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Counting Down To Crop Over

The Sweetest Festival In Barbados

Some folks round here call it ‘the sweetest festival on the planet’. 

According to The New York Times, it’s where ‘Rihanna got her style groove from’.

Barbados’ National Cultural Foundation describes it as ‘a 3 month-long festival of Barbadian music, arts, food and culture.’

The 2023 festival officially started on July 1st with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, and since then the events schedule has been bursting with energy, creativity, music and Bajan cultural experiences.

Kick Off With Kadooment

Kadooment is a Bajan phrase meaning ‘large party.’ In the late 18th century when Barbados was one of the world’s biggest sugar cane producers, Kadooment Day and Crop Over Day were introduced to celebrate the successful harvest of the sugar crop. The slaves who worked on sugar cane plantations got the rare opportunity to smile, laugh, and be merry, so the festival was celebrated in grand style.

The slaves also took the opportunity to honor old traditions and customs from Africa, from where most Barbadians trace their ancestry. Adopting this culture, they wore costumes made of grass, feathers, flowers during this festive period, and paraded in the streets while singing and dancing. These celebrations were their way of thanking the gods and asking for more blessings in their next harvest. The festivals included lots of rum distilled from the sugar cane, and onlookers were encouraged to join, which is probably where carnival parades in Barbados started. Even after the abolition of slavery, Bajans continued to celebrate Kadooment Day, and Crop Over evolved into an annual celebration of their culture.

This year’s Crop Over festivities reach their crescendo on Monday, August 7, when Grand Kadooment hits the streets of Bridgetown to the pounding rhythms of soca. Starting early in the morning with Jouvert at the National Stadium, a series of breathtaking masquerade bands will traverse the local city streets, with revellers ‘jumping’ from Warrens to the Spring Garden and onlookers enjoying the spectacle every step of the way. 

Celebrated every first Monday of August, Kadooment Day is the most vibrant celebration of all the holidays in Barbados. The National Botanical Gardens also plays a key role in this year's festival hosting events such as Kiddies’ Kadooment, the Pandemonium steel band competition, Pic-O-De-Crop calypso finals and Soca 4.0. Check out the NCF website for full details of all the 2023 Crop Over events.

What’s A ‘Band’ & Why Are They Jumping?

The New York Times puts it this way: “Those who participate in Crop Over can choose between many different ‘bands’ — that is, design houses — to ‘jump’ with, and they pay the band for various services, which can include a costume, food, drinks, security, mobile restrooms and goody bags. The costumes are a major highlight of the experience, and Crop Over style has influenced fashion on a global scale. Rihanna and Jourdan Dunn have worked with local designers to execute their elaborate festival looks, helping to solidify the signature style associated with Crop Over in the modern day.”

Jumping is the term used for taking to the streets as part of a band, and chipping is the forward marching dance fuelled by the hi-energy soca music pumping from the band’s own massive truck soundsystem. Put them together with the sumptuous colours of the costumes, and perhaps it becomes obvious why Crop Over is the festival described in Bajan vernacular as ‘sweet fuh days’.

Sweet Soca Sound systems

The world is listening to soca, as more and more Caribbean artists break through to the mainstream music scene, and here in Barbados we have calypso and soca legends like Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Red Plastic Bag  Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat that drives the fun during the summer Crop Over season, and in the past, the annual Soca Monarch competition was fiercely contended. However, this year Barbados has changed its tune to a world-class live concert called Soca 4.0 to be held on August 6, showcasing the best songs of the season, top artists and up and coming singers.

Where To Watch

Bridgetown will be bursting at the seams with revellers and onlookers on August 7! Experts at Carnivaland.net say: “Crop Over, being the premier event of the year in Barbados, attracts over 100k people from all over the world! The sense of unity and overarching themes of freedom are what attracts people far and wide, who come to witness the sights and sounds of Barbados in full swing! The festival even has its own megastar ambassador Rihanna who joins the colourful masses celebrating Crop Over.”

