BARBADOS HOLIDAY REVIEWS
Barbados
With its exotic resorts and magnificent beaches, the Caribbean island of Barbados is a holiday wonderland, sitting atop a million-year-old coral reef and enjoying year-round sunshine. Its British colonial heritage is reflected in its pretty Anglican churches and obsession with cricket, but its sophisticated tourist infrastructure and lively nightlife is distinctly international. more
With its exotic resorts and magnificent beaches, the Caribbean island of Barbados is a holiday wonderland, sitting atop a million-year-old coral reef and enjoying year-round sunshine. Its British colonial heritage is reflected in its pretty Anglican churches and obsession with cricket, but its sophisticated tourist infrastructure and lively nightlife is distinctly international. more
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Beautiful Country - Anonymous. Date of travel: Sep 2007
I'm having a lovely time in Barbados. What a beautiful country. Excellent weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people, great food. Sea, sun, sand, fun and frolic... it's all happening here!
I'm having a lovely time in Barbados. What a beautiful country. Excellent weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people, great food. Sea, sun, sand, fun and frolic... it's all happening here!
A Stylish Ambience - M Cromhout. Date of travel: Jan 2006
A stylish ambience, and a beautiful setting . . . an alluring combination for the perfect getaway . . . to the magic of the Caribbean. Mix this with James Bond antics, factor 70 sunscreen, and five star dinners on the beach, and if you don’t mind getting lost on a 166 sq mile island and can temper your road rage, you are in for a most amazing holiday. I’ve finally convinced my overtired, overworked, sensitive-skin, must-always-explore-our-destination-to-the-fullest boyfriend to take a few days out of his hectic schedule to lie on the beach, read books (finish all the half-read ones first), swim in the ocean, and do basically nothing for 5 days. So off we go to Barbados. For a South African girl the Caribbean has always been a very far away place only visited by the rich and famous, and the West Indies a cricketers paradise. Little did I realize that the paradise bit was there – absolutely – but with it come threats of hurricanes, cyclones, and of course the Brits. Everywhere we went, we bumped into british tourists and ex-pats. Unfortunately they didn’t leave any road-signs behind. But more of that later. Our journey started at Gatwick airport, 3 dgrs C, a bit of last minute shopping for a hat, and some more reading material. The flight on BA was normal, like any frequent traveller knows, any flight not taken in First Class is a struggle. We arrived in Bridgetown and immediately you can sense the air of island life, slower, hot – 28 dgrs C, all the white, excited newcomers mixed with the tanned, already grumpy departers. The journey to the hotel, Tamarind Cove, on the west coast, was interesting, our cabby knows everything about football, an avid Chelsea supporter, to cricket, and the latest property deals that went down. A road filled with potholes, cars hooting (one hoot is to say hello and a long hoot to watch out) and rush hour at 4 pm. The hotel setting is gorgeous, walk out of reception straight onto the beach, fabulous ! Our room has a wonderful view of the pool and the ocean, and waiting in our room of course, a bottle of the finest champagne. Dinners should be taken at the various restaurants, The Cliff being the most extravagant (in price and location and presentation of food) should always be last on the list, but an absolute must, with a world class chef and co-owner being from Liverpool, ............................ The first morning we found out to our disbelief that in order to get an umbrella or beach hut needs the James Bond treatment, rush out at 6 am, camouflaged with hat, armoured with beach towels, magazine, find a rock, and “reserve� your place on the beach, then jump back into bed for a last 60 minute winks. Breakfast is typical British, bacon, eggs, toast, baked beans, etc . . . need I say more, which puts boyfriend in a happy mood for the rest of the day. Fabulous sun, golden soft beaches, fruit cocktails while lounging in the sun / shade watching the world go by . . . total bliss. For a bit of adventure a trip on the submarine is something you don’t get to do often, and if blue is your favourite colour, you will be mesmerized by the under-sea life at 150 ft. A bit of shopping and sight-seeing in Bridgetown is not a shopper’s or explorer’s dream, but the beer at midday watching rasta men and pimped up cars from the balcony at Nelson’s Bar is fun. The concierge service is second-to-none in Barbados, as they are mostly locals who knows best where to send you and is