The Maldives vs Barbados: which island paradise is truly the best?

The Maldives or Barbados? Just saying their names can ease even the most stressed-out minds.

Choosing between the two means reflecting on what you seek from a tropical getaway. Do you prefer exquisite dining over amazing diving? Lavish resorts over refreshing rum? Serenity over thrilling watersports?

What you definitely want to avoid is any extra stress, so we’ve enlisted two writers to champion their ideal paradise. It’s time for a showdown!

The Maldives vs Barbados: which destination is right for you?

It’s a clear winner – head to the Maldives!

Fiona Tapp, a British travel writer residing in Canada, has a passion for the Indian Ocean. She has extensively explored various atolls and islands in the Maldives, and here’s why she believes life is too brief to miss out on this paradise...

With over 1000 coral islands scattered like shimmering jewels across 27 atolls, the Maldives is a must-choose destination. Whether you opt to stay on one of the 188 inhabited islands or island-hop, you’ll receive a warm, celebrity-like welcome. Expect frangipani garlands, a refreshing ruku raa (coconut palm toddy), and the vibrant sounds of traditional Boduberu drums.

You can traverse many of the islands on foot, enhancing the feeling of seclusion, almost as if you’ve been shipwrecked in paradise. What a stroke of luck!

The Maldives provides the quintessential beach getaway that many have dreamed of throughout their lives. With opulent 5-star resorts and over-water villas like Sun Siyam Iru Veli, you simply descend a ladder from your villa into the Indian Ocean. Many resorts even offer day passes for non-guests, allowing you to enjoy their amenities at a reduced rate.

After indulging in private pools and butler service (as if!), venture beyond the villas to explore the Maldives. Local islands like Maafushi boast stunning beaches and clear waters with a more relaxed atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the local culture. Don't miss other treasures like Vaadhoo, famous for its bioluminescent beach, and Goidhoo, a hotspot for divers.

Dive into the clear waters, and it's easy to understand why the Maldives attracts so many divers. The enchanting, crystalline waters host some of the world's most stunning coral gardens. Snorkelers can observe over 2000 species of fish, moray eels, and various rays. There’s also terrestrial wildlife, including garden lizards and flying foxes (fruit bats), which are as prevalent as birds but boast wingspans reaching nearly 1.5 meters (5 feet).

Although the Maldives has an abundance of fresh fish and coconuts, it relies heavily on imported food. Nevertheless, locals creatively utilize these ingredients. For breakfast, savor mas huni (a mix of shredded coconut, tuna, chilies, and onions) served with roshi (flatbread), or as a filling in masroshi (chapatis) or bajiyaa (samosas).

Numerous resorts in the Maldives have adopted conservation initiatives to safeguard this stunning region. They employ sustainability officers and marine biologists to educate guests and encourage environmental practices like coral planting. However, the most poignant reason the Maldives stands out in this travel debate is clear: the low-lying archipelago is facing an uncertain future. Climate experts predict that by 2050, up to 80% of the Maldives could be submerged due to rising sea levels. So visit while you can; it will be worth it.

Barbados has to be the winner – here’s why.

Nasha Smith hails from St. Lucia but considers the entire Caribbean her home, having spent significant time in Barbados, Martinique, St. Vincent, Dominica, and beyond. She co-authored Dinogo Planet's guidebook on Caribbean Islands and often dreams of Chefette's chicken and potato roti from Barbados.

Not all islands are equal – just look at Barbados. Like many eastern Caribbean islands, it boasts stunning beaches and warm, azure waters. Yet, in addition to its serenity, it pulsates with a vibrant culture filled with dancehall, calypso, and soca music; lively festivals; some of the finest rum in the Caribbean; and a richly spiced culinary scene that ranges from beachside fry shacks to upscale dining establishments.

