KAYAK’s latest data shows Canadians are reshaping their “sun” habits for 2026 – and Bridgetown, Barbados is leading the charge, with search interest up 96%, the biggest increase for any sun destination and among the top trending cities overall. Caribbean getaways remain firmly in demand, with flight searches to the region up 21% from Canada, even as travellers grow more selective and experience-driven.
Against this backdrop, Barbados is rolling out a wave of new openings, elevated experiences and marquee events that speak directly to what Canadian travellers are looking for in 2025–26: authentic culture, culinary depth, wellness, sport and soft adventure.
Would you be interested in a Barbados-focused story pegged to Bridgetown’s “breakout” moment, such as a feature on why this Bajan capital is Canada’s hottest Caribbean ticket for 2026, a “what’s new” roundup, or a service piece on how to plan a next-level Barbados escape this winter or shoulder season? Below are a few angles and new developments that could anchor coverage:
New and refreshed places to stay
- New-look luxury on the Platinum Coast: Colony Club has reopened after a multimillion-dollar restoration, set on seven acres of tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and white-sand beach on the island’s coveted west coast, offering an updated take on classic Bajan elegance for Canadian couples and multi-generational travellers.
- Autograph Collection & Tribute Portfolio growth: A curated cluster of Marriott-branded boutique-style properties, including Treasure Beach, Waves Resort Spa Barbados, Tamarind, Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach – now pairs barefoot Caribbean ease with elevated design, wellness-forward programming and family-friendly service, giving Canadians more flexibility in how they “do” the island (all-inclusive, EP, adults-focused or family stays).
- New for 2026: Opening June 2026, Royalton Vessence Barbados is an adults-only, all-inclusive, from the Autograph Collection that will bring 220 suites, a strong wellness focus and contemporary Caribbean design, ideal for honeymooners and “just because” escapes taking advantage of competitive Bridgetown fares to the Platinum Coast.
Barbados as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean
- New restaurants with global polish: Openings such as Saké, an elevated Asian-inspired concept on the South Coast, and UVA Barbados, a modern, social, chef-driven restaurant in Worthing, speak to Barbados’ evolving food scene and its reputation as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”
- Creative casual spots with personality: Concept-forward cafés and bistros like Blush Café, known for its playful, pink aesthetic and photogenic dishes, and Narma, a coastal, seasonal restaurant with indoor and deck dining, cater to younger, design-savvy Canadian travellers chasing both flavour and atmosphere.
- Dine With a Bajan: This cultural tourism initiative connects visitors with local families over home-cooked meals, offering a deeper look at everyday Bajan life and a way for Canadians to go beyond the resort buffet.
Culture, festivals and nightlife
- Allstars Festival returns March 14–28, 2026: This boutique festival transforms Haymans Market and Sand Street Bistro into a hub for opera, cabaret and comedy, including a Grand Opera Gala headlined by international tenor Joseph Calleja and performances by artists such as Jess Robinson.
- The Commons Social Club: A new cultural “living room” in Speightstown, The Commons is a gathering place for film, theatre, music and art, designed for culturally curious locals and visitors seeking a night out that feels more like an insiders’ salon than a standard bar.
- CPL at Kensington Oval: The Caribbean Premier League brings high-energy T20 cricket to Bridgetown, combining world-class sport with music, food and carnival-like stands – a strong hook for sports, pop culture and “fandom travel” stories out of Canada.
Mindful, active and family travel
- Sustainability in action: Barbados has pledged to become the first 100% green, fossil-fuel-free island state by 2030 and offers travellers opportunities to engage through beach clean-ups, marine conservation, tree planting and sustainable stays and dining.
- Regenerative nature at Walkers Reserve: This former sand quarry on the rugged east coast has been transformed into a living laboratory for regenerative design, with trails and programming focused on biodiversity, education and community.
- Soft adventure & nature: New and refreshed offerings include Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, the island’s largest remaining wetland with mangroves, migratory birds and Barbados green monkeys; Hopewell Distillery, which revives historical rum-making methods; enhanced evening experiences at Harrison’s Cave; and expanded water-based adventures in Carlisle Bay with operators like G Fish Barbados and Set Sail Barbados.
- Pickleball and “racation” travel: Barbados is emerging as a Caribbean hotspot for pickleball, with courts at leading resorts and clubs such as Apes Hill, Sandy Lane, Wyndham Sam Lords Castle and more, alongside events like the Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness Weekend (Dec. 3–6, 2026), offering a compelling “racation” angle for Canadian wellness and sports desks.
