Barbados could also be one of many smaller Caribbean islands, but it surely persistently surprises vacationers with its various choices. From thrilling horse races and cricket matches to lush botanical gardens and awe-inspiring caves, the island brims with actions and points of interest. And, after all, there’s no forgetting the solar, rum, and surf that draw guests from across the globe.
When selecting the place to remain in Barbados, you’ll discover 4 distinct areas, every providing one thing distinctive: the refined west coast, the untamed north coast, the colourful south coast, and the tranquil east coast. The south and west coasts are probably the most sought-after, however every space supplies its personal taste, making certain your selection aligns with what you’re searching for in a trip.
For those who’ve already picked the best time to visit Barbados, this information will aid you discover the very best space to remain, setting the stage for an unforgettable tropical escape.
Desk of Contents
• Issues for Selecting the Best Space to Stay in Barbados
• South Coast
• West Coast (Platinum Coast)
• East Coast
• North Coast
• Suggestions Based mostly on Traveler Varieties
• Conclusion and Sandals Connection
Issues: Best Space to Stay in Barbados
In the case of planning the very best place to remain in Barbados, there are some things to contemplate. This contains location and accessibility, ambiance and ambiance, facilities and points of interest, funds issues, and security and safety. All of those elements can affect your resolution, and if you happen to plan fastidiously, you’ll be capable to choose a location that aligns together with your preferences and wishes.
A few of the major issues to remember about Barbados is that this island has one major airport, the Grantley Adams Worldwide Airport. The airport situated within the southeast of the island. There are lots of methods to get round together with by way of buses, taxis, automobile leases and even scooters.
Location and Accessibility
In the case of discovering the very best space to remain in Barbados, comfort issues. For some, that is a very powerful trip consideration of all of them. As you propose your Barbados trip, you’ll must determine how shut you need to be to the seaside, the airport, and public transportation choices. In some areas, you’ll have quick access to a number of points of interest, whereas others are somewhat extra distant. Typically, most of the widespread customer areas in Barbados are inside a 30-45 minute drive from the airport.
In the case of getting round this island, remember the fact that Barbados has an intensive bus community with routes overlaying a lot of the island. Some lodges and resorts provide airport switch providers, which might be handy for first-time guests.
Good to know: The west and south coasts have the best focus of seashores and vacationer amenities on the island of Barbados.
Environment and Ambiance
The ambiance of a spot is usually one thing you possibly can’t actually get a way of till you get there. However primarily based on customer critiques and experiences, it’s potential to get a way of a specific vacation spot earlier than you get there. Take the west coast of Barbados for example. This space is understood for its upscale, relaxed ambiance. Or the south coast, full of life and tourist-oriented. Areas just like the Oistins the place the favored barbeque occasion is held in Barbados provides a mixture of native tradition and customer facilities, whereas rural parishes within the middle and east of the island provide a extra genuine Bajan expertise. From the tranquil and laid-back to the full of life and energetic, every a part of this island has a special ambiance and it definitely is one thing to stay up for forward of your go to.
Facilities and Points of interest
The facilities and points of interest are additionally one thing you possibly can check out to be able to plan forward. If you need to have the ability to store and luxuriate in a big selection of eating throughout your trip, Holetown on the west coast might be best. For nightlife and eating places St. Lawrence Hole on the south coast is a wonderful choose. Bridgetown, the capital, is known for its historic websites and museums whereas the east coast is understood for its pure points of interest and browsing spots. The experiences fluctuate broadly, and that is one thing you’ll see for your self on this island as you discover.
Funds Issues
Trip planning is incomplete with none point out of spending. With Barbados, the worth you’ll pay in your trip can fluctuate primarily based on the place you keep. The west coast, continuously known as the Platinum Coast, might be dearer in the case of discovering lodging. In the south coast alternatively, you’ll discover a mixture of upscale and extra budget-friendly choices. Typically, there are extra reasonably priced lodging choices in rural areas and on the east coast, although most of the widespread lodges and resorts are exterior of this space.
When placing the funds collectively in your Barbados trip, attempt to determine from early on whether or not you’d desire an all-inclusive expertise otherwise you’d desire to pay as you go alongside. If you wish to minimize prices, you should definitely e-book early as peak season (December to April) sees increased costs throughout the island.
