Barbados was under British rule from its first settlement in 1627 to its independence in 1966, and these unbroken centuries of dominion left a legacy of proper British heritage. In many ways, the island seems like a tropical England with cottages sitting neatly in well-tended gardens, parish churches gracing every neighborhood, and a hilly area in the northeast called the Scotland District. The English are still present in a small but thriving community of settler's descendants, but England certainly isn't the only nation to have influenced Barbados. More than 70% of the islanders are of Af ... More
Spacious submarine excursion allows passengers to comfortably view the wonders and beauty of marine life 150-feet below the water’s surface.
The Sandy Lane Hotel has been designed to replicate the beautiful Palladian architecture of the original and is set on one of the finest white sand beaches on the west coast of Barbados.
Set on 12 soothing garden acres, this family-owned resort is one of the Caribbean's best. Enjoy pools, a palm beach, water sports, impeccable service, gourmet fare, & many more comforts.
Refined, graceful, and luxurious couples-oriented resort dating from the 1940s – This elegant and enchanting luxury beachfront hideaway, on 15 lush secluded acres, captures the warmth and style of a Barbadian home. It draws an international clientele and is popular with celebrities and British royalty. Golf on exclusive courses, play tennis on lighted courts, snorkel amid colorful marine life, and revel in the glorious sunshine. NOTE: The resort is for adults only from November through April.
Brand new, family-oriented luxury high-rise opens onto 2 white-sand beaches – Hilton’s newest Caribbean resort is minutes from both the island’s cosmopolitan capital city and the vibrant neighborhood of St. Lawrence Gap (which boasts numerous beachfront bars, clubs, and shops). Highlighting the property is a multi-level, free-form pool adorned with waterfalls, rock formations, palms, whirlpools, and infinity edges, that winds toward 2 pristine beaches. The hotel also contains excellent business facilities.
All-Inclusive, beachfront village with a family friendly atmosphere – Fronted by a 1-mile stretch of white sand beach, this family friendly All-Inclusive offers a diverse, varied program of amenities and activities that appeal to both children and parents alike. Self-contained, but much more intimate than a mega-resort, the sprawling 32-acre property was formerly occupied by a sugar plantation, and an 18th-century stone sugar mill still stands.
All-Inclusive village offers Adults-only side to a family-friendly beachfront – Located near a historic sugar mill on the north end of the 32-acre property, this adults-only village is ideal for romantic couples and families with teenagers (over the age of 16). Guests here enjoy a subdued atmosphere, a white sand beach, and exclusive access to their own swimming pools.
One of the best-loved hotels in the Caribbean, the intimate and comfortable Cobbler's Cove is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. The suites are tastefully decorated in English style.
Elegance & Old World charm define this secluded retreat perfect for honeymooners and other couples. Stroll through tropical gardens, swim in freeform lagoon pools, dive, snorkel & more.
Secluded, colonial-style resort built on a cliff overlooking beach – Established in 1887, this is the Caribbean's first resort. Set on a cliff overlooking a pink-sand beach, the original buildings remain intact, and the view is just as dramatic as it was over a century earlier. The property has been vastly expanded and improved, but the Old World charm remains intact. Once a vacation spot of the world's rich and famous, the resort continues to drawn a discerning clientele, and in 2007 received Barbados's Pillar of Tourism Award.
The House at Tamarind is a small luxury property with a tranquil atmosphere, unique setting and is located at Paynes Bay, St James, on the west coast of Barbados with many facilities.
Barbados was under British rule from its first settlement in 1627 to its independence in 1966, and these unbroken centuries of dominion left a legacy of proper British heritage. In many ways, the island seems like a tropical England with cottages sitting neatly in well-tended gardens, parish churches gracing every neighborhood, and a hilly area in the northeast called the Scotland District. The English are still present in a small but thriving community of settler's descendants, but England certainly isn't the only nation to have influenced Barbados. More than 70% of the islanders are of African descent, and the more flamboyant, rich African heritage also pervades local life. Even the language is affected, with the Queen's English as the official tongue, but the colorful local patois as the common language.
The people, known as Bajans, are quick-witted and fun-loving with a gift for double entendre that's immortalized in their literature and calypso music. Sugarwas the primary industry from the 1600s until the 1980s, and it remains a powerful influence today, though the fishing industry and tourism have become major players. In the 19th century, this island was "the sanatorium of the West Indies," hosting British sufferers of "the vapors," a depressed or hysterical nervous condition. The 21st century doesn't often see "the vapors," but the need for Barbados' perfect climate and unhurried life is stronger than ever!
