Blog | Barbados | The Crane Resort

Come for the Location, Stay for the Community: Barbados' Expat Scene

Written by Camille Wiltshire | Jan 20, 2021 4:41:00 PM

A long-stay visitor to Barbados will undoubtedly be interested in cultural immersion and more specifically, in finding their own ‘tribe’ on the island. As such, the question invariably arises - will I be able to find a community of like-minded, friendly individuals with the shared experience of also staying long-term or living on the island? Short answer - yes!

It’s only natural to wonder about Barbados’ expat scene. However, it's important to note that expat circles vary greatly by interest. For example, some persons may prefer to join local charities and volunteer groups while others may prefer to socialize at a beach club or attend competitive quiz nights. Luckily, Barbados has options for all of the above.

For the beach lovers of all ages, a popular haunt for expats is The Barbados Yacht Club on the South coast, close to Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is well-situated, right on the beach with bustling Bay Street Beach at one end and the quieter Pebbles Beach at the other end, while the gentle waves of Carlisle Bay ripple ahead. There is simply nothing that compares to watching a sunset from the deck of the Yacht Club, looking over the bay while pleasure craft and fishing boats dot the seascape as golden hour twinkles on the waves. Another boon of the location is its proximity to Cuz’s Fish Stand, a little food shack known for its legendary fish cutters (sandwiches) - a must try while on island!

Quiz nights were a popular pre-pandemic pastime for some expats and will likely be again in the future, when socialising safely is possible again. Quiz nights were held at Copacabana on the South Coast in Bridgetown. The Barbados Cruising Club and the Rockley Golf & Country Club also hold quiz nights popular with both locals and expats, with their social media pages usually notifying persons of upcoming quiz competitions.

Societies ideal for North American and British female expats include the American Women’s Club and British Women’s Club, both of which have monthly meetings in addition to holding and participating in socials and fundraisers in support of local charities.

Should you stay at The Crane Resort as a long stay visitor, digital nomad or Barbados Welcome Stamp visa holder,  you will also discover the vibrant, cosmopolitan community of residential and fractional owners from all over the world who have made Barbados long stays an annual tradition.

Enjoy resort living perfected with a long-term stay at The Crane in a fully-equipped, ultra-spacious 1, 2 or 3-bedroom residence, with options of private pools and spacious decks for outdoor living - all the conveniences necessary for longer stays!

Long-stay rental rates start from US$3,500/month. For more information or to book now, click here or email residences@thecrane.com.