Following successful negotiations, we have secured preferential rates with three new regional suppliers:

• Caribbean Fresh Provisions — 15% discount on locally sourced produce for all member properties
• Island Linen Co. — Bulk pricing on premium bed linens and towels
• GreenStay Solutions — Subsidized sustainability audit packages

These rates take effect April 1, 2026. Contact the IHB office to activate your account with each provider.

Upcoming Training Sessions

1. April 12 — Guest Experience Masterclass at Accra Beach Hotel (limited to 30 seats)
2. May 8 — Digital Marketing for Boutique Properties — virtual session via Zoom

Booking Platform Enhancements

• Real-time availability sync across all OTA channels
• Dynamic pricing recommendations powered by market data
• Improved mobile checkout experience

Annual General Meeting Reminder

The 2026 AGM is scheduled for June 14 at Hilton Barbados. Formal notice and agenda will be circulated 30 days prior.

The story of rum is inseparable from the story of Barbados itself. The island was the first British colony to cultivate sugarcane on a large scale, and where there is sugar, there is molasses—the byproduct that gives rum its character.

The Distillery Experience

A visit to Mount Gay offers a journey through centuries of craftsmanship. The distillery tour takes visitors through the production process, from fermentation to distillation to aging in charred oak barrels.

The aging warehouses are particularly atmospheric—row upon row of oak barrels resting in the tropical heat, each one slowly developing complexity and character.

The Art of Tasting

No visit is complete without a proper tasting. The experience typically includes sampling several expressions, from the bright and lively Eclipse to the complex, aged XO.

The Oistins Fish Fry is not a tourist attraction designed by marketing committees—it is an authentic expression of Bajan culture that happens to welcome visitors with open arms. For decades, locals have gathered here to celebrate the end of the work week.

The Sizzle of Fresh Catch

The star of the show is undeniably the fish. Caught that very day by local fishermen, the selection typically includes mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, and the islands beloved flying fish. Smoke rises from countless grills as vendors prepare the catch with practiced expertise.

Each vendor has their own secret seasoning blend, their own style of preparation. Some prefer a light lime and herb marinade; others go bold with fiery Bajan pepper sauce.

More Than Just Food

As darkness falls and the string lights flicker on, the Fish Fry reveals its true nature as a dance floor under the stars. Local DJs spin everything from classic calypso to modern soca.

Walking through Bridgetown is like stepping into a living museum. The street layout, established in the 17th century, remains largely intact. Narrow lanes designed for horses and pedestrians now accommodate cars, but the scale remains intimate and human.

Parliament and Heroes Square

The Gothic Revival Parliament Buildings dominate Heroes Square, their pointed arches and stained glass windows a surprising sight in the Caribbean tropics. Barbados boasts the third-oldest parliament in the Commonwealth.

The Streets of History

Broad Street has been the commercial heart of Bridgetown for centuries. Today it mixes duty-free shopping with historic warehouses, their thick coral stone walls keeping interiors cool.

A Living Heritage

Beyond the grand colonial buildings, the chattel houses represent another layer of Barbadian heritage. These small, moveable wooden houses—their name derived from chattel, meaning moveable property—were developed by newly freed slaves.

The drive from the populous south or west coasts to Bathsheba takes you through the heart of Scotland District—named by homesick early colonists who saw echoes of the Scottish Highlands in these rolling green hills.

The Soup Bowl: A Surfers Pilgrimage

Bathshebas Soup Bowl ranks among the most revered surf breaks in the world. The name comes from the churning, foamy conditions created when Atlantic swells meet the coral reef shelf just offshore.

Even for non-surfers, watching the Soup Bowl in action provides theatre of the highest order. Local surfers display an almost supernatural connection with the ocean.

The Mushroom Rocks

Bathshebas most photographed features are the massive coral rock formations emerging from the surf like ancient sentinels. Known locally as the Mushroom Rocks or Bathsheba Boulders, these geological wonders were carved over millennia.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Perched on the cliffs overlooking Bathsheba lies one of the Caribbeans finest botanical collections. The Andromeda Botanic Gardens cascade down six acres of hillside, showcasing over 600 plant species.

What elevates Andromeda beyond typical botanical gardens is its dramatic setting. Around every corner, glimpses of the Atlantic appear through the foliage.

Beyond Bathsheba: Cattlewash and the Wild Coast

The east coast rewards exploration. Cattlewash to the north offers a longer, emptier beach where farmers once brought cattle to wade in the sea.

The flying fish—Exocoetus volitans—is so central to Barbadian identity that the island is often called the Land of the Flying Fish. These remarkable creatures actually glide rather than fly, using wing-like pectoral fins.

