Barbados
BarbadosLong referred to as the West Indies, the stunning Caribbean boasts more than 7,000 islands; add to this a wealth of islets, cayes (small, low islands composed of coral and sand) and a few inhabited reefs, featuring turquoise waters and year-round sunshine, gorgeous sandy beaches, natural and man-made attractions and a blended mix of different cultures. Barbados is no exception. Though extremely small for a Caribbean island, Barbados has much to offer its visitors in terms of history, water sports and beach activities. Lazed back lifestyle, stunning natural beauty, spectacular beaches, buzzing nightlife, friendly people, relaxing atmosphere and a very warm welcome ... Such is Barbados, the most easterly and the most enchanting island in the Caribbean.
Located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, about a hundred miles east of the Windward Islands, the pear-shaped island of Barbados covers a total are of 160 square miles. The geography of the island is unique in its own way, featuring lowlands or gently sloping terraces plains separated by rolling hills. The topography is marked with Limestone Lands, covering most of the island with five sub-regions (
Flatlands-St Lucy,
Uplands-Central, T
erraces and Cliffs-West & South,
Valleys-St. George & St. Philip,
Dome-Christ Church) and the Scotland District located on the eastern side of the island. The highest point is Mount Hillaby, in the Scotland District, at 340 meters above sea level.
With warm Caribbean sunshine, mile-long exquisite beaches, sparkling aquamarine seas, pastoral landscapes, exotic hidden beauties, vibrant nightlife, charming villages, posh luxury resorts, and much more Barbados is a truly tropical paradise, ideal for travelers in search of fun, tranquility and relaxation. Holidays in Barbados are something different and more than adventurous. Many travelers to Barbados are really amazed by the number of attractions on this small island. They come to explore the hiking paths to historic plantation lands and rum distilleries, take part in party cruises, walk along long stretches of windswept beaches and experience the vibrant energy of Barbados.
Best known for its British-flavored heritage, the island simply teems with active culture and carefully documented history that will keep you as busy as you could ever hope to be. The beauty of this enticing island and the friendly people, known for their natural warmth and dignity, will surely make your Caribbean holiday a truly enjoyable and unique experience to be repeated over and over again. Barbados guarantees the ultimate in terms of variety and luxury!
The sophisticated
West Coast offers superb hotels, excellent restaurants and spectacular beaches, one of the reasons people come to this majestic island. The west coast boasts ideal sailing conditions almost all year round, as well as a host of other water based activities, including scuba diving in the island's turquoise waters teeming with coral gardens and marine life with underwater visibility of 70 to 80 feet, perfect snorkeling at Folkstone Marine Park, and game fishing, one of the great ways to experience the island's ideal conditions and natural beauty. The
East Coast which falls on the Atlantic side is also popular with beach attractions to suit you different needs. The beautiful coastline here is pounded by the surf making this part of the island suitable for surfing. The
South Coast is the liveliest coast blessed with a wide range of attractions and recreation, including the capital Bridgetown, excellent waves for wind and kite surfing, buzzing nightlife and fantastic bars.
Carlisle Bay,
Sandy Beach,
Dover Beach and
Casuriana Beach in the south coast is where you can soak up in the sun listening to the lullabies of the ocean.
Barbados experiences a tropical pleasant weather and is determined by cool winds and comfortable nights. Rainfall here is very refreshing and sometimes it is even desired. June to October is the hurricane season. The dry season runs between January and June.
Bridgetown is the booming capital of the island and the only seaport with a population of nearly 97,000. It is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean boasting attractive balconied colonial buildings and brash modern office blocks. This is a town of historic importance boasting several museums and art galleries with plenty to see. A 'must see' attraction in Bridgetown is the Sunbury Plantation House, a 300 year old landmark with a plethora of furniture exhibits, add to this an amazing collection of horse-drawn carriages. You must also see the famous Nidhe Israel synagogue, the oldest temple of the Jewish faith in the American continent. A most unusual Bridgetown attraction is the stunning
Tyrol Cottage Heritage village where the arts and crafts will tell you the story of the island's conquerors and liberators. While in Bridgetown do not miss out the Atlantis Submarine, a unique experience to view the amazing underwater life in Barbados without getting wet.
Bridgetown is also home to a plethora of attractions, like Pelican Village, National Heroes Square, War Memorial and Fountain gardens, St. Mary's Anglican Church and much more, and the best way to explore the town is by foot. Here you will find shops, several fine dining options, banks and accommodations.
Barbados Things to do
Barbados offers a vast array of attractions and land/water oriented adventures, like surfing, helicopter tours, catamaran sailing, safaris, spelunking (exploring caves) and cruising, yet highly recommended are the 'must see' Seven Wonders:
Harrison's Cave is one of them featuring a crystallized limestone cavern full of underground steams, pools and interesting stalactites and stalagmites that propagate the cave.
The huge
Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata, also known as 'Monkey-Breed tree' is another natural wonder you should see on your Caribbean vacation to Barbados. What is interesting about these trees is that they are estimated to be over one thousand years old reaching up to 18.5 meters and to give an example of its size, 15 adults joining with outstretched arms are needed to cover its circumstances.
The virtually intact and massively restored
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill is one of the oldest mills in the region, located on a scenic mount in the beautiful north east of the island where you can learn about the island's archeological heritage and fascinating history of sugar production. So do not miss out the event of grinding of sugar canes that will result in absolutely delicious cane juice worth a drink.
The plantation-style
Historic Jacobean Mansions are an authentic part of Barbados historical development, left in the Western hemisphere. Built in the mid 17th century the two architectural delights of St. Nickolas Abbey in St. Peter and Drax Hall in St George are parts of the seven wonders of Barbados.
