La Cabane continues to be one of our favourite island hangouts. Where you can sip and dine sinking your toes into the golden sands beneath you, whilst listening to the hypnotic susurration of the sea. This outdoor oasis is nestled between two beautiful sandy beaches: Paradise and Batts Rock.

The co-founder Clement Meniaud demonstrates his architectural-genius with this innovative bohemian design. He has created a dining space that both complements and integrates with its natural surroundings, utilising natural woods and bamboo. 

You enter through the iconic bamboo archway along a torch-lined entrance that opens up to reveal the otherwise concealed restaurant. This combined with the modern branding and rustic artwork signage makes this one of the most instagrammable places on the island.

After a lazy day at the beach, we like to drop by and treat ourselves to a few of La Cabane’s signature cocktails – my favourites being the Spicy Mango Margarita and their classic Rum Punch Lotion. They have some gorgeous detox offerings to quench the thirst, such as Lime In The Coconut and Carotene Concoction which includes fresh ingredients such as carrot, passion fruit, ginger and coconut water – a taste sensation. The local breadfruit chips with hummus are great appetisers to have with drinks to help pace yourself!

The Mediterranean-style menu uses the freshest ingredients, with lots of organic salads, locally caught fish and mouthwatering farm to table rotisserie meats. There is live music and DJs most evenings during the peak season, or a screen showcasing international sports matches or black and white films – it’s always a relaxed atmosphere to kick back and unwind.

My son amuses himself rocking in the hammock and swings around the dining space. And the bar staff take delight in mixing up fruit cocktails for him whilst he perches on a swing at the bar. As the location is on the beach, he often entertains himself building sandcastles and taking a dip in the sea. It is a safe, fun, friendly-family environment.

If visiting between July and October during the hawksbill turtle hatching season, like us, you may be fortunate enough to witness baby hatchlings breaking free from their shells, as the mothers are known to nest in this area each year.

The hatchlings often emerge from their nests on the beach in the evening from 6pm to 6am and you will see them scurry towards light – trying to navigate the direction of the sea. Due to the bright lights from the restaurant the turtles are likely to be disorientated, so often the staff will capture and contain them to keep them safe from predators – such as crabs eagerly waiting to feast on them.

The Barbados Sea Turtle Project team will arrive and take the turtles away to release them into the sea when they are a little older, to increase their chances of survival. This is necessary, as the tragic statistics reveal that only one in a thousand hatchlings will survive to adulthood.

La Cabane have wellness weekends with yoga classes and delicious nutritious breakfasts to kick start your day.

On the last Sunday of each month, La Cabane organises a beach clean up morning, providing you with gloves and bags to clean up the surrounding beaches, playground and car park areas.

In return they provide you with a delicious complimentary breakfast, Wyndhams coffee (the best coffee I’ve sampled on the island), a bottle of Eco Sky Water and a free gift from Aspiga.

This socially responsible community project earns them, and their sustainable brand partners, some great green credentials. We love to take part in such community initiatives to keep our beaches and oceans litter free.

Due to the success of their west coast venue, the owners Jules and Clement have opened La Cabane south, an equally beautiful setting.

THE SPECIFICS

Menu: There are two different menus available: Breakfast Menu and Lunch/Dinner Menu. Alongside, a fairly extensive list of drinks.

Pricing: Expect to pay $20bds + for breakfast / $35bds + for mains / $20bds + for cocktails.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday: 12pm to 11pm, Saturday 8am to 11pm, Sunday: 8am to 10pm. (Monday – Closed). Times may vary dependent on season, so please make reservations beforehand by email info@lacabanebarbados.com or by calling +1 246 256 2131.

Parking: Free parking is available at Batts Rock Beach.

Facilities: There are some good, clean public washrooms with outdoor showers just behind La Cabane. As the restaurant is open until late, these facilities are open into the evening for everyone to use.

Location: Batts Rock Beach, St James, Barbados.