BARBADOS

Barbados known as “Little Britain” is really five islands in one; firstly, the South Coast known as the ‘vibrant south coast’ has a great deal to offer in entertainment and culinary experiences. Entertainment centres in and around the world renowned St Lawrence Gap. Here you will find bars and clubs where you can dance away the night until the early hours. Restaurants range in choice, all along this coast from Bridgetown to Oistins. Here you are able to choose from Bajan specialities, Caribbean fusion, French, Italian, & European delights. Not forgetting of course the fabulous fresh, ‘just landed’ fish selections cooked by local Bajan people at the ‘Oistins Fish Fry’. Friday evening at Oistins is the place {no pun intended} to saviour these dishes. Beaches along this coastline enjoy, on most days, a gentle on shore breeze which is most welcome during the hotter than usual days. Temperatures on Barbados island range from 25°C to 30°C as an average throughout the year. On the coast, just east of Bridgetown, is the Barbados’s Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison area. In 2011, it was inscribed as a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

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Going clockwise next is the West Coast, known as the ‘platinum coast’. This part of the island faces the Caribbean Sea and the waters are mostly calm with very little onshore breezes. Fabulous soft-sand beaches fringe this side of the island. Staying in a hotel, apartment or villa on this coast fringing the ocean will cost a little more as they tend to be 4* and upwards. Some restaurants on this coastline have world recognition The Cliff and Daphne’s immediately come to mind.

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Next is the North Coast, wow what a difference you will notice here. This could be a coastline in Cornwall with some high cliffs and Atlantic ‘rollers ‘crashing into the cliff face shooting high in the air. Almost unbelievable but nonetheless a must see.

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From here, you wander through open countryside, some stunning views from the hillside as you return to sea level and the East Coast. On this coast, it is not advisable to swim, surf or windsurf as the currents and under-currents are very strong. There is very little development here because of this but the benefit is you have a stunning natural coastline and beach to observe. If you are the ‘beachcombing’ type, you are in paradise. You have approximately nine miles of beach to comb when the tide is out.

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When the tide is out it reseeds to the edge of a reef running parallel to this coast. It leaves small pools to dip in and out of, a great ‘cool down’ when the sun is strong.

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Next, we arrive on the Southeast Coastline. Surfer, Windsurfer, Stand-up Paddle Surfer, Kite Surfer you are in paradise +1. There are areas to cater for beginners to experienced surfers so enjoy yourself. One thing to remember whilst on the beach or in the sea is that you are not far from the equator so the sun is very strong, high facture sunscreen is vital!

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General information:-

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History buffs have plenty to occupy themselves, the Garrison Historic Area, Holetown and Oistins are a must visit.
Barbados’s original incumbents were Arawak Indians and were preceded by the Caribs. Barbados first appeared on Spanish maps in 1511 and they called it “Los Barbudos”. English captain John Powell, is alleged to be one of the first to land on the island and erected a cross with the inscription “for James King of England”. This part of Barbados is to this day known as St James. You will notice many references to both British places and people as you travel around; for example Brighton, Hastings, and Carlisle. Carlisle Bay being a magnificent bay named after James Hay, the 1st Earl of Carlisle in 1627.

Somethings you might light to see and do:

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• Go sailing on a catamaran - A relaxing yet fun filled day at sea, this is an activity that the entire family is guaranteed to enjoy! For most day cruises, drinks are provided throughout the day and lunch is served on board. The boats will stop along the coast so that patrons can swim with the turtles and snorkel. The reefs in Barbados are gorgeous so don’t forget to take your underwater camera with you.

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• Island Excursions - There are loads of excursions and tour operators to choose from, including safaris, 4x4 adventures and ATV tours. Alternatively, rent a car and go on your own excursion! If you get a truck, there are lots of tracks for off-roading. It might be wise to ask some of the locals what are the best routes for off-roading. They will be happy to help you mark out a route on your map!

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• Play a round of Golf - For the golf addict why don’t you get in the swing of things at the Barbados Golf Club! Enjoy a round or two of golf on this idyllic 18-hole championship course. Approved and sanctioned by the PGA European Tour in 2003, this scenic course offers superb greens and is conveniently nestled on the southern coast of Barbados.

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• Wildlife reserve - No matter what you do, you must see a Barbados Green Monkey before you leave! The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is located at Farley Hill in St. Peter across the road from Farley Hill National Park. There are loads of animals, especially monkeys! Make sure you call before you go to ask about when the next feeding is for the monkeys so that you don’t miss it. The Grenade Hall Signal Station is next to the reserve and it offers a fantastic 360 degree panoramic view. Don’t forget your camera.

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• Take a rum tour and discover how Barbados rum is made - Barbados is famous for its rum. Therefore, you cannot visit without making a trip to see how this wonderful product is made. There are three tours to choose from. You can visit Foursquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park (St. Philip), the Cockspur Beach Club (St. Michael) or the Mount Gay Rum Tour and Gift Shop (St. Michael).

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• Learn to surf - Your vacation would not be complete if you didn’t hit the waves and get a true taste of Barbados surfing culture, Barbados has some excellent venues, including the legendary Soup Bowl. International pro surfer Kelly Slater has often referred to Soup Bowl as one of his favourite spots. Apart from surfing, it is also possible to take kite surfing or windsurfing lessons!

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• Get Married in Barbados - There are many places to choose from when deciding on where you will get married in Barbados; you can have a conventional white wedding in a church, you can have a civil ceremony on a beach or you could even get married out at sea. The beauty of a wedding in Barbados is that you are pretty much guaranteed a warm climate and therefore your nuptials and celebrations can take place outdoors.

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• Design your Duty-Free Diamonds - With savings like these you can’t miss out so instead opt to shop your heart out and have a piece of jewellery exclusively commissioned for you. Diamonds International allows you to affordably design and create a one of a kind piece: choose from their vast collection of certified loose diamonds of all cuts, clarities, colours and carat weights, then select a setting and in a matter of hours their jewellers will literally turn your dreams into a reality. Enjoy this comfortable shopping experience and superb customer service that will end with a diamond memento that will last long after your sun tan fades.