BARBADOS

SUPPLEMENT TO

NOVEMBER 14, 2016

Brbados supplement 2016.indd 1 11/9/2016 2:32:31 PM 2

Brbados supplement 2016.indd 2 11/9/2016 2:32:34 PM Mayers

BARBADOS celebrates 50 years of independence

IAN STALKER

arbados is now enjoying both half a century of independence Peter Mayers, Barbados Tourism Marketing’s director, Canada, and a thriving tourism industry, as it undertakes jubilee says that there have been some “challenges” in the Canadian Bcelebrations marking the 50-years milestone. market, such as our struggling dollar. Five decades after becoming independent, the country has “But in the grand scheme of things, we’ve held our own,” he become a Caribbean tourism industry powerhouse, with last year reports. being a record tourism year for the sun-soaked island. Long- One plus has been Air Canada’s decision to boost service to stay arrivals rose 13.7%, hitting 591,892, the country’s best-ever the island, with the carrier bringing people from both Toronto and performance. Canada played a major role in that milestone, Montreal to Barbados this winter. contributing 12.6% of all long-stay arrivals. Canadian visitations The country is also seeing major developments in its hotel room were up 13%. inventory, in part because of the arrival of Sandals Barbados, and

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 3 11/9/2016 2:32:36 PM Sugar Bay, another all-inclusive in a destination that traditionally hasn’t gone the all-inclusive route to the same degree that many other Caribbean destinations have. All-inclusive lodging options further grow when a Beaches begins welcoming guests down the road. More upscale lodging options are in the works, with the Wyndham name to be placed on a restored Sam Lord’s. Wyndham is expected to begin welcoming guests to that property in 2018. A new-build Hyatt is slated to open in 2019, adding yet another luxury accommodation option. Barbados is also playing host to a growing number of cruise visitors, with 2015 seeing 586,615 cruise visitors, a jump of 71,408 people. In all, there were 394 cruise calls and recent expansion at the Bridgetown Port is enabling it to accommodate mega cruise vessels. Barbados has long been famed for the spectacular beaches that ring the island, but tourism officials say it also offers “the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history” that are found in remarkably scenic landscapes. That culture reaches a high point in the summer with the Crop Over festival, which includes lively parades, colourful costumes and musical performances on the island that gave the world music

Historic Bridgetown a UNESCO World Heritage Site

n 2011, Barbados joined an elite group of nations with projecting Britain’s Imperial power in the region. The town’s world heritage properties when Historic Bridgetown and its fortified port spaces were linked along the Bay Street corridor IGarrison was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a from the town to the Garrison, circling Carlisle Bay. tremendous feat for a small Caribbean island. Bridgetown today still functions as one of the island’s business Since European settlement almost 400 years ago, Bridgetown and commercial hubs. became a major port for the shipment of goods, including sugar, Visitors will also appreciate the abundance of malls and duty- and enslaved people in the British Atlantic World. Bridgetown’s free shopping available in Bridgetown, as well as the local charm irregular settlement patterns and early 17th-century street layout the city brings. Street vendors with their colourful trays of fresh reflects the medieval influence of early English settlers on town produce and goods can still be found plying their trade in certain planning. locations across the city. Barbados was the first port of call for ships making the The east end of the boardwalk leads to Independence Square, transatlantic crossing. The island’s geographic location created a quiet respite in the centre of the city. The square has many a strategic military advantage, protecting British trade interests benches offering waterfront views of some of Bridgetown’s most against French, Spanish and Dutch aggression, while also historic buildings, including the Parliament Building.

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 4 11/9/2016 2:32:37 PM superstar Rihanna. Tourists come from far and wide for Crop Over. Another cultural highlight is the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, which is a showcase for the great dishes that can be found in local restaurants, and local alcohol too, with Barbados having famed and long-running rum distilleries Mount Gay and Cockspur. Both Mount Gay and Cockspur get high marks from rum connossieurs. Tourism officials add that the island is a great destination for energetic sorts. Water sports, naturally, are easily available throughout Barbados, but those officials add that there’s a host of land- based sports awaiting visitors as well, among them golf. And early December will see runners from both Barbados and afar lacing up their shoes for the long-running Run Barbados, which has people competing in races of different lengths, including a half-marathon.