always ready... Waking up to a tropical rain shower in the morning could be seen as an obstacle in our otherwise tranquil holiday plans, but soon changes to excitement as we rent a jeep and set of with three maps and a guidebook to explore the island. Finding the North Point was easy, even-though my shortcut didn’t quite meet the standards of a road, and the views were spectacular. Huge waves crashing over magnificent cliffs, a small coffee shop where the owner is almost as old and wise as the island itself, shares stories of hurricane Janet, 1955. And standing at the edge of the cliff, feeling the spray of the cascading waves on my face, makes you realize the wonders of the earth, power of the ocean, and you forget all the pettiness of everyday life. Until we hit the road again, no signs, or the few that are visible with no mention of where we are heading next. Friendly people wave as we go past, bus drivers hoot, and we experience the island way of life. After visiting Harrison’s Cave, in the middle of island, which was dissappointing as they rush you through on a tram in 30 minutes flat, and you wish you had more time to explore this natural phenomenon. After driving past the same roundabout for a second time, I wish we had brought our GPS with, but just follow your nose to the ocean, and voila, in time for a leisurely stroll on the beach, watching the sunset, and having yet another sundowner by the pool, before setting off to yet another scrumptious dinner at one of the famous restaurants with a view of the ocean. Time to pack, say our goodbye’s, fill in the hotel survey (only mention good critisms if you ever want to return) grab your leather jacket for the winter weather in London, and head off to the luxurious business class lounge at the airport, (they are busy with renovations, so perhaps next time this statement might be true). A bit of celeb spotting is not out of the question, as we rubbed shoulders with Alan Ball ?????? Now only the faded tan and 1000 digital images can remind me of that glorious holiday, a must go to destination.
A stylish ambience, and a beautiful setting . . . an alluring combination for the perfect getaway . . . to the magic of the Caribbean. Mix this with James Bond antics, factor 70 sunscreen, and five star dinners on the beach, and if you don’t mind getting lost on a 166 sq mile island and can temper your road rage, you are in for a most amazing holiday. I’ve finally convinced my overtired, overworked, sensitive-skin, must-always-explore-our-destination-to-the-fullest boyfriend to take a few days out of his hectic schedule to lie on the beach, read books (finish all the half-read ones first), swim in the ocean, and do basically nothing for 5 days. So off we go to Barbados. For a South African girl the Caribbean has always been a very far away place only visited by the rich and famous, and the West Indies a cricketers paradise. Little did I realize that the paradise bit was there – absolutely – but with it come threats of hurricanes, cyclones, and of course the Brits. Everywhere we went, we bumped into british tourists and ex-pats. Unfortunately they didn’t leave any road-signs behind. But more of that later. Our journey started at Gatwick airport, 3 dgrs C, a bit of last minute shopping for a hat, and some more reading material. The flight on BA was normal, like any frequent traveller knows, any flight not taken in First Class is a struggle. We arrived in Bridgetown and immediately you can sense the air of island life, slower, hot – 28 dgrs C, all the white, excited newcomers mixed with the tanned, already grumpy departers. The journey to the hotel, Tamarind Cove, on the west coast, was interesting, our cabby knows everything about football, an avid Chelsea supporter, to cricket, and the latest property deals that went down. A road filled with potholes, cars hooting (one hoot is to say hello and a long hoot to watch out) and rush hour at 4 pm. The hotel setting is gorgeous, walk out of reception straight onto the beach, fabulous ! Our room has a wonderful view of the pool and the ocean, and waiting in our room of course, a bottle of the finest champagne. Dinners should be taken at the various restaurants, The Cliff being the most extravagant (in price and location and presentation of food) should always be last on the list, but an absolute must, with a world class chef and co-owner being from Liverpool, ............................ The first morning we found out to our disbelief that in order to get an umbrella or beach hut needs the James Bond treatment, rush out at 6 am, camouflaged with hat, armoured with beach towels, magazine, find a rock, and “reserve� your place on the beach, then jump back into bed for a last 60 minute winks. Breakfast is typical British, bacon, eggs, toast, baked beans, etc . . . need I say more, which puts boyfriend in a happy mood for the rest of the day. Fabulous sun, golden soft beaches, fruit cocktails while lounging in the sun / shade watching the world go by . . . total bliss. For a bit of adventure a trip on the submarine is something you don’t get to do often, and if blue is your favourite colour, you will be mesmerized by the under-sea life at 150 ft. A bit of shopping and sight-seeing in Bridgetown is not a shopper’s or explorer’s dream, but the beer at midday watching rasta men and pimped up cars from the balcony at Nelson’s Bar is fun. The concierge service is second-to-none in Barbados, as they are mostly locals who knows best where to send you and is always ready... Waking up to a tropical rain shower in the morning could be seen as an obstacle in our otherwise tranquil holiday plans, but soon changes to excitement as we rent a jeep and set of with three maps and a guidebook to explore the island. Finding the North Point was easy, even-though my shortcut didn’t quite meet the standards of a road, and the views were spectacular. Huge waves crashing over magnificent cliffs, a small coffee shop where the owner is almost as old and wise as the island itself, shares stories of hurricane Janet, 1955. And standing at the edge of the cliff, feeling the spray of the cascading waves on my face, makes you realize the wonders of the earth, power of the ocean, and you forget all the pettiness of everyday life. Until we hit the road again, no signs, or the few that are visible with no mention of where we are heading next. Friendly people wave as we go past, bus drivers hoot, and we experience the island way of life. After visiting Harrison’s Cave, in the middle of island, which was dissappointing as they rush you through on a tram in 30 minutes flat, and you wish you had more time to explore this natural phenomenon. After driving past the same roundabout for a second time, I wish we had brought our GPS with, but just follow your nose to the ocean, and voila, in time for a leisurely stroll on the beach, watching the sunset, and having yet another sundowner by the pool, before setting off to yet another scrumptious dinner at one of the famous restaurants with a view of the ocean. Time to pack, say our goodbye’s, fill in the hotel survey (only mention good critisms if you ever want to return) grab your leather jacket for the winter weather in London, and head off to the luxurious business class lounge at the airport, (they are busy with renovations, so perhaps next time this statement might be true). A bit of celeb spotting is not out of the question, as we rubbed shoulders with Alan Ball ?????? Now only the faded tan and 1000 digital images can remind me of that glorious holiday, a must go to destination.
tim thompson. Date of travel: Mar 2005
I was saddened to see the wild snakes in very small boxes at the Barbados Monkey Research Centre at Farley Hill. Visitors should think twice before going to Barbados because of this situation. However, this should not reflect on the wonderful people of Barbados, who are the most positive and gentle people I have met. Tour Operator: br airways
I was saddened to see the wild snakes in very small boxes at the Barbados Monkey Research Centre at Farley Hill. Visitors should think twice before going to Barbados because of this situation. However, this should not reflect on the wonderful people of Barbados, who are the most positive and gentle people I have met. Tour Operator: br airways
Jenny Hart. Date of travel: Nov 2004
Barbados is a beautiful Island filled with many treasures the climate beaches and people to name just a few. On our arrival at the airport we where greeted by a bubbly representative Cindy was her name she had us in stitches of laughter before we could get into our shuttle. On arrival at our hotel the Royal Pavilion we where received with more smiling faces. Our entire stay at the resort was superb. We found the accommodations to be very comfortable the decor was great so was the food. Many days we just migrated between our room and the beach what beautiful beaches they have in Barbados it is hard to leave such a place. Many days I would just lie on the beach and soak in the beauty of it all. We went on several outings whilst on the island. Our first was to the Islands town Bridgetown. It is a wonderful little town a great mix of modern stores full of gorgeous jewels a few of which I happily bought along the way duty free of course :o). Mixed with the old statues and building part of the town is like a miniature Trafalgar square in England we had a wonderful time in the town. It was also helpful that there is actually a free shuttle service for visitors that leaves the hotels on a schedule so there was no need for a cab. On another day we took a great cruise up the West coast of the