A GUIDE T0 Introducing Barbados

Picture Barbados. Are you sinking into pristine Barbados statistics white sand on the Platinum Coast, headed for Population 285,000 those twinkling turquoise waters? Cheering on the cricketers as the glorious sunshine beams Capital down on Kensington Oval? Wandering amongst Motto “Pride and Industry” the exquisite colonial architecture in historic Bridgetown? Currency Barbadian dollar (BBD) Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture Barbados, this mini destination guide Languages Bajan, English paints the perfect picture of this charismatic Time zones AST island paradise. Oozing laidback charm, Barbados is a delightful combination of spectacular coastlines for sun-worshippers, brilliant green landscapes for the adventurous, and heritage spots for those hungry for culture.

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2 Greenridge Hope Spring Hall

Morgan Lewis windmill Speightstown Mullins Beach Bathsheba Beach

Andromeda Holetown Botanic Gardens Harrison's Cave Bottom Bay Beach Mount Gay Rum Distillery Sunbury Plantation House Kensington Oval Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison Bridgetown

Oistins

3 Interesting facts

It’s the birthplace of Rihanna, who uprooted There are more rum shops than churches in from Barbados to the US aged 16 to pursue Barbados (1,500 to 300). her music career. Rapper and hip-hop – pioneer Grandmaster Flash was also born in Barbados.

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Measuring just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, it is possible to drive around the tiny island of Barbados in around three hours.

– More than BBD $57 million (£22.3m) of rum Flying fish is exported out of Barbados every year. Famous Barbadian rum

Barbados produces the world's oldest rum: It's good luck to have a furry little Mount Gay Rum, which dates back to 1703. mongoose run across the road in front of It is also considered to be one of the best you, according to Bajan tradition. and is sold in over 110 countries. – – The grapefruit originated in Barbados. Barbados is often called ‘The land of the When first discovered in Welchman Hall, flying fish’. These foot-long fish leap from grapefruit was called the “forbidden fruit”. the water and can glide for up to 50 metres It was thought to be an accidental cross and 43mph. between sweet orange and shaddock.

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Barbados has 70 square miles of beaches – the entire country only covers 166.

4 Essential sights

There’s so much to see and do in Barbados – but what are the absolute must-see sights? Mount Gay Rum Tour A trip to Barbados wouldn’t be complete without tasting the island’s most famous export: rum. Head to Mount Gay Rum – the world’s oldest rum distillery, established in 1703 – and learn all about how rum is made, from sugar cane to the coral-filtered water that’s native to Barbados. Once you’ve discovered the heritage and craftsmanship that goes into making rum, step into the garden, enjoy a traditional Bajan lunch or try a cocktail mixing session. Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach Sat on the east coast, Bathsheba Beach is considered rugged Barbados at its finest. The sand may be wide and welcoming, but the water is too wild for safe swimming. On the plus side, that makes it perfect for surfers who flock here for the pounding waves. There’s also miles of untouched sand and giant rock formations to explore. Anyone heading to Barbados in Mount Gay Rum November can watch pro surfers in action at the Bathsheba Soup Bowl international surfing competition.

5 Andromeda Botanic Kensington Oval Established in 1882, Kensington Oval is

Gardens Barbados’ oldest cricket ground and “the Discover over 600 plant specimens as well as Mecca of cricket” for all fans of the sport. The streams and ponds at this lush six-acre garden 28,000-capacity venue was redeveloped to the wonderland (above), considered to be one of tune of $90 million Bds ahead of hosting the the finest post-war gardens in the world. The 2007 ICC World Cup and remains the place to garden was created from scratch by renowned see some of cricket’s most important matches. horticulturist Iris Bannochie in 1954, with many Fuel the enthusiasm of aspiring cricketers with of the plants collected by Iris as she travelled a trip to see a test match involving the likes of across the globe. Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, the , England and South Africa. The original garden of Barbados also has a delightful café so you can tuck into lunch in between spotting hummingbirds, monkeys and dragonflies. Harrison's Cave This unique cave is one of the island's most famous and popular attractions – you’ll probably never see anything quite like it anywhere else. A stunning collection of stalactites hang from the roof of the cave, complemented by stalagmites poking from the ground. Meanwhile, streams of crystal- Harrison's Cave clear running water drop from breathtaking waterfalls to form deep emerald pools.

