlands of Scotland. In his pre-hike lecture, Hinds explained that the area was hit in 2010 by Hurricane Thomas; some of the plants took a direct hit from the hurricane and were uprooted, but these have since regenerated, and despite the damage wrought by the hurricane, the pristine beauty of Naniki nevertheless remains. The trek through Naniki begins from the entry point of the resort, and takes one through what seems like a ‘rain-forest’. The trek continues until the point where the trails begin is reached.
Hinds then lectured on the history and nature of the ‘rain-forest’ and explained that it is so-called because the sonic forms heard when the wind travels through the branches and leaves closely resembles that which is usually associated with tropical rain-forests.
“Close your eyes, listen to the wind as it hits the trees and tell me what you hear,” Hinds said. Persons on the hike, including this reporter, then heard what appeared to be the sound of rain falling in the forest as well as bird calls. Incredibly, there was no rain at the time, nor were there the presence of birds to which the bird-calls heard, could be attributed to. Hinds then explained that the forest uses the elements it was given to provide an auditory illusion to which an unsuspecting listener might think that these sounds were actually real. Participants on the BTA tour package were invited to go water bathing in the forest to truly experience the forest’s glory, but that requires persons being shoeless and exercising meditation in the forest. This reporter did a tree hugging exercise which not only boosted her energy but made an immediate human-plant connection.
Like Guyana, the first people to settle Barbados were Indigenous tribes, in this case, the Arawaks, who travelled to the island by canoes. Hinds said that the Arawaks settled in many places, including within the said forest, and which is now being excavated. He also explained that after the English arrived, the entire country became a sugar plantation, and again, this did not exclude the forest. There are humps which were the beds used for the plantation, and these have remained with the forest growing on and around them. During the hike, plants such as the papagana tree, otherwise known in Guyana as the papaya bush, and dasheen bush or wild eddoe, and palms were seen. The nature journey continued with a view of the ‘I will survive’ plant, often seen bending to reach the sunlight, and a miniature fall that was developed following the closure of a bridge once used to ferry sugar during slavery. Following the hike, breakfast was served at the Naniki Restaurant from where its many cottages could be seen. This was followed by a calming yoga exercise, which originated from India. For additional information on Naniki persons can visit the following link – https://www.nanikibarbados.com/.
For marine lovers, to experience Barbados’ aqua adventures begins with a relaxing boat ride, and then after one embarks the Atlantis Submarine. The Atlantis offers an under-the-Caribbean Sea experience at a low cost. The journey lasts for 40 minutes long and submersion is just around 100 feet below sea level. The adventurer/explorer will observe vibrant corals, tropical fish, and a sunken shipwreck. During this reporter’s experience on the vessel, a number of fish, not excluding the yellow tail snapper, blue chromis, queen triggerfish and banded butterfly were seen swimming to their destination among the reefs, while others allowed the currents to carry them. “Life is much better where it is wetter,” will never sound better than after seeing the fish, turtles and plants that thrive in the salt waters of the coast of Barbados.
According to the co-pilot, the fish are localized to that immediate area, and the Bermuda chub, which has huge eyes, are protectors of fish that inhabit the coral reefs. He said that these fish ‘guard’ against predators. “They can actually see us,” he added, referring to the surrounding school of fishes as the vessel began its ascension to the sea’s surface. The opportunity to tour and experience the boat ride and below-sea adventures which provides for unparalleled views of tropical sea life is offered at a choice of morning or afternoon departure. Reservations can be made at Shallow Draught, Bridgetown St. Michael Barbados or via online at www.barbados.atlantissubmarines.com. COVID-19 protocols are to be followed while on the vessel.
Exploring the sea floor and swimming with the turtles or even witnessing the setting sun as it finally dips into the sea, spreading its majestic colours across the Caribbean skies, can be further experienced on one of the Catamaran cruises which costs between US$90 and US$100 per adult. This makes for a more intimate experience with the sea. The catamaran cruises are offered twice a day, and the tourist has a choice of either morning or evening cruise. Each cruise comes with snorkeling equipment, snorkeling instruction, unlimited drinks and buffet lunch. The boat makes three stops during the morning cruise to provide a swimming and snorkeling with the Sea Turtles experience, a stop at a shipwreck and the last stop is on a beach in a tranquil secluded bay. This reporter’s preference was the sunset cruise, with the first stop beginning at the shipwreck. This reporter swam with turtles and viewed the beauty of the fishes under water. The sunsets across the sea are also extraordinary, and is certainly an enriching experience that singles and couples can take advantage of when visiting Barbados. For additional information or reservations persons can visit the following link www.coolrunningsbarbados.com
There is also the off-road fury which is somewhat of a drag race experience and definitely gets your adrenaline going. Using ATVs, persons can drive around at St Philips, and racing among friends and family, is just one other great adventure that Barbados has to offer.