Ocean Hotels boasts three unique properties

oasting three unique four-star properties, the Ocean Hotels group is a BBarbadian family-owned company located on the south coast of Barbados. The group’s properties include Ocean Two Resort & Residences, a four- diamond Oceanfront Condo Hotel on Dover Beach; Sea Breeze Beach Hotel, a beachfront all-inclusive resort on Maxwell Coast Road; and South Beach Hotel, a chic self-catering property opposite Accra Beach and close to the Boardwalk in Rockley. According to officials, service is at the heart of the group – with true Bajan hospitality shining through in everything they do. In every Ocean Hotel, guests will find special little touches from a homemade ice lolly or a game of beach cricket with the staff.

Barbados Sales Guide 2016 is published by Baxter Travel Media as a supplement to Canadian Travel Press – November 14, 2016

FOUNDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE V.P. OPERATIONS W.H. Baxter, 1919-2004 Edith Baxter, [email protected] David McClung, [email protected] Wendy McClung, [email protected] Bob Mowat, Executive Editor [email protected] SALES & MARKETING: Florida - North: Gillian Harper [email protected] Michael Baginski, Editor/Publisher [email protected] Earl Lince, Director of International Marketing [email protected] Hawaii: Laurie Doerschlen [email protected] Greg D. Coates, Assistant Editor [email protected] Rodney Tugwell, Sales Manager [email protected] Central & South America: Lillian Martinez [email protected] Mike Dunbar, Quebec Editor [email protected] Mitchell McClung, Account Executive [email protected] Mexico: Paloma Martinez [email protected] Ted Davis, Western Editor [email protected] Ian Stalker, Staff Writer [email protected] REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES: PRODUCTION: Ann Ruppenstein, Staff Writer [email protected] Western Canada: Terry Ohman [email protected] Johnny Koo, Art Director [email protected] Emily McClung, Audience/Product Development Manager Alberta: Greg Ohman [email protected] Wayne Labourn, Production Manager [email protected] [email protected] Quebec & Atlantic Canada: Rodney Tugwell [email protected] Sharron Taylor, Adv. Material Coordinator [email protected] Dee Ristic, Circulation [email protected] USA: Earl Lince [email protected] Dragana Lekovic-Lucic, Senior Design Manager Daniel McDonald, Classifieds [email protected] Florida - South: Dino Torres [email protected] Wayne McDonald, Michael Mouatt, Production Artists Head Office: 310 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V9 (416) 968-7252 [email protected] www.travelpress.com Reproduction, copying or dissemination of this publication in whole or in part, without prior written consent of Baxter Travel Media is strictly prohibited. PRINTED IN CANADA ©2016

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 5 11/9/2016 2:32:39 PM ONLINE peek into a BARBADOS experience

arbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) “This project represents a significant undertaking, has launched a new website, designed to and a major opportunity to enhance our digital Belevate the destination’s online presence, marketing capabilities and brand presence on a including several new media features, and to offer global scale.” visitors a peek into the Barbados experience. The new website brings the island of Barbados The revamped visitbarbados.org comes that much closer to Canadians. Barbados perfectly timed as the island celebrates 50 years enjoys an industry-leading repeat-visitor rate of of independence this year, which has seen a approximately 40% from Canada. plethora of on-island activities. Peter Mayers, BTMI’s director for Canada, The new interactive site was created to boost references internal research indicating that a travellers’ understanding of the island and help large number of Canadian travellers like to do in planning their ultimate holiday in Barbados. their pre-trip planning by seeking out information Features include 360-degree videos that provide on tours, adventures and activities they can do visitors with virtual views of the destination, at the destination; and that further, many like to trip planning tools and a go-to resource for learn about local culture and history in advance of attractions, services and events on the island. travelling. “We are taking a comprehensive approach “We know they are doing much of this research where the new website will be integrated with our online, and our new website has all the prime social media and digital marketing strategies to information to help Canadians plan an immersive deepen our relationships with potential and repeat Barbados vacation experience.” he said. visitors online,” said BTMI CEO William Griffith. www.visitbarbados.org

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 6 11/9/2016 2:32:39 PM CRANE RESORT set for the festive season

ravellers looking to escape the Canadian winter this holiday kid-friendly activities at the Calypso Kids Club, and a unique glass season need look no further than The Crane Resort located elevator service down to the beach, making it a good fit for multi- Ton Barbados’ rugged east coast. generational travel. The luxury beach resort is situated overlooking the award-winning In other news, Crane Resorts is nearing the completion of Phase Crane Beach and offers guests an array of spacious suites. With One of The Crane Private Residences, a luxury gated residential lush gardens, private pools, gourmet restaurants and culinary community within The Crane. The first of five Private Residences offerings, as well as world-class amenities and services, The Crane buildings is slated to open by the end of the year, giving owners is an ideal choice for families looking to escape the ice and snow. access to its 16 contemporary condo-style units, which offer full Catering to travellers of all ages, The Crane offers childcare and use of all the resort’s amenities and services.

