Barbados could also be one of many smaller Caribbean islands, but it surely persistently surprises vacationers with its numerous choices. From thrilling horse races and cricket matches to lush botanical gardens and awe-inspiring caves, the island brims with actions and sights. And, in fact, 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 essentially the most sought-after, however every space offers its personal taste, guaranteeing your selection aligns with what you’re in search of in a trip.
Should you’ve already picked the best time to visit Barbados, this information will show you how to discover one of the best space to remain, setting the stage for an unforgettable tropical escape.
Desk of Contents
• Best Area to Stay in Barbados
• Location and Accessibility
• Atmosphere and Ambiance
• Budget Considerations
• Safety and Security
• South Coast
• West Coast (Platinum Coast)
• East Coast
• North Coast
• Learnings Recap
• Bonus Vacation Checklist
Concerns: Greatest Space to Keep in Barbados
On the subject of planning one of the best place to remain in Barbados, there are some things to contemplate. This contains location and accessibility, ambiance and ambiance, facilities and sights, price range issues, and security and safety. All of those elements can affect your determination, and in the event you plan fastidiously, you’ll be capable to choose a location that aligns along with your preferences and wishes.
Among the principal issues to remember about Barbados is that this island has one principal airport, the Grantley Adams Worldwide Airport. The airport is positioned within the southeast of Barbados. There are lots of methods to get round this island together with by way of native buses, taxis, automotive leases and even scooters. And as soon as you determine the fundamentals, you may be properly in your approach to an unforgettable island exploration!
Location and Accessibility
On the subject of discovering one of the best space to remain in Barbados, comfort issues. For some, that is a very powerful trip consideration of all. As you intend your Barbados trip, you’ll must resolve how shut you need to be to the seashore, the airport, and public transportation choices. In some areas, you’ll have quick access to a number of sights, whereas others are just a little extra distant. Typically, lots of the widespread customer areas in Barbados are inside a 30-45 minute drive from the airport.
On the subject of getting round Barbados, understand that this island has an intensive bus community with routes extending to most areas. Even with that mentioned, taxis are one of the best ways to get round this island. You’ll be able to simply e-book taxis and excursions from all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. Some accommodations and resorts provide airport switch providers, which could be handy for first-time guests.
Good to know: The west and south coasts have the best focus of seashores and vacationer amenities in Barbados.
Ambiance and Ambiance
The ambiance of a spot is one thing you may’t absolutely grasp till you get there. Nevertheless, customer opinions and experiences make it doable to get a way of a vacation spot prematurely. Take the west coast of Barbados as an example. This space is understood for its upscale, relaxed ambiance. Or the south coast, full of life and tourist-oriented. Areas like Oistins the place the favored barbeque occasion is held in Barbados provide 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 actually is one thing to look ahead to forward of your trip.
Cannot wait? Skip forward to the best areas to stay in Barbados!
Facilities and Sights
The facilities and sights are additionally one thing you may check out in an effort to plan forward in terms of your Barbados getaway. If you’d like to have the ability to store and luxuriate in a big selection of eating throughout your trip, Holetown on the west coast could be splendid. For nightlife and eating places, St. Lawrence Hole on the south coast is a superb decide. Bridgetown, the capital, is legendary for its historic websites and museums whereas the east coast is understood for its pure sights and browsing spots. The experiences fluctuate broadly, and that is one thing you’ll see for your self as you discover.
Finances Concerns
Trip planning is incomplete with none point out of spending. In Barbados, the value you’ll pay to your trip can fluctuate primarily based on the place you keep. The west coast, steadily known as the Platinum Coast, could be dearer in terms of discovering lodging. Within the south coast however, you’ll discover a mixture of upscale and extra budget-friendly choices. Typically, there are extra inexpensive lodging choices in rural areas and on the east coast, although lots of the widespread accommodations and resorts are exterior of this space.
When placing the price range collectively to your Barbados trip, attempt to resolve from early on whether or not you’d favor an all-inclusive expertise otherwise you’d favor to pay as you go alongside. If you wish to reduce prices, be sure you e-book early as peak season (December to April) sees larger costs throughout the island.
Security and Safety
Barbados is one of many 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, as you discover, persist with the security measures you’d use in some other vacation spot: steer clear of remoted areas, don’t enterprise into areas that aren’t properly lit, and customarily be cautious as you make your approach round. Additionally, be sure you use respected taxi providers or automotive rental firms.
