Bathsheba

Too often us intrepid experiential travelers can get caught up in the whole effort of trying to do it all. “I must explore this off-the-map place!” “I have to try this exotic dish!” It’s easy to forget that sometimes the best way to get to know a place is to simply stroll aimlessly. Luckily, Barbados makes it an attractive prospect.

The map may say Bathsheba, but the locals call it the “Soup Bowl.” Known for its world class surfing, the eastern shore of Barbados feels like a throw back to the prehistoric age. Giant boulders tower 50' in the air above the beach, placed there by some great force of nature tens of thousands of years ago. Great waves from the Atlantic Ocean crash against the cliffs in some places and lap gently at the beach in others. A distinctive rock formation - Frog Rock - hovers along the horizon, a couching toad ready to pounce. This part of Barbados is a far cry from the touristy western shore with its well groomed breaches and high end resorts. The eastern shore is a step back in time - and one of the more visually striking steps in the world.

Looking down over the Bathsheba coast from the road above, one can see why the area is a Mecca for traveling surfers. It’s location allows constant unfiltered swell from the coast of Africa to arrive unimpeded, along with regular trade swell, ensuring that the east coast of Barbados is never flat. For non-surfers the tranquil lifestyle gives a chance to recharge, along with fantastic hiking alon the coast.

Most travelers to Barbados head to the calm beaches of the west coast to take advantage of the island’s 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, but on the rugged east side of the island Bathsheba is a picturesque stop. The area takes its name from the legend that Bathsheba bathed in milk while the frothy ocean water here takes on a milky appearance. Harrison’s Cave in the central uplands is another popular alternative to the west coast beaches, with its crystal clear pools and its stalagmite columns.