Few islands can compare, especially when it comes to the beaches. Just take a look at the exquisite Crane Beach on the eastern side. This soft stretch of blush sand is kissed by warm turquoise waves. After a delightful day of unwinding here, I love to retreat to the Crane Resort perched on the cliffs at sunset, watching the golden sun dip into the sea as the ice melts in my Pink Sand Martini (vodka, passionfruit puree, strawberry jam, lime, and cinnamon syrup).

Further along the coastline, the lively waves of Bathsheba are not for the timid (though surfers thrive here), but nestled among the stunning rock formations are natural pools known as the Bathsheba Pools, resembling nature's Jacuzzis. The hike to these pools is definitely worth it, as few tourists ever make it this far.

They also miss out on Bottom Bay, another favorite of mine. Surrounded by towering coral cliffs, this hidden cove boasts pale pink sands and is the perfect spot for a relaxing beach day with a good book and a picnic. That's the charm of Barbados—visits here are rejuvenating. The island is relatively flat compared to its neighbors, and some of its secret beauty lies beneath the surface.

Consider Harrison's Cave, an underground limestone wonder featuring breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. As you venture through its magical streams and waterways, it feels like stepping into a different realm. Similarly, in St Lucy, the Animal Flower Cave offers a geological marvel with rock “windows” overlooking the expansive Atlantic. Its tranquil saltwater lake provides a peaceful escape from the lively world above.

But you won't want to miss out on that vibrant life either. Just a hint of Bajan cuisine, which beautifully blends African, Creole, Indian, Portuguese, Indigenous, Irish, and British influences, and you'll be captivated. While many restaurants serve international dishes, my West Indian heart craves the local fare—freshly caught fish, spicy curries, ripe plantains, macaroni pie, sweet potato, cassava, and souse (a pickled pork specialty).

As the birthplace of rum, Barbados proudly showcases the Mount Gay Distillery, the world's oldest rum producer. Sampling their premium rums is an essential part of any culinary journey. To elevate the experience, consider pairing a rum cocktail class with a buffet featuring Bajan favorites. Nothing beats a steaming plate of cou cou (a smooth blend of okra and cornmeal) served alongside lightly fried (or steamed) flying fish in a herby tomato broth, all enjoyed with a refreshing glass of rum. Head to Mustor's Restaurant in Bridgetown for the ultimate take on this beloved national dish.

I rarely endorse fast food, but Chefette is the notable exception. A true Bajan experience isn’t complete without indulging in their soft roti filled with curried meats and aromatic Indian spices.

And let's not forget the locals—some of the finest in the world. To 'lime' means to hang out with friends, and Barbados offers countless spots to do just that. Just a short walk from the beach in Oistins Bay Gardens, you'll encounter vibrant music, lively dancing, and a variety of craft stalls, all accompanied by the mouthwatering scent of fresh fish grilling nearby.

The weekly Oistins Fish Fry, usually happening on Friday nights, embodies the spirit of Barbados. This seafood festival features an array of tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, swordfish, flying fish, shrimp, and lobster, all expertly seasoned and grilled or fried to perfection. Enjoy a chilled Banks beer or a strong rum punch as you dive into the festive atmosphere.

Just a few minutes away lies St Lawrence Gap (affectionately called The Gap), a vibrant stretch of land less than a mile long, renowned for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The area truly comes alive at night, especially on the western side, where you'll find numerous restaurants and clubs. Enjoy street food and refreshing coconut water before heading to the boardwalk for breathtaking sunset views. Believe me, you'll never tire of the stunning sunsets.

Every trip to Barbados offers fresh adventures: a leisurely walk along Rihanna Drive to appreciate the community that nurtured a global superstar; enjoying panoramic views from Gun Hill Signal Station; snorkeling over shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay; exploring the vibrant Andromeda Botanic Gardens; watching a cricket match at the historic Kensington Oval; or immersing yourself in the vibrant festivities of Grand Kadooment Day.

Barbados continues to astonish with its limitless experiences. I maintain that not all islands are created equal.