The route from Warrens to Spring Gardens will be well marked on the day, so get out early to grab a great spot to people-watch! Check in with the Guest services team for local knowledge.

Don’t Miss It!

Friday, August 4, 2023: Straight after the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals is when the Foreday Morning Jump Up kicks off and lasts well into the early hours of Saturday morning. Paint, mud and powder are part of the celebration! After the Foreday Morning Jam many hit the beach for a sunrise beach party.

Saturday, August 5, 2023: For those that still have lots of energy this is when Bridgetown Market starts, which runs for 3-days and is a fun local craft fair.

Sunday, August 6, 2023: This is when Crop Over Cohobblopot takes place. A huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes, it is one of the biggest and most exciting events of Crop Over

Monday, August 7, 2023: Grand Kadooment Day in Barbados! The highlight of Crop Over is a spectacular daytime street carnival & parade, and also when the Tune-Of-The-Crop or the ‘Road March Song’ is judged.

Are You A Green Traveler?

We're Striving For Sustainability

It's easy to be a 'green traveler' at Ocean Hotels Barbados, and make no mistake, little things make a big difference, especially on our tropical island paradise. By embracing a few simple actions, our guests can play their part in promoting sustainability and protecting the island's environment during their stay. 

• Reduce Energy Consumption: TURN OFF lights when you leave the room, air-conditioning when balcony doors are open, and electronics when not in use.
• Save Water: TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS, reuse towels, and don't leave the tap running while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Reduce Waste: USE REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES instead of disposable ones, avoid single-use plastics, and recycle whenever possible.
• Support The Community: CHOOSE LOCAL restaurants and shops to support our island economy and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
• Hiring A Vehicle?: RENT ELECTRIC CARS from several companies in Barbados. We have our own charging station at O2 Beach Club & Spa and there are many across the island.
• Eco-friendly Choices: Our hotels PRIORITISE THE ENVIRONMENT by recycling and using renewable energy sources and eco- friendly cleaning products.
• Leave No Trace: When exploring Barbados, PLEASE RESPECT OUR ISLAND and don't litter or damage the natural areas on land or under the sea.

To stay informed about sustainability initiatives at Ocean Hotels Barbados, check out our new dedicated webpage HERE.

We've Earned Oceanic Blue Seals!

Striving For Sustainability At Ocean Hotels Barbados

In partnership with UNDP Barbados & Eastern Caribbean, Oceanic Global awards Blue Seals to recognise commitment towards protecting our planet through promoting responsible business operations and sustainable tourism that protect Barbados and the vital ecosystem surrounding it.

Oceanic Global inspires us to care deeply for the ocean and provides solutions to protect it. The international non-profit sheds light on humanity’s essential relationship to the ocean, and empowers individuals, communities, and industries to create measurable positive change through educational experiences, consulting on sustainable operations, and engaging local communities

We're exceptionally proud of this incredible achievement and excited to be part of the solution towards a more balanced future!

At Ocean Hotels Barbados, we're committed to prioritising the health of our blue planet, and receiving the 2-Star Seal of Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard verifies our continuous efforts towards reducing single-use plastics and improving
the sustainability of our operations. 

This international verification also empowers us to continue: ️

• Eliminating harmful single-use plastics from our business;
• Responsibly managing our waste; and ️
• Implementing Blue Actions that further the comprehensive sustainability of our hotel operations.

Learn more at @oceanic.global #SolutionsExist

We're Adding A Touch Of Love In 2023

Upgrade To Romantic Bliss On The Beach

We're making 2023 the Year of Love at Ocean Hotels Barbados, as we celebrate every step in the path to Romance with a very special offer for paradise-loving love birds thinking of celebrating their special moment on our breathtaking island in the Caribbean.

Just book four nights or more before March 15th, 2023 using Promo Code LOVE23 for travel dates through January 5th, 2024 and we'll add a touch of romance to your stay at any of our three hotels. 