Islands has an awesome time the beaches looked even more beautiful looking right onto them from the boat. The crew was very friendly and pointed out Oprah' house to us along with many other homes of the rich and famous. We also had a great time snorkeling on the cruise and we got to swim with the sea turtles :o) what an experience anyone visiting the island simply must do this. Our favorite day on the Island was the day. Yes the day the day we took a tour with Glory Tours (www.glorytours.org). We chose to do the Natural Wonders Tour as we found it to cover many of the stops we wanted to see. Harrison’s Cave Orchid World St Johns Church bathsheba The East Coast and The Barbados Wildlife Reserve. From the very start our day started with a laugh when Sarah our tour guide picked us up for our tour. Laughter that continued the entire day for us and for everyone else fortunate enough to have gotten a seat on out tour. He told so many stories of pirates and cannibals lovers and duels and of cows jumping over cliffs and goats that butt you in your butt. Oh we had great fun Sarah as it turns out is the owner of the company and her family has been on the Island many years in fact her family was given land my King James for fighting in a battle on behalf of England. Her great grandfather was the first photographer on the Island and she has great stories to tell. Aside from the great entertainment the tour offered we enjoyed all the stops thoroughly. The gorgeous caves the wonderful colors of the garden the history of the old church and the view oh the views. Lunch was great as I right this I am hungry and could do with a meal from Curtis at Sand Dunes a restaurant serving up some great local cuisine. Our last stop on the tour was the Wild life reserve where we watched the monkeys at play and laughed in hysterics at a couple from another tour who turn and ran as soon as the monkeys decided they wanted to say hello by yanking on the ladies skirt LOL what great fun. If you ever visit Barbados you must simply hunt down Sarah tell her Jenny and Paul sent you. The rest of our trip was spent enjoying the beach and the wonderful cuisine of the local restaurants like Carmbola the Cliff and Picies visit them all and leave 10Ibs heavier its well worth it. So do yourself a favor and holiday in Barbados I will be again. Tour Operator: Liberty
Barbados is a beautiful Island filled with many treasures the climate beaches and people to name just a few. On our arrival at the airport we where greeted by a bubbly representative Cindy was her name she had us in stitches of laughter before we could get into our shuttle. On arrival at our hotel the Royal Pavilion we where received with more smiling faces. Our entire stay at the resort was superb. We found the accommodations to be very comfortable the decor was great so was the food. Many days we just migrated between our room and the beach what beautiful beaches they have in Barbados it is hard to leave such a place. Many days I would just lie on the beach and soak in the beauty of it all. We went on several outings whilst on the island. Our first was to the Islands town Bridgetown. It is a wonderful little town a great mix of modern stores full of gorgeous jewels a few of which I happily bought along the way duty free of course :o). Mixed with the old statues and building part of the town is like a miniature Trafalgar square in England we had a wonderful time in the town. It was also helpful that there is actually a free shuttle service for visitors that leaves the hotels on a schedule so there was no need for a cab. On another day we took a great cruise up the West coast of the Islands has an awesome time the beaches looked even more beautiful looking right onto them from the boat. The crew was very friendly and pointed out Oprah' house to us along with many other homes of the rich and famous. We also had a great time snorkeling on the cruise and we got to swim with the sea turtles :o) what an experience anyone visiting the island simply must do this. Our favorite day on the Island was the day. Yes the day the day we took a tour with Glory Tours (www.glorytours.org). We chose to do the Natural Wonders Tour as we found it to cover many of the stops we wanted to see. Harrison’s Cave Orchid World St Johns Church bathsheba The East Coast and The Barbados Wildlife Reserve. From the very start our day started with a laugh when Sarah our tour guide picked us up for our tour. Laughter that continued the entire day for us and for everyone else fortunate enough to have gotten a seat on out tour. He told so many stories of pirates and cannibals lovers and duels and of cows jumping over cliffs and goats that butt you in your butt. Oh we had great fun Sarah as it turns out is the owner of the company and her family has been on the Island many years