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 7 11/9/2016 2:32:41 PM FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL a culinary delight

he “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” as many foodies He will be returning to the 2016 Food & Rum Festival for his from around the world describe Barbados, has rebranded its second year as an international guest chef, creating a unique TBarbados Food & Rum Festival, set to run from Nov. 17-20. “Gourmet Safari” fine dining experience on Nov. 20 at The Crane The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Event will showcase the Resort. island’s very best dishes, offering an opportunity for visitors to try Commencing with an opening night celebration at Oistins Bay new global flavours. Gardens on Nov. 17, festival attendees can savour the spirit of Award-winning local and international chefs will once again Barbados with numerous cooking demonstrations and rum tours; dazzle live audiences with cooking demonstrations, while creative a signature event at the Concorde Museum; a match at Holder’s mixologists will demonstrate the versatility of Barbados rum. Polo Field; a choice of four- and five-course Gourmet Safari dining Included in the lineup is internationally acclaimed Michelin- events; and a celebratory cook-off competition on Nov. 20 between starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, as well as Canada’s own Barbados’ ministers of tourism and agriculture. beloved Chef Craig Harding. While the festival has been run for the past seven years, the 2016 Harding, owner of the successful Campagnolo restaurant in rebranding is set to highlight Barbados as a major player in the Toronto, specializes in farm-to-table dining, taking traditional Italian global culinary tourism market. dishes he learned from his grandmother and adapting them with a Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Richard Sealy, fresh and modern flair. said that the island has all of the components necessary to be

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 8 11/9/2016 2:32:42 PM positioned as a leader in culinary tourism. “Though we have known it for years, today, we can say that Barbados has all the epicurean assets – from expert chefs, talented mixologists and a diverse range of restaurants, to internationally renowned street food vendors and an eclectic mix of mouth-watering cuisine – to establish its own global brand,” he said. This year’s festival has also been timed to coincide with the island’s 50th anniversary of independence. BTMI CEO William Griffith commented, “We plan to pay homage to our traditions, this while constructing a platform for a new, trendy and competitive culinary market – one that can bolster our tourism and related sectors and establish Barbados as a leading destination for culinary travel.” Among the featured local chefs participating in the festival is Barbados’ own UK-based celebrity chef, Jason Howard; the award-winning Chef Creig Greenidge of CM Catering; Chef Damian Leach, Taste of the Caribbean Chef of the Year 2016; Henderson Butcher, head chef of Divi Southwinds Hotel; Michael Hinds, culinary director of Terasu Inc.; and independent chefs John Hazzard and Michael Harrison. Taste of the Caribbean Bartender of the Year, Ryan Adamson, will also be highlighted during the festival with his award-winning cocktail. An official calendar of events can be found at www. foodandrum.com . www.visitbarbados.org

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 9 11/9/2016 2:32:44 PM Barbados: ‘CULINARY CAPITAL of the Caribbean’

