Barbados
The most easterly of the Caribbean Islands, Barbados extends a welcome as warm as its climate. Nearly 350 years of uninterrupted British rule have left their mark on an island nicknamed "Little England". Its parliament, founded in 1639, is one of the oldest in the British Commonwealth.
Essential Information
Capital: Bridgetown
Telephone Code: 001 246
Population: 264,300
Electricity: 110 Voltage
Size: 294 sq miles
Airport: Grantley Adams International
Currency: Barbados $ Dollar
Departure Tax: BB$ 25.00
Time Difference: GMT -4
Public Holidays: 01 Jan, 21 Jan, 25 & 28 Mar, 28 Apr, 02 May,16 May, 01 & 02 Aug, 30 Nov, 25 & 26 Dec
Overview
Barbados has two distinct faces - the west coast boasts unending palm-fringed beaches of powder white sand, sapphire seas, hotels and fine restaurants. In contrast, the east coast offers rugged headlands pounded by Atlantic waves and a selection of excellent beaches.
Bridgetown is rapidly establishing itself as a serious shopping zone. The Bajan capital is also the base for a wide range of sightseeing tours and activities including day and evening cruises, snorkelling trips and helicopter rides. In recent years Barbados has also earned a reputation as a "fine dining" destination with a wonderful and eclectic choice of world class restaurants to choose from.
Where better to experience your favourite sport be it golf or water-skiing - than in a sun-drenched tropical paradise, lulled by cooling trade winds.
If you are a keen golfer, Barbados is definitely for you. Begin your days with a leisurely early morning breakfast so you can be on the green before the sun gathers strength. A myriad of exotic birds will serenade your quest for a hole in one! After the game, immerse yourself in the warm crystal clear waters that make Barbados so inviting a destination.
Things to see and do
The most developed of our Caribbean islands, Barbados is still a tranquil paradise with year-round sunshine and much to see and do. The island’s best beaches for swimming and relaxing are on the west coast, but surfing fans will enjoy the dramatic landscapes and seascapes of the east coast.
During the evenings, St Lawrence Gap, with its array of bars and restaurants, is a great place to enjoy a lively night out and there are plenty of shopping opportunities in and around the capital of Bridgetown during the day.
Getting Around
Take taxis or hire a car. The Reception staff will be happy to organise this for you.
Harrison’s Cave
Take a tram ride into a subterranean world of stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls. Harrison’s cave is located near the geographical centre of Barbados, in the parish of St. Thomas.
Bridgetown & Bayshore Complex
Broad Street is the main street of Bridgetown and consists mainly of banks, department stores and duty free shops. Just outside of Bridgetown is the Bayshore Complex, a new shopping and leisure development centred around the restored Harbour Police building.
Plantation houses
Many of the grand homes built by the plantation owners are open to the public. Mansions such as Sam Lord’s Castle contain many of their original gilt and mahogany fittings, and you can still see a working sugar plantation on Arbib Nature and Heritage trail.
Wreck diving
If you’ve always wanted to explore a shipwreck, Carlisle Bay is reputed to have 200 wrecks, including four wrecks which are of particular interest - the Berwyn, Eilon, C-Trek and Fox. Contact a dive operator in Carlisle Bay for further details.
Surfing
Barbados is a surfer’s paradise with a range of waves to suit everyone from the most experienced to the absolute beginner, with equipment hire and expert tuition also readily available.
Crop Over Festival
This five-week celebration of the sugar cane harvest takes place during the summer months and features a range of parades and events, with music, fireworks, costumes and food.