Security and Safety
Barbados is without doubt one of the most secure trip locations within the Caribbean. Even with that mentioned, there are nonetheless areas on this island with decrease crime charges than others. Typically, whereas on this island, follow the protection measures you’d use in some other vacation spot: keep away from remoted areas, don’t enterprise into areas that aren’t nicely lit, and customarily be cautious as you discover the island. Additionally, you should definitely use respected taxi providers or automobile rental firms as you make your manner round.
If security is high of the record for you (appropriately), contemplate staying at one of many lodges and resorts on this island as these sometimes have their very own safety employees. All-inclusive resorts just like the Sandals Resorts in Barbados are likely to have an elevated deal with customer security with nearly all you want in your trip accessible on property.
Good to know: Customer-friendly areas in Barbados typically have the next police presence which might be reassuring throughout your trip!
1. Southern Coast of Barbados
Best for: A full of life seaside trip. That is the very best space in Barbados to learn to surf. Barbados’ hottest golf membership can be situated on the south coast.
Christ Church
South West Barbados
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Prime level of pursuits in Christ Church: Enterprise Seaside, Dover Seaside, and Garrison Savannah.
The south coast of Barbados is the place you could find areas like Christ Church, which is residence to the island’s major airport, the Grantley Adams Worldwide Airport. That is additionally the place you’ll discover St. Lawrence Hole (regionally often known as ‘The Hole’), the all the time occurring leisure hub of the island.
In St. Lawrence Hole you possibly can discover the very best eating places, bars, golf equipment, and retailers, together with lodges and all-inclusive resorts that vary from modest, to uber-fabulous. On the lookout for a celebration? Saint Lawrence Hole is a high choose, and so is Bridgetown. Each are situated close to the south-west of the island.
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Whereas in Christ Church, contemplate touring the Banks Beer Brewery and watching some horse racing at Garrison Savannah. For a slice of historical past, go to the St. Lawrence Church which matches again to the early 1800s. Christchurch can be residence to the most well-liked golf membership (Barbados Golf Membership) and surf college (Barry’s Surf College) of the island nation.
Good to know: Company of each Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can get pleasure from tropical cocktails and different (alcoholic) drinks throughout their keep. Sandals Royal Barbados even comes with a craft beer corridor and bowling alley!
St. Philip
South East Barbados
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Prime factors of pursuits in St. Philip: Backside Bay and Crane Seaside.
You might nicely end up having fun with the calmer aspect of issues in St. Philip, Barbados. This contains exploring plantation homes like Sunbury which dates to the 1600s, or having fun with a few of Barbados’ most iconic seashores: Backside Bay and Crane Seaside.
St. Philip is kind of various by way of the accessible actions. You possibly can go from beachside lounging to experiencing life within the quick lane on theBushy Park Racing Circuit. Many guests describe this as one of many “most memorable experiences” in Barbados because it entails pushing the boundaries of race vehicles or carts or watching worldwide racing occasions.
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Other than exploring the seashores, plantation homes and racing circuit, whereas in St. Philip you can too go to the 4 lighthouses in Ragged Level which promise superb views, or the 4 Sq. Distillery for a tour that features tastings.
Additionally learn: (*8*)
2. West Coast (Platinum Coast)
Best for: An energetic seaside trip. That is the very best area for duty-free purchasing, exploring historic sights and head out on fishing excursions.
In the west coast of Barbados, you’ll discover each high-end resorts and sprawling mansions. The sandy seashores are the attraction for a lot of, just like the famed Holetown seaside. Beforehand often known as Jamestown, Holetown was the place the British first settled on this island. It was named after King James I. Issues have modified loads since then, and now you could find many eating places, bars and boutiques on this space.
St. Michael
South West Barbados
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Prime factors of pursuits in St. Michael: Carlisle Bay, Mount Homosexual Distillery and George Washington Home.
Slightly manner up the western coast is St. Michael, residence to the capital metropolis of Bridgetown. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few vacationer points of interest on this space just like the Tyrol Cot Heritage Village. This heritage web site was as soon as the residence of Sir Grantley Adams, the primary Premier of Barbados. The 2 major areas to discover on this a part of Barbados are Bridgetown and the Garrison Historic Space.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown isn’t just the capital, however the largest metropolis in Barbados. That is the place you’ll discover authorities buildings and most of the island’s historic websites. Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site brimming and whereas there you possibly can scope the colonial structure that has been preserved over time. The purchasing facilities and markets are additionally value visiting.
