Canadian travellers are looking to skip right over the U.S. this year and reconnect with vibrant culture, rich heritage, and luxurious coastal living. Barbados stands ready with a slate of exciting new developments and signature events. The island, long considered a treasured Caribbean destination for Canadians, is doubling down on its appeal in 2025 and 2026 with newly launched accommodations, expanded experiences, and unparalleled access from across Canada.
“Barbados isn’t just another beach vacation, it’s the crown jewel of the Caribbean,” said Eusi Skeete, Director for Canada at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “We offer Canadians something rare: sunshine with soul, luxury with legacy, and culture that moves you. If you’re planning your next vacation in 2025 or 2026, Barbados should be at the top of your list. You don’t need to go halfway around the world to find exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences—we’re just a direct flight away.”
What’s New in Barbados:
Accommodations: Barbados now features over 13,000 villa and vacation rental options, and 2025 will see the groundbreaking of Beaches Barbados, a 600-room family resort from the Sandals brand, offering a range of beachfront suites and family-friendly amenities.
At Apes Hill Barbados, the “Little Apes” 9-hole golf course opens this spring, alongside four brand-new Bedroom Golf and Sea View Villas available for booking starting May 1. Guests can now enjoy in-villa chef experiences, private spa services, and complimentary golf rounds. A new partnership with Oyogo introduces wellness specialists to enhance the guest experience, and a beach shuttle service has launched for added convenience.
Luxury resort upgrades are also in full swing:
- Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club reopens this summer 2025 with 28 fully renovated rooms from the global luxury brand.
- Marriott’s The House Boutique Hotel reopens April 1, 2025.
- Tamarind Resort returns on January 1, 2026, fully refreshed.
- In 2025, Marriott expanded its portfolio with adult-only icons The Waves and Treasure Beach, both long-time favorites on the island.
Looking ahead, Royalton CHIC Barbados, an adults-only all-inclusive resort will bring a vibrant blend of luxury and entertainment to the island’s prestigious Gold Coast in Spring 2026. This stylish addition promises to redefine Barbados’ luxury travel scene with its unique ‘Party Your Way’ concept, offering guests a dynamic mix of relaxation, social experiences, and high-end amenities.
Pendry Barbados, the luxury boutique hotel chain’s first international resort, is set to open by the end of 2026 on the island’s west coast, offering 80 newly designed beachfront guestrooms and 46 private residences alongside a range of upscale amenities. This development will enhance Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings with its contemporary Caribbean elegance, signature dining concepts, and exclusive access to a private marina and other resort facilities.
The Oistin’s Experience – Now at Wyndham Grand
New for 2025, the Oistin’s Experience at Wyndham Grand Barbados takes place every Tuesday at 6pm. It delivers the vibe of Oistin’s, a beloved staple of Barbadian culture, to the resort. There is handcrafted jewellery from local artisans, Bajan dishes such as BBQ Ribs, Baked Macaroni Pie, and Jam puffs, and other entertainment like live music and dazzling fire breathers to stilt walkers and singers.
A Monumental Moment in History: Barbados Heritage District
Opening in Spring 2025, the new Barbados Heritage District is a landmark destination honoring the island’s enslaved ancestors. Located at Newton, Christ Church, home to the Caribbean’s largest and oldest known slave burial ground, the site will include a memorial, museum, and research institute. The opening aligns with the 400th anniversary of British arrival and precedes the island’s 60th independence anniversary in 2026.
We Gatherin’: A Cultural Homecoming
The year-long We Gatherin’ celebration invites locals and visitors alike to explore each of Barbados’ parishes through monthly festivals, live performances, culinary showcases, and interactive community events. Canadians with Caribbean roots or simply a love for authentic cultural experiences will find connection and celebration all year long. Find the latest events here.
From soul-nourishing cultural experiences and historic milestones to luxury escapes and gourmet delights, Barbados is ready to welcome Canadians with open arms in 2025 and 2026.
