The Barbados Experience | Minted Opulence Travel Agency
The best kept secret of The Bahamas is the country’s sheer size and diversity. With 16 major islands, The Bahamas is an unmatched destination, a heart-pounding adventure across 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest ocean.
From colorful sunsets to world-class restaurants, few islands shine as brightly as Barbados. Superbly located on the oceanfront of the Caribbean’s west coast, this tropical island paradise offers everything from stunning beaches to historical sight-seeing tours, and more.
Naming of Barbados
The island was named Los Barbados by a group of Portuguese explorers who landed on the island on their way to Brazil in the 1500s. Los Barbados means ‘the bearded ones’ and was inspired by a bearded fig tree the explorers saw on the island that reminded them of bearded gentlemen of Spain.
British Rule
African Heritage
Crop Over
The Crop Over festival celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest and efforts of the workers. This tradition began in 1687 and is now the islands biggest and most famous festival. This summer month series sees the Bajan party spirt spread all around the island with cultural events, street parties, music and culinary delights. Crop Over season is an excellent time for travelers to experience Bajan spirit, and honour an age-old tradition.
Pirate Lore
There are two main pirates associated with Barbados: Sam Lord & Stede Bonnet. Sam Lord is said to have lured ships onto reefs by hanging lanterns in coconut trees to simulate harbor lights, lure them to the island as they run aground. Known as the gentleman pirate, Bonnet was a landowner before changing careers. He purchased a ship (the only pirate known to do so!), hired a crew and teamed up with the notorious Blackbeard. Bonnet was caught and hanged in South Carolina in 1718. Stede Bonnet is not the island’s only connection with South Carolina. The modern-day state of South Carolina was first settled by colonists leaving Barbados! And there are plenty more U.S. connections, which are sure to fascinate the history buffs among your clients.
GEOGRAPHY
Barbados lies in the North Atlantic Ocean and is the easternmost isle of the Lesser Antilles, 100km east of the Windward Isles and the Caribbean Sea.
The island measures roughly 32 km from northwest to southeast and about 25km from east to west at its widest point. The north-eastern part of the island is called the Scotland District, mainly because it reminded early British settlers of the Scottish Highlands. The island is home to many underground streams, springs and waterfalls, such as those found at Harrison’s Cave, and there is an abundance of striking geological rock formations on the island. The coral reefs that surround Barbados teem with many species of colourful tropical fish and other marine animals.
TERRAIN
Barbados is relatively flat but there is a gentle rise from the western coastal lowlands in a series of terraces, to reach the rolling hills of the central highlands.
The highest point, Mount Hillaby in the parish of St Andrew lies 1,115 feet above sea level. Most of the island is made up of soft marine deposits of coral limestone, making Barbados a lush, fertile green paradise with an abundance of tropical plants, flowers and produce, as seen at the Andromeda Botanical Gardens in St Joseph and Orchid World in St George.
South Coast
The lively south coast attracts the largest number of tourists to the island. It’s particularly popular with young people, who come for the beautiful beaches and nightlife. There’s a good choice of mid-range accommodation including hotels, guesthouses and apartments and a few villas. The virtually uninterrupted stretch of golden beach and hotels runs from the outskirts of Bridgetown all the way to the airport. St Lawrence Gap is the main hub of the action, with great restaurants, bars and nightclubs along a buzzing, traffic-free road along the beach.
Oistins
A fishing village that hosts the island’s best party every Friday, the Oistins Fish Fry. Expect plenty of music, rum and fresh fish cooked before your eyes.
Watersports
Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are all popular as the conditions are ideal.
Hastings and Rockley
Hastings boasts a waterfront boardwalk, leading from Hastings Rocks to a beautiful beach as far as Rockley.
Worthington Beach
White sands, calm waters, and an off-shore reef teeming with tropical fish to explore.
Grantley Adams International Airport
Just moments away, making the south coast an easy and convenient place to stay.
West Coast
Known as the Platinum Coast, the west coast offers the calm sheltered waters of the Caribbean Sea and sandy white beaches. It’s home to many of the island’s luxury hotels, myriad villas and resorts, including the legendary Sandy Lane and the Coral Reef Club. The warm, clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and you may even spot a sea turtle!
