Palm trees, warm breezes and coral reefs in turquoise waters have all come to define the island country of Barbados.

Outdoor adventurers love Barbados for swimming, surfing and touring the island on horseback. And the island’s varied topography—from its quiet, brilliant beaches to its rolling hills along the water—means there’s something for everyone.

What’s particularly special about Barbados is that on the island, people make friends for life, said Geoff Farmer, the Resort Manager at Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort and Residences, as well as at Port Ferdinand Yacht and Beach Club. Whether it’s the taxi driver or a neighbor, the warmth of Barbados’s residents stays with everyone who visits.