The Top Romantic Caribbean Vacation Spots

With over 20 islands to pick from, a Caribbean Island vacation could take you anywhere from Puerto Rico to the Port of Spain.But there are the most romantic spots in the Caribbean - the places most appealing to couples wanting a holiday to remember.

Things you have to consider:

Activities for romantic travel, including the best beaches and scenic spots in the Caribbean

Romantic hotels in the Caribbean, as well as villas and all-inclusive Caribbean honeymoon resorts

Suggestions for romantic Caribbean dining

Fun places to shop, as well as up-to-date Caribbean travel info on flights, weather and more.

The sun is warm, travel around the island is hassle-free, and romantic Barbados hotels and resorts are world class, with top-notch amenities and service.

Barbados Attractions

Here's just a sample of romantic things for couples to do in Barbados.

• Atlantis Submarine Expedition - a full-scale submarine ride under the Caribbean a to explore ancient shipwrecks and colorful coral reef.

• St. Lawrence Gap - an exciting place to stroll through, especially in the evening when the restaurants, open-air nightclubs and discos come alive.

• Rum Tour - The Mount Gay Barbados Rum Tour is great fun, with free tastings and optional luncheon tours with Bajan cuisine.

• Andromeda Gardens - 6 acres of lush, well preserved Barbados fauna such as palms, ferns, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Keep exploring and you'll also discover tropical pools and a waterfall!

• Harrison's Cave - take the tram ride deep into this limestone cave for it's unique subterranean rock formations, waterfall and streams.

• Bajan Roots and Rhythms Show - If it's musical, and its Caribbean, you'll find it here at the Plantation Theater. Experience reggae and calypso music, dancing, island costumes, fire eating and the limbo.

• Dinner Cruise - No romantic Barbados vacation should be without a sunset cruise on the Caribbean.

Best Beaches on Barbados

You'll find some of the most romantic spots in Barbados along it's wonderful picture-perfect coastline. There are lots of romantic beaches and coves. Here's some highlights:

Best Secluded Beach on Barbados - it just might be Bottom Bay Beach on the southeast coast, a fine place for a beach picnic or long walk in the sand.

Barbados Beaches on the East Coast - this is the Atlantic side, so expect higher waves great for surfing. Better for sightseeing than swimming. The coastline here is very pretty.

On the southeast coast, Crane Beach is rated as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. Pink sand, calm waters and fantastic sunsets add to the romance (for an engagement this would be a great place to propose in Barbados!).

Beaches on the West Coast of Barbados - quiet waters, and fine white sand. Perfect place for swimming, renting a "raft for 2", or maybe spotting a celeb (some stars holiday on this part of Barbados). Mullins Beach and Paynes Beach are both good.

The west and south coasts are where you'll find many of the best oceanfront hotels and resorts in Barbados.

Romantic Barbados Vacation Resorts & Hotels

Some of the top Barbados resorts for couples would include:

The Crane Hotel - an historic hotel with gorgeous rooms and a spectacular setting on a bluff 60 ft above one of the most dazzling strips of pink sand anywhere. The views, dining and sunsets are unbelievable.

Barbados Honeymoon Resorts - The The South Beach Resort is a small boutique hotel & resort on Barbados' south coast with an excellent honeymoon package. Accommodations are in a special honeymoon penthouse suite with a jacuzzi and ocean views. Extras include spa treatments, a catamaran cruise, champagne and cocktails poolside.

For sheer opulence, it's hard to top the Sandy Lane Hotel, one of the finest luxury spa resorts in Barbados, with a fully-equipped heath spa, white sand beach, fine dining, shopping, recreation and luxury amenities galore.

A cheaper option, but equally romantic and very popular with couples is the Little Arches Hotel, with it's quiet setting, super friendly staff, and a private jacuzzi for honeymooners. It's just a short walk to a white sand beach with calm waters.

For an even more affordable and romantic Barbados vacation, consider:

• Bed and breakfast accommodation in Barbados - read reviews and rates of Barbados B&B's here.
• Romantic Barbados vacation rentals & villas - Barbados Villa Vacations has a nice variety of cottages, holiday homes and apartments in various price ranges.

Romantic Restaurants in Barbados

Romantic dining in Barbados requires you to try flying fish, an island specialty served up steamed, fried or baked. Here's some fine romantic dining options:

• The Cliff Restaurant on Barbados western shore is certainly one of the best restaurants in Barbados. Popular for weddings and special occasions. Open air candlelight dining with perfect views of the Caribbean. (246) 432-1922
• The Mews Restaurant is a cozy spot in St. James with a wonderful diverse menu. Live jazz on Fridays. (246) 432-1122
• Daphne's Restaurant is Barbados is from the same family as the renowned London eatery. Silk curtains give the tables extra privacy, and the west coast beachfront setting makes dining here memorable. (246) 432-2731
• The Restaurant at Southsea on Barbados south coast is the place to enjoy pan-fried alligator or oven roasted wild boar chops. Dine on a romantic veranda overlooking a secluded cove. (246) 420-7423

Tips on Travel to Barbados

The Best time to travel and visit Barbados would be from March to June (travelling in low or shoulder seasons, and shopping for air & hotel vacation packages in Barbados are the keys to an affordable romantic Barbados vacation). Hurricaine season runs from Aug through November.

Flights to Barbados - The main international airport in Barbados is located on the south coast, and the taxi costs about $20 for the 45 minute ride to most hotels on the west coast.

There are direct flights to Bridgetown from New York, Miami, Washington DC and Piladelphia. American Airlines and US Airways are the main US carriers with flights to Barbados. Air Jamaica and BWIA also fly there, and Air Canada has service from Toronto and Montreal.

From the UK, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London (Find out more here on seatsales and special airfare offers to Barbados).

The airport code for Bridgetown, Barbados is BGI.

Flight Time to Barbados:

USA: Flying time from New York (JFK) to Barbados is 4.5 hrs, and from Washington DC (DCA & IAD) to Barbados is 4.5 hrs. The flight time from Miami (MIA) to Barbados is just over 3 hrs.

Canada: Flight time from Toronto (YYZ) to Barbados is 5 hrs, the same for Montreal (YUL) - Barbados flying time.

UK: Flight time from London (LHR) to Barbados is 8 hrs.