Holetown
A small town with a rich history. Holetown was the area where the British first landed in 1627. Today, it’s home to high-end boutiques, beachfront restaurants and lively nightlife.
Mullins Beach
No hotels in Weston means the wide, palm-tree lined beach is rarely busy. There’s a fish market and fruit stall on the waterfront, and the popular rum shop, John Moore Bar!
Paynes Bay
Fringed by a stretch of white sand, Paynes Bay is a popular spot for jet-skiing and catamaran sailing, and sea turtles are a common sight here.
Speightstown
This small town is one of Barbados’ most historic. Home to many early settlers, today it combines colonial charm with an active, buzzing community vibe.
North and East Coast
The north and east coasts have a very different feel to the rest of the island due to the raging Atlantic waters, strong trade winds and craggy coastline. Although the cliffs and weather conditions have kept development at bay, if your clients are looking for adventure, or just wanted to get away from it all in an untouched, natural environment, this part of the island has a raw and rugged beauty. Beaches are rough and unspoiled; and there are many hidden, private coves only accessible on foot.
Bathsheba
This is prime surf country with some of the best waves in the Caribbean, and a must visit for surfing fans as it hosts the famed Soup Bowl.
Farley Hill
A national park on the grounds of a ruined mansion, overlooking the Atlantic.
Scotland District
A scenic place of green hills and historic sites; so-named by the early settlers because it reminded them of Scotland’s rugged but panoramic setting.
St Nicholas Abbey
One of the oldest Jacobean plantation houses in the Caribbean, dating back to 1658 and home to a steam mill and rum distillery and recently a tour by railway.
Cherry Tree Hill
Close to St Nicholas Abbey with sweeping views over the Scotland district. Ask the tour guides about the power of gravity here!
Bridgetown
Bridgetown is Barbados’ bustling capital city, full of character and charm. Found in the southwest corner of the island, it has a beach at both ends of the town and is a buzzing hub of activity offering everything from great duty-free shopping along Broad Street and Swan street where you can find reasonably priced commodities from clothing to shoes, to fabric and even food stores, to fantastic local cuisine, plus fishing, and yachting. Bridgetown and The Garrison’s UNESCO World Heritage sites means there are some fascinating places to explore and discover. Come nightfall Bridgetown’s nightlife is second to none where you can party with the locals.
Barbados Parishes
Barbados has 11 divisions known as parishes. Each parish has something unique to offer to both locals and visitors alike.
St Lucy, North
The most northern parish in Barbados, St Lucy and is the birthplace of Barbados’ first Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Errol Walton Barrow. St Lucy has spectacular views and expansive coves, with numerous rock pools, caves and blowholes. The most famous is the Animal Flower Cave, located at North Point. Romantically named for the sea anemones found in the pools, the coral floor of the cave is estimated to be some five hundred thousand years old. St Lucy is remote, has no towns and few hotels. Small guest houses and villas are available. So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds and get back to nature, it’s the perfect place.
Beaches Of Barbados
West Coast
Speightstown
The town has some excellent beaches, popular for swimming and snorkeling. An easy walk from Speightstown is an added bonus for those without transport.
Mullins Beach
Another of Barbados’ best-known beaches. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire as well as water sports on offer, a beach hut selling cold drinks and rum punch, and Mullins restaurant nearby is much loved by visitors.
Folkestone Underwater Park
A 1.24-mile stretch of marine reserve, featuring an artificial reef, less than half a mile from the shore and is great for experienced divers. The Recreational Zone is a popular place for snorkelers, and is home to numerous fish, sea anemones, sea lilies, corals and sponges.
Holetown Beaches
These beaches are great for swimming. Bordered by the boardwalk at the southern end, and Folkstone Marine Park to the north and has many waterfront hotels, beachfront bars and restaurants.
Paynes Bay
A beautiful, white sandy beach on a calm bay ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are many luxury villas and restaurants located along this part of the west coast.
Fitts Village
A quiet stretch of beach with beachfront restaurant and good snorkelling on several shallow reefs. This is a favorite release spot for sea turtle hatchlings rescued by the Barbados Sea Turtle Project.
