Barbados Holidays

Spotlight on Barbados Holidays

Barbados was first settled by the British in 1627 and many British traditions are now an intrinsic part of the Bajan culture. It is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands and the ideal introduction to the West Indies.

Barbados has something for everyone but has not compromised its idyllic charm by becoming too developed. You won't find high rise hotels, arcades or hamburger chains; you will find beautiful white sand beaches, swaying palms beside warm blue seas and some of the friendliest people in the world, a perfect location for luxury holidays.

The “platinum” west coast is renowned for its luxury hotels, discreetly peppered along soft, white sands and calm Caribbean waters. Stylish waterfront restaurants, ornately landscaped gardens interlaced with swimming pools, palms and splashes of colour evoke an exclusive country club feel.

The lively South Coast also has some fabulous hotels, as well as great restaurants and bars, the island's interior has a fascinating abundance of flora and fauna and the eastern Atlantic side is ruggedly beautiful.

For the sports enthusiast there is everything from golf to horse racing with some of the best watersports in the world, and for cultural interest, there is the island's varied history and a host of stately homes and elegant plantation houses to visit.

Some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean are in Barbados, with the majority on the island's west coast - the Platinum Coast - and a scattering in the south. Be sure to try the island's national dish, flying fish, along with the wide variety of possibly unfamiliar fresh fish caught daily off the island's shores. A delicious choice is Mahi Mahi or Dorado referred to locally as Dolphin, Barracuda, Red Snapper, Tuna and King Fish.

Pudding n Souse - a speciality dish commonly eaten on a Saturday or bank holidays.

Saltfish - once a slave staple, this is now a firm favourite in Barbados, sold at all local festivities.

Rum punch - the famous rum cocktail with a wild kick!

Local food is equally applauded, best enjoyed at street festivals and local rum shops and washed down with rum! The Fish Fry at Oistins is deservedly popular, frequented by a mix of locals and visitors, or head north to Six Men's Bay where you can go to the Friday night fish fry with a bottle of wine and cutlery provided by the Fish Pot restaurant.

A word of warning - although most restaurants welcome walk-in diners there are many that are fully booked in advance, especially from December to May so reservations are recommended.

Barbados has a great reputation as one of the party islands of the Caribbean, with an abundance of bars and late night haunts on the south coast through to sophisticated restaurant bars on the west coast that attract a good crowd. Recently, a number of contemporary city-style bars have opened, for those after a taste of South Beach cool on this classic Caribbean island. The local rum shops are also great for a night out Bajan-style!

South Coast

Pravda Lounge

No. 1 St. Lawrence Gap

Christ Church

Tel: 246-420-7617

Pravda epitomises a new luxury, backed by a hip soundtrack and an ambience of cool comfort. Located on St. Lawrence Gap, it is an ultra-modern bar, with vast expanses of white on white and mouth-watering martinis.

Boat Yard

Bay Street, Bridgetown

Tel: 246-436-2622

Lively on the right night, which tends to be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Harbour Lights

Marina Villa, Bay Street, St. Michael

Tel: 246-436-7225

A very popular open-air spot located on the South Coast, with a fun beach party on Monday nights (all ages welcome) and very lively on Fridays as well. Popular with locals and visitors, dance the night away to international music, with free drinks until 2am.

The Ship Inn

St. Lawrence Gap

246-420-7447

Best on a Thursday, this is the original bar and dance club, still going strong with great live bands. Also shows live sports and serves simple food for those that want to eat.

Cafe Sol

St. Lawrence Gap

246-435-9531

A Mexican experience - sombreros on the walls, wild cocktails with some fajitas to accompany them. Very popular bar with visitors and locals.

McBrides

St. Lawrence Gap

246-435-6352

A version of the Irish Pub theme with nightly entertainment, from 80's music through to reggae.

Surfers Bay

This idyllic liming bar is located in Silver Sands. Live bands are on offer with a very friendly atmosphere.

West Coast

Scarlet

Paynes Bay, St James

Open Tuesday - Sunday from 5pm.

Tel: 246-432-3663

“Low key lounging and high heels haute couture.” That is the vibe at this new Barbados hot spot - an intimate and stylish venue befitting of a London or New York private club. Once a chattel-house, it has been converted into a lively yet low-key hang-out, painted scarlet red inside and out, with black lacquered tables and portraits of Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe adorning the walls. They do fabulous martinis - including the signature Scarlet Rocks - and the menu is a mix of small bites through to main dishes including a delicious fish pie. Scarlet caters for the midnight crowd who flock after hours to party, although Sunday nights are more chilled.

Crocodile's Den, aka Croc's

Payne's Bay

Has developed from a simple rum shop to a hip place for the younger crowd to be seen.

Elbow Room - Bar and Grill

2nd Street, Holetown

Tel: 246-432-1927

The latest hot-spot and extremely popular with Barbados's in-crowd. Lively and very busy on Friday and Saturday nights - live DJ Saturday and Sunday nights. The Elbow Room is open-fronted, so drinkers spill out onto the street and mingle with the crowd from The Mews next door. Cool, casual atmosphere with stonegrill dining earlier in the evening from 7pm.

Lexy - Piano Bar and Cabaret

2nd Street, Holetown

Tel: 246-432-5399

A newcomer to the Holetown scene in January 2007, Lexy's has already gained a good loyal following of locals and visitors. There is live music and entertainment each night, from owner and former Broadway performer Alex 'Lexy' Santoriello and during the season there are guest appearances by international pianists.