barbados holidays

about barbados holidays

 

With its turquoise seas, long white sand beaches and English customs, Barbados offers a unique mix of the exotic and the familiar. It is home to the laid-back Bajan culture yet also considered the 'Little England' of the Caribbean. Barbados has a bit of everything from celebrity spotting and fine dining to rowdy street parties and cricket matches. The landscape on Barbados often changes from parish to parish and each coastline is very different from the next. The west coast or ‘Platinum Coast’ faces the warm Caribbean Sea and is ideal for swimming and snorkelling with long coral reefs just off shore. The east coast of Barbados has a more dramatic landscape with steep cliffs and surf beaches facing the vast Atlantic Ocean. It could take you a day or two to slow down to the easy-going pace of a Barbados holiday, but you'll soon be ‘limin' (that’s chilling out) and ‘wining’ (that’s dancing) like a local. There is also much to see and do here with more attractions per square kilometre than any other island in the Caribbean. The capital Bridgetown, offers upmarket shopping and fine restaurants while St Lawrence Gap is the nightlife capital with lively bars and nightclubs. Barbados is an ideal holiday destination for active pursuits such as water sports, scuba diving and golf. There are also many local excursions on offer from eco and heritage tours to scenic boat cruises and deep sea fishing trips. A Barbados holiday truly offers something for everyone.

important holiday info

Climate:	Tropical	Time Zone:	GMT(-4)
Language:	English	Current Times:
Currency:	Us Dollar	barbados: 9-Sep-10 5:58 PM
Temperature:	25°C/35°C	UK: 9-Sep-10 9:58 PM

christ church holidays

our hotels in christ church

The parish of Christ Church is located on the southern coast of Barbados. This area is home many beach resorts and the island’s liveliest night spot, St. Lawrence Gap - an area full of bars and restaurants. Oistins is the main fishing town in the parish and is famous for its Friday Fish Fry on the beach and the Christ Church Parish Church, which towers above the busy marketplace. The beaches on the west coast of the parish have calm, placid Caribbean waters perfect for snorkelling and water sports, while the beaches on the Atlantic coast, such as Silver Sands, feature large surf and ocean breezes. There are a number of golf courses and attractions in the area including the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary - a haven for exotic flora and fauna. Grantley Adams International Airport is located in Christ Church Parish and the attractions, shopping and restaurants of the capital Bridgetown are just a short drive away.

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.

holetown holidays

our hotels in holetown

A small town located in the parish of Saint James, Holetown lies sheltered on the island's west coast boasting a beautiful white sand beach ideal for scuba diving and water skiing.

Holetown was the historical site where the English made a permanent landingfor the first time in Barbados back in 1625. The name Holetown comes from the stream, The Hole, which provided settlers with a safe landing place and until 1629 this was the island's only town. It celebrates the founding of the first five plantations in Barbados: the first major forticiation, the first place of Justice and the first Governor's House. Great for historical sightseeing during a Barbados holiday, travellers can visit the island's oldest church at the St. James Parish Church which was here erected in 1628.

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.

needham's point holidays

our hotels in needham's point

 

With calm crystal clear waters Needham's Point is a favourite sea bathing spot for locals and visitors alike. There are almost 3 distinct beaches surrounding the point - the northernmost is referred to by locals as Pebbles Beach. To the south is the area known as Drill Hall beach. Sandwiched right in the middle is perhaps the loveliest beach of all - Needham's Point itself. The extremely calm waters lap onto the white beach and a reef almost makes a natural swimming pool out of the ocean. It is here that you will find the Barbados Hilton Hotel. The waters at Pebbles are also calm making it an ideal spot for soaking in the sea. The sea at Drill Hall is a bit more lively and this is a good spot for boogie boarding or light surfing.

The Needham's Point area has a long history of military association. The Naval Dockyard was based here in the early 19th century. Built in 1805, the buildings were eventually used as military barracks until 1831. To the southern end of Needham's Point you will find the Drill Hall and St.Anne's Fort whose construction began as early as 1704. Barbados has the world's rarest collection of 17th century English iron cannon including the rare Victoria Gun and Commonwealth Cannon. Behind the Fort is the Military Cemetery which was first used in 1780. Admission to the cemetery is free, however donations are welcomed to aid in maintaining the cemetery and other military buildings.

palm island holidays

our hotels in palm island

Palm Island is a secluded, 135-acre private island where tranquillity and exclusivity reign. With just 43 rooms, pristine beaches and natural surroundings, this island is ideal for anyone looking to slow down, recharge and rediscover the wonders of nature. Great care has been taken to ensure that the resort blends in with the untouched natural surroundings. The resort activities include tennis, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and kayaking. Guests can also take guided islands walks or enjoy golf ‘Palm Island Style’. A wonderful boat trip to the world famous Tobago Cays is also available. On Palm Island you can truly get away from it all and enjoy a deserted island experience in luxury and style. This idyllic tropical hideaway is situated near the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an idyllic archipelago of 32 tropical islands and cays a short flight from Barbados International airport.

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 later to found their first settlement at Holetown in St James. Stunning beaches, natural beauty, interesting history and exciting activities 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's Gap in Barbados 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.

st philip holidays

our hotels in st philip

St Philip is the largest parish in Barbados located on the beautiful south east coast. The east coast is an area of rugged and dramatic beauty set by the Atlantic Ocean. While St Philip is the largest parish in area, it is considered ‘the country’ by locals due to its sugar cane fields and small villages scattered across the plains. The beaches of St Philip have powder-soft, pink sand and blue waters, fanned by gentle Trade Winds. The famous Crane Beach was once a busy harbour that has transformed into a popular resort area. Crane Beach has recently been voted as one of the "Ten Best Beaches in the World" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

worthing beach holidays

our hotels in worthing beach

A white powdery sprawl of sandy coast located on the south of Barbados, Worthing is a paradisiacal secluded beach area offering a world of delights for all sea lovers!

As you move westward along the beach the seas become more lively and deep while the surrounding setting becomes more isolated and tranquil. Within swimming distance holidaymakers will find an interesting coral reef to discover just off-shore and brimming with colourful tropical fish. The calm waters make the Worthing beach expansion extremely safe, with the inside of this reef being especially good for children and beginner-swimmers, as the depth of the waters varies from 2-6 ft. With a range of water sports available; from enjoying spectacular sunsets to engaging in some lively water activities, this quiet expanse of beach area at Worthing has something exciting for everyone...whatever you heart desires