Batts Rock
Just minutes from the capital Bridgetown, Batts Rock is a popular beach for families as it has shady trees, showers, a small children’s playground and picnic tables.
Brandons Beach
A lively beach easily accessed from the Spring Garden Highway on the outskirts of Bridgetown and a few moments from the Harbor or cruise terminal. It’s home to the ever-popular Weisers beach bar with water sports available, and there’s even a riding school just off the beach!
South Coast
The South Coast is where the calm Caribbean meets the rougher Atlantic with small to medium waves, making it a favorite among windsurfers, kite surfers and divers. It embraces the tourism belt in the south.
Carlisle Bay
A small natural harbor in a crescent shaped bay beside Bridgetown. Carlisle Bay’s marine park is a popular spot on the island for scuba diving as there are six wrecks to explore.
Accra Beach
A very popular beach offering a mix of waves ideal for surfing and calm water for swimming, with a sheltered natural pool created by rocks at the southern end of the beach. The bigger waves are ideal for windsurfing and boogie boarding, and there are kiosks selling everything from local jewelry to Bajan beer and fishcakes.
Sandy Beach
This is a picturesque, calm lagoon-like beach, sheltered by a reef and popular with young families.
Dover Beach
A secluded white-sand beach with great swimming conditions and crashing waves (though it is safe to swim here!). It is within easy walking distance from St Lawrence Gap and the cricket ground.
Enterprise Beach (Miami beach)
Peaceful during the week, Enterprise beach is more popular at weekends. Here, you can rent chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards, as well as enjoy tasty snacks on the beach. Enterprise Beach is next to Oistins, so why not spend Friday here before heading out to the fish fry?
Silver Sands and Silver Rock
In the winter months, the trade winds create ideal windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions, sometimes referred to as ‘De Action Beach’. It has kite centers, the De Action Kite Centre and Endless Kiteboarding, both offering kitesurfing lessons and equipment.
Southeast Coast
It’s no secret that Barbados has some of the best beaches in the world, and the island often appears in Top 10 lists in magazines, newspapers and online polls. The island has over 70 miles of palm-fringed beaches and some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Caribbean. Most of the popular beaches have lifeguards and stretches with rough currents are clearly marked, making Barbados’ beaches very safe. Water quality is monitored closely, and, to date, there has never been a shark attack. All of this combined with year-round good weather and perfect conditions for water sports make Barbados a number one choice for a beach holiday.
The variety of Barbados’ beaches make the island stand out. No two beaches are the same, and there are rich contrasts depending on which coast you visit.
If clients are looking for wild beauty and breezier beaches with rougher seas, the South East coast beaches are ideal. Many of the beaches on the southeast coast have walk-up restaurants and bars.
Bottom Bay
Tucked away beneath high coral cliffs, this small beach is a tropical paradise, with gently swaying coconut palms. It’s a popular beach for picnickers, and it’s common to see turtles swimming in the waters. Note that swimming is not recommended here.
Harrismith Beach
An atmospheric and secluded spot that lies at the foot of a long flight of steps, with gentle waters protected by a reef and ideal for swimming. The beach is overlooked by the ruins of a grand plantation house.
Crane Beach
Perhaps Barbados’ best-known and most romantic beach. Here you’ll find soft, coral sand backed by rolling dunes and rugged cliffs. One of Barbados’ best-loved, longstanding hotels, The Crane Resort & Residences, stands proud on the cliffs above the beach, and is a great place to have a drink as the sun goes down.
Foul Bay
A wide expanse of white-sand with cool breezes and big waves makes this a popular spot for boogie boarding, surfing and picnicking in the shade of the casuarina trees.
East Coast
With beautiful beaches and spectacular rock formations, the Atlantic coastline’s crashing waves and windswept beaches are popular with surfers worldwide. Although the east coast is spectacularly beautiful and the sea is blue and inviting, swimming is not recommended along this coast except at certain beaches, as there are dangerously strong currents and no lifeguards on duty.
Cattlewash
A simply magical, wild coastline that is also home to the Soup Bowl, a world-renowned surf spot, and host to national and international events and championships throughout the year. A low-key stretch of coastline with boutique guest houses, rum shops and local restaurants on the shore.