6 Must-see beaches

Barbados may be compact, but it manages to cram in an impressive number of beaches along its 97km of coastline. With more than 60 beaches to choose from, it can be tough to know which sandy stretches are worth your time. Luckily, we’ve picked out five of the best must-see Barbadian beaches. Bath Beach If you just want to soak in calm Atlantic waters, then the aptly named Bath Beach is the one for you. It is undoubtedly one of the best swimming beaches on the island and the undertow that renders many east coast beaches unsafe for swimming is almost absent here. Aside from facilities and parking, this beach even has a small waterfall. Miami Beach Gibbes Beach Perfect for anyone keen to escape the rest of the world, Gibbes’ main grab is a total lack Miami Beach of commercialisation. Found towards the This south coast stretch is popular with locals northern end of the west coast, this pretty 300- and tourists alike, due to its typically calm yard stretch offers sea, sand, palm trees and waters and stunning sunset views. The western little else. Getting onto the beach isn’t obvious, end of the beach is particularly suited to kids but follow the path from the main road down but it’s easy to pass the bulk of the day here, in between local houses to be rewarded with and out of the sea. Away from the sand and sea blissful solitude. though, the beach sits just half a km from the famous fishing town of Oistins – home to the legendary Friday Fish Fry.

7 Crane Beach Situated towards the southern end of the south coast is Crane Beach. For anyone not staying at the Crane Hotel, it can be challenging to reach. As one of the island's most beautiful beaches though, it’s totally worth the effort – approach the beach from the northern end via the stepping stone rocks. The sand has a peculiar pink hue – perfect for picnics – and the sea is generally safe for swimming, but you’ll want to Brownes Beach keep an eye on small children.

Brownes Beach Ideal for anyone staying in the capital of Bridgetown, Brownes is one of the largest beaches in Barbados. Consequently, this pristine wide stretch of soft white sand rarely gets crowded, while its shallow turquoise waters are just perfect for a refreshing dip. Various shipwrecks in the bay have attracted a lot of fish, so Brownes is definitely one to visit for divers and snorkellers too. Crane Beach

8 Essential experiences beyond the beach

Of course, there’s a lot more to Barbados than its beaches, so what kind of memories can you create in Barbados away from the sea and sand? Hop aboard the Bajan Bus Road trip! You’ve been on a bus tour before, but you’ve Thanks to Barbados’ relatively compact size never experienced something quite like a ride (stretching for 21 miles and spanning just on the Bajan Bus. This eye-poppingly colourful 14 miles), it’s easy to cover a lot of ground in 30-ish seater open-sided bus is arguably a short space of time – that makes it perfect the perfect way to see the best of Barbados, for a road trip. You can drive around the entire stopping by some of the island’s most beautiful island with several stop-offs and still have time beaches or a variety of authentic local rum to go out dancing in the evening. Alternatively, shops. Many Bajan buses come equipped with motor to the other side of the island for a picnic booming sound systems and guides who will try on a new beach or get a history fix by visiting to get you to laugh and drink in equal measure. Arlington House – an engaging and interactive three-storey museum.

Cherry Tree Hill

9 Oistin’s Fish Fry Binge on The active fishing town of Oistins on the south coast is a hub of activity on weekend nights, Bridgetown’s history especially Fridays, when hitting the fish fry at Bridgetown is packed with so many historic Oistins Bay Gardens is ‘the done thing’. The sites that you can easily spend a day working food here is sensational, with a huge range of through them all. There’s the Garrison Savannah mouth-watering chicken and seafood (tuna, – Barbados’ home of horse racing since 1845 – swordfish, lobster, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying the Matthias Church, the ruins of St Ann’s Fort, fish) dishes served in a refreshingly informal and George Washington House – the one-time setting. Whether you like your fish grilled or home of the former US President. fried, it's all cooked on the spot in front of you. Cherry Tree Hill The phenomenal views from this remote lookout point defy description, but at 850ft above sea level, looking over to the Scotland District, it’s easy to imagine it’s a stunning experience. The hill supposedly gained its name due to the multitude of cherry trees that once flanked the drive. Many island tours tend to include a stop at Cherry Tree Hill, so keep an eye out for this one. Bridgetown

