On the upscale west coast of Barbados, the Saint James parish is known with good reason as the island’s ‘platinum coast’. Aside from being a celebrity hangout, the area is famed for its beautiful white sand beaches, various golf courses and excellent dining options, as well as luxury brand shopping.

One of the area’s main towns, Holetown, is a good place to get acquainted with what Saint James has to offer. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre brings shopping and entertainment together, with dozens of high-end stores, a multi-screen cinema and regular live events, from music concerts to art shows and craft fairs, while colourful Chattel village sets its shops in scenic tropical gardens.

The beachfront walks are another highlight, and particularly spectacular if you happen to be there at sunset. Eateries like Zaccios and Tides occupy some of the prime ocean-view locations, and with views like those, chances are you will want to try them out.

Holetown’s big annual event comes around each February – the Holetown Festival is a commemoration of the first settlement on the island in 1627. It’s a broad and lively celebration, encompassing everything from fashion shows and beauty contests to vintage car parades, sporting events and a Police Tattoo, and it’s a great opportunity to sample Bajan delights like macaroni pie and Barbados rum.

The town is also a centre for nightlife, concentrated mainly on Holetown’s First and Second Streets. Cool hangouts like the Red Door Lounge prove that Barbadians know how to party, and are very happy for you to join them. Head south of the town and a string of stunning beaches like Sandy Lane and Payne’s Bay await you, and it won’t be long until you find yourself in Bridgetown – the historic capital city is just 11km from Holetown.

About Barbados

At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking that Barbados is purely a beach holiday destination, but you’re urged to reconsider this common belief. The island of Barbados is peppered with astonishing landscapes (both coastal and inland), enchanting locals, sublime cuisine, intriguing rums, fascinating wildlife, symbolic architecture and a selection of striking holiday villas.

Delve deep into the history of the island and start your holiday by visiting Sunbury Plantation House & Museum. This former plantation was built in 1660’s and the premises are scattered with antiquities that delicately detail a recent history of Barbados. St. Nicholas Abbey also provides an insightful representation of Sugarcane production, Bajan artefacts and a wonderful observation point at Cherry Tree Hill. If you’re keen to visit one of the oldest Parliamentary buildings within the Commonwealth and appreciate the democratic legacy of Barbados, drop by The Parliament Buildings. This neo-gothic congress can be found in Bridgetown and act as a representation of Barbados’s Independence. There is so much history present throughout the island and as a result, Bridgetown and its Garrison has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, which the locals are very proud of.

Great efforts have been made to persevere the natural beauty of Barbados, so if you’re drawn to the exploration of National Parks and multicoloured gardens, it won’t take you long to realise that Barbados is a haven for such paradises! Within the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Farley Hill National Park, Flower Forest, Hunte’s Gardens and Welchman Hall Gully – visitors, and Botanist alike, will be lost for hours admiring these astonishing botanical parklands. Keep an eye out for the Dwarf Poinciana, or Peacock Flower…it’s the national flower of Barbados.

Bajan’s take their food very seriously! If you and your fellow travellers are enticed by the gastronomic aspect of holidaying, we believe you’ve selected the right island. With every aspect of cookery mastered; from pickling to freshly prepared dishes, sweet & savoury, fragrant & spicy and of course, the bountiful choice of seafood. Check out the food stalls in Paynes Bay Church – where vendors exhibit locally made dishes & street food that will scintillate the taste buds. At the end of every working week, locals and tourists both flock to Oistins, for ‘Fish Fry Day’. This is a must for those who haven’t undergone the experience! The evening starts with barbecues and then ascends into a joyful party. This caps off a busy few days of work for locals as well as the ‘strains’ associated with serious holidaying.

Barbados is of course iconic for its Beaches & Rum…so why not bring them together? You will have to go out of your way not to be able to find a beach bar along the west coast of the island, as well as the countless Rum Shops. Yes, you’ve read correctly, Rum Shops! These small and locally run businesses embrace the Bajan spice of life, in liquid form. Very delicious! If you’re searching for something a little more special, take a trip to the east coast and visit Sand Dunes Bar and Restaurant at Windy Hill, for an unforgettable experience.

Barbados is a distinct and striking part of the Caribbean. It’s a great fit for all types of travellers, as the island really does have it all.

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that Barbados is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the island and the Caribbean Sea to the south of the island. This tropical rainforest climate results in the island experiencing a hurricane season, which usually occurs between June to November. When thinking about booking your holiday to Barbados Republic, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Local Public Holidays

21st January – Errol Barrow Day
28th April – National Heroes Day
1st May – Labour Day
10th June 2019 – Whit Monday
1st August – Emancipation Day
First Monday of August – Kadooment Day
30th November – Independence Day

Getting There

Barbados is served by Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown.

From the US:
Direct flights are available from Charlotte, Miami and New York with AA, JetBlue and US Airways.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on BA and Virgin Atlantic. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.

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Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church, Barbados:

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