Karibu Garden (Barbados)

Located on the South Coast of Barbados in Hastings, Karibu Gardens is a guest house operation. It is a large compound housing several standalone cottages and a main building with self-contained apartments. I chose a cottage at Karibu Gardens as one of my Airbnbs in Barbados amidst high-stress and anxiety while at the Panama International Airport, read the story here. Little did I know what was in store for me.

I expected to stay in Karibu Gardens for one month while in Barbados for a long visit. I soon felt so at peace and at home in this wonderfully green and quirky establishment that I canceled my next Airbnb.

I ended up staying at Karibu Gardens for four months, left and went to the Commonwealth of Dominica and Grenada, came back, and I am here again. Why? The community; the abundance of trees, plants, and flowers in the compound; the beach is a two-minute walk away; the amazing boutique and spa called Beach + Life on the property; and many more reasons, read on to find out.

I am currently staying at Plum Cottage, where I stayed my first time at Karibu Gardens. When I first arrived, I had salad planted in a pot outside of my door that has long been digested. I could walk around the compound and find green and purple kale and chives, also planted in pots. The kale and chives have been replaced by more plants and flowers. The large cherry tree, from which I picked Bajan cherries when in bloom, still stands. The recycling and composting systems in the compound continue on - in fact, the owner of Live Earth, a composting business, lives in the compound as well. And I cannot forget, the compound also has the perfect spots for yoga.

Photographer: Philip King, Barbados

The compound also has the perfect spot for movie nights underneath the stars.

Karibu Gardens is an oasis of community, peace and relaxation I keep coming back to. Let me show you around; click on the video below.

Cover photo: Plum Cottage

#Barbados