10 Where to eat and what to order

With so many authentic flavours just waiting to be discovered, it can be hard to know where your taste buds should turn to first. Here, we’ve picked out some of the foods you must try and where you’re guaranteed a top dish.

the vibrance and style of its famous sister The Cliff establishment, Daphne's of London. The menu fuses classic Italian favourites with Barbadian Durants, West Coast inspiration, masterfully incorporating the Widely accepted as one of the top restaurants island’s freshest seafood and local produce. in the world, let alone the Caribbean, the multi- award-winning Cliff achieves a level of fine Order: Grilled yellow fin tuna or linguini with dining fit for any A-list celeb. Sat on the water's Caribbean lobster. edge of a little cove overlooking the Caribbean Sea, off the west coast of Barbados, this incredible 180-seat restaurant delivers cuisine Scarlet as idyllic as its views. Holders Hill, West Coast A stone’s throw away from Daphne’s is Scarlet, Order: The seafood. Take your pick from fillet which is equally suited to a date night as much of dolphin, Caribbean shrimp, snow crab cake, as a jovial evening out with pals. Scarlet’s rosy open ravioli of shrimp, scallops, sashimi and name is reflected in its vibrant ruby interior, more. which does away with windows for a casual but stylish design that features a large bar to Daphne’s accommodate a simple meal of a few nibbles and martinis, or an a-la-carte dinner at the Holders Hill, West Coast tables. Another spectacular restaurant that combines fine dining with sensational views is Daphne’s. Order: 'Baxter's Road' fried chicken, lemongrass This waterfront dining experience reflects salmon skewers.

11 Oistins Fish Fry There are few places you could better spend your Friday evening than Oistins Fish Fry. Get down early if you plan on eating (not long after 7pm) as hundreds of locals and visitors flock here for the excellent fish. There are loads of vendors to choose from and sounds of island music fill the air, making for a memorable Mahi-mahi evening out in a very casual setting.

Order: Tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish, lobster, even the chicken is worth trying. Cheffette The Barbadian equivalent of McDonalds might not sound like a glamourous prospect, but even Rihanna stops off for this chain’s famous rotis when she’s on the island. The Cliff restaurant Order: Beef/chicken & potato roti, barbecue chicken sandwich.

12 A taste of Barbados

What’s the best way to tantalise the tastebuds during your time on Barbados? Here, we’re highlighting the must-try food and drink from around the island.

It’s incredibly versatile, with some vendors Cou cou & flying fish adding spices such as black pepper, curry pepper and various hot sauces. Flying fish served with cou cou is the national dish of Barbados. It’s similar to polenta or grits and is made with corn flour and okra. On its own, cou cou is a staple dish that can be added to Rice and peas virtually any meal with meat and fish to give it a This quintessential West Indian food comprises bit more heft. Around 60% of all the fish served a blend of rice and savoury pigeon pea. It goes on Barbados is flying fish so expect to see it with pretty much anything and is often served served steamed, fried, pickled, barbecued or in- as a side to fried fish, chicken, pork, or beef between salt bread. stew. It is just as good on its own though. Fish cakes Cutters So versatile are fish cakes that you can grab It doesn’t do the Barbados cutter much justice them at the simplest street-side stall right up to to liken it to a sandwich, but that’s perhaps the the fanciest five-star restaurant. This deep-fried most efficient way of putting it. Take a Bajan savoury mix of salted cod fish and local herbs salt bread – a freshly baked bread roll with a and spices is irresistible. crusty exterior and soft, fluffy interior – and stuff it with fried flying fish, thick ham, cheddar cheese, breaded chicken livers, fish cakes, or a Macaroni pie fried egg. It’s a quick and easy snack that pulls no punches in terms of taste. Often considered to be the island’s unofficial national dish, macaroni pie is essentially a baked and very rich take on mac and cheese.

