Barbados is an island steeped in culture and a little mystery. The Arawaks were wiped off the map by the Spanish, leaving little behind, and from the 1600’s onwards, English traditions mixed with the legacy of slave culture. Barbados became a vibrant yet quaint version of the Home Counties, treating the world with exports of sugar and rum. Today the most famous export is amazing Rihanna.
Barbados means the ‘bearded ones‘ in Spanish which possibly refers to the fabled indigenous Arawaks, the sea splashed reefs or the long roots of the abundant bearded fig trees. Whatever its origins, Barbados today belies its name offering the visitor everything from well-groomed visitor attractions and stunning beaches to razor-sharp nightlife, cuisine and entertainment.
When the sun goes down, the Barbados scene starts to sizzle. Stroll amongst the rum shops and stalls of Baxter’s Road or meander from bar to bar along “The Gap”.
For some delicious seafood, and on Friday night in particular, the thing to do is visit the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens where there’s a great selection to choose from. Get your fish grilled or fried depending on which vendor takes your fancy – it’s all cooked on the spot in front of you. Barbadians love to party all year round, but the biggest festival is Crop Over which takes place in July with an explosion of calypso and Soca – a true Barbadian celebration.
For the ladies and those itching to spend, head for Holetown and browse through the brightly coloured Bajan boutique shops, and for those international luxury brands you’ll find all the big-name designers at Lime Grove shopping mall.
Barbados is often dubbed the “Little England of the Caribbean”, which is not surprising as it has seaside towns with names like Dover, Hastings and Folkestone. However, there are gardens too – horticulturalist Anthony Hunte has created and cares for one of the finest gardens in the Caribbean. Take a stroll around the delightful gardens and you may meet Anthony himself. His brilliant stories are as colourful as the plants, flowers and trees which he’s cultivated here in the heart of the rainforest.
From safe coves to a surfers’ paradise, Barbados has a necklace of over 70 miles of sandy beaches & shoreline. Take a trip south to Bottom Bay and Crane Beach or stroll along the Boardwalk. For a different side of the island, head to the east coast – hire a jeep and explore the rugged Atlantic coast. Sleepy local villages & deserted beaches are in abundance and don’t miss out the main fishing village of Bathseba in St Joseph.
Garrison Savannah Racecourse is a dead cert for a winning day out. Races are all year round & usually held every other Saturday so check the times and dates before making heading out. This racecourse is the largest & best in Barbados and host to the Barbados Gold Cup each March. You don’t need to be a serious player to enjoy the Turf Club – just chill out and soak up the atmosphere, sights and sounds.
Step back into 17th-century lifestyle as you enter the gates of the magnificent Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey. This grand plantation house and its grounds are bursting with antiques, exotic fruits and flowers. The rum is still produced using the original pot still method. It’s a fascinating insight into early (wealthy) Barbadian life.
Barbados Local Time
-4 Hours GMT
Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay.
Highest Average: 31°
Lowest Average: 22°
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