06/02/2017
With a reputation as a winter getaway for the rich and famous, Barbados is a coral island with wonderful white-sand beaches and, arguably, the most agreeable climate in the West Indies with an average annual temperature of 29°C. The old British charm is still evident with pastel coloured plantation houses standing amid fields of sugar cane whilst cricketers in whites play beneath the palm trees.
A cosmopolitan, picturesque island of contrasts, Barbados is famous for the fabulous beaches and calm turquoise waters of the West Coast, but a 30 minute drive across the island to the ruggedly beautiful East coast is a must. Part of the island charm is the way luxury hotels, villas and restaurants mingle with colourful ‘chattel’ houses where local families still live and enjoy a leisurely pace of life. There is no need to hurry in Barbados; leave behind the rat race; take things easy; unwind; play some tennis, have a round of golf or simply enjoy lazing on the beach with the occasional cooling dip in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea.
Dining is a delight, with fish being one of the staple island foods, the famous flying fish, seasoned Bajan-style, is a must, as well as Snapper, Grouper and Kingfish. The west coast is renowned for its first class restaurants dotted along the West Coast including The Cliff, Lone Star and Tides which invariably include local as well as international cuisine. Luxury hotels range in style from traditional colonial to international glamour, similarly the staffed villas available to rent range from beachfront hideaways to superstar mansions.
Something Barbados is very good at is celebrating and there are various festivals throughout the year that give visitors to the island the chance to experience celebrations in a truely West Indian style.