If security is prime of the record for you (correctly), contemplate staying at one of many accommodations and resorts on this island as these usually have their very own safety employees. All-inclusive resorts just like the Sandals Resorts in Barbados are likely to have an elevated concentrate on customer security with nearly all you want to your trip accessible on property.
Good to know: Customer-friendly areas in Barbados typically have a better police presence which could be reassuring!
Greatest Areas to Keep in Barbados
1. Southern Coast of Barbados
Greatest for: A full of life seashore trip. That is one of the best space in Barbados to discover ways to surf. Barbados’ hottest golf membership can also be positioned on the south coast.
Christ Church (South West Barbados)
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Prime level of pursuits in Christ Church: Enterprise Seashore, Dover Seashore, and Garrison Savannah.
The south coast of Barbados is the place you’ll find areas like Christ Church, which is house to the island’s principal airport, the Grantley Adams Worldwide Airport. That is additionally the place you’ll discover St. Lawrence Hole (regionally referred to as ‘The Hole’), the all the time taking place leisure hub of the island.
In St. Lawrence Hole you may discover one of the best eating places, bars, golf equipment, and outlets, together with accommodations and all-inclusive resorts that vary from modest, to uber-fabulous. In search of a celebration? Saint Lawrence Hole is a prime decide, and so is Bridgetown. Each are positioned 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 fits again to the early 1800s. Christchurch can also be house to the most well-liked golf membership (Barbados Golf Membership) and surf college (Barry’s Surf Faculty) of the island nation.
Good to know: Company of each Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can take pleasure in 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 Seashore.
Chances are you’ll properly 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 Seashore.
St. Philip is kind of numerous by way of the accessible actions. You’ll be able to 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 it’s also possible to go to the 4 lighthouses in Ragged Level which promise wonderful views, or the 4 Sq. Distillery for a tour that features tastings.
Additionally learn: 56 Adventurous & Fun Things To Do In Barbados.
2. West Coast (Platinum Coast)
Greatest for: An lively seashore trip. That is one of the best area for duty-free procuring, exploring historic sights and head out on fishing excursions.
Within the west coast of Barbados, you’ll discover each high-end resorts and sprawling mansions. The sandy seashores are the enchantment for a lot of, just like the famed Holetown seashore. Beforehand referred to as Jamestown, Holetown was the place the British first settled on this island. It was named after King James I. Issues have modified lots since then, and now you’ll 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.
A little bit approach up the western coast is St. Michael, house to the capital metropolis of Bridgetown. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few vacationer sights on this space just like the Tyrol Cot Heritage Village. This heritage website was as soon as the residence of Sir Grantley Adams, the primary Premier of Barbados. The 2 principal areas to discover on this a part of Barbados are Bridgetown and the Garrison Historic Space.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown is not only the capital, however the largest metropolis in Barbados. That is the place you’ll discover authorities buildings and lots of the island’s historic websites. Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and whereas there you may scope the colonial structure that has been preserved over time. The procuring facilities and markets are additionally value visiting.
Should you keep close to Bridgetown whereas in Barbados, you’ll have quick access to public transportation and also you’ll even be near a few of the island’s main sights. Bridgetown can also be house to the Mount Homosexual Rum Distillery, the oldest rum producer on the earth and Carlisle Bay, the most effective seashores for wreck diving in Barbados.
Going deeper in capital metropolis, Bridgetown
Exploring Bridgetown is a plus for vacationers who need to be on the coronary heart of all of it. This can be a place the place you may join deeply with the heartbeat of Barbados. Many thrilling fishing excursions set off from this space. Of the numerous sights in Bridgetown, 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 plenty of sightseeing excursions, scenic seashores, or spacy experiences, like that of the Harry Bayley Observatory. This Observatory, the one one in all its variety within the Japanese Caribbean, makes it doable to scope the night time’s sky by means of a strong telescope at a low value. Many of the actions on the Observatory occur on Friday nights, and this expertise is one value attempting at the least as soon as.
The Mount Homosexual Rum Distillery and Kensington Oval (a cricket hub) are additionally positioned in Bridgetown. There are additionally some widespread sights close to this space, like Brighton Seashore simply north of Bridgetown. The favored Cockspur Seashore Membership is positioned on Brighton Seashore and could be included in an prolonged exploration of this space. As you discover St. Micheal, make a while to go to the Garrison Historic Space which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Good to know: The capital metropolis of Bridgetown hosts many cultural occasions, together with the annual Crop Over pageant. Throughout your time there, don’t neglect 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: Within 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 may develop your information on Barbadian historical past by visiting the St. James Parish Church. This church was constructed within the 1600s in an space known 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 facility. This is likely one of the final remaining sugar factories in Barbados. The Folkstone Marina Park and the Sir Frank Hutson Museum are additionally fascinating locations to discover. Villages like Prospect, Sugar Hill, Appleby, in addition to Porters may broaden your exploration.
