Gigantically tall thin palms, bending with their own lankiness, had been drawn, so it seemed, by a very vulgar and extraordinarily accurate and laborious artist - drawn in Indian ink, on the pale orange expanses of the West.
Aldous Huxley, Beyond the Mexique
Barbados holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Barbados holiday, personal to you.
Barbados is probably the most developed of all Caribbean islands. While it has amazing white sand beaches fringed with palm fronds these aren’t what set Barbados apart from the rest, as most other islands here are similarly blessed. Instead it is the broad choice available of things to do and places to stay that mark it out from the crowd.
On the eastern, Atlantic-facing, side of the island, beaches and coves are naturally more windswept, while the south and west coasts are sheltered. Its not surprising then, that these latter areas are more built up and home to the majority of luxury hotels and retreats. You’ll need to get away from here to find the real Barbados and Bajan culture though. Head inland to explore the limestone hills and verdant foliage and westward for windsurfing, hiking and diving. You’ll also need to make time to visit old plantation homes and botanical gardens, and to discover true calypso rhythms and real Bajan rums.
Barbados facts
Capital: Bridgetown
Language: English.
People: African descendants, small groups of South Asians and Europeans.
Religion: Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority. Small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities
Size (sq km): 430.
Population: 267,000.
Population density/sq km: 620.9.
Etiquette
Social attitudes, like administration and architecture, tend to echo the British provincial market town. Bajans (as the locals call themselves) are known for their optimistic attitude, laid-back manner and sense of humour. Casual wear is acceptable in most places.
Shopping
Jewellery, clothing, ceramics, rum, straw goods, and batiks. High quality goods, but expensive. Some items duty-free on production of passport and air ticket.
Food & drink
Bajan specialities include superb seafood, including flying fish, lobster and sea urchins. Sweet potatoes, plantain, breadfruit, yams, avocados, pears, soursops, paw paws, bananas, figs, and coconuts are produced locally. Rum based cocktails, such as rum punch, sangria, and pina coladas. British pubs are emulated.
International Airports
Sir Grantley Adams, Barbados (BGI), 11km from Bridgetown.
Internal travel
Good road network. Petrol is comparatively cheap, and cars may be hired by the hour, day or week.
Red tape
Visas
(UK/US) None.
Vaccinations
Hep. A, Hep. B, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2
Driving requirements
Barbados Driving Permit required. Also a valid national or International Driving Permit.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 1 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3ND, (020) 7631 4975, fax (020) 7323 6872, email london@foreign.gov.bb. US: 2144 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 939 9200, fax (202) 332 7467, email washington@foreign.gov.bb.
UK/US reps in Barbados
UK: Lower Collymore Rock, St Michael, Bridgetown tel 430 7800, fax 430 7813, email britishcb@sunbeach.net. US: PO Box 302, Bridgetown, tel 436 6300, fax 429 5246, email lynchjh@state.gov
Currency
Barbados dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents.
Finance
Major credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
0800-1600 Mon-Friday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Muggings increasing: do not carry valuables.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 69.46, F 73.39.
Useful websites for travel
www.barbados.org/uk, www.foreign.gov.bb, www.barbados.org
Local media
The Nation, The Barbados Advocate and East Caribbean News are the main dailies. One state-owned TV channel
Tourist boards
UK: 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7LA, tel (020) 7636 0090, fax (020)7637 1496, email btauk@barbados.org. US: 800 Second Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017, tel (212) 986 6516, fax (212) 573 9850, email btany@barbados.org.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Barbados. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Barbados itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6548.
Whether you’re a couple or a family this vibrant and friendly hotel is an excellent choice for an all-inclusive holiday. Crystal Cove is a member of the Elegant Hotels group and is a favourite amongst families and couples....
Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2010, the former Tamarind Cove has been reborn as a stylish and contemporary hotel....
Turtle Beach combines the typical Barbados beach holiday with extensive facilities, an excellent choice of restaurants and a lively atmosphere with some great evening entertainment....
With its extensive children’s facilities, this is an ideal choice if you want to give the family a perfect all-inclusive Caribbean holiday....
Sometimes a resort just seems to get everything right by doing it simply and with great warmth and style. Treasure Beach on the island of Barbados is a perfect example....
If you want proof that exclusivity and popularity can go together, look no further. Sister hotel to Coral Reef Club and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this family-run hotel has a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere....
Few places are better at treating you to the old-style splendour of the Caribbean than The Fairmont Royal Pavilion. This is grand living on a grand scale....
Situated on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, this oceanfront resort is one of the best locations to enjoy the Caribbean in style....
Surrounded by seven acres of beautiful tropical gardens, Colony Club offers a little haven of peace and tranquillity....
The Coral Reef Club is one of the most cherished luxury resorts in the Caribbean, set within acres of attractively landscaped gardens on the calm west coast of Barbados....
Mango Bay is located on one of the most stunning parts of the west coast of Barbados, on the beautiful white sands of St James Beach, just 40 minutes from the airport and walking distance from the restaurants, bars and boutiques of fashionable Holetown.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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One of only five hotels in the Caribbean to be a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group, it’s the perfect choice if all you want to do is relax and unwind in elegant, comfortable surroundings beside a beautiful beach.... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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The House, Barbados is an intimate boutique hotel blending chic design with minimalist grace. Located on a secluded stretch of Barbados’ pristine ’platinum’ west coast, 40 minutes from the airport, The House is a sophisticated, simple retreat... Please call 0845 643 6548 for price details.
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During the dry season from December-June, although even the 'wet' season sees an average of eight hours of sunshine per day.
GMT -4
Barbados dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents.
Get foreign currency online