13 Spending money

How much should you expect to pay for the regular everyday necessities during a trip to Barbados? In July 2019, £1 GBP is worth 2.55 Barbadian Dollars (Bds$)

1 bottle One- of good way local quality red transport wine: ticket: $30 $2

Regular 1 litre of Bottle cappuccino: petrol: of beer: $7.40 $3.68 $6

Three-course Combo meal for two meal in at a mid-range fast food restaurant: restaurant: $130 $15

14 TC recommended

Our Travel Counsellors know the world better than anyone else. Check out their recommendations for an unforgettable Barbadian experience…

Travel Counsellor Lisa highlighted some of her favourite must-see attractions in Barbados…

Harrison’s Cave was a great way to get out of the mid-day heat but also experience these amazing natural wonders. We were taken around on a train-type vehicle and given a guided tour with lots of information about the caves and how they were discovered. Another must-see is St Nicholas Abbey (above) which has a plantation house, museum and rum distillery, depicting what life would have been like on here many years ago. The famous Mount Gay rum distillery is essential for anyone partial to a drop of rum too.

Travel Counsellor Katrina was surprised at the amazing cuisine on Barbados…

What I had not realised before visiting Barbados was the great food I would get to sample. There are some absolutely fabulous restaurants to try, our favourites being Champers, The Fish Pot and Lone Star, which is right next to Ju Ju’s – a great beach café. People are so friendly wherever you go – locals and tourists mix together in bars and Barbadian food restaurants and on beaches.

15 Each side of Barbados has notable differences and strengths, says Travel Counsellor Stephanie:

An important thing to note is that the east, south and west coasts of the island are all very different. The east is windy and wild as it is on the Atlantic coast side, so windsurfers love it here. The south has gorgeous white sandy beaches and big waves, while the west coast is home to lots of hotels and small towns. The sea is calm so it’s safe for swimming. If you want to go out and about on the west coast there is a town called Windsurfing Holetown where you can have a wander. Those hungry for buzzing nightlife should try to stay near St Lawrence Gap on the south coast.

Barbados is amazing for families too, says Travel Counsellor Peridot:

My two kids say our family holiday to Barbados was the best ever! It truly is a great destination for families. The highlight was our catamaran trip out to swim with the turtles. We went on a boat for just 12 people as some of the others are bigger boats and they tend to cram a lot of people on to them. They dished up a lovely lunch as we moored up just off the coast near to the famous Sandy Lane hotel, providing snorkels and masks and serving drinks all day. The children absolutely loved the experience and I would definitely recommend it.

16 Sea Breeze Beach House Hotels by Ocean Hotels Set on 2.5 acres of lush gardens along the south coast of Barbados, Sea Breeze Beach House is an intimate newly-refurbished luxury boutique all-inclusive resort that offers an indulgent vacation experience for couples and families alike. With three pools, adults-only Jacuzzis, in-room spa services and a year- round complimentary kids club.

Escape to an idyllic island oasis set on 1,000 feet of beachfront on Maxwell Beach. Lounge by one of the three pools and soak up the Barbadian sunshine with a cocktail, indulge in award-winning local cuisine at six dining spots, O2 Beach Club & Spa or swim and snorkel the day away in a secluded Caribbean bay. by Ocean Hotels The Classic Collection of rooms and suites at Situated on the white shores of Barbados’ Sea Breeze Beach House offer luxurious yet Dover Beach, O2 Beach Club & Spa by Ocean affordable accommodations, perfectly suited Hotels promises to deliver an unforgettable to couples and families alike. Meanwhile, experience. the Luxury Collection suites with up to four bedrooms invite guests to sleep in the lap Relax in one of the 88 luxurious of grandeur, with ocean views and private accommodations, exquisitely recently balconies to spacious bath, bed and living refurbished with a Caribbean twist. Lounge on rooms with exclusive upgraded amenities. the immaculate sandy beach, enjoy snorkelling adventures in turquoise waters, or indulge in a cocktail, or a coconut from the fresh coconut station on the beach.