The Art of Preparation

Preparing flying fish properly is a skill passed down through generations. First, the fish must be boned—a delicate process that removes the central skeleton while keeping the fillets connected like butterfly wings.

Cou-Cou: The Perfect Partner

Cou-cou, the indispensable accompaniment, is a dish of African origin that has been perfected in Barbados over centuries. Made from cornmeal and okra cooked slowly until smooth and slightly sticky.

The Flavors of the Island

Bajan seasoning—a fragrant paste of herbs, onions, peppers, and garlic—forms the backbone of most local dishes. Combined with pepper sauce made from the fiery Scotch bonnet, it creates layers of flavor.

At just 166 square miles, Barbados offers the rare gift of feeling like an intimate discovery rather than a sprawling destination. You can drive from one end to the other in an hour, yet find yourself lost in exploration for weeks.

The Character of Place

What distinguishes Barbados is not just its beauty—though the powder beaches and turquoise waters certainly help—but its deeply rooted sense of self. This is an island that knows who it is.

West Coast Serenity

The platinum west coast delivers everything the Caribbean imagination conjures: calm, crystalline waters in impossible shades of blue, beaches of fine white sand shaded by mahogany trees.

A Living Culture

Unlike some Caribbean destinations that feel like extended resort complexes, Barbados maintains a vibrant local culture that visitors are welcomed to experience but never overwhelms.

A Legacy Rooted in History

The association's journey is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Barbados. The concept of small, independent hotels is not a modern trend but a long-standing tradition that traces back to the 18th century, when Rachael Pringle-Polgreen, an Afro-Barbadian, pioneered the first indigenous hotel on the island. The legacy of these small, personalised accommodations is as integral to Barbados as the warmth of its people. It is this same spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship and community focus that has propelled the IHB forward, now representing under 1,000 rooms across its membership.

Resilience and Adaptability

One of the defining features of the IHB is the resilience and adaptability of its members. With properties ranging from intimate retreats with as few as four rooms, to larger establishments hosting up to 79 rooms, these hotels embody a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and local flavour. Offering accommodation at prices that cater to independent travellers — those seeking rest, adventure and immersive cultural experiences — these hotels form an essential part of the island's tourism offering.

Phase One: Public Spaces

The first phase of renovations included public areas such as the pool deck, reception, lobby & Asian Spice Indian Restaurant which overlooks the lush, green gardens and freshwater pool & cabanas.

Phases Two & Three: Suite Refurbishment

Phases two and three consisted of the refurbishment and redesign of the one-bedroom suites. As of July 2023, all 48 suites have been successfully renovated in a contemporary style. The newly upgraded suites, each spanning 750 square feet, now boast modern tiles, bi-fold entrance doors, spacious wall-to-wall wardrobes, renovated bathrooms, and open-plan kitchenettes equipped with essential appliances including a fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, and kettle.

• Modern tiles and bi-fold entrance doors
• Spacious wall-to-wall wardrobes
• Renovated bathrooms
• Open-plan kitchenettes with full appliances
• Wireless high-speed internet throughout

Award-Winning Excellence

These changes have allowed the resort to stand out from other mid-range 3-star hotels on the island. The response from guests has been heart-warming — the resort has received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence Award for over ten years, and the Travelers Choice Award for the past two years. This prestigious commendation is only awarded to the top 10% of hotels worldwide.

Each stay includes access to the Beach House, a seven-minute walk or three-minute drive via the complimentary scheduled shuttle bus. For more information, visit www.allseasonsresort.bb.

A Passion for Hospitality

General Manager Thora Browne, who has led Island Inn Hotel for the past 17 years, said she became involved in the hospitality industry while seeking employment after finishing her studies and later fell in love with the industry.

"As General Manager, Island Inn became a project for me as it was at that time only well known for the food and beverage. We wanted to make it a full hotel. Moving from one level to the next was a challenge but it was an enjoyable one as I got to learn different techniques along the way." — Thora Browne, General Manager

Wednesday Night Cocktail Parties

With a bright smile, Browne shared her favourite event: the Wednesday night cocktail parties. "We get to display a bit of Barbados as well as some of the talents of Barbadians. We show the guests how to dance and how to enjoy a Caribbean lime and we turn it into an authentic party. The guests and staff participate, and they all have a tremendous time!" The party includes an interactive lesson on Barbados rums by the bartender with exciting rum cocktails.

Award-Winning Heritage

Despite the hotel's laid-back nature, the property has been awarded countless Barbados Hotel and Tourism Awards, TripAdvisor Awards, and British Airways Awards. Browne said the hotel joined IHB to gain valuable experience from a team of hospitality experts.

"The experience with Intimate Hotels has been a mutually beneficial one as we advertise with the group. Additionally, having one office where we can refer matters to and get advice from industry partners is an added bonus." — Thora Browne