Barbados lies on the Atlantic and Caribbean making the coastline diverse - one day you can bask in the white sand, the next you can contemplate the rugged cliffs and the crashing surf below.

The western side of the island is home to most of the hotels and lulls sunbathers to beaches such as Mullins Beach, Church Point, and Paynes Bay.  For bonafide sunbathers one of these beaches will be your island paradise. On the other hand, if you want some adventure and waves for surfing then the east coast beaches of Bathsheba/Cattlewash will be to your liking. One of my snorkeling buddies mentioned Needham's Point and Dover Beach as the best place for that activity.

For a celebrity sighting take a drive to Bathsheba with miles of untarnished beach along a rugged coastline. Recently named one of the best beaches in the world by "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," Crane Beach boasts cliffs, dunes and pink sand - beware though that the strong currents can make swimming dangerous.

Late Night Barbados

After a day of drinking rum on the beach and sunbathing, and an early evening complete with a signature five star cuisine, there is only thing you'll be lacking. Late night on Barbados can be casual or as loud and boisterous as you allow.

If you're still up for a drink jump onboard the Jolly Roger for a fruity island drink and a spectacular sunset. Or, stay on dry land and explore Baxter Road (better known as the street that never sleeps).

Dinner shows are all the rage so the calypso, limbo folklore dance show "1627 and All That" was first on my list of must-sees. Floor shows come complete with the sultry rhythm of the island so first stop was Harbour Lights in Bridgetown and on to After Dark in Christ Church. The Boat Yard is another stop for drinks, for us we made our way there pre-dinner for local beer and rum punch.

If you're still feeling romantic from your five-star dinner then make it a point to find your way to Sandy Lane's Starlight Terrace where steel band and string quartets are the norm. Just over at Cobbler's Cove saxophones and guitars rule and finally, it's never too late for a wine tasting at 39 Steps Wine Bar or Peppers Wine Bar and Bistro.

Don't Forget to Spend Your Money

Before you leave Barbados check out the shopping and don't leave without a few island favorites. Besides taking home a bottle or two of rum, cruise down Broad Street in Bridgetown, the island capital, and spend your money wisely and even better, tax-free.

We stopped in at Madison's, which is located at Accra Beach Hotel and found linen shorts, cocktail dresses and evening gowns.

My colleague on the trip was especially in need of some much appreciated shopping as her luggage got lost on the way to Barbados and she ended up with no clothes. Barbados might never be the same after her shopping spree at Bridgetown, and while she did finally receive her suitcase, it was definitely heavier on the way home.

For a tropical feel in earthenware make it a point to stop in at Earthworks Pottery. There is also a studio tucked away snugly in the hillside of St. Thomas, so if you have some time take a look at the blue and green designs that designer Golden Spieler has to offer.

Sidebar

Evenings might be for candlelight and soft music, but the daylight hours on Barbados are all about having fun. There was no better way for us to do that than catch a ride on the Foursquare Rum Shop Safari. Not for the faint at heart, the jeep safari (specially-rigged 4X4 Land Rover) hurried us away to rum shops around the island - shortcuts were the norm - as we off-roaded it through gullies and ditches glimpsing some of the best coastal viewing on the island.

Barbados wouldn't be Barbados without the great-tasting rum, an integral part of island life. As we made our rum stops throughout the day we were served up "rum shop style" - in other words, pour your own rum and mix it with whatever works for you.

By the time I returned to my hotel, I had made best friends with the driver, an appointment with one of my jeep-mates and I knew every other passenger's birthday from the safari. Not bad for a six-hour tour.

Getting There

Fly into Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport via American Airlines, US Airways, Air Jamaica or BWIA.

Currency: The Barbados dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar and is roughly at the rate of BDS$1.98 to $1U.S.

Departure Tax: $25 Barbados, $13 U.S.

Language: English

Return to Travel