SANKOFA WELLNESS PROJECT
Are you ready for a vacation that engages your kids, gives you a chance to take a much-needed break, and brings your whole family closer together?
Then join us in Barbados for a week of adventure, cultural immersion, and culturally empowering storytelling. Your family won’t just visit Barbados — you’ll experience it in a way that empowers you long after you return home.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accra Beach Hotel
Four-star
Beachfront
Family-Friendly
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Prime beachfront setting on one of Barbados’ most popular swimming beaches
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Family-friendly amenities including pools, on-site dining, and easy beach access
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Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere ideal for multigenerational travel
* Prices are subject to change due to availablity
Speak to our travel team for a list of room options
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Snorkeling & Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
This classroom on the sea captivates all generations as you're introduced to an entirely new world beneath the sea. The glass-bottom boat allows for stunning underwater views before you even get in the water, or for those who choose not to get in.
Snorkeling in Barbados offers an up-close encounter with tropical fish, sea turtles, and the island’s breathtaking coral gardens. This adventurous yet safe activity is an ideal family bonding experience that also reduces stress and anxiety, while promoting mindfulness and a deep appreciation for nature.
DAY 2
Harrison's Cave & Eco-Adventure Park
Harrison’s Cave is one of Barbados’ most famous natural wonders, a massive underground cave system with limestone formations, flowing streams, and towering stalactites and stalagmites. The Eco Adventure Park surrounding the cave offers zip-lining, nature trails, and an aviary filled with colorful birds, blending history with adrenaline-filled fun.
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This activity is a perfect blend of education and adventure. Step out of your comfort zone and boost your endorphins in this multi-faceted outdoor adventure. And nourish your curiosity while gaining a fascinating history lesson about caves that the Indigenous Arawaks revered prior to the arrival of European colonists. ​
DAY 3
Atlantis Submarine
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure as we board the world-famous Atlantis Submarine. Together, we'll descend more than 100 feet underwater to explore vibrant coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and the hiddlen world beneath Barbados' crystal-clear waters - all from the comfort and safety of a real submarine.
This bucket-list experience doesn't require swimming. It's perfect for all generations - kids, teens, parents and grandparents. It's equal parts excitment and education, offering families the chance to witness marine life up close while learning about ocean conservation and the island's ecosystem, this time with breathtaking views beneath the Caribbean Sea as opposed to the view previously had in the island's cave.
This is the kind of moment your family will talk about for years - a true highlight of our Sankofa Wellness journey, and one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip.
DAY 4
George Washington House & Garrison Tunnels
Few people know that George Washington, the first U.S. president, visited Barbados in 1751—the only foreign country he ever traveled to before returning to Virginia. His stay left a lasting impact on his military and medical knowledge. He was not only exposed to the brutality of slavery and the economic dependence on slave labor; Washington also contracted and healed from smallpox while on the island, earning a natural immunity that ended up protecting him from the disease that ravaged the colonial army during the Revolutionary War. The history lover in you may enjoy exploring in the tunnels beneath the historic Garrison area which provided shelter for soldiers and played a role in Barbados’ colonial defenses.
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Our visit to this historic site will help you form an appreciation for the unique connection between American and Barbadian history.
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DAY 5
Free Day
Enjoy a day at your own pace. This unscheduled day allows families to rest, explore, or enjoy the resort and surrounding area as they choose.
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Guests may use this time to relax at the beach or pool, explore local shops and restaurants, or participate in optional activities independently.
DAY 6
Horse Grooming & Grounding
Your final excursion blends relaxation, confidence-building, and cultural education all in one: grounding with horses. Horses have played a major role in Barbadian culture, from plantation-era agriculture to modern-day polo and horse racing. In this activity, kids and adults can learn how to groom, feed and ride these magnificent animals in a safe, supportive environment.
Hands-on interaction and bonding with horses is a relaxing way for busy, individuals with otherwise demanding lives to slow down and experience mindful connection and tranquility with these gentle animals. This is a perfect conclusion to your seven day trip of Joy and Relaxation in Barbados.
Itinerary is subject to change
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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7 nights stay at Accra Beach Hotel
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Daily cultural and nature excursions
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Carefully curated family experiences designed for active children, engaged parents, and grandparents
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Transportation for all scheduled excursions
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Trip coordination and concierge-style support
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Roundtrip airport transfers
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
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Airfare
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Meals and beverages
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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Cancellation insurance (available for purchase separately)
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Activities or excursions not on itinerary
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Transportation outside of excursions
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
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Gratuities for drivers, guides or staff
Reinforce Family Ties
Rejuvenate in Nature
Reconnect with Your Roots
WHY BARBADOS?
People often say that this island heals.
In fact, many of those same people return every year to rest and rejuvante from the hectic Western world.
THIS IS WHY WE CREATED THESE TRIPS!
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Barbados is an oasis of peace and calm. Its spectacular beaches, active caves and vibrant forests make this 166 sqare mile island (roughly the size of Atlanta) feel like its own resort. ​​​​
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But the true wealth of Barbados is its people and their rich culture.
"Bajan" or Barbadian people form the heart of the island's charm with their kindness and laid-back way of life.
Not only will you feel like you're at home, but you truly won't want to leave!​
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF
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​​​You want a vacation that's more culturally-relevant than what most cruises and mainstream travel companies offer.
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When spending your hard-earned money, you're committed to supporting businesses that are For Us, By Us. ​
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You need a break from the headlines, the politics, the economy and the stress of the United States.
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Taking some time to digitally detox in nature for a few days sounds like a good idea to you!​​
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​You're ready to build relationships with the Global African family away of the US that last beyond tourism.
THIS TRIP IS NOT
FOR YOU IF
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You want to drop your kids off. Our intergenerational trips are designed for families to participate in activities together.​​​
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Your health prevents you from walking at a regular pace for periods up to 20 - 30 minutes. If you or a loved one may have trouble with physically demanding activities, contact us directly so we can make special arrangements. ​​​​
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A NOTE
FROM OUR FOUNDER
Rufiena Jones
Life in the US can be hectic, especially for professional African American parents juggling our mental and physical health, our careers, social committments and relationships, all while raising our children. Like you, I work tirelessly to provide a great life for my kids, only to find myself in a losing battle with electronic devices, negative cultural influences, and the hectic pace of trying to prepare them for a better future. Add on the stress from work and I'm often exhausted and often overwhelmed.
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So years ago, I started traveling internationally to attend women's wellness retreats where I could spend time in nature, healing my mind, body and soul with like-minded people. I experienced a profound shift in places like Bali, Tulum, Sedona and Louisiana for Essence Fest - only to return home to find my children glued to their devices. While I was healing in nature, my kids were at home moving further away from the natural world. So I vowed to bring them on my quarterly nature therapy trips only to discover that family wellness trips were almost non-existent, expecially ones that would instill cultural pride in young Black boys.
And the Sankofa Wellness Project was born.