Bathsheba
A simply magical, wild coastline that is also home to the Soup Bowl, a world-renowned surf spot, and host to national and international events and championships throughout the year. A low-key stretch of coastline with boutique guest houses, rum shops and local restaurants on the shore.
Martin’s Bay
A small, friendly fishing village that has a wild and untouched stretch of sand, where a shallow reef breaks the waves. Don’t miss the seafood at The Bay Tavern, and at the southern end of the bay you can hike the old train line to Bath Beach.
Bath Beach
One of the safest and most popular beaches on the east coast. There are rarely strong currents here as the beach is protected by a reef.
Hotels & Resorts
Barbados has a huge range of places to stay, including hotels.
From large internationally renowned chains offering all-inclusive packages and a choice of dining options; smaller boutique hotels with an in-house restaurant: all the way through to family run hotels with just a few rooms. There’s accommodation for all interests and budgets.
Villas, Private homes, Condominiums
These high-end, luxury accommodation options are privately owned and available for rental year-round. The properties are fully equipped and managed by highly qualified staff.
Found throughout the island in prime locations, such as on the beach, golf course or marina or close to the island’s major attractions, villas, homes and condos cater for a wide range of lifestyles. Options may include a private pool, the use of a vehicle, gardens, staff, fine dining and individual touches. Short-term rentals (a week) and long-term rentals (a month or longer) can be booked through real-estate agents. Villas, private homes and condominium are the perfect option for:
Apartments
Self-contained units with limited staffing, other than maid service. These include kitchen facilities and bed linen.
Some apartments are connected to large resorts and the nearby facilities may be offered to guests, while others are close to beaches and attractions. Apartments range from basic and simple to elegant and well equipped to suit the traveller’s particular needs. Apartments typically appeal to:
Guesthouses
Guesthouses include everything from romantic cottages to family-style accommodation.
Market for guesthouses include:
- Anyone on a budget, requiring fewer amenities, who wishes to be part of the local community and experience the friendliness of their Bajan hosts in an intimate, home-like environment.
- Guests wishing to meet fellow travellers who share an open mind and adventurous spirit.
Market for homestays:
- Guests on a budget who may wish to spend some time getting to know and being part of a Bajan family.
- Solo travelers
Spa Services
Here is a listing of hotels and resorts offering on-site spa services.
Most major resorts in Barbados feature spa services, hotel concierges or villa management compant will also offers recommendations for the many qualified massage therapists and trained beauticians who will come to them.
Arrivals & Transport
By Air
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Caribbean
Latin America
Europe
Car Rental
Once on-island, there are a number of ways visitors can explore, from rental cars, to taxis, and the lively public minibus services.
Barbados’ small size (just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide) makes it easy to navigate – and there’s no better way to explore Barbados and witness the island’s ever-changing landscapes than by car. Hiring a rental car will give your clients the freedom to explore the rolling hills and villages of the country’s interior, as well as access the more remote beaches on the north and east coasts. Barbados has numerous car-rental companies, and for the bold, mopeds are also available for hire.
The driver of the rental car will need to present a current driver’s license, and to obtain a local permit. Many companies require that the car be rented for a minimum of several days, so be sure to check. In high season (mid-December to mid-April), and especially over the Christmas holidays, it is prudent to reserve a car in advance.
Rules and Regulations:
- The law requires seat belts to be worn in cars, and for moped or motorcycle riders to wear helmets.
- Speed limits are:
- 40 km/h in built-up areas
- 60 km/h in rural areas
- 80 km/h on the ABC (central) highway
- Remember that in Barbados you will be driving on the left side of the road.
- Expect to pay careful attention while driving; island’s roads are narrow and winding, with the occasional blind corner. Rural roads are poorly lit. Pedestrians may be difficult to see at night.
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, indicated by white strips in the road.
- Rental cars are identifiable by their H license plate. Local drivers tend to be patient and courteous to obvious visitors.
- If a driver flashes his lights at you, this is an invitation to make your turn or emerge from your side street into the flow of traffic. A beep-beep in return means Thank you.
