Why go? Because old favourites are often the best. Barbados has a long tradition of welcoming visitors from the UK and delivers everything you want from a winter escape to the sun – charming hotels, a dreamily warm sea, high-class restaurants, and plenty of interesting sights. The smartest hotels and villas are found along the sheltered west coast, while the east has an appealingly wild and windy mood. Though it’s well known for beach holidays, this is an island with good walking and riding, and a lively local scene best enjoyed at events like the Friday night Fish Fry at Oistins and the horseraces held at the Garrison Savannah racetrack. When it comes to choosing the right Caribbean island, Barbados is always a safe bet.
Best for A first holiday to the Caribbean; families and groups of friends; sports-lovers.
Best avoided Overpriced restaurants: eating out in Barbados is expensive, so if you’re on a budget or travelling with kids, consider self-catering or staying at an all-inclusive resort. Two beachside restaurants worth booking are Lone Star and Daphne’s, both in St James.
Need to know Barbados has its own National Trust which oversees some fine historic houses and gardens around the island. If you belong to the National Trust or National Trust for Scotland, take your membership card to get free or discounted admission.
TC Tips The weather in Barbados means the best time of year to visit is from November through to May. It can rain in November and December, but the showers are short and the cloud blows over quickly.
The West Indies are hosting the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is spread around nine venues in the Caribbean and starts with warm-up matches in early March. The Final is in Barbados on 28 April – for the full fixture list see www.cricketworldcup.com. Nigel Tisdall
Bajan people are friendly and accommodating, and they take it personally if you don’t say hello as you walk by. Michelle Elgin, Travel Counsellor
Don’t book a Barbados hotel without doing your research: some of them are tired and in need of a facelift. Bougainvillea on the south of the island is a wonderful base for a family or couples on a budget. Little Good Harbour is a gem of a hotel on the north of the west coast. The all-inclusive Turtle Beach on the south coast has a great beach, and nice rooms and public areas. The Villa Nova, in the centre of the island, has the feel of a country house hotel and offers exquisite food and service – but there’s no beach, of course. Lisa Hillyard, Travel Counsellor
Your Travel Counsellor can advise you on which Barbados hotels have been recently refurbished. At most of them, it is definitely worth upgrading your room type. Karen Whatsize, Travel Counsellor
Some of the content of the magazine refers to flights or prices from the UK. At Travel Counsellors Ireland we can source flights from Ireland and provide full quotes in Euros. Please call me for latest availability and prices.