ith a proliferation of eateries, which run the gamut from fine stronger taste of ginger. dining restaurants and fast food establishments to assorted • Guava Cheese: Sweet, firm candied jelly made from the W “holes in the wall” and street food vendors, it’s no wonder guava fruit and cut into squares. Barbados is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” • Macaroni Pie: A cheesy macaroni casserole. Whether the meal is served on a china plate, in a Pyrex dish or • Mauby: A drink made from a buckthorn bark, Colubrina comes wrapped in a banana leaf, visitors will be blown away by elliptica. It is boiled with sugar and spices, and may or may not the taste, texture, flavour and the spices – all prerequisites for a include vanilla essence and Angostura bitters to help balance satisfying dining experience. the otherwise bitter aftertaste. It is said to be an acquired taste Visitors will want to temp their palate with locally caught fish, almost like root beer. home-grown grass-fed meats, sweet plantains, rice and peas, tasty • Nut Cakes: Confectionery incorporating boiled sugar with West Indian curries and rotis. This is what makes Barbados the peanuts stirred in, dropped by the spoonful onto a tray / flat perfect place to visit for a superbly varied gastronomical adventure. surface and left to harden. The following is a small sample of what visitors are able to • Pig Tails: Exactly what it sounds like – usually barbecued. discover by way of Bajan delicacies and street food in Barbados: • Pudding and Souse: Pudding is a spicy dish made of pig • Bakes: A fried “muffin” made from flour, sugar and salt. intestines stuffed with seasoned sweet potato and colouring. Usually paired with fishcakes. Souse is made from any part of the pig (but mainly its head • Bread & Two: Salt bread stuffed with two fishcakes. and feet) boiled and pickled with lime juice, cucumber, onion, • Cassava Pone: A heavy, moist “bread” made from grated parsley, salt and pepper. cassava, pumpkin, sweet potato, coconut, sugar, nutmeg, • Rice and Stew: Usually rice with peas (dry peas, black-eyed butter and milk. (Carrots and raisins are optional.) peas, kidney peas etc.) covered with a thick, spicy beef, pork • Conkie: Moistened coconut, pumpkin, corn flour, sugar and or lamb stew cooked with carrots and potatoes. spices wrapped in a banana leaf, boiled and served. (Raisins • Roti: Not strictly a Bajan dish, but one that visitors are likely to and cherries are optional.) encounter nevertheless. Curried chicken, beef, goat, shrimp, • Coucou & Flying Fish: The national dish made from a chick peas, or vegetables wrapped in what can be described combination of okra and cornmeal mixed with pepper, salt and as a soft flatbread. Bajan hot sauce. The flying fish is either steamed or fried. Other • Salt Bread: A bun resembling a giant dinner roll, although not varieties of fish may be used depending on your preference or as smooth. the availability of flying fish. • Sugar Cakes: Confectionery incorporating grated coconut • Cutters: Sandwiches comprising of salt bread filled with boiled with sugar and spice (molasses optional) dropped by cheese, egg, fish or ham. the spoonful onto a tray / flat surface and left to harden. • Fishcakes: Fried cod fish balls with flour, pepper and other • Tamarind Balls: Confectionery incorporating the pulp of the seasonings. tamarind fruit rolled in sugar, with or without black pepper. • Ginger Beer: A soft drink similar to ginger ale, but with a

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 10 11/9/2016 2:32:45 PM BLUE SKY luxury at home in BARBADOS

lue Sky Luxury Holiday Home Experts will help guests discover quickly that Barbados offers much more than Bsun, sand and sea, ensuring visitors have absolutely everything they need for a luxury holiday. With more than 120 holiday homes ranging from luxurious oceanfront villas to charming and relaxed beachfront apartments, Blue Sky has an intimate local knowledge of the island and 33 years experience in holiday home rentals. According to officials, the company’s flagship collection is a carefully curated mix of the crème de la crème of Barbados luxury with no details spared. Holiday Homes such as Crystal Springs, Langara and Greensleeves are specially designed to provide an unforgettable Barbados experience. • Crystal Springs, St. James: Crystal Springs is a 10-bed beachfront villa set on 1.7 acres on Barbados’ “Platinum” Coast. Created by designer Oliver Messel in the 1960s and completely restored in 2014, this impressive villa offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, incredible amenities and five-star service. • Langara, St. James: Langara is luxury Barbados living at its finest with a private pool and breathtaking beachfront views. This four-bed penthouse encompasses the entire top floor of the privately owned Sandy Cove residential development in Barbados. The five-star experience offered by Langara includes an incredible staff dedicated to a guest’s every comfort, including a personal chef and butler. • Greensleeves, St. Peter: This vacation villa is set on 11 acres of prime beachfront with direct access to two white- sand bays along the esteemed, palm-fringed Platinum Coast of Barbados. Eighty ensuite bedrooms with private terraces offer guests gorgeous views through carved teak windows and doors – lending rich warmth against cool, white walls. A ninth bedroom – appropriately named Ocean Suite – is also available on request. www.blueskyluxury.com

