Barbados Luxury Holidays

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0616.

Weather

During the dry season from December-June, although even the 'wet' season sees an average of eight hours of sunshine per day.

Festivals

The island's top event is the Crop-Over Festival, which originated in colonial times as a celebration of the sugar cane harvest. Festivities stretch over a three-week period beginning in mid-July. There are spirited calypso competitions and fairs around the island. The festival culminates with a Carnival-like costume parade on Kadooment Day. In February, the Holetown Festival celebrates the 1627 arrival of the first English settlers on Barbados. The week-long festivities include street fairs, a music festival at the historic parish church and a road race. There are also a handful of international sporting events, including the Barbados Windsurfing World Cup, held at Silver Sands in January, and the Caribbean Surfing Championship, held in early November at Bathsheba.

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.

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.

Safety

Muggings increasing: do not carry valuables.

International airport

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.

Visa

(UK/US) None.

Vaccination

Hep. A, Hep. B, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.

Driving

Barbados Driving Permit required. Also a valid national or International Driving Permit.

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

430.

Population

267,000.

Population density

620.9.

Life expectancy

M 69.46, F 73.39.

Currency

Barbados dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents.

Finance

Major credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.

Business hours

0800-1600 Mon-Friday.

Time difference

-4

Voltage

115 AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

246.

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Barbados. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0616.

Barbados & Mustique

[See all itinerary ideas in Barbados]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Barbados. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Barbados, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0616.

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa, Barbados

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados

Colony Club, Barbados

Cobblers Cove, Barbados

The Sandpiper, Barbados

Coral Reef Club, Barbados

Crystal Cove, Barbados

Tamarind, Barbados

Turtle Beach, Barbados

Almond Beach Village, Barbados

Treasure Beach, Barbados

[See all places to stay in Barbados]

The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Barbados. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0616.

Cruise

History and culture

Spa breaks

Villas