From an intimate toes-in-the-sand dinner for two in our beautifully decorated 'beach bubble', to a sunset proposal captured by a professional photographer on O2's Brisa rooftop deck, our team of discreet, experienced professional planners will work with you to bring to life those romantic dreams you've been harboring in your heart, and make them all come true.

And if an island beach wedding is on your horizon, visit our Wedding Planner page and contact us about the complimentary Classic Elegance Wedding Package, our gift to you when you book 7 nights or more* at all-inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa or Sea Breeze Beach House.

The Classic Elegance Wedding includes:

• Transfers to and from the airport;
• Dedicated team of Wedding Coordinators;
• Cocktails and Wine on arrival;
• Couple's Consultation;
• Marriage License, Minister and Formal Documentation;
• Decorated Wedding Arch, Hand-tied Bouquet & Boutonniere;
• Wedding Cake and Sparkling Wine.

And once the wondrous wedding day is done, where else would you want to honeymoon, but at one of our three unique resorts? From the worldwide celebrated, luxury all-inclusive haven of O2 Beach Club & Spa in St. Lawrence Gap, to the family-friendly fun of Sea Breeze Beach House on Oistins Bay, to the all-suite independence of South Beach Hotel at Rockley Beach in the village of Hastings, we're simply the right choice for your proposal, wedding and honeymoon on the island of Barbados.

You can also rest assured that you'll have the full attention of our Ocean Hotels Weddings & Romance Team, as we allow only one wedding a day at any of our properties.

After all, this is 'Your Wedding, Your Way', so why not start planning your perfect Ocean Hotels Barbados Wedding today?

*Special terms and conditions apply. Book 10 nights or more for a free wedding at South Beach Hotel. Offer is subject to availability & room type.

Celebrating Bajan Independence 2022

Discover Our Island History & Culture

After the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony until achieving independence from Britain more than 50 years ago on November 30^th 1966.

Grantley Adams (later Knighted to 'Sir') was the first Premier who led Barbados in the West Indies Federation from 1958 until 1962 - you may recognise his name from our international airport.

Termination of the Federation caused Barbados to return to self-government, but on November 30th 1966, the island was led to Independence by Premier Errol Walton Barrow who became our first Prime Minister. 

That first independence ceremony was accompanied by the raising of the Barbados national flag, and playing of the national anthem for the first time. 

OUR FLAG

Designed by school master and Education Officer Grantley Prescod, the national flag of Barbados comprises of three vertical panels - the centre panel is gold and the outer panels are ultramarine. A broken trident in black is located in the centre of the flag.

Blue represents the sea and sky of Barbados, gold the sand of the island's beaches, and the Trident symbolises the mythical sea god, Neptune; the trident's broken shaft signifies Barbados' break from Britain.

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Irving Louis Burgie, sometimes known professionally as Lord Burgess, was an American musician and songwriter, regarded as one of the greatest composers of Caribbean music. He composed 34 songs for Harry Belafonte, including eight of the 11 songs on the Belafonte album Calypso (1956), the first album of any kind to sell one million copies.

The chorus of our anthem expresses the pride and optimism with which the Barbadian people approached Independence then, as well as now:

"We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history's page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate."

Independence celebrations run throughout the month of November and include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services.

On Independence Day a grand parade is held, usually at the Garrison Savannah, site of the original Independence ceremony in 1966.

As a proud, Bajan, family-owned company, at Ocean Hotels Barbados on November 30, 2022, we'll be celebrating our staff and guests as Barbados marks 56 years of Independence and our first year as a Republic.

Commis Chef Of Smiles

Look Out For Her Golden Hat At Sea Breeze Beach House

Her dazzling smile really does light up the room, and your entire day, when you realise her golden headwear indicates that Marsha is hearing and speech-impaired. Never mind that her managers offer a chorus of praise for Chef Watson and her work ethic, team spirit and strength of will to overcome any obstacles in her way.

