Why Barbados?
A good choice for families, sports-lovers and first-time visitors, Barbados offers a safe and easy introduction to the Caribbean. The first English settlers arrived in 1627; today, the island has an impressive stock of stately houses, churches and gardens that make it much more than a fly-and-flop destination – the colonial heart of the capital, Bridgetown, is so well preserved it has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Peak season is mid-December to early April when the weather is dry and sunny – travellers flock from Britain and North America for a winter break.
A comfortable bed
Sandy Lane (www.sandylane.com; 001 246 444 2000) deserves its reputation as one of the Caribbean's top hotels – a Rolls-Royce at the entrance says it all. High points include an immaculate beach, three golf courses, a palatial spa and a five-star kids' club. Rooms start from US$1,309 (Dh4,808), including breakfast and airport transfers.
In Holetown, the Colony Club (www.eleganthotels.com; 001 246 422 2335) has 96 newly upgraded rooms with vivid gardens, lagoon-style pools, a small beach and free activities from yoga to paddleboarding, from US$445 (Dh1,634), including breakfast.
On the east coast near Bathsheba, Sea-U Guest House (www.seaubarbados.com; 001 246 433 9450) is a relaxed, nine-room getaway overlooking the sea. There's no TV, just hammocks strung between the palms and quiet nights beneath the stars, from US$169 (Dh620), including breakfast.
Find your feet
Barbados is small – just 34 kilometres long – but with scenic variety, including a hilly interior. The smartest hotels and villas hug the west-coast beaches. These catch the sunset, but can be disappointing because of erosion and congestion. Avoid the overdeveloped south-west, which is package-holiday central. Wild and windy, the eastern Atlantic-facing coast is more laid-back, with isolated hotels, surfing and Crane Beach’s exhilarating sands. If you don’t stay on this side of the island, at least pay a visit. Taxis are pricey, however, so hire a car or join a hotel excursion to explore the island. Private tours cost about 80 Barbadian dollars (Dh147) per hour.
Meet the locals
The Bajan lifestyle is rich with music, smiles and humour. Get into “liming” (informal socialising) at the sneak-off-from-work get-together that happens every Thursday afternoon at Martin’s Bay. On Friday night, head for the Fish Fry at Oistins to party and tuck into fresh fish dished up from steaming stalls.
Sports events are invariably lively occasions – try to catch some horse racing at the Garrison Savannah racetrack (www.barbadosturfclub.org; 001 246 626 3980). The climax of the season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup on March 7.
Book a table
The Barbados-born Michael Harrison, the executive chef at the Cobblers Cove hotel in Speightstown (www.cobblerscove.com; 001 246 422 2291), trained with Michel Roux Jr. Dinner on the seafront terrace at its restaurant Camelot is an accomplished affair that includes a seafood and caviar menu every Friday (two courses, 165 Barbadian dollars [Dh303]).
In Paynes Bay, Daphne's (www.daphnesbarbados.com; 001 246 432 2731) serves classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti with lobster (84 Barbadian dollars [Dh154]), in a refined beachside setting.
To try local fare, including Bajan fishcakes, pepperpot (meat stew) and pineapple upside-down cake, head for the Caribbean buffet lunch (55 Barbadian dollars [Dh101]) at Brown Sugar (www.brownsugarbarbados.com; 001 246 426 7684).
Barbados is ideal for beach picnics, or on a hill overlooking the sugarcane fields – pick up supplies at The Gourmet Shop in Holetown (www.thegourmetshopbarbados.com; 001 246 432 7711).
Shopper’s paradise
You’ll find all Barbados has to offer at the Chattel Village in Holetown, a collection of pretty wooden cottages around the Carizma cafe that sell swimwear, resort wear, jewellery, cigars and chic accessories. The nearby upscale Limegrove Lifestyle Centre offers familiar luxury brands. For souvenirs and gifts, Best of Barbados (www.best-of-barbados.com) has five outlets on the island including at the airport. Most shops close on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
What to avoid
Hurricanes. Officially the season runs from June to November, with September and October the peak months. Take care when swimming on the east coast, where there are strong currents.
Don’t miss
Built in 1658 with not-exactly-necessary fireplaces, St Nicholas Abbey (www.stnicholasabbey.com; 001 246 422 5357) is a magnificent Jacobean house and sugar plantation in St Peter. Guided tours include a home movie of 1930s life that was discovered in a bedroom drawer.
Go there
British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Barbados via London, from £1,087 (Dh6,348) return. For more information on Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.
weekend@thenational.ae
Follow us @TravelNational
Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.
