TED'S TOURS

Connnecting Hearts To Barbados

 ​From Speightstown to the rugged east coast, Ted Blades loves to share Barbados. But a trip with Ted’s Tours is not just about seeing the sights. “It’s about about putting the people and the island together, helping them connect,” said Ted. “I want to make them part of the Barbados family – to connect their hearts to Barbados.”

Trip back in time
 

It’s no surprise that a trip on Ted’s Tours is often the highlight of people’s holiday – just check out Coconut Court’s TripAdvisor comments for proof of that. Ted has been guiding tourists around Barbados for 36 years and set up Ted’s Tours 32 years ago. He's part of the Blades family which has owned the hotel for more than four decades.  Favourite stops include Speightstown in the north. “It's a trip back in time,” said Ted. ​“Everything slows right down there… and that suits me just fine. I want people to go at that pace. I want them to slow down. We don’t do a really fast “zip” tour otherwise you don’t get to savour the flavour. I give people the chance to let Barbados soak in.”

Views and pews
 

​You don’t have to beg Ted for a drink either. He makes a simple punch that everyone loves. And return guests are a feature of Ted’s Tours. “I had a couple join me for their golden wedding anniversary. They’d also been on a tour with me for their silver!” Other highlights include Cherry Tree Hill with its rugged coastal panorama and the historic St John's Church where some like to browse for souvenirs, some are mesmerised by the church and others just love the amazing views of the east coast.  

Barbados - like a buffet
 

There's always plenty to explore here and you're not looking over your shoulder, he said. “There are lots of places with sun, sea and sand, but Barbados is special. It's just the right size, still quaint and it’s not so big that you can’t learn it. And of course the people are always smiling and welcoming." People are central to Ted’s philosophy. He loves meeting clients and making their holiday unforgettable. “I had a couple here last season. The wife told me they had to come on my tour… her son recommended it.” Turns out the son had been on Ted’s Tours 23 years ago and hadn’t stopped talking about it! “The island is like a beautiful buffet,” Ted added. “Show people what there is and they’ll take what they want.”

To book a place on Ted's Tours speak to Vaida Blades in the Coconut Court activities centre or contact Ted on +1 (246) 262-8687.  For more information go to www.tedstour.wixsite.com/tedstours.