Like wearing a mask during the pandemic, when Marsha's ability to communicate was severely challenged, both in and out of the kitchen. The Yellow Hat initiative was a response from the HR team at Sea Breeze Beach House and Ocean Hotels Barbados that helped in very practical terms.

It has also become a symbol of diversity and inclusion to identify any member of staff with a disability within the company, which seeks to employ individuals based on their actual skills and talents.

Ocean Hotels Barbados would like to thank Marsha Watson for being an inspiration to those around her, and for being an exceptional employee within our hospitality family.

Last year, Marsha answered a Q&A for a series of profiles under the theme #GetToKnowYourTeam for International Day for People with Disability.

What keeps you motivated?

The opportunity to work and having a sense of independence.

What are you passionate about?

Cooking and travelling, and I used to swim for the Barbados National Team.

What is one of your happiest moments?

Being able to have my daughter Maleah who is sixteen months old.

What is one message for persons on International Day of Persons with Disability?

It would be great for others who are hearing impaired to have a chance to work. There are still commonalities which exist between persons without disabilities and persons with disabilities. 

Welcome Back, Crop Over!

Sea Breeze Beach House Was Jammin'!

According to Barbados.org, the origins of this very Bajan festival can be traced back to the 1780s, when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar.

At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest, hence the name, Crop Over.

As the sugar industry in Barbados declined, so too did the Crop Over festival, and in the 1940's it disappeared completely. However, the festival was revived in 1974, and other elements of Barbadian culture were infused to create the extravaganza that exists today - an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe.

This year's festival saw a few changes affecting two of its most popular events - Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment, but the feedback was positive  and the appreciation for Crop Over's return was palpable.

At Ocean Hotels Barbados, we celebrated with a new 'Car Park Jam' at Sea Breeze Beach House, so that guests, staff, management and locals could enjoy the essence of Kadooment our way, which included the arrival of Freezy Breezy, and live music to dance the night away.

Check out our amazing Facebook gallery and enjoy the colour of Crop Over 2022!

We're Proud Of Patricia!

Celebrating The Woman At The Helm Of Ocean Hotels Barbados

In March 2019, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that with almost twice as many female employers than other sectors, Tourism provides women with “more opportunities for workforce participation, leadership, entrepreneurship and empowerment than many other sectors, particularly in developing countries.”

In Barbados, we’re proud every day of all the women who drive our country forward, whether on the tourism front lines of our white sand beaches, in the rarified halls of international power, or across multimedia channels as a universal image influencer.

And at Ocean Hotels Barbados, we’re particularly proud of Patricia Affonso-Dass, our CEO and Group General Manager, whose title doesn’t begin to cover the many hats she wears everyday in her role. 

A self-described “true product of the Caribbean”, Patricia was born in Dominica but left at the age of 2 and lived in Trinidad and Antigua before moving to Guyana where she grew up; she has lived in Barbados since August 1998.

Studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University, she gained a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours, and her subsequent career in the tourism industry ranges from management positions in Guyana and Barbados with hotels and resorts, touristic attractions and leisure properties, to leading the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as President. 

In September 2009, Patricia joined Ocean Hotels Barbados as Group General Manager, and according to a recent interview with Hertelier.com, “she’s helped the brand become a leader on the island…”

On her journey with Ocean Hotels Barbados, Patricia was involved in the completion and opening of the original Ocean Two, oversaw the full renovation and expansion of Sea Breeze Beach House, managed a $2.8M upgrade and renovation of South Beach Hotel, and most recently turned her focus to the reimagining and recreation of Ocean Two into O2 Beach Club & Spa, which opened last November to popular acclaim.

Patricia Affonso-Dass has been interviewed many times, always sharing her point of view with honesty and Caribbean pride. For International Women’s Day 2022, Ocean Hotels Barbados Group celebrates our unique and amazing CEO & General Manager through her own words.