in fact her family was given land my King James for fighting in a battle on behalf of England. Her great grandfather was the first photographer on the Island and she has great stories to tell. Aside from the great entertainment the tour offered we enjoyed all the stops thoroughly. The gorgeous caves the wonderful colors of the garden the history of the old church and the view oh the views. Lunch was great as I right this I am hungry and could do with a meal from Curtis at Sand Dunes a restaurant serving up some great local cuisine. Our last stop on the tour was the Wild life reserve where we watched the monkeys at play and laughed in hysterics at a couple from another tour who turn and ran as soon as the monkeys decided they wanted to say hello by yanking on the ladies skirt LOL what great fun. If you ever visit Barbados you must simply hunt down Sarah tell her Jenny and Paul sent you. The rest of our trip was spent enjoying the beach and the wonderful cuisine of the local restaurants like Carmbola the Cliff and Picies visit them all and leave 10Ibs heavier its well worth it. So do yourself a favor and holiday in Barbados I will be again. Tour Operator: Liberty
steve Passey. Date of travel: Aug 2004
Visited the island 4 times, last visit August 04. If you are looking for a action packed holiday, loads of night life, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to relax and get away from it you will love it. Avoid the summer hols: try Jan and Feb. lovely and quiet. St Lawrence is the mostly lively, but this only consists of a couple of bars and restaurants which are by the way expensive. Look to stay all inclusive: works out a lot cheaper. Try Oistins on a Friday night: it will blow your mind, great fun. Also use the local mini buses known as Bogey buses, they are well worth the 40p fare. Take a trip to the Atlantic east coast, beautiful. Tour Operator: Virgin
Visited the island 4 times, last visit August 04. If you are looking for a action packed holiday, loads of night life, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to relax and get away from it you will love it. Avoid the summer hols: try Jan and Feb. lovely and quiet. St Lawrence is the mostly lively, but this only consists of a couple of bars and restaurants which are by the way expensive. Look to stay all inclusive: works out a lot cheaper. Try Oistins on a Friday night: it will blow your mind, great fun. Also use the local mini buses known as Bogey buses, they are well worth the 40p fare. Take a trip to the Atlantic east coast, beautiful. Tour Operator: Virgin
Claire Lane. Date of travel: Jun 2002
Married on the beautiful island of barbados; stayed at Almond Beach Village. Beautiful ocean view room. ideal resort for couples and families. My children spent most of the holiday in kiddies clubs. absolute heaven!! food was fabulous lots to choose from. I would recommend it to anyone. I couldnt have married in a nicer place. People are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. I can recommend the scuba diving and also the turtle swim, it was amazing. Tour Operator: Virgin
Married on the beautiful island of barbados; stayed at Almond Beach Village. Beautiful ocean view room. ideal resort for couples and families. My children spent most of the holiday in kiddies clubs. absolute heaven!! food was fabulous lots to choose from. I would recommend it to anyone. I couldnt have married in a nicer place. People are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble. I can recommend the scuba diving and also the turtle swim, it was amazing. Tour Operator: Virgin
lindsey sanders. Date of travel: May 2002
Stayed at the Almond Beach Club & Spa in a deluxe pool view room. Room was well furnished with a seperate large lounge area. Meals could be taken in restaurants or in your own room. Excellent beach barbecue for lunch, evening meals were fairly limited. excellent position, set right on beach and just down the road from a row of shops. Recommend you do the 'swim with turtles' excursion. Tour Operator: thomson
Stayed at the Almond Beach Club & Spa in a deluxe pool view room. Room was well furnished with a seperate large lounge area. Meals could be taken in restaurants or in your own room. Excellent beach barbecue for lunch, evening meals were fairly limited. excellent position, set right on beach and just down the road from a row of shops. Recommend you do the 'swim with turtles' excursion. Tour Operator: thomson
CHOOSE A DESTINATION IN BARBADOS
| Hotels in Barbados | User Rating |
| 5-Star Hotels | |
| Hilton Barbados | | * * * * * | |
| 4-Star Hotels | |
| Crystal Cove, Barbados | | * * * * * | |
| 3-Star Hotels | |
| Barbados Beach Club | | * * * * * | |
| Other Hotels | |
| Escape at the gap | | * * * * * | |
| Tamarind Cove | | * * * * * | |
| Peach and Quiet | | * * * * * | |