- Although crime is far from rampant in Barbados, it’s always a good idea to protect your possessions, as you would anywhere.
Sports
Water-skiing and Parasailing
The west coast’s calm waters are ideal for water-skiing, and there are operators offering equipment for hire and lessons at many of the beaches here.
Several hotels also offer water-skiing, especially the all-inclusive resorts where it is often included in the package.
Diving and Snorkelling
Diving
Snorkelling
The west coast has two designated snorkelling areas, both part of the Folkestone Marine Park’s Recreational Zone, where fringing reefs and breakwaters make underwater visibility very high. Carlisle Bay is also a Marine Park, offering strong swimmers the opportunity to snorkel over wrecks and spot abundant marine life.
The island’s dive and snorkel outlets are numerous and very well equipped. Those looking for a more laid-back experience are able to explore the waters on a guided submarine expedition, or try ‘Snuba’, which combines elements of both snorkelling and diving.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Along with an average temperature of 30°C and warm waters, Barbados is blessed with constant trade winds, especially on the south coast which whip up the waves to create the perfect conditions for kitesurfing.
There are a few specialist outlets that cater to this increasingly popular sport, such as Endless Kiteboarding, one of the Caribbean’s premier kitesurf schools.
Sailing
The dazzling waters of the Caribbean Sea, along with gentle south-easterly trade winds, have been welcoming sailors for centuries.
With over 70 miles of pollution-free coastline and warm, crystal-clear, turquoise waters, Barbados offers excellent conditions for sailing and a huge fleet of boats and catamarans for a cruise or yacht charte to choose from.
Golf
Barbados offers world-class golf.
Fabulous courses, year-round sunshine and gentle trade winds make Barbados a golfer’s paradise and golf fans travel from all over the world for the immaculate, internationally renowned courses manicured and maintained by some of the top Golf Directors in the industry.
Tennis
Barbados has hosted several Davis Cup Championships for lawn tennis.
Many hotels have their own tennis courts, and most are floodlit for evening play when the weather is cooler.
Hiking
Those interested in hiking should check out Hike Barbados, a National Trust program, which provides guided hikes throughout the year.
With morning, afternoon and after dark moonlight hikes, there is something to fit into every schedule. Many guided hikes are free, but donations are welcome.
Horse Racing, Horse Riding & Polo
Exploring the countryside and coasts on horseback is a magical experience.
ORGANISED TOURS AS WELL AS PADDOCK RIDES, LESSONS AND JUMPING CAN BE ARRANGED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING STABLES:
- Brighton Riding Stables, St Michael
- Ride Barbados, St Andrew
- Wilcox Riding Stables, Christ Church
- Ocean Echo Stables, St John
- Codrington Riding Stables, St Michael
- Caribbean International Riding Centre, St Andrew
Horse Racing
Polo
POLO FIELDS AND CLUBS INCLUDE:
- Holders, St James
- Lion Castle, St Thomas
- Clifton, St Thomas
- Apes Hill, St James
Cricket
Cricket is a passion for Bajans and it is played all over the island, from well-kept cricket fields to the beaches and dusty village streets.
You will also hear cricket being discussed in every rum shop on the island. As a nod to the British heritage of Barbados, cricket is the national sport. Clients can enjoy everything from an elite international test match in season to an exciting local club match or a friendly competition played on open fields.
Sports Facilities Information
Learn about some of the many sporting facilities on island.
The Wildey Gymnasium
Barbados Aquatic Centre
Kensington Oval
Apes Hill Polo and Golf Club
Shopping in Barbados
Barbados is the tax-free haven of the Eastern Caribbean and one of the best shopping and duty-free destinations in the entire region.
Popular items purchased by visitors include fine jewellery, watches, crystals, fragrances, cameras, audio equipment and of course….rum. Abundant souvenirs and crafts made from local materials include carved mahogany figurines, pottery and ceramics, woven baskets, shell craft, jewellery, soaps, lotions and leather items, as well as sandals, blown glass, innovative wire and metal pieces and textiles.
SHOPPING HOT SPOTS
Speightstown
A charming seafront village with a distinct architectural heritage, and many shopping delights.