Cool down in the winding 150-foot swimming pool with a delicious cocktail from the swim-up bar or from the comfort of your memory foam sunlounger. Enjoy the views of Oistins bay from the adults-only rooftop terrace, sample fresh island cuisine at Oro restaurant or the poolside bar or experience the vibrant nightlife just a short stroll away in the renowned St. Lawrence Gap and become immersed in an authentic Bajan experience.

17 Crystal Cove Elegant Hotels Elegant Hotels offers seven distinctive Tamarind by Elegant Hotels hotels in Barbados, each with its own unique Resting on a 750-foot crescent of premium personality and style, situated on some of the white sandy beach on the West Coast, this island’s most stunning beach locations. versatile resort manages to be both family- friendly and an exclusive adult hideaway. Choose from vibrant hotels with a wide range of activities and leisure pursuits or Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels intimate retreats more appealing to those Experience the epitome of premium at this all- seeking peaceful seclusion, relaxation and inclusive, all-suite enclave on Barbados’ lively sophistication. and luminous South Coast. Find your perfect relaxation spot on the 1,500-foot crystalline Colony Club by Elegant Hotels white-sand beach. Found on the finest stretch of the Platinum West Coast, this hotel is known for its relaxing Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels atmosphere, appealing to guests who Recently reopened and reimagined, this art enjoy healthy eating, unique amenities and and epicurean-focused adults-only oceanfront togetherness. boutique resort is a true gem amongst luxury hotels in the Caribbean. Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels This premium all-inclusive tropical beach Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels resort is perched on a lovely beachfront cliff, Redesigned in 2017, the award-winning offering casual comfort amid lush garden oceanfront Waves Hotel & Spa focuses on views and ocean vistas. wellness, offering an all-inclusive experience that goes beyond premium accommodation The House by Elegant Hotels and versatile dining. Make Barbados your private island at this tranquil, award-winning, adults-only haven. A favourite amongst celebrities and sophisticated travellers, every guest here is greeted with a complimentary 30-minute jet- lag massage.

18 Discover Barbados with British Airways

So you’ve decided you’re definitely going to services, you’ll find everything included in the visit the beautiful island of Barbados – now price, with no hidden surprises. It all adds up to you need fantastic flights fit for a holiday of a smoother, more pleasant experience. this calibre. Discover the best of Barbados with direct flights to Grantley Adams International World Traveller Plus Airport (BGI) from British Airways. Enjoy a more enhanced in-flight experience with World Traveller Plus, the premium During your 8.5-hour flight departing from economy cabin, offering more privacy, space London, you’ll have time to dive into a world and comfort in a smaller, secluded cabin. of on-board entertainment. All the latest films, documentaries, TV shows, music, Club World audio books and games are available through Experience long-haul business services in your flat screen, so simply plug in some a seat that adapts to your personal needs – headphones and enjoy whilst lapping up the whether you plan on working, unwinding, or quintessentially British hospitality with freshly getting some shut-eye in a fully flat 6ft bed. prepared, locally sourced food and drinks. First Class British Airways offer everything from great- Travel in comfort and style with your own value economy services and premium private bed, a spacious suite, delicious and economy options to the more enhanced in- indulgent dining and access to luxurious flight experience of Club World and First Class. lounges and spa treatments.

World Traveller When you choose the great-value economy

19 We hope this destination guide inspires Your local Travel Counsellor is ready to build you to head over to Barbados time and your perfect Barbados itinerary, tailor-made time again, uncovering even more of this just for you. We’d also love to see your photos breathtaking country’s beauty with each visit. and stories on social media, so please share your memories using #TCexperience. www.travelcounsellors.com Travel Counsellors Ltd, Venus, No.1 Old Park Lane, Trafford City, Manchester, M41 7HA Registered in England Number 2133414, VAT Registration Number 200 4063 79

*All information in this guide was verified and correct at the time of publishing. Some changes in services and customs may have occurred due to covid-19 restrictions. Please check for latest information with your Travel Counsellor before booking.