Island Life…

There are so many reasons to choose Barbados. The first thing people think about are the amazing beaches. To my mind, the sea; the colours of blue are just unbelievable. There's an unending variety of fabulous food – everything from roadside barbecues to cliff-side caviar. You have a ton of amazing activities — golf, scuba diving and all the rest of it. Easy transport around the island, whether you're renting a car, scooter or taxi, or taking the Caribbean version of the hop-on, hop-off bus. It's an easy place to get to. It's an easy place to visit and there's so much to do.

~ Virgin Holidays Insider Blog

Work Life…

My favorite aspect of my current role is the ability to craft and design what the future of our business looks like.  I love the business development aspect equally as well as the people development aspect.  As we grow, change, and develop the business, we create opportunities for our teams to grow, change and develop also. 

~ Hertelier.com

Caribbean Life…

My connection with CHTA has spanned my entire career. The professional support network as well as the exposure that it has provided me has been invaluable to me professionally.  As a Caribbean person, I have always had a very regional and collaborative approach. My role as President of CHTA really helped to strengthen my belief that while we are the most tourism-dependent region in the world, we are also the most desirable, resilient, creative, and genuinely hospitable. There is no place else like the Caribbean!

~ Hertelier.com

Life Lessons…

I think that the biggest personal lesson that I learned coming out of the pandemic is that I am much stronger and more resilient than I believed.  I have always been a creative thinker, but the pandemic forced me to really look at our operation in a completely different way and that has given rise to a number of initiatives that I believe will continue to serve us well long after this is behind us. 

~ Hertelier.com

Happy International Women’s Day To All Women, Everywhere!

Keeping The Kids Happy!

Lil Dippers Kids Club & Shore Break Teen Lounge are cool in many ways.

When the kids need a cooling-off break, our fully air-conditioned Lil Dippers Kids' Club and Shore Break Teen Lounge offer age-appropriate schedules packed with outdoor games, pool time and beach activities, as well as supervised indoor R&R, with computers, video games, TV and DVD players, board games, toys, puzzles and crafts.

Staffed by our warm, professional kids' club team, you'll relax all the easier in the knowledge that the younger members of the family are happily - and productively - engaged.

During the school holidays, our extended hours mean movie nights and other treats for the kids, and we also have a babysitting service available at nominal cost, so young-at-heart adults don't have to miss all the evening fun.

There's a warm welcome, safe practices, and activities for every kid to enjoy during their stay at Sea Breeze Beach House.

Ssshh! Turtles Nesting

Protecting Turtles At Sea Breeze Beach House & South Beach Hotel

Sea Turtles are protected in Barbados because the species is endangered, so we feel privileged that Sea Breeze Beach House and South Beach Hotel are both located close to turtle nesting sites.

Our beautiful island is home to three species of turtles: Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback, which visit our shores to nest all year round, and during the summer months, mother turtles visit and lay up to 100 turtle eggs in the sand.

Why do they return also has a fascinating answer, as the female turtles from different islands tend to have varied immune genes, suggesting that returning to their island of birth to breed is associated with the advantages in parasite resistance and diseases.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, once we've observed the signs of a turtle nesting - or sometimes the miraculous event itself - it can take 2-4 days for hatchlings to make their way up to the surface, and they usually emerge at night when it's dark. 

Ocean Hotels Barbados Group is working with the Sea Turtle Project, who give the following advice for guests who happen on these wonderful creatures.

• Avoid touching nesting turtles or picking up baby turtles.
• Never shine a light or use flash photography as the laying mother or hatchlings will become disoriented.
• Guests who see any turtles on our beach should contact the Hotel Front Desk.
• A note for the general public: Anyone who thinks a turtle or hatchlings are in trouble should call the Barbados Turtle Hot Line +1 (246) 230 0142

Kadooment Soon Come!

Remembering Bajan Crop Over

The National Cultural Foundation of Barbados calls Crop Over “the sweetest Summer festival”, but explains the complexities of its origins and history as a uniquely Barbadian festival that “emerged out of the tensions in the meeting and merging of the island’s British and West African heritage,” referring to the sugar plantations on which the original seed of the event was sown.

