Welcome to DesBNet - Barbados

No. of Visits 1 - Last Visited 1996

General

"What would you do if you won the National Lottery?"
Many people might say "I'd love a holiday in Barbados".

With it's fine weather, and luxury Hotels, Barbados has become a favourite haunt of the "Jet-Set", especially around Christmas time. However, it needn't cost you a fortune to stay there.

Geography

One of the "Windward Isles", Barbados is the most eastern of the Caribbean islands. With the Atlantic Ocean pounding the East coast, this side tends to be dramatic, rugged & bracing. The West coast, however, is gently lapped by the azure waters of the Caribbean ocean, and protected by a reef, ensuring the powdery white beaches that have become synonymous with the Island. The land is divided in to Parishes whose names would be instantly recognisable the any U.K. holiday-makers.

Climate

The period from December to June boasts the Dry season, although the remaining months are mainly only punctuated by some brief rain showers. The subtropical climate is given a welcome respite by sea breezes, and Barbados is sunnier and drier than many of it's neighbouring islands.

History

The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1536, and became a British colony in 1627 (until 1966). Barbados is now an independent state, yet still a member of the British Commonwealth. Sugar Plantations were previously the Island's main source of income, though this has now been replaced by Tourism.

Language & Culture

English is the official language spoken here, though many inhabitants speak the local Bajan Patois. Bajans have a relaxed "Soon Come" attitude to almost everything, so it is best just to Chill Out and enjoy yourself. Cricket is played on just about every spare piece of land (or beach!) that can be found.

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation in Barbados is of a very high standard indeed. Some of the most exclusive  resort Hotels in the world can be found on the West Coast (Sandy Lane, The Westmoreland, The Royal Pavilion, Glitter Bay, etc.), though the prices reflect their status. There are many other high standard, though more affordable Hotels to be found on the West Coast. The South provides more relaxed lodgings, around the area of St .Lawrence's. If something a little less formal is more your style, there are lots of 2 & 3* hotels around which cater for most tastes. To the East is Sam Lord's Castle, now a fine hotel, but formally a defensive outpost. A wide range of Self - Catering Studios & Villas can be rented throughout Barbados.  Overall, the Island caters for most types of holidaymaker, suiting all budgets.

Sight Seeing

There are a great many things to do & see on this small, but interesting destination. Inland activities include visits to Rum Distilleries, the amazing Flower Forest, and old Sugar Plantations. The coastal areas provide great water sports, Submarine trips to view the Coral Reefs, Booze Cruises on "The Jolly Roger" Pirate ship, and the Fish market at Oistins. Windswept "North Point" is where the Atlantic ocean meets the Caribbean, and where the Animal Flower Caves are found. The capital, Bridgetown, is home to some impressive colonial architecture.

Beaches

The best beaches are confined to the exclusive West Coast, though the South of the Island should not be dismissed. Northern & Eastern shorelines are, on the whole, fairly rugged & rocky with stiff Atlantic breezes.

Local Transport

The local bus services are extremely extensive, good value, frequent. Taxis are many, and generally, not too expensive, though it is best to agree a price with the driver before commencing your journey.

Night Life

St. Lawrence's Gap is home to a large number of Bars & Nightclubs. Reggae music is high on the play-lists of the local D.J.'s. There is also an extremely highly-rated annual Jazz festival.

Restaurants

Fine cuisine is not the sole preserve of the hotels here, as there are a great many good restaurants around Barbados. Specialties include Seafood, and the local "Jerk" Chicken & Pork

Shopping

Tax Free shopping is extensive in Bridgetown, with a wide variety of products available.

Car Hire

Car Hire can be arranged through most hotels, and many major Car Rental firms have outlets on the Island.

Getting There

Grantley Adams International Airport is towards the South-East of Barbados. Barbados is served by most Major international carriers. Flying time from London is approx. 8 hours. There are weekly direct Concorde flights from London Heathrow with British Airways during the High Season.