Although she found Barbados and Nevis to be culturally similar, Erica said it was the small differences that stood out most. She enjoyed the warmth of Barbadian hospitality, hearing locals say “yes please”.
The “Win a Trip to Barbados” competition gave Erica Doras-Pemberton the getaway she had hoped for, having entered with the firm belief she would win.
Her faith paid off when the Nevisian and her husband, Winston, were rewarded with a five-night, six-day Barbados escape courtesy of TEMPO Networks, interCaribbean Airways and Divi Southwinds Beach Resort.
Drawn from thousands of entries submitted across the Caribbean, the 32-year-old said she was most looking forward to creating new memories in Barbados, an island she had visited once before, while introducing her husband to it for the first time.
She also anticipated travelling with interCaribbean Airways, documenting the trip through photos and videos for their children back home, experiencing the resort and celebrating the couple’s first wedding anniversary, which they marked on June 29.
Over their six-day stay, which concluded on Wednesday, July 8, the couple embraced everything from quiet moments at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort to island tours and scenic stops across Barbados. Their sightseeing included stops at Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown and her residence on the island’s Platinum Coast, both of which Erica described among the highlights of the trip.
As someone who describes herself as a “nature lover,” Erica said one of the highlights was visiting the point where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Watching the landscape change where the two bodies of water converge left a lasting impression, while learning more about Barbados’ history deepened her appreciation for the island.
Although she found Barbados and Nevis to be culturally similar, Erica said it was the small differences that stood out most. She enjoyed the warmth of Barbadian hospitality, hearing locals say “yes please”, and noticed traditions, such as Christmas ham being enjoyed throughout the year.
More than anything, the getaway gave the couple much-needed uninterrupted time together, providing a welcome break from the demands of their everyday lives. Winston, a security officer, and Erica, a junior clerk, made time to unwind, spending quiet moments at the resort and exploring St Lawrence Gap at a more leisurely pace.
Erica summed up Barbados in three words: “unforgettable”, “beautiful” and “welcoming”. As the couple prepared to head home, she thanked the organisers for the opportunity and said she would definitely be returning to Barbados, this time with her family.
“Our experience here in Barbados… it was very interesting. It’s going to be an unforgettable one…
We’re going to look back at the pictures and we’re going to say, ‘Do you remember when we went here?’,” she said.
Sales and Marketing Manager at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort Gercine Simmons-Layne said the campaign highlighted the value of introducing new visitors to Barbados through regional partnerships.
“Hosting the winner of this giveaway reminded us why we love what we do. As a friendly resort close to the beach and almost everything on the island, Divi Southwinds All Suite Resort is a natural fit for a first trip to Barbados.
“TEMPO Networks has a strong connection to Caribbean audiences, and it was exciting to welcome someone new to Barbados. We hope this is the first of many trips back.”