Do you know: The Basic Postal Service in Barbados is likely one of the world’s oldest!
3. Japanese Coast of Barbados
Greatest for: Reconnecting with nature. That is one of the best space to go to in Barbados in the event you’re into mountain climbing. Right here you’ll discover a few of the most lovely botanical gardens. The water on the east coast seashores tends to be extra turbulent, which makes it an amazing place for skilled surfers.
St. Joseph
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Prime level of pursuits in St. Joseph: Hunte’s Gardens and Bathsheba Seashore.
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 right place to kick off a mellow getaway. This is likely one of the prime locations to remain in Barbados, if only for a few hours. All you’ll must do is get right here and you’ll discover botanical gardens, just like the Flower Forest, which was as soon as a sugar plantation. Quiet botanical backyard strolls are additionally doable on the smaller Andromeda Gardens in St. Joseph Village. Regardless of its comparatively small dimension, this backyard options over 600 kinds of crops. The gardens had been as soon as a part of a non-public 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 that you may go to whereas in St. Joseph.
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4. Northern Coast of Barbados
Greatest 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 a few of 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 all places you look. Most who select to remain in St. Lucy achieve this due to its far-off enchantment–in St. Lucy it actually feels as if you’re away from all of it, discovering part of Barbados solely essentially the most privileged get to see.
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That, in fact, is way from the reality, as everyone seems to be welcome in St. Lucy. This can be 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. Should you plan on going to Animal Flower Cave, convey alongside swimwear and water footwear. These will turn out to be useful in the event you abruptly 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 plenty of sandy seashores. The most well-liked is Gibbs Seashore. Apart 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.
Often known as Little Bristol, Speightstown is an enthralling seashore city many contemplate a must-visit, notably on weekends when distributors come out to promote all the things beneath the solar. The identify 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 also 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 good looking Georgian mansion, however at this time simply the ruins stay. This space performs host to a number of occasions all year long, together with the Barbados Jazz Pageant. The 1957 film ‘Island within the Solar’ was additionally filmed right here, that includes Harry Belafonte and Joan Collins.
Love scuba diving? PADI® licensed company of both of the 2 Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can dive totally free (max. two tanks a day). This contains skilled gear and employees! At an extra price, it’s additionally doable to get PADI® licensed on the resort. As soon as licensed, you may dive the remainder of your trip totally free!
Learnings Recap
There’s a lot to find and bask in on the tropical shores of Barbados! To assist make sure you’re prepared to pick one of the best place to remain in Barbados to your all-inclusive escape, listed below are the important thing takeaways:
• Barbados gives a spread of numerous experiences
• The island caters to numerous traveler varieties, from luxurious seekers to price range vacationers
• Every space has its distinctive appeal, sights, and ambiance
• Take into account elements like price range and proximity to sights
• The South Coast gives the perfect mix of seashores, nightlife and leisure
• The East Coast is finest for nature lovers and outdoorsy vacationers
• The North Coast gives a much less touristy Barbadian expertise
• Sandals resorts on the South Coast present a wonderful all-inclusive possibility
The Consensus: Greatest Space to Keep in Barbados
One of the 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, you may simply discover different components of the island. In truth, it takes nearly three hours to get across the complete island, although in the event you’re doing a tour, you’ll actually need to do this at a extra leisurely tempo!
Though there are lots of fantastic locations to remain on this island, finally, you may want to choose the placement that most aligns along with your trip plans. We actually hope that this put up helped, and that you just take pleasure in your time in beautiful Barbados!
Bonus: Guidelines for Selecting Your Good Space in Barbados
• Decide your price range
• Determine in your most popular ambiance (relaxed, full of life, genuine)
• Checklist your must-have facilities
• Take into account proximity to seashores and sights
• Take into consideration transportation choices
• Analysis the native eating and nightlife scene
• Verify the kinds of lodging accessible
• Take into account the time of yr you are visiting
• Learn opinions from different vacationers
• Seek the advice of with a journey agent if wanted
Insider Tip: Really feel the sway of romance at Sandals all-inclusive resorts, positioned in one of the best space to remain in Barbados for {couples}. All you want to your trip is included, plus facilities like a rooftop infinity pool, progressive suites, a bowling alley, 21 eating places, swim-up bars, Barbados’ largest and longest lagoon pool, and extra!