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 11 11/9/2016 2:32:46 PM BARBADOS: What a sport

ith its year-round temperate climate and abundant tropical Barbados’ cricketing history is a glorious one. Many vistas, Barbados plays the consummate host to many Barbadians have contributed greatly to international and local Wsports enthusiasts. cricket, and the sport is played all year-round on the Island. The Well known throughout the Caribbean for sports tourism, island boasts many cricket grounds, but the most famous would Barbadians are avid sportsmen and women, who demonstrate a be Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. The first cricket organization passion for a wide variety of activities, such as running (including the established in Barbados was the Barbados Cricket Challenge annual Run Barbados Marathon Weekend), horse racing, polo, water Cup Committee in 1892 which later brought about the Barbados sports, tennis, golf, track and field, and, most especially, cricket. Cricket Association in 1933. The 34th edition of AIMS-IAAF certified Run Barbados series is To say that cricket in Barbados is a passion would be an scheduled for Dec 2-4 and will feature a Marathon Relay, in addition understatement. Bajans eat, drink and sleep cricket. to a schedule of special races. The Signia Fun Mile and Pasta Party A nod to its British heritage, cricket is the national sport. At any kick off the series followed by the Cave Shepherd 5K, Colombian time in season, you’re likely to find an elite international test match Emeralds International 10K, Ganzee 5K Walk for Charity, Fortress being played out at Kensington Oval. Half-Marathon, Cave Shepherd Marathon, and the Marathon Relay. A mix of elite and recreational runners from across the globe are THE CRICKET MUSEUM expected to take part. Visitors can take a stroll down memory lane and marvel at the 2016 will be a special year at Run Barbados, as the event forms cricket wonders and in the Cricket Legends of Barbados part of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Independence Museum at Herbert House, Fontabelle. The museum is the first of Barbados. The start and finish of the “out and back” mostly flat heritage centre solely dedicated to cricket in Barbados and is routes are at the picturesque Bay Street Esplanade on the south packed with memorabilia dating back to the early 1900s. Tours run coast of the island, overlooking Carlisle Bay. every 30 minutes Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 12 11/9/2016 2:32:49 PM RESORT TO THE BEST well represented in Barbados

