Its my home away from Home - Cindy. Date of travel: Oct 2010
Customer service is lacking in many of the stores and one of the hotels that we eventually transferred from. The beaches are beautiful and the food is OK. To really appreciate the Bajan dishes, one should go to places that serve ethnic food, breadfruit coucou, cornmeal coucou, rice and peas and stew, conkies, fishcakes, steamed/fried fish etc. outside of the hotels and highly populated tourisy areas.

We will not return to Barbados - Chris. Date of travel: Jul 2010
We were very excited for our vacation to Barbados and we had saved for months and months. Only a very small handful of our friends had been there, and said the beaches were great. They were right, and the snorkelling was amazing, and the swimming trip with sea turtles. However, the native people of Barbados were not friendly, contrary to what we'd heard prior to coming. We have been all over Latin America and Central America in our travels, so we are accustomed to warm, friendly people. Sadly, 90% of the native population we encountered in Barbados seemed cold, distant, and sometimes, downright rude. We almost got the feeling they were racist towards us, that perhaps they just didn't like white people, or Americans in general. We couldn't put our finger on it, but we were always very nice and always smiled, but we rarely got a smile back in return. We were quite perplexed and saddened by this. The island is not as beautiful as we pictured, either. The beaches are amazing, true, but I don't recommend exploring the interior, it's run down and not very pretty. Bridgetown was crowded, hot and full of mean drivers, honking at every little thing. I don't recommend renting a car, like we did. Paying the over-priced taxis would have been less stressful, to be sure. I couldn't wait to get out of Bridgetown. Our last complaint is the food. It was bad enough that our service was very poor, but the food matched the service. We had only one meal that we came even close enjoying. I do want to say that Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen. If you join a boat cruise, you're sure to love it. The people who run the cruises and snorkeling adventures were the only nice people we encountered, and we were quite grateful for this. My husband and I are in full agreement that we will never return to Barbados, and we look forward to going back to Mexico, or the Dominican Republic instead, for our next Caribbean getaway. We have traveled a lot, and love the Caribbean, but in regards to this island? Never again.

10 Days in Barbados - Bill and Carolyn. Date of travel: Feb 2010
My wife and I (both in our 50s) spent 10 days in Barbados in February 2010. We greatly enjoyed our trip and I thought I’d go over some of the high points and things we learned during our stay. This unlike other Caribbean Islands we’ve visited (not that I don’t enjoy them also) is not a third world country. You can drink the water everywhere, there are lifeguards and clean bathrooms at the beaches, a good public transportation system, helpful police that make you feel secure and an educated friendly population. Hotel We stayed at the Yellow Tree in St. Lawrence Gap. It was a perfectly acceptable hotel nothing fancy and a little worn but clean with a great staff. The view is fantastic, the pool was nice but very hot mid day with limited shade. The location was near bars and restaurants but we did not find it a great benefit and they were fairly expensive and noisy. The bands that do play generally don’t start till midnight which was too late for us. The room was large and with a great balcony, it was cool due to the sea breeze and the only reason we used the air conditioning was to drown out the noise at night. We rented a small sedan for a week from Drive o Matic for about $350 US. This made the trip, we spent every morning touring the Island and seeing the sights and would usually spend the afternoon at a beach or the pool. I would suggest rental of a regular car instead of a Minimoke , the air conditioning and ability to lock stuff up was great. The driving got some getting used to lots of roundabouts going what to me in the wrong direction and some of the roads particularly on the east coast are scary (narrow and steep).

Hunt Gardens was the highlight of the trip. Anthony Hunt is a great host and he has created a beautiful garden and house. It’s hard to describe how unique this garden and house are, you stop at a non descript pull off next to a sugar cane field and walk into the Garden of Eden with music playing in a “gully” (a collapsed cave) filled with palm trees, orchids, flowers and statues. Then Anthony invites you into his house, (which is something out of a tropical fantasy) converted from the original plantation stables for tea or rum punch. $10.

Welshman’s Gully A larger gully with more natural vegetation and a .5 mile trail. They put out bananas for the monkeys at 10 or 11 AM and we waited and a troop of 20 showed up and they were pretty entertaining. $10.

St Nicolas Abbey This is a sugar plantation, mansion and rum distillery in the northeast. I thought it was kind of a rip-off you pay $30 to see the house and some pretty grounds and they try and sell you a $90 bottles of rum. The main redeeming factor is the excellent old movie about plantation life in the 1920s

Andromeda Botanical Gardens is very nice fairly extensive garden on the east coast $15.

Wildlife Reserve and Farley Hill These are located right across the road from each other at the north end of the island. Farley Hill was pretty it’s the ruins of a plantation house with views I think the entrance fee was $2. The Wildlife Reserve is kind of contrived but OK, lots of tortoises, monkeys and other animals in a zoo like setting. $15 I think.