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has emerged as the most stylish place to shop, dine, and ‘lime’ (hang out or relax) for all visitors and residents of Barbados. Limegrove covers ten acres and includes approximately 85,000 sq. ft. of retail space and is moments from the wonderful beaches of the platinum coast, close to Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland, Sugar Hill, and Apes Hill. Unparalleled in Barbados and the Caribbean region, Limegrove hosts local and global retailers in a setting built around three distinct courtyards, including boutiques, restaurants, delis, cafes, bars, gourmet foods, an art gallery, cinemas, a spa and salon, and a range of special event spaces.
Bridgetown
Broad Street has most of Bridgetown’s shops but there are stores and stalls throughout the town. As an added bonus, most hotels provide a shuttle service from Monday to Saturday.
Sheraton Centre
The first and largest Mall in Barbados, Sheraton Centre Mall houses more than 120 specialty stores, an elegant food court and multiplex cinema.
Hastings and Worthing
This stretch of coastal road offers the Quayside Centre, Hastings Plaza, Lanterns Mall, a branch of Cave Shepherd and two supermarkets.
Activity Tours
Many activities-focused tours can be found in Barbados. These include:
Heritage Tours
On Barbados Heritage tours, learn all about the sugar plantation days, rum production, pirate lore, as well as visit stately plantations and brightly coloured chattel houses.
Arlington House in Speightstown is a must-visit, an impressive interactive history museum with tours included in the admission price. Also top of the list for history buffs is George Washington House. Barbados is the only country outside of the U.S. visited by former U.S. President George Washington.
Gardens
There are many stunning lush gardens to be seen in Barbados.
Caves
Are your clients adventurous cave enthusiasts? If they’re up for the challenge, they can arrange to explore Coles Cave in the parish of St Thomas with an expert guide. Coles Cave is much less visited than Harrison’s or Animal Flower Cave, partly due to the steep, narrow and overgrown entrances. They will need to bring their own torch – this is not a tour for the faint-hearted!
Animal Flower Cave
The Animal Flower Cave is situated under the cliffs at North Point, St Lucy, where the surf pounds against the cliffs. It is a photographer’s paradise and whales can sometimes be spotted from this high vantage point. Named for the sea anemones that live on the cave floor, it was discovered in 1780 by two English explorers.
Harrison’s Cave
Harrison’s Cave is the only cave of its kind in the Caribbean and was unexplored until 1970. Here you can explore the underground caverns by electric tram and spot a vast cavern with a 40-foot waterfall plunging into a lagoon. Coloured lighting accents arches and prehistoric formations make for a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Parks, Preserves & More
Farley Hill National Park
Farley Hill National Park is a scenic, romantic location. This park is home to the ruins of a once grand plantation house, concealed within a forest of mahogany trees. The setting, high on a hill overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast, is a unique place to escape for an afternoon, or a picnic, and is a popular spot for getting married. It’s also the backdrop for many concerts throughout the year.
Welchman Hall Gully
Welchman Hall Gully, once a mile-long limestone cave, is now flanked by cliffs and awesome rock formations, boasting some 200 species of tropical plants. This oasis recalls a wilderness as it appeared to the island’s first settlers.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a mahogany forest where animals roam free. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Barbados green monkey, plus otters, mongooses, porcupines and deer, among other creatures.
Dining in Barbados
Barbados is the culinary capital of the Caribbean and no other country in the region can match it for the choice and quality of places to eat on offer. Barbados has been recognized by Zagat for the quality of its excellent, upmarket, first-class restaurants. There are also plenty of dining options where you can eat great food at affordable prices. Many visitors to the island enjoy local dining hotspots and eat like a local. From gourmet oceanfront restaurants and atmospheric plantation houses to authentic island canteens and lively downtown bistros, Barbados’ dining options are rich and varied. Few fast-food chains have taken root in Barbados, ensuring that every dining experience on the island is unique and authentic.
Travelers visiting Barbados can taste a mix of signature influences, diverse menus and a warm ambience. With the ocean on your doorstep, fabulous seafood is guaranteed including kingfish, snapper and flying fish.