New York City 4.25 hrs
Miami 3.5 hrs
Philadelphia 6.25 hrs
Boston 6 hrs
Los Angeles 9 hrs
Chicago 6.75 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 6.75 hrs
San Francisco 9.5 hrs
Bridgetown: This city of 7,500 is the Barbadian capital and home to the University of West Indies. Interesting historic sights include Trafalgar Square, a ship repair yard, and an 18th-century cathedral. The small but bustling city is one of the liveliest capitals in the Caribbean. Southwest Coast
Christ Church: At the southernmost tip of Christ Church is Silver Sands, extremely popular for windsurfing. This resort region is also where you find the charming and historic town of Oistins, the fishing center of the island. South Coast
Holetown: This is the oldest British settlement in Barbados, dating from 1625. It has many resorts, good shopping, and radiant beaches. It was originally named Jamestown after its benefactor, King James I of England, but later acquired the name "Holetown" due to the off-loading and cleaning of ships in the very small channel near town. West Coast
St. Peter: This parish spans Barbados to meet the Atlantic on the east and the Caribbean on the west, where there are many resorts and an active waterfront. Two of the most popular spots in St Peter are the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where the green monkeys of Barbados thrive in a protected environment, and Farley Hill Park's ruins of a grand plantation house. Northwest to Northeast Coasts
Barbados is the most easterly of the Lesser Antilles. The island is small (only 14 miles wide by 21 miles long), made of limestone and relatively flat. The highest point, Mount Hillaby, is 1,100 above sea level. It has a fair share of hills and gullies, thriving with plants and animals. The island is almost entirely surrounded by reefs. To the west are coral beaches made of fine white sand and, to the east, a robust surf pounds a rockier shoreline. The coral structure of the island acts as a natural filter and the water is among the purest in the world.
It is warm and sunny all year with an average daytime temperature of 75°-85°, and slightly cooler nights. The northeast trade winds blow steadily so although the sun is bright, it is not unbearably hot. There are 8-10 hours of sunshine every day and summer's frequent showers are short, quickly followed by more sunshine. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.
High season in the Caribbean runs from mid-December to mid-April. Winter snow sends people flocking south right along with the birds, so make your reservations as early as possible! Low season kicks in from mid-April to mid-December and while there is less scheduled entertainment, nature puts on its best show during this time. The significantly smaller crowds mean you can enjoy it in relative peace and solitude!
Idyllic Caribbean Climate: Barbados is sunnier and drier than the other islands with a balmy, tropical climate cooled by regular sea breezes.
Exceptionally Beautiful Beaches: Some of the Caribbean's finest beaches lie along Barbados' Gold Coast, site of some of the most luxurious hotels in the northern hemisphere. Beaches worth mentioning: Paynes Bay, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach, and Brighton Beach (all open to the public).
Diving & Other Water Sports: Spectacular diving locations abound in Barbados—there are more than two dozen ringing the island's coasts. The western coast's calm waters are the best to explore sunken shipwrecks and coral reefs. Top spots: Bell Buoy on the west coast, for all levels of expertise; Pamir off of Six Men's Bay, the Stavronikita near Silver Bank coral reef, or Carlisle Bay, South of Bridgetown to explore sunken ships. Guests can also enjoy snorkeling, parasailing (available off the beaches of Christ Church and St. James), surfing and windsurfing (best off of the eastern coastline to Barbados' southern tip). For spectators: Independence Classic Surfing Championship at Bathsheba Soup Bowl is an international competition held each November.
Music/Arts: Barbados, with its diverse musical landscape is considered by many to be the music capital of the Caribbean. The island hosts regional and international artists allowing Barbadians and visitors to enjoy a range of musical forms including jazz, R&B, classical, opera, calypso, reggae, and gospel. Barbados is also filled with artistic talent ranging from expert local potters to contemporary fashion designers and abstract artists.
