barbados holidays

about barbados holidays

 

Barbados, sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea in the eastern Caribbean. This pretty island of rolling hills, coral reefs and 60 miles of sun-drenched beaches, enjoys an average of 3000 sunshine hours each year, perfect for those seeking the sun, sand and sea. Famous for its relaxed atmosphere, exciting festivals and rich Bajan culture, there is plenty to see and do in Barbados. Snorkel in the fantastic underwater wonderland, enjoy a game of beach cricket, visit an old plantation house or explore the distinctly British capital Bridgetown. The stylish west coast offers a wonderful variety of quality hotels and restaurants. The south coast, St Lawrence’s Gap in particular, is a lively area teeming with restaurants, bars and nightclubs that will have you dancing until the early hours. With something for everyone, a holiday in Barbados will to leave a lasting impression.

important holiday info

Climate:	Tropical	Time Zone:	GMT(-4)
Language:	English	Current Times:
Currency:	Us Dollar	barbados: 13-May-08 9:33 PM
Temperature:	25°C/35°C	UK: 14-May-08 1:33 AM

barbados holidays

our hotels in barbados

Barbados is one of the smaller and most easterly islands of the Caribbean. This flat coral island is surrounded by reefs and spectacular long white sand beaches. There is much to see and do here, with more attractions per square kilometre than any other island in the Caribbean. Bridgetown is the capital and major commercial centre offering upmarket shopping for international brand-name jewellery, cosmetics, crystal, tobacco, leather and of course Barbadian rum.

The landscape on Barbados often changes from parish to parish and each coastline is very different from the next. The west coast is best for snorkelling as reefs are close to shore and the Caribbean Sea provides calm water. Swimming is heaven along the west and south coasts with nice beaches and tranquil waters. The southeast coast of Barbados has a more dramatic landscape with large cliffs that offer scenic walks. The east Atlantic coast has breathtaking scenery and attracts surfers from around the world .

Barbados is perfect for water-sports including sailing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking and paragliding. Land based activities include horse riding, walking and hiking, cycling and golf or you could watch a game of cricket or polo. There are also many local excursions on offer. Choose from rum and sugar factory tours, eco and heritage tours, trips to Harrison's Cave and colonial plantation mansions like St Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall. Other options included visits to the wildlife reserve and monkey sanctuary, pirate ship and scenic boat cruises or submarine and deep sea fishing trips. At night live music venues featuring reggae, jazz and steel bands are popular. Bridgetown and St Lawrence Gap have the liveliest centres with bars and nightclubs or couples can take a romantic evening cruise.

hastings holidays

our hotels in hastings

Hastings is a short ride east of the capital Bridgetown. During the 18th century due there was a British Garrison at nearby St Ann's Fort. Hastings became the first tourist resort in Barbados due to its proximity to the capital and there are still a few grand old hotels on the seafront that mark those early days.  Located a couple of miles from Hastings is the magnificent Accra Beach. This lively beach is popular due its huge expanse of white sand and is the perfect place for people watching. Try windsurfing, buy some of the local crafts, have your hair braided or relax in the sun and soak up the Bajan atmosphere. This truly is a great spot in the Caribbean.

There are a number of tours on offer from Hastings; a trip to Malibu Beach Club & Visitor Centre should not be missed. Learn how one of the world's most popular rum is made and, after a tour visit the breathtaking beach for a cool Malibu cocktail. In Barbados, you will be spoilt for choice with the many attractions and activities on offer.