By the mid-20th century, our annual celebration had started evolving into a ‘carnival’ style, with a world of artistry competing in the creation of costumes, music and sense of fun generated every July, until the big finale exploded onto the streets of Barbados.

According to Loop Barbados way back in 2014: 'Kadooment Day is the culmination of the Crop Over season, and is held on the first Monday of August. Kadooment is a Bajan word, and can be defined as “a big occasion filled with fun and merriment.”'

A glittering parade of elaborately costumed revellers winds through the streets, organised in "bands" led by massive music trucks which fill the air with the nation’s favourite calypso and soca rhythms. Barbados has produced worldwide musical superstars such as Alison Hinds, Krosfyah and Faddah Fox, whose greatest hits have often acted as the backtrack to Crop Over.

With the booming music spurring on the revellers dressed in their beautifully decorated costumes, the energy and atmosphere of Kadooment Day is simply thrilling! Locals, expats and visitors young and old love to be a part of this massive, grand occasion, including our most famous daughter of the soil, Rihanna, who has helped bring our Bajan cultural heritage to the world through her passion for Crop Over.

So until next time, we’d like to share some colourful memories of the special Kadooment celebration at our sister hotel Sea Breeze Beach House, which is usually held at the end of August.

Click HERE to experience the vibe on YouTube!

Chefette To Champers

Five Dining Choices Just Steps Away From South Beach

Although South Beach Hotel is known for its spacious suites with well-kitted kitchens, we know from our guests that one of the attractions of staying with us is the ease of dining out in the heart of Hastings’ popular Rockley Beach [214 steps from South Beach]. Regardless of budget, there are super restaurants and bars scattered within walking distance, offering everything from local fast-food favourites to beachside fine-dining.

Take for example our next-door-neighbour, Chefette, which happens to be one of our Bajan food landmarks as well as the home of superstar Rihanna’s favourite local roti. There are fifteen outlets across the island, including a super popular one at Grantley Adams International Airport, and once you’ve tried their chicken roti, you’ll also be an instant fan of this Caribbean classic curry wrap. Open long hours in non-pandemic times, Chefette Rockley [180 steps from South Beach] has a drive-thru for those late night longings.

If a speedy lunch is in your plans, turn right and take about 250 steps to the Quayside Centre, where Just Grillin’ will get your tastebuds excited with its local ingredients and barbecued deliciousness. Established 20 years ago in July, this family-run operation is described as “a very casual restaurant that offers good-tasting grilled food at a reasonable price.” They always work with high quality, fresh ingredients and the result is a local legend around South Beach Hotel.

Very conveniently, right next door at Quayside is dessert central, Chilly Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery, which is open from 11am until 8pm to accommodate all your indulgent urges for delicious frozen concoctions dressed with toppings for every taste.

If you consider excellent sushi for dinner to be worth 782 steps, you’ll be delighted with Naru which for almost ten years has been nestled on the boardwalk at the edge of the waves. An elegant, east atmosphere and photogenically delicious food combine to attract locals and visitors to Hastings for an eclectic menu based on Asian classics with Bajan twists. Try their Sake Mojito for a really interesting fusion of flavours.

And last, but in the busy Rockley area certainly not least, you’ll never regret turning left from South Beach and walking the mere 460 steps it takes to reach Champers, set in a chic, laid-back Caribbean atmosphere with breath-taking views of the water’s edge. According to those who know: “Our menus are comprehensive and captivating. Our dishes are uniquely authentic; international with bold intense Caribbean flavours, complimented by a simple presentation with an emphasis on fresh, quality and local ingredients.”

Kids under fourteen enjoy a menu designed specifically for them, making Champers the perfect family ‘big-night-out’!

A stay at South Beach can include self-catering in your suite’s spacious and efficient kitchen, but when it comes to eating out, we have lots of recommendations for every taste and budget.