History: Travelers can explore Barbados' unique history, whether they're interested in the culture of the original inhabitants (the Arawak Indians), the story of the invading Carib Indians from Venezuela (who abandoned Barbados around the time the first Europeans sailed into the region) or the island's first European settlement, Jamestown. Some must-see historical sites include the Port Vale Sugar Factory and Museum, which contains an old boiling house with a collection of artifacts, equipment, and photos from the early sugar days. Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip, is a true plantation house dating back to the 1660s and now open for viewing. And no matter what, today's locals, called Bajans, are warm and friendly, making visitors feel instantly welcome.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve: This reserve is located in natural mahogany woods, where you have a unique opportunity to stroll freely through what is primarily a Green Monkey sanctuary. The green monkeys originally came from West Africa about 350 years ago, and today's population is the 75th generation! St. Peter
Harrison's Cave: A unique phenomenon of nature, this cave is an amazing gallery of stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave, and stalagmites emerging from the ground, with waterfalls that form deep emerald pools. The stalactites and stalagmites take thousands of years to grow and, in some places, the two meet in the middle to form a "pillar of time." Expert tour guides provide historical and geological information. St. Thomas
Day Cruises: Cruise through the translucent waters of the west coast to a secluded bay, where you'll spend the day relaxing in a hammock on the beach, snorkeling over coral reefs, and exploring the tropical scenery like a carefree castaway. You might even find yourself on a festive pirate ship that adds calypso music and pirate punch to the mix.
Starlight Party Cruise: Sail into the sunset with dinner and unlimited drinks, as you enjoy fabulous floor shows, and dancing music spun by one of Barbados' hottest resident DJs.
Scuba Diving: The diving in Barbados has everything you dream of--healthy sponges, thriving corals and plant life, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. The barrier reefs, ½ to 2 miles offshore, contain large coral head habitats that lure big animals like the Hawksbill Turtle; fringes and patching reefs are found closer to shore with smaller corals and abundant plant life, as well as a sea horses, frog fish, giant sand eels, and more. There is also an excellent collection of wrecks, with over 200 reported wrecks in Carlisle Bay alone! Most of the popular sites are found along thewest and southwest coasts.
The Baobab Tree: The Baobab tree (also known as the "monkey-bread" tree) was brought to Barbados around 1738 from Guinea. Two of these magnificent trees--with possibly the widest trunks in the Caribbean--grow in Barbados, the largest is found in Queen's Park. It takes 15 adults joining outstretched arms to cover the circumference of its base! Bridgetown
St. Nicholas Abbey: Barbados is home to 2 of the 3 Jacobean Mansions left in the Western Hemisphere. St Nicholas Abbey was built in 1660. Distinguishing features of this elegant and well-preserved mansion include curved Dutch gables, chimney stacks, coral stone finials, and a Chinese Chippendale staircase. St. Nicholas Abbey even has with a wistful tale of romantic tragedy you will learn from your guide! St. Peter
Drax Hall: Built in the 1650s by the Drax brothers, this is one of the earliest and biggest sugar properties in Barbados. Its classic Jacobean architecture features steep gable roofs, corner finials, casement gable windows, and a carved staircase archway. St. George
Morgan Lewis Mill: This is one of the only 2 intact and restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. It includes an exhibit of the processing equipment from a time when the industry was run by wind power. The most surprising architectural feature is the rubble walls comprised of boulders held together with a mixture of egg-white and coral dust (there was no cement when this plantation house was built)! St. Andrew
Jewish Synagogue: Bridgetown's only synagogue was built in the 1660s by 300 Brazilian Jews escaping persecution by the Dutch. They are the ones who introduced sugar to Barbados, and with their help Barbados became one of the world's major sugar producers. It is now a Barbados National Trust building and an active synagogue. Bridgetown
Cannons Galore: The Caribbean is still full of secrets, and one recently revealed is Barbados' collection of 17th-century English iron cannons. To date, more than 400 have been unearthed from gardens, cellars, beaches, buildings, and forts! The gem of the collection is the rarest cannon of its kind, a Cromwell Commonwealth Cannon. Only one other is known to exist and it is held in the Tower of London. St. Michael
Grapefruit Trees at Citrus Paradise: An old Barbadian legend says the grapefruit was created on this island in beautiful Welchman Hall Gully, first recorded in the 18th century. It is a hybrid of the Shaddock and Sweet Orange, and originally named the "Forbidden Fruit." The name was changed to "grapefruit" because it grows in large grape-like clusters. St. Thomas
Barbados has a battalion of European, North American, and local first-class chefs who prepare some of the tastiest meals in the Caribbean. The island is now a prime dining destination, with its recent sweep of the Caribbean Culinary Awards! Chefs use local and imported ingredients to create variations on local delicacies and devise entirely new delights. Together the blend makes for a distinctive Caribbean flavor. In addition, Barbados has a legion of "authentic cuisine" restaurants, where you can enjoy Italian, French, Far Eastern, and other ethnic cooking. The national dish is flying fish and cou-cou, which is like mashed potatoes made from cornmeal and okra covered with an au jus. Roti, a folded pastry filled with spicy potato and meat in a curry sauce, is the Caribbean fast food. Fresh and tasty Seafood is the prime menu item.