Cannon Galore, world's rarest collection of 17th century English iron cannon.
Grapefruit Tree (Citrus Paradise), that according to legend was first developed in Barbados in the beautiful Welchman hall Gully and was first recorded in the 18th century.
Famous
Bridgetown Jewish Synagogue called Shaare Tzedek features beautiful Gothic arches and is now a Barbados national trust protected building and an active synagogue.
Barbados Hotels and Resorts
Barbados offers everything for every traveler from scuba diving in the wondrous marine life teeming with colorful fish to swimming with turtles to wandering through meandering hills. Yet the most difficult thing about the island is choosing where to stay. Accommodation options vary dramatically in Barbados in terms of price, facilities and location from cozy guesthouse and small intimate hotels to all-inclusive luxury resorts and everything in between. Barbados hotels are the perfect choice for those tempted by spectacular white sand beaches, crystal clear pristine waters, luxury accommodations, fine dining options and a host of land and water adventures. And as far as Barbados is known for its British Heritage, the hotels here tend to maintain elements of tradition.
With views along a beautiful and virtually unspoiled beach
Cobblers Cove Hotel is a luxury 'hideaway' in Barbados boasting character, charm and limitless calm. With courteous staff, tranquil ambience, elegantly appointed spacious rooms, lush tropical beauty and the highest level of service, Cobblers Cove Hotel remains one of the Caribbean's best love hotels. The property boasts 40 luxury suites to suit every guest's needs. All guestrooms are air-conditioned with a terrace or balcony, tea/coffee making facilities, cordless phone, in-room safe, sofa beds and rollaway beds, desk and trouser press. Cribs (infant bed) are also available upon request. Sports and recreation include swimming pool, water sports, golf and keep fit centre. In the award-winning open-air seafront Terrace Restaurant you can taste a large variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus prepared by trained cooks. The hotel offers wedding packages that includes marriage license and certificate, wedding cake, chilled bottle of champagne and location within the grounds of hotel. Cobblers Cove appeals to broad range of discerning guests who come to enjoy the fabulous food and the relaxed atmosphere.
Located in St. James, 35 minutes transfer from Grantley Adams International Airport, the stunning
Sandy Lane Hotel is another famous property in the Caribbean that need no introduction, offering unparalleled level of luxury and top notching service you will experience from the moment you arrive. The hotel offers a 5 star alliance featuring 112 spacious and comfortable guest rooms equipped with Italian marble floors and with modern amenities and facilities. The hotel boasts 4 restaurants including (L'Acajou à la carte), 9 floodlit courts, elegantly designed swimming pool, a full-service spa, aerobic studio, fully equipped gym, Treehouse Club for children, meditation romm and beach refreshment service with non-motorized water related sports. From enjoying the 45 holes of fantastic golf designed by Tom Fazio to unwinding in the legendary Sandy Lane Spa to experiencing world-class traditional Caribbean cuisine, your days will be filled with fun and enjoyment. Sandy Lane Hotel is where you will get at least a sublime experience.
Located on the beautiful Maxwell Coast of the island, 20 minutes from the capital Bridgetown, the picturesque
Bougainvillea Beach Resort offers an elegant setting ideal for family vacations and for those in search of quietude and tranquility. The award-winning stunning resort features 138 beautifully outfitted suites with elegant furnishings in crisp Caribbean colors, all with kitchen facilities offering breathtaking ocean, garden or pool views from the balconies. The resort's two restaurants, Lanterns by the Sea and the Italian Buoni Amici, feature contemporary Caribbean dishes with an emphasis of unique flavors and international flair. The resort also boasts a not-to-be-missed weekly entertainment package, including live bands, spectacular Floor Show on Thursday nights and the Caribbean buffet.
The resort's 400-meter beach of cream-colored sand offers unique waters sports opportunities, like kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, sea shell collecting, tubing, wakeboarding, kite surfing and banana boating. From the kid friendly playgrounds to spa treatments, nearby shops, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of services to suit any need, the charming Bougainvillea has something for every family member.
Turtle Beach Resort is a four-star all-inclusive getaway located along the island's south coast in the charming parish of Christ Church, offering a perfect family holiday. Situated on a glorious stretch of white sand beach, the Turtle Beach Resort earns its name from endangered sea turtles that come to the beach to nest from April to November, with hatchings into December. Accommodations in the resort come in sic categories and are ocean, pool view or garden view. All 161 guest rooms are newly designed with modern touches of vibrant Caribbean décor and are non-smoking featuring private balcony or patio, in-room service, flat screen TV with cable television, mini fridge, iPod docking station, clock radio, marble bathrooms with bath and/or shower, phone, and hair dryer. The resort also boasts excellent dining options where international cuisine is served. With an abundance of activities and unique facilities Turtle beach provides more than just an ideal island getaway.
The complete fun-filled holiday experience at Turtle Beach Resort simply begins with pearly beach stretching over 1,500 feet, 2 freshwater swimming pools, whirlpool and children's splash pool, 2 lit tennis courts, fully equipped fitness centre with air conditioning, aerobic and Aquacise, beach concierge service and complimentary duty-free shopping excursion to the capital Bridgetown. Complimentary non-motorized water sports, including boogie boarding, surfing, kayaking and Hobie Cat are also available.
Whether you are looking for Eco Holidays, Romance, Golf Holidays, Hiking Holidays, Heritage Holidays, Shopping packages, adventure or diving packages, Barbados has it all. Barbados is a dreamscape paradise where your holidays will be filled with smiling sunshine and a healthy dose of rest and relaxation. Keep in mind that a world of pleasure awaits you at this wonderful Caribbean 'hideaway'!
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