A few days in Barbados...and I have released my inner Bajan. I am trying to perfect a rum punch with the same kick as the one I enthusiastically sipped each day on the island. And don't get me started on my craving for Bajan fish cakes, I have never tasted anything so good. You see from the moment I stepped on the shores of this tiny Caribbean island, I immediately fell in love with its authentic culture in a way I could not have anticipated. 

And can you blame me? With temperatures in the high 80s, clear blue waters and striking sandy beaches - thanks to the island's coral make-up - even 'rainy season' which runs during November when I visited Barbados (via a new direct flight from Scotland with Thomas Cook) hardly puts a dampener on things.

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With a population of just over a quarter of a million, Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, and most are named after saints. I stayed in Christ Church, which is situated in the southern end of the island. My hotel was the stunning Southern Palms (pictured) which stands out thanks to its bright pink buildings and beach front location.  The hotel is bang in the centre of the lively Lawrence Gap, and offers direct access to the beach as well as the island's nightlife. 

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Exploring the island, however, is a must for any visitor who truly wants to experience everything Barbados has to offer. I would suggest jumping on board the island safari which costs £60 for adults and £39 for children. The tour guides are real local characters who give the best introduction to the island you could ask for. There is plenty of rum punch on the tour and you get to take in some of the island's best views. This tour is perhaps the best chance to see the contrast between the island's shores, one side is the rough Atlantic best for surfing and the other has characteristics of the cool, calm Caribbean seas. Although Barbados is actually situated in the West Indies, most people still refer to the island as being in the Caribbean.

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If you are a fact geek like me, you will love the little gems of information you learn during the tour including the fact the island has 365 churches. So, effectively you could go to a different church everyday of the year. Religion is as important to islanders as is good quality rum like Mount Gay which is distilled in Barbados. You will find a rum shop across from every church. They are the heart of the community and the local men tend to meet in the rum shops, play dominos and catch up. During the tour, we even spotted a rum shop run by the British middleweight boxer Nigel Benn's auntie. 

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And once you get a taste for rum, like me, it is a must to see how it is made. The Mount Gay Signature Tour gives you an insight into the island's favourite tipple and costs just £6.50 or free for under 12s. You are shown around the factory where the rum is made and I even got to taste the different types of Mount Gay straight. How else could I understand the various levels of maturity?

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As the island is surrounded by water, another fantastic way to soak Barbados in all its beauty is by boat. Taking the Jammin Catamaran Cruise was the highlight of my trip. This is the ultimate party boat and offers unlimited cocktails for £57. You sail off with a sensible breakfast, and you are given the chance to snorkel or jump on the jet skis. Once the water activities are done, the party gets underway with reggae music, dancing crew and free flowing alcohol under a clear blue sky giving you an experience like no other. If you have to do any trip in Barbados, this is it, and we even got at a look at superstar Rihanna's beachside condo (pictured) along the way. 

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The island will celebrate 50 years of independence next year, and with all the activities planned for the event 2016 will be an epic period for Barbados. Its history is very important to islanders and you can learn a little bit more about the past by taking the Garrison Historical Tour. The highlight of the tour is seeing the house former US president George Washington stayed in when he visited Barbados with his sick brother Lawrence. The pair hoped they could find a cure for Lawrence's Tuberculosis and during this tour you learn more of the story. In high season, there is even an opportunity to have dinner with 'George Washington' in the house. The tour costs £31.50 for adults and £25 for children.

You are also shown around St Ann's Fort base at The Garrison and I got to see the original flag which was first raised when Barbados was first declared independent in 1966. Many Bajans don’t even know this flag still exists. On the tour, I also learned that anyone visiting the island should know that wearing camouflage is forbidden as it is the official uniform of the Barbados Defence Force. 

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The island is full of extremes as you travel through the different parishes from the modest makeshift houses built by its residents to the swanky mansions favoured by celebrity holidaymakers such as footballer Wayne Rooney and music mogul SImon Cowell. Soaking it all in is just magnificent and allows you to appreciate the island's authentic beauty. The West coast St James is a must see, it really is a playground for the rich and famous with its high end stores, and famous five star Sandy Lane hotel.

Barbados works as the perfect paradise escape because this is a country that has managed to retain its own identity and culture - even McDonald's failed to persuade Bajans to love the taste of the west, the restaurant left the island after six months. You learn a lot, you experience and you get to meet some of the friendliest people on the planet. The good weather and beauty is just a bonus, the heart of the Bajan people is the real attraction.

Flights:

Glasgow to Barbados  from £298.98 return

Manchester to Barbados from £335 return

*subject to availability

To book visit www.thomascookairlines.com

Accommodation:

Southern Palms Hotel – rooms costs from $200 (£131) on a room only board basis

To book visit http://www.southernpalms.net/

Five places to go in Barbados:

Hal's Karaoke bar: Based in Lawrence Gap, this outside bar is bursting with entertainment and reasonably priced drinks. The owner Hal is a real character and he even sang the Ike parts in my rendition of Tina Turner's Proud Mary - what more could you ask for from a host?

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Dinner at Champers restaurant: Based in Bridgetown, Champers was one of my favourite places to eat on the island. The menu was bursting with choice and there was plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. The service from the staff was exceptional and the diner itself just has a real nice atmosphere with views overlooking the shoreline.

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Lunch at The Restaurant at the Animal Flower Cave: This little gem in St Lucy's is quite the trek but once you see the views on offer you instantly forget your journey to the diner. The restaurant is situated on a cliff and there is the opportunity to explore caves when it is safe to do so. It is quite the spot for romantic proposals too.

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Dinner at Nishi Restaurant: Situated in the plush West coast, this British run eatery has the best sushi on the island. The menu is also packed with British classics for those who are not a fan of raw fish. The diner was also awarded the Trip Advisor's top 10 restaurants in the Caribbean.

Segway tour: I unfortunately did not get a chance to take the tour due to heavy rain but I spotted people around the island doing it when the weather picked up - and it looks amazing. Fun in the sun at just £41.