Gourmet
The Cliff is an open-air restaurant built into a coral stone cliff set on four levels. The cuisine is sensational "haute" and quickly made this restaurant a premier choice on the island. A combination of West Indian and international flavors leads to new twists on traditional dishes, such as grilled snapper drizzled with three types of coriander sauce. While the selections all seem familiar, creative innovations make them new. St. James
The Terrace Restaurant--Cobbler's Cove is situated at the edge of the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea, a setting perfect for award-winning, quality cuisine that includes the poached fillet of barracuda, lobster consommé with pappardelle paysanne of vegetables, and the fillet of beef bourgigonne with goat cheese dauphinoise, green pea puree, red wine mushrooms and bacon. The Terrace prides itself on its use of local produce and boasts an extensive wine list. St. Peter
Highly Recommended
David's Place by the Sea earns its slogan "Barbadian Dining at Its Best,"as you can always rely on being served delicious, authentic Bajan cuisine. The softly lapping waves of St Lawrence Bay against the pilings of the open-air deck accompany the soft strains of classical music wafting through the air. An extensive wine collection is available and David is always there to make sure your evening is going perfectly. Christ Church
The Restaurant at Southsea is a traditional home that has been fixed with modern interiors and a beautiful veranda overlooking landscaped gardens and a secluded cove. Chef Barry Taylor's food has a Brazilian and Oriental influence, and guests can enjoy dishes including Caribbean lobster tortellini or panfried, fresh New Bedford scallops. The restaurant also boasts an exceptional wine and brandy selection, along with an extensive vintage rum collection. St. Lawrence Gap
Local Flair
The Whistling Frog welcomes you through an open foyer with turquoise green ceramic tiles, a pinkish-white coral lion fountain, and an "island-life" mural. The eating fun begins with an All-You-Care-To-Eat buffet breakfast served from a funky barrow in this pub-style restaurant and sports bar. Pub food includes local favorites such as Pan Fried Flying Fish and their "secret recipe" Jerk Chicken stews. Christ Church
Naniki Restaurant presents tasty Caribbean cooking exquisitely prepared amid eye-popping views of surrounding hills and the Atlantic Ocean. For lunch, diners can try stewed lambie (conch) or seared flying fish fillets, and at dinner, pork loin, grilled snapper, and local black-belly lamb are some of their specialties. On Sundays, Naniki offers a Caribbean buffet. The venue is adorned with rich wooden beams, clay pots, straw mats, stone tiles, and colorful dinnerware. St. Joseph
Romantic
Carambola sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. Its white canopies, white linen, and a hint of gardenia in the open-air dining terrace set the mood. Bearded fig trees and palms sway by your table and every night you can see large rays glide gracefully by to feed on the leftovers thrown to them by the staff. Friendly and attentive service complements the menu of classic French gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean flair and an Asian touch. St. James
Bellini's Trattoria sets the stage for informal yet romantic dining with soft music and waves gently lapping beneath the Mediterranean-style veranda set. Bellini's cuisine is northern Italian with a contemporary flair. Guests can toast the evening with a Bellini cocktail (sparkling wine with a fruit juice splash) and start the meal with antipasto or a homemade pasta dish. Main courses include garlic shrimp, veal parmigiana, and beef tenderloin. Christ Church
The sun has set and the sky is filled with sparkling stars. Time for bed? No way! Barbados has a vivacious nightlife, with everything from discos, to sports bars, to flashy cabarets and dinner shows. Bajan calypso is one of the best and there are plenty of places to find a local band playing it. Don't miss a moonlight cruise with local musicians/DJs pumping the party!