 

maxwell holidays

our hotels in maxwell

The Maxwell Coast in Barbados has glorious weather, palm fringed beaches and a warm and friendly Bajan welcome. Barbados is probably the most British of the Caribbean islands with its relaxed 'old colonial' atmosphere. Settled by the British in 1627, Barbados’ jungle-like landscape was replaced with fields of sugar cane, which is used in making the island's famous rum. For wide soft white-sand beaches, year round sunshine, turquoise waters and a wide range of activities, Maxwell Coast is the perfect holiday location. It offers everything you could want for a relaxing sun, sea and sand holiday with a laid back atmosphere. The water sports on offer include windsurfing, surfing, sailing, and kite-surfing. For a round of golf, try one of the beautifully landscaped courses. For those nature lovers, Graeme Hall Swamp is the largest expanse of inland water in Barbados providing shelter for several bird species. The natural habitat of mangrove trees provides a sanctuary for a large number of migrant water birds and shore birds. However you decide to spend your time in Barbados, Maxwell Coast can provide the ideal base.

st james holidays

our hotels in st james

St James lies on the west coast of Barbados on the sparkling tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea. St James is hard to beat for swimming, snorkelling and water-sports or for sunbathing on a spectacular fine sand beach. Folkestone Marine Park, which has an inshore reef, is home to numerous fish, sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges providing great snorkelling and diving. The choice of both man-made and natural attractions seems endless. Enjoy a round of golf, visit a sugar plantation or sample the produce of the acclaimed rum factories. Experience the warm-hearted hospitality of the Bajan people, explore the island and discover the wonderful variety of tropical plants and trees, all from your base in St James. St James is only 25 minutes from Bridgetown where you can find shopping, great nightlife and all the local excursions on offer. If you love history, this is one of the most historic areas in Barbados with wonderfully preserved buildings. The British first came to Barbados in 1625 and returned two years to found their first settlement at Holetown in St James. Stunning beaches, natural beauty, interesting history and exciting activites are all part of a unique holiday experience in St. James.

st lawrence holidays

our hotels in st lawrence

St Lawrence Gap is famous for its many restaurants, great shopping and lively nightlife. This 1.3 km stretch of road, commonly known as "The Gap”, is where the many cultures mingle offering a Barbadian experience not to be missed. St Lawrence Gap has a lot on offer, there are amazing white sand beaches to relax on and clear waters for swimming and snorkelling. You can enjoy the many water sports available such as boogie boarding, jet-skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling. The area is a prime windsurfing spot and a varied choice of local excursions are also on offer. For shoppers there are duty-free stores and you can buy souvenirs at the Chattel House Shopping Village from Bajan style shops painted in beautiful pastel colours. The fine restaurants at The Gap provide a wide range of specialty foods and there are a number of lively bars and nightclubs. Many jazz entertainers live in this part of Barbados and play regularly in local venues. The dinner and stage show Bajan Roots and Rhythms is held at the attractive Plantation Garden Theatre and shows the best representation of genuine West Indian culture. St Lawrence Gap is the perfect holiday destination for those who want culture, sun, sea and a real taste of the Caribbean.

st peter holidays

our hotels in st peter

St Peter, on the west coast of Barbados is often referred to as the Platinum Coast. It is renowned for clear warm water and magnificent fine sand beaches. There are many beaches along the coast at St Peter. Heywoods Beach is stunning, wide and quiet while Mullins Bay and Gibbs Beach are the perfect places to relax on the beach under the shade of the Casuarina trees. You will find calm water perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and miles of white sand to walk along. Brilliant sunshine and a wide range of activities and facilities make St Peter in Barbados a perfect Caribbean choice.

There are a number of places of interest in the area surrounding St Peter. Farley Hill National Park is the place for those wanting an idyllic stroll in shady, green gardens with spectacular blooms. The park has amazing views of the east coast and the ruins of a sugar planter's mansion. Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers the opportunity to observe wild green monkeys in their natural setting of a mahogany forest. St Nicholas Abbey near St Peter was built in 1650 and is said to be one of only three plantation houses of that period still standing in the Western Hemisphere. Speightstown, once a bustling sugar harbour known as "Little Bristol", is also nearby. The town's architecture retains the flavour of colonial times. Whether you want water sports, golf, sightseeing or sunbathing St Peter can provide the perfect Caribbean holiday.