I recently went to Barbados for the first time (yes I know I’m a very lucky girl!)  and thought I would share a few travel tips.

Barbados is pretty much picture postcard every which way you look. The sea really is that turquoise blue colour, no filter required. The Caribbean paradise island, though technically not in the Caribbean – have a look at a map it’s actually surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean – is known as THE A-list getaway and I can see why.

One evening we had dinner at a restaurant called The Tides, which is in a stunning setting. During the day you look out at the ocean and by night the sounds of the waves are serenading diners. I loved the trees growing inside too.

Co-owner Guy Beasley is from Coventry though he’s been in Barbados for 21 years. Sent from Coventry – clearly in no rush to go back! Guy is classically trained in French cuisine and has worked for the Michelin starred Roux brothers at Le Gavroche and at the Waterside Inn. The menu at The Tides is a fusion of Caribbean ingredients with international influences and the classical training certainly shows. Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. I had seafood but there was a good selection of very tasty sounding vegetarian options which is often lacking at fancy restaurants I find.  It is a little spendy (3-course meal with wine approximately US$80) but if you want to treat yourself to one slap up meal on the West Coast in Barbados, this would be my tip.

The Tides Restaurant, Balmore House, Holetown, St. James, Barbados. More info: tidesbarbados.com