For those who keep close to Bridgetown whereas in Barbados, you’ll have quick access to public transportation and also you’ll even be near among the island’s main points of interest. The latter contains the historic Garrison space which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Bridgetown can be residence to the Mount Homosexual Rum Distillery, the oldest rum producer on the planet and Carlisle Bay, probably the greatest seashores for wreck diving in Barbados.
Going deeper in capital metropolis, Bridgetown
Exploring Bridgetown is a plus for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of all of it in a spot the place they’ll join deeply with the heartbeat of the island. Many thrilling fishing excursions set off from this space. Of the numerous points of interest in Bridgetown, the George Washington Home, St. Ann’s Fort, Barbados Museum and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are among the many hottest.
In Bridgetown, there’s tons to do to remain entertained whether or not you need your vacation in Barbados to include a lot of sightseeing excursions, scenic seashores, or spacy experiences, like that of the Harry Bayley Observatory. The Observatory, the one considered one of its type within the Jap Caribbean, makes it potential to scope the evening’s sky by way of a strong telescope at a low value. A lot of the actions on the Observatory occur on Friday nights, and this expertise is one value making an attempt no less than as soon as.
The Mount Homosexual Rum Distillery and Kensington Oval (a cricket hub) are additionally situated in Bridgetown. There are additionally some widespread points of interest close to this space, like Brighton Seaside simply north of Bridgetown. The favored Cockspur Seaside Membership is situated on Brighton Seaside and might be included in an prolonged exploration on this space.
Good to know: The capital metropolis of Bridgetown hosts many cultural occasions, together with the annual Crop Over competition. Throughout your time there, don’t overlook to go to the Chamberlain Bridge and the Lord Nelson Statue.
St. James
North West Barbados
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Prime factors of pursuits in St. James: In the western central a part of Barbados, St. James Parish appeals to vacationers of all budgets. Though this space is understood to be one of many go-to spots for celebrities visiting Barbados, there’s extra than simply ritzy lodging accessible. Whereas in St. James, you possibly can develop your information on Barbadian historical past by visiting the St. James Parish Church. This church was constructed within the 1600s in an space referred to as ‘God’s Acre’. Excursions can be found which might provide perception into the colourful previous of this stonewall church.
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Whereas in St. James, you may also need to go to the Portvale Sugar Manufacturing unit. This is without doubt one of the final remaining sugar factories in Barbados. The Folkstone Marina Park and the Sir Frank Hutson Museum are additionally attention-grabbing locations to discover. Villages like Prospect, Sugar Hill, Appleby, in addition to Porters may broaden your exploration.
Do you know: The Normal Postal Service in Barbados is without doubt one of the world’s oldest!
3. Jap Coast of Barbados
Best for: Reconnecting with nature. That is the very best space to go to in Barbados if you happen to’re into climbing. Right here you’ll discover among the most lovely botanical gardens. The water on the east coast seashores tends to be extra turbulent, which makes it an awesome place for skilled surfers.
St. Joseph
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Prime level of pursuits in St. Joseph: Hunte’s Gardens and Bathsheba Seaside.
St. Joseph Barbados is the place you go to unwind when you’ve skilled the extra upbeat aspect of Barbados. Or this may be the proper place to kick off a mellow getaway. This is without doubt one of the high locations to remain in Barbados, if only for a few hours. All you’ll must do is get right here and you may discover botanical gardens, just like the Flower Forest, which was as soon as a sugar plantation. Quiet botanical backyard strolls are additionally potential on the smaller Andromeda Gardens in St. Joseph Village. Regardless of its comparatively small dimension, this backyard options over 600 varieties of vegetation. The gardens have been as soon as a part of a personal assortment, put collectively and maintained by a former horticultural skilled on the island, Iris Bannochie. Nonetheless extra explorations await at Hunte’s Gardens, one other botanical backyard which you can go to whereas in St. Joseph.
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4. Northern Coast of Barbados
Best for: A low-key getaway that entails doing as a lot or as little as you please.
St. Lucy
North Barbados
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Prime focal point in St. Lucy: Animal Flower Cave.
A lot much less developed than among the communities on the west coast of Barbados, St. Lucy within the north is a breath of recent air. This space is right for guests whose concept of a trip in paradise means discovering delight within the easy issues, like rustling timber, and ocean views virtually in every single place you look. Most who select to remain in St. Lucy accomplish that due to its far-off attraction–in St. Lucy it actually feels as if you’re away from all of it, discovering part of Barbados solely probably the most privileged get to see.