Flying fish has become the national symbol of Barbados, so it is well worth a try when eating on the island. Barbados’ homegrown produce is rated among the best in the Caribbean for its quality and abundance, so any visitors can be sure to experience some culinary delights wherever they choose to eat.
Culinary Heritage
The island’s West African heritage brings rice, peas, yams, eddoes, okra and a polenta-like cornmeal, providing exciting variations in the foods that accompany the traditional well-seasoned fish and slow-cooked meat dishes.
The island’s British heritage provides perhaps more familiar fare for the British visitor, such as fish and chips, and afternoon tea complete with scones, little sandwiches and sweet pastries.
Bajan Dishes
Must-try Specialty dishes include:
Lunch and Dinner Cruises
Catamaran cruises give travelers the best of the Caribbean, sampling local fare, sightseeing along the scenic west coastline and coral reefs, experiencing the local music scene and socializing with fellow travellers over lunch or dinner.
THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES ARE SOME WHO OPERATE REGULAR CRUISES AND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION:
- Silver Moon, West Coast
- Good Times, West Coast
- Seaduced, Bridgetown
- Elegance, Bridgetown
- Cool Runnings, Bridgetown
- Tiami Catamaran Cruises, Bridgetown
- El Tigre, Bridgetown
- Stiletto, Bridgetown
- Calabaza, Bridgetown
Romance – Why Barbados?
Many couples are choosing a beach wedding in Barbados. You can have an amazing celebration for a fraction of the cost spent on a US/UK/ European wedding.
Combine your wedding with your honeymoon! Save money on travel and minimize stress – and guests will have a fabulous holiday too.
Wedding Requirements
Getting married in Barbados couldn’t be easier. There’s minimal paperwork and no waiting time. Here’s a quick guide: Application for a marriage license must be made by both parties in person, at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown between the hours of 8:30am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ARE:
- Valid passports or the original or certified copies of the applicants’ birth certificates.
- If either party was married previously and widowed, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate in respect of the deceased spouse.
- License fees
- For a Roman Catholic ceremony, the relevant documents must be sent by your local bishop to the bishop of Bridgetown.
- If either party was divorced, an original Decree Absolute or a certified copy of Final Judgment. A Decree Nisi is not accepted. If the Decree Absolute is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Picking A Venue
Barbados has a wide range of spectacular venues ranging from elegant and intimate to the grand and exotic, with a hotel or resort to cater for every budget.
Our venues have been creating beautiful weddings for many years and will organize everything to make sure your clients’ special day is one to remember.
Money Matters
Regular banking hours: Monday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm and until 5pm on Fridays.
The official unit of currency in Barbados: Barbadian dollar.
The U.S. dollar is generally accepted nationwide.
Most major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and large stores.
17.5% VAT (Value Added Tax) is included on all prices in shops, supermarkets and restaurants. In hotels, 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge will be added to your bill. Usually 10%-15% is acceptable when tipping, many restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so you’d be wise to check before tipping additionally.
When transacting in cash, any change will be returned in Barbados currency. On departure, this may be converted at a commercial bank or Chamber of Commerce at Port of Embarkation (airport or seaport). Credit card slips will reflect the Barbados dollar amount at signing.
Shops in Bridgetown are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and 8:30am–6pm on Saturdays. Malls and some out-of-town shops and boutiques usually open from 9am to 9pm (Mon–Sat). Most shops are closed on Sundays, and bank holidays although some supermarkets and convenience stores remain open.
What to Wear
Dress for a warm tropical climate: shorts, T-shirts, wraps and sundresses would be your best bet for daytime wear and elegantly casual wear for evenings.
Barbados’ British roots means the island tends toward the conservative in its dress code.
Staying in Touch
Cellular Service
Visitors must ensure the roaming feature is activated prior to arriving in the island.
Post Office
Other Info
Safety
Embassies & Consulates
- Embassy of The United States of America, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados https://barbados.usembassy.gov/
- Canadian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael, Barbados – (246) 429-3550
- British High Commission, Bridgetown, Lower Collymore Rock PO Box 676, Bridgetown, Barbados + 1 246 430 7800.
Emergencies
Health & Medical
Electricity
Drinking Water
Responses