hen Resort To The Best was 2017; May 12-19, 2017 and Oct. 20-27, 2017. the Caribbean Sea and sandy coastline. established in 1991, it represented Downstairs, “Driftwood” and “Sand Dollar” W three small resorts in Barbados THE SANDPIPER are exquisite oceanfront Beach House Suites – Cobblers Cove, Coral Reef Club and The One of the most romantic and intimate with equally superb views. Harold’s Beach Sandpiper – three luxury properties it continues small hotels in the West Indies, The Sandpiper Bar now has a larger deck, part of which to rep today. offers 50 rooms, suites and three Tree-Top stretches right out to the seafront. A new 60- suites, and recently added new suites and foot, architecturally designed lap pool has also COBBLERS COVE some property enhancements. been added in the garden. Guests can also A few miles north along the platinum west The new oceanfront Tree Top Suite “Curlew” pamper themselves at The Spa at Coral Reef coast of Barbados and a member of the on the top floor of The Beach House has Club, the hotel’s sister property. prestigious Relais & Chateaux, the 40-suite stunning interiors and an unbeatable view of www.resorttothebest.com Cobblers Cove blends the elegance RTTB-Barbados-Luxury-Ad-Final.qxp_Layout 1 2016-10-31 1:30 PM Page 1 and charisma of an English country house in a tropical atmosphere. Over the past few years, the resort has been refurbishing all suites and has only a remaining few to be completed. The resort’s signature Colleton Suite offers a rooftop of Barbados terrace and plunge pool and makes for a special honeymoon suite. With flights daily to Barbados from Canada what better time for romantic getaways or family vacations at Resort To The Best’s Collection of luxury resorts and villas on an island that offers fabulous dining, duty-free shopping and a host of attractions for Cobblers Cove will celebrate the young and young at heart. Resort To The Best presents an array of values at these very special west coast resorts. upcoming 50th anniversary of the COBBLERS COVE island’s independence with specially English Elegance with Caribbean Character... created cocktails and a focus on Cobblers Cove - where cool colonial style meets gracious Caribbean living. Located on traditional Barbadian-inspired dining the platinum west coast of Barbados, Cobblers Cove offers a haven of grace and experiences in the seaside Camelot tranquility to discerning travellers. This beachside hotel has 40 suites, each individually decorated and open to the ocean and tropical garden surroundings. Restaurant. Guests travelling before Stay 7 Nights & Receive A Resort Credit Dec. 11 for stays of seven nights or Stay at Cobblers Cove for 7 nights or more to December 11th and receive a resort more will receive a resort credit. credit ranging from $500 US - $1,200 US (depending on suite category). This credit can be used on spa treatments, water sports, managed excursions such as the Chef's Market Tour and excellent food from Camelot Restaurant. CORAL REEF CLUB The luxurious and charming Coral CORAL REEF CLUB Reef Club offers 88 rooms/cottages/ Classic Caribbean Charm... suites and two villas nestled among This family owned and run luxury resort is renowned for its special ambiance and classic island style. Luxurious accommodations nestle among twelve acres of lush 12 acres of lush gardens for ultimate gardens. Be sure to experience The Spa, an idyllic sanctuary for your total relaxation privacy. According to officials, in a truly soothing environment. 7 nights for the price of 5 nights this family owned resort delivers Free nights include breakfast. Applicable for stays with the arrival and departure an outstanding level of personal between 10 and 18 December 2016. Applicable to all categories of accommodation. attention and boasts a high level of repeat guests. THE SANDPIPER A successful recent innovation Relaxed Style & Intimate Charm... is the Wellness Retreat – a week The Sandpiper is discreetly one of the most exclusive small hotels in the West Indies. of well-being activities that include The hotel is embraced by lush gardens filled with tropical flora, creating an atmosphere of ultimate privacy. It is situated on a beautiful sandy beach gently Pilates, Yoga, Aqua Aerobics, Body lapped by turquoise waters. Blast and Drill Training, Hiking, 7 nights for the price of 5 nights Free nights include breakfast. Applicable for stays with arrival and departure between Caribbean-style Zumba, Meditation, 10 and 18 December 2016. Terms and conditions apply. and a “What’s Trending” interactive Tree Top Suite Curlew seminar. For further information on these luxury hotels in Barbados, Personalized packages tailored please contact Resort To The Best. to a guest’s level of fitness are phone: 416-322-7824 or 1-800-567-5327 email: [email protected] web: resorttothebest.com available for Coral Reef and Sandpiper guests March 10-17, BARBADOS 13

Brbados supplement 2016.indd 13 11/9/2016 2:32:52 PM BARBADOS tees it up

or some of the best golfing experiences in the Caribbean, travellers are encouraged to grab their Fpassports and clubs and head to Barbados. The country’s inviting landscapes married with its top- notch, well-designed courses will have golfers believing they’ve hit the hole-in-one of standards among the globe’s greens. Barbados is increasingly being regarded as one of the top islands for a Caribbean golf vacation, with several hotels and resorts offering special golf packages. Open to all skill levels, seven of the Caribbean’s most sought-after courses are available. Among the fairways standouts is Barbados Golf Club (host of the Barbados Open on several occasions), designed by Ron Kirby, one of the most-respected golf course architects in the world; as well as Apes Hill Club, a course almost 1,000 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views.

BARBADOS celebrates year-round

rom January through December, Barbados comes alive with month of May. various festivals and special celebrations. The remaining months of the year consist of several other F The Barbados Music Awards kicks off the celebrations in festivals inclusive of Visual Arts, Pan Pun De Sand, NIFCA (National January, followed by the Holetown festival in Holetown St. James in Independence Festival of Creative Arts) and Run Barbados, to February. Agrofest, an agricultural fair, also takes place in February in name a few. the capital, Bridgetown. The largest and most important festival, however, is Crop Over, March offers festivals catering to the foodie and to the horse which celebrates the end of the sugarcane harvest. This summer racing enthusiast. These festivals are Oistins Fish Festival in festival is celebrated over several weeks and includes fairs, fetes, Oistins, Christ Church, and the Sandy Lane Gold Cup held at the parades and contests. Historic Garrison Savannah. The Barbados Reggae Festival which Crop Over culminates on Kadooment Day. This day features an culminates at the historic Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter keeps explosion of colours, food and masqueraders dancing rhythmically the festivities pumping in April. Gospelfest, a Christian celebration to the pulsating beats of Calypso along the streets towards of poetry, dance and song, is also staged at Farley Hill in the Brandons Beach on the Spring Garden Highway.

