Matador Network’s latest original video takes a look at Barbados, in the southeastern Caribbean. And while the island may be well-known for its beaches, centuries of rum making, and Caribbean sunshine, the new Matador Original film focuses on something far more exciting: the country’s current-day culture and passionate people shaping it each day.
Locals at a low-key bar in Barbados. Photo: Matador Network/Brian Lewis
New Matador Originals Video Highlights the Voices Shaping Barbados' Culture
The quick tour of Barbados moves across the island through the voices of Barbadians actively making, protecting, and shaping the island’s future, from rum experts and musicians to chefs and marine educators. At Mount Gay Distillery — the world’s oldest continuously running commercial rum distillery — Matador‘s videographers meet spirit associate Tina Forde, who introduces visitors to one of the island’s most famous exports.
Locals at a low-key bar in Barbados. Photo: Matador Network/Brian Lewis
That sense of pride in the country’s history stretches into social spaces, too, where Matador Network’s team found locals playing dominoes, enjoying drinks, and appreciating lively conversation at John Moore Bar in Weston, St. James. While visitors may be drawn by the country’s polished resort bars, community spaces are just as welcoming to visitors — provided they’re up for trying a drink made with the island’s signature spirit, of course.
The film also looks at the island’s creative future through Krisirie, a Barbados-based artist inspired by Cattlewash Beach. It’s a rugged, mile-long stretch of Atlantic coastline known for its lack of development and rocky natural pools ideal for a relaxed dip. “I would describe my music to be just like the ocean,” she tells Matador Network from the beach. “It can have tides where it’s calm. And then it has moments where it’s strong and daring.” Her hope is that visitors come to know Barbados not for its tourism draws and historical sites, but for its artists and creatives being inspired by the country in real-time.
If music is a celebration for the ears, Barbados’ food culture is a celebration for the taste buds. And at Cocktail Kitchen in St. Lawrence Gap, Matador Network meets chef Damian Leach, who’s passionate about using local ingredients. “Breadfruit is actually becoming more popular in restaurants now,” he shares, “heavily spiced, heavily seasoned. That’s our cuisine.” Breadfruit was originally introduced to the island by the British in 1793. Early on, it was ignored by locals, who saw it as an extension of colonial influence. But over time, it’s been embraced and reclaimed by Barbadians, many of whom now celebrate its abundance on the island.
Spiced breadfruit in Barbados. Photo: Matador Network/Brian Lewis
The final section turns underwater to Andre Miller, a marine scientist and PADI instructor with Barbados Blue Water Sports. “Barbadians, we have a very strong connection to the ocean,” he tells Matador Network. “The spirit of my beautiful island Barbados resides somewhere in that ocean.” Many visitors to Barbados come for its diving and clean reef ecosystems, which locals like Miller are working every day to preserve, especially in the face of major risks like coral bleaching.
About Barbados
Photo: Matador Network/Davis Huber
As tourism has increased in Barbados, it’s positioned itself as one of the Caribbean’s more upscale destinations, drawing guests with high-end resorts, a lauded restaurant scene, UNESCO-designated historical sites, and a unique British-meets-Caribbean culture. Compared with destinations like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, Barbados tends to have fewer bargain-hunter resorts, but still feels more accessible and less exclusive than islands like Saint Barthélemy or Anguilla. However, visitors can still find affordable guesthouses, local rum shops, and casual eateries, as long as they head a bit outside of the main resort areas.
The island recorded approximately 478,000 overnight visitors in 2024, which is an increase of about 10.6 percent over 2023. Cruise passengers accounted for another 700,000 or so visits. However, it’s still a smaller-volume destination than better-known tourism destinations: in 2024, the Dominican Republic saw 8.5 million air arrivals, Jamaica saw 4.3 million total visitors, and the Bahamas had a whopping 11.22 million international visitors. For many visitors, the smaller scale is part of the appeal, as Barbados doesn’t feel like a destination built for tourists — it’s just a warm-weather, culture-focused island that happens to welcome tourists.
Most international visitors arrive through Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), about 20 minutes southeast of Bridgetown. From North America, it welcomes nonstop flights from cities like New York, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston, DC, Toronto, and more. Barbados is also a major cruise destination, with ships docking at the Port of Bridgetown. 
Read more about Barbados:
- This Rum Train in Barbados Is Every Rum Lover’s Dream Come True
- The O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados Is an All-Inclusive Rum-Filled Island Escape
- Cobblers Cove Puts You In Glamorous Suites on Barbados’ Platinum Coast
- Five Countries Making the World’s Best Rum
- The Coolest Airbnbs in Barbados for All Types of Travelers