Baxters Road: This street in the capital is where Bajans go "caf crawling," that is, hopping from bar to bar to hear the variety of music being played. The hot spot of the crawl is usually Enid's, especially on weekend nights. Bridgetown
1627 and All That: This impressive and innovative dinner theater combines a history lesson with wonderful entertainment! The absorbing and highly-acclaimed folkloric show includes a cocktail hour, large Bajan buffet, a tour of the museum, and transportation from your hotel. St Michael
Plantation Restaurant and Garden Theatre: The island's foremost showcase for Caribbean Cabaret involves lots of exotic costumes, thrilling choreography, reggae, calypso, fire-eating, limbo, and still more island spectacle. Frequently featured on international TV, this show highlights multiethnic talents like the Yoruba Dancers of Africa, the Zombie Jamboree of the Bahamas, and the Cariocho Festival Latino of Cuba. Christ Church
The Waterfront Café: Hands-down one of the liveliest watering holes on the island. It occupies an early 1900s banana and fish warehouse that now reverberates pulsing music off the walls while the Creole food, beer, and pastel-colored drinks flow endlessly. Alternating live reggae, ragtime, rock, and jazz keep the rhythm fresh. Bridgetown
The Casbah: This exquisite west coast nightclub and bar caters sophistication and comfort. With its Moroccan charm, air-conditioning, refined waiters, and silky throw cushions, you could easily feel like royalty! Rock the Casbah or relax in the Baku Courtyard Bar and Brasserie where great food is served to a friendly mix of locals and visitors. Holetown
Crocodile's Den: Described as the ultimate west coast fun spot, this hip and energetic bar has a congenial atmosphere that's fun for everyone with games like pool, darts, backgammon, and others. You can watch sports on the satellite TV, or just enjoy a tropical drink while listening to live piano music. Croc's also has DJs spinning great tunes spanning 50 years, and salsa lessons every week—cha cha cha! St. James
Barbados International Windsurfing Competition: This event attracts some of the world's best windsurfers, who say that the ride in Barbados is second only to Hawaii! January
Holetown Festival: This week-long event commemorates the landing of the first European settlers in 1627. Festivities include street fairs, a concert by the Royal Barbados Police Band, chamber music in the historic church, a road race, and more. February
Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup: An invitational race where horses from Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and Trinidad & Tobago compete at historic Garrison Savannah. March
Oistins Fish Festival: A celebration of the life and contribution of this fishing town to the island. The day features fishing and fish-boning competitions, boat races, a Coast Guard exhibition, food, arts & crafts, dancing, singing, and road races. April
Barbados Caribbean Jazz Festival: This event in Bridgetown features 3 days of original and traditional jazz music by up-and-comers as well as established stars. May
Crop Over Festival: The island's major national festival celebrates the sugarcane harvest and its hard-working men and women. All over the island, communities participate in fairs, concerts, calypso competitions, cart parades, and other cultural activities. The highlight of the event is the grand costumed parade. June-August
National Independence Festival of Creative Arts: Celebrates independence, achieved in 1966. Artistic competitions in dance, drama, singing, and acting garner much of the attention in this festival, which lasts nearly a month. November
Very casual, loose-fitting natural fibers are the best choice for the tropical weather. Some upscale restaurants or clubs may have a semiformal dress code. Bathing suits and bare feet should be restricted to beach and pool areas. In general it is helpful to note that while Barbados is a fun holiday island, its dress code reflect its conservative British heritage.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Sunburn & Heatstroke: The sun can be harsh, especially in summer, so sunblock and a hat are essential. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
English is the official language, often accented with the charming phrases and lilt of the Bajan accent.
The current runs on 110 volts/50 cycles AC, so you will not need an adapter.
Entry: US citizens must possess a valid passport and return ticket. Visas are not required if traveling from the United States.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Barbados Customs: You may enter the island with duty-free goods equaling 1 liter of potable spirits or wine, 200 cigarettes (one carton) or 100 cigars or 50 cigars and cigarettes not exceeding 230 grams in total. All articles in excess of this exemption will be taxed.
Departure Tax: US$12.50
US Customs: Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts of up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcoholic beverage may be brought in duty free, as well as five cartons of cigarettes.
US Consulate: ALICO Building-Cheapside, Lower Broad Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, phone 246-431-0225
Barbados Tourism Authority: Harbour Road, Bridgetown, Barbados, phone 246 427-2623, fax 246 426-4080, e-mail btainfo@barbados.org
Los Angeles: 3440 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1215, Los Angeles, CA 90010, phone 213-380-2198 or 380-2199 or 800-221-9831, fax 213-384-2763, e-mail btala@barbados.org
Miami: 150 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1270, Coral Gables, FL 33132, phone 305-442-7471, fax 305-567-2844, e-mail btamiami@barbados.org
New York: 800 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017, phone 212-986-6516 or toll-free 800-221-9831, fax 1-212-573-9850, e-mail btany@barbados.org