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 14 11/9/2016 2:32:54 PM Exploring BARBADOS a magical experience

arbados is a magical place to explore with numerous natural While research suggests that they were used for drainage and man-made treasures available for visitors to discover. and to facilitate the movement of soldiers around this military B The Caribbean island has it all, with something to satisfy site, they are also grim reminders of the horrors of the slave history buffs, geographers and ghost-busters alike. trade, providing deep cover for the clandestine disposal of The following are five intriguing treasures worth discovering: bodies, which were floated out to sea. • The Chase Vault: Erie and intriguing, the Chase Burial Vault in the southern parish of Christ Church was the final resting • The HARP Gun: Who knows what secrets lie in the rusting place of the Chase family, but the question of whether the carcass of the HARP gun, or what it could have achieved occupants did indeed rest, has been part of Barbadian in the development of space discovery in Barbados? The folklore for hundreds of years. Entombed were lead coffins HARP gun was intended as a satellite launcher – a HUGE which, according to legend, moved around the vault. In 1833, cannon/gun, designed to “shoot things into space.” Built in when the vault was opened for the burial of a family member, 1961, HARP, an acronym for High Altitude Research Project, the coffins which were already entombed, were alleged to was an initiative between the American and Canadian have been mysteriously and inexplicably displaced, with governments. Designed by ballistics engineer Gerald Bull, some even found upside down. The coffins were always who was assassinated in 1990, while working on another set right, and the entrance sealed tightly, but it was said that space gun project for the Iraqi government, the HARP gun in whenever the vault was reopened, the coffins were never in Barbados was able to fire an object 112 miles into the sky. It their places, and there was no external evidence to suggest set a world record for gun-launched altitude that has yet to human interference. be surpassed. US and Canadian funding for HARP ended in 1967, and the space gun was abandoned at its original site • Gravity at Cherry Tree Hill: Known for its breathtaking at Foul Bay, in the southeastern parish of St. Philip, where it view of the Scotland District in the eastern parish of St. still stands today. Andrew, Cherry Tree Hill is a must-see during a Barbados visit. At approximately 850 feet above sea level, it is not only a • Sam Lord: Straight out of the annals of Bajan history, gorgeous location showcasing the magnificent countryside, legend and folklore, is Sam Lord himself. By all accounts a but it is also the site of a mystery, which has amazed locals and a rogue, Samuel Hall Lord, known as Sam and visitors alike. It’s a place which contradicts the laws of Lord, is said to have acquired great wealth by plundering the gravity and vehicles don’t behave as they should. Whoever ships he lured onto coastal reefs off the parish of St. Philip heard of a parked car rolling uphill? Well, that’s exactly what by hanging lanterns in the coconut trees. The ships’ captains happens on Cherry Tree Hill. How is that possible? Do ghostly would mistake the lights for the Bridgetown port and their unseen hands propel stationary vehicles on their upward ships would be wrecked on the jagged rocks. Sam Lord’s climb? Is it an optical illusion or just one of those unexplained Castle, once the stately home of Barbados’ most famous mysteries? Check it out. brigand, was supposedly built from these ill-gotten gains. However, the speculation, and indeed the mystery today, • Garrison Tunnels: What could be more thrilling and is whether Sam Lord did indeed cause all the wrecks for mysterious than furtive underground activity, where “murders, which he is blamed. Some of the wrecks may have occurred executions, crimes and punishments” were all too familiar fortuitously and other records have shown that Lord was away occurrences? Discovered quite by chance, during the when some of incidents occurred and therefore he could not restoration of George Washington House, the temporary have been responsible. residence of US President George Washington on his only Legend also has it that some of Sam Lord’s vast trip outside the US, the Garrison Tunnels are almost 200 was stored in a dungeon and in a network of tunnels under years old. Comprising two miles of networking underground the beach and the castle, but this booty was never found. corridors, the tunnels lie 12 to 17 feet beneath the Garrison The castle which was a crumbling shell is now under Area, part of Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage Property. renovations.

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Brbados supplement 2016.indd 15 11/9/2016 2:32:55 PM SANDALS ® BARBADOS WHERE EXCLUSIVE IS ALWAYS INCLUSIVE

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SANBrbados 34433_SBD supplement FP 2016.inddAD-LO3_AA.indd 16 1 11/9/201611/4/16 2:32:56 5:06 PM