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That, after all, is way from the reality, as everyone seems to be welcome in St. Lucy. It is a place the place guests can discover websites just like the Animal Flower Cave, a sea cave beneath the cliffs at North Level. It’s the solely accessible sea cave on the island and guided excursions can be found. For those who plan on going to Animal Flower Cave, deliver alongside swimwear and water sneakers. These will turn out to be useful if you happen to all of the sudden really feel inclined to take a refreshing dip into one of many glistening pure rock swimming pools!
Different widespread spots in St. Lucy embrace Maycock’s Bay for browsing, the Fustic Home Plantation, and St. Lucy’s Parish Church.
St. Peter
North West Barbados
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Prime focal point in St. Peter: St. Nicholas Abbey.
On the north-west of Barbados, St. Philip’s is hilly in some areas, with a lot of sandy seashores. The most well-liked is Gibbs Seaside. Aside from the spectacular seashores, the pull to this space is within the abundance of historic websites such because the city of Speightstown (the second largest city on island), St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Plantation and the Arlington Home Museum.
Also referred to as Little Bristol, Speightstown is a captivating seaside city many contemplate a must-visit, significantly on weekends when distributors come out to promote every part underneath the solar. The title of this space comes from the shut buying and selling relationship that after existed between Barbados and Nice Britain’s Bristol.
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St. Peter can be identified for its candy hillsides, lined in sugarcane, marinas like Port St. Charles and Port Ferdinand, and The Farley Hill Nationwide Park. This nationwide park was as soon as the house of a stupendous Georgian mansion, however in the present day simply the ruins stay. This space performs host to a number of occasions all year long, together with the Barbados Jazz Competition. The 1957 film ‘Island within the Solar’ was additionally filmed right here, that includes Harry Belafonte and Joan Collins.
Love scuba diving? PADI® licensed friends of both of the 2 Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can dive free of charge (max. two tanks a day). This contains skilled gear and employees! At a further payment, it’s additionally potential to get PADI® licensed on the resort. As soon as licensed, you possibly can dive the remainder of your trip free of charge!
Learnings Recap
There’s a lot to find and take pleasure in on the tropical shores of Barbados! To assist make sure you’re prepared to pick out the very best place to remain in Barbados in your all-inclusive escape, listed below are the important thing takeaways:
• Barbados provides a variety of various experiences
• The island caters to varied traveler varieties, from luxurious seekers to funds vacationers
• Every space has its distinctive allure, points of interest, and ambiance
• Contemplate elements like funds and proximity to points of interest
• The South Coast provides the best mix of seashores, nightlife and leisure
• The East Coast is finest for nature lovers and outdoorsy vacationers
• The North Coast provides a much less touristy Barbadian expertise
• Sandals resorts on the South Coast present a superb all-inclusive possibility
The Consensus: Best Space to Stay in Barbados
The very best locations to remain in Barbados will rely in your trip expectations. Even with that mentioned, at simply 166.4 sq. miles, irrespective of the place you select to remain in Barbados, you possibly can simply discover different components of the island. In reality, it takes nearly three hours to get across the whole island, although if you happen to’re doing a tour, you’ll definitely need to try this at a extra leisurely tempo!
Although there are such a lot of fantastic locations to remain on this island and a no quick provide of stimulating actions and points of interest, the very best place to remain on this island is the place that the majority aligns together with your trip plans. We actually hope that this submit helped, and that you just get pleasure from your time on this gorgeous tropical island!
**Wish to really feel the sway of romance? Sandals all-inclusive resorts are situated in the very best space to remain in Barbados for {couples}. With a rooftop infinity pool, revolutionary suites, a bowling alley, 18 world-class eating places, swim-up bars, Barbados’ largest and longest lagoon pool and extra, your love story within the islands can definitely come to life right here! The very best half? All you want in your trip is included!
Bonus: Guidelines for Selecting Your Good Space in Barbados
• Decide your funds
• Determine in your most popular ambiance (relaxed, full of life, genuine)
• Record your must-have facilities
• Contemplate proximity to seashores and points of interest
• Take into consideration transportation choices
• Analysis the native eating and nightlife scene
• Examine the varieties of lodging accessible
• Contemplate the time of 12 months you are visiting
• Learn critiques from different vacationers
• Seek the advice of with a journey agent if wanted