North Point is on the far north end of the Island and very spectacular seascape. On the way you can stop at Earth and Fire pottery they have some nice reasonable pottery a good place to get gifts. There were also a couple of good gift shops in the parking lot of North Point. This is also the entrance to the Sea Flower cave but we didn’t go in, the walk along the trail on top of the cliffs was truly spectacular.

Holetown We were there on Saturday of the festival it was jammed but fun. This is a local’s festival with tourists mixing in, the highlight were the school children’s groups performing dances and skits.

Speightstown I really liked this small friendly town with and old time tropical feel. We had a great lunch at Cassareep right off the main drag on the beach. Bridgetown We took a Rasta Van to Bridgetown on the last Saturday of the vacation . They happened to be having Agrifest, which looked like a county fair in the US, lots of animals and agricultural products it was fun. There was also a small museum in the Queens house that had some interesting photography and other art. Agrifest was in Queens Park sort of on the edge of the City so we walked into town. Bridgetown was interesting pretty town with hints of a miniature London with even a mini Trafalgar Square with a Nelson statute. We poked around some of the tourist shops had something to eat and drink by the famous bridge and yacht harbor. We walked down to Pelican Village which was supposed to be a place with shops and restaurants near the cruise ships. This was a long hot walk for nothing the place was deserted. We took a taxi back for $15 US.

Beaches

Accra Beach was close to our hotel in the kind of urban part of the Island and we went there most afternoons. They have pretty much everything you could need. An umbrella and two chairs rent for $10, clean bath/changing rooms, food, drink, coconuts. The water was nice and you can snorkel at the jetty a couple hundred yards off shore nothing spectacular but it was amusing.

Worthing Beach This was a block from the Hotel Ok small beach again bath/changing room, beach chairs.

Crane Beach Though this is a pretty beach with palm trees, cliffs and the fancy hotel above, the public part is hard to get to, you have to park on a side street and walk over a rocky jetty, no bath/ changing room they did have a bar and beach chairs. The beach itself wasn’t that nice very narrow kind of steep and the day I was there were jellyfish were stinging kids. I think you can pay a fee and use the hotel access which has a beach elevator.

Bath Beach I really liked this beach I think it’s one of the few beaches on the east coast. Really a local’s beach, very pretty with palm trees and hills. Nice changing/bathroom. No beach chair rental but you can find a comfortable spot under a palm tree. We were there on a weekend and there were lots of families and school and church groups having cook outs and playing cricket. No food for sale but the bajans are so friendly we were invited to a couple of cookouts anyway. There is a reef off shore which I tried to snorkel but as I was warned there were strong current and I don’t recommend it.

Folkestone Maritime Park This is near Hole Town and a decent place to snorkel. Again they have changing/bath rooms, life guard and lots of palm trees and picnic tables. There is also a dive shops that rents snorkel gear. This is not a beach and is only good for snorkeling. Entrance to the water is a little tricky at least for fat old men like myself. There are a couple sets of stairs down to a rocky shore. There are fish everywhere and a reef a short swim out. The day I was there was pretty windy and the water wasn’t that clear but there were lots of fish and some coral. I tried to visit a second time but the lifeguard had closed the beach due to stinging jellyfish. I did encounter these jellyfish on a number of occasions and they did detract from the swimming the stings were more of a slight burning sensation that didn’t last long but watch out for them.

Food

Food in general was OK, some places were very expensive from my point of view $30 for pat thai is ridiculous. The fish was very good always very fresh and simply prepare. I really like the flying fish and marlin the other bajan fare I could take or leave. The restaurants below were good and reasonable.

The Roundhouse in Bathsheba Our favorite place, great view, on Sunday at lunch they have a very talented jazz guitarist and the coconut pie is extraordinary.

Ostins We went there twice Monday and Friday. Great in the rough seafood I particularly like the marlin. Monday they had live entertainment and there wasn’t a big crowd but Friday was lots of fun. Stop there during the day to see the fish market and walk out on the pier for the fishermen and turtles.

Harlequin’s In the Gap good food in a pleasant outdoor setting.

Just Grillin Holetown and across from Acura Beach. The one in Holetown is a nice restaurant in the park the one in Christcurch is kind of in a parking lot. Good plain seafood at a reasonable price. The menu is very limited.

Flying Fish at the Yellow Bird Hotel you better like flying fish because that’s what they mainly serve. Get the grilled flying fish and cou cou.

The Bajan People

They were great everywhere we went, friendly, helpful and interesting to talk to.

Barbados - Lorraine. Date of travel: Feb 2010
This is a comment to Chris - July 2010 ARe you sure you were in Barbados?? We have been there 6 times and every time can't wait to go back... we have visited other Carribean destinations but none compare to Barbados.

We have found the people are for the most part shy and reserved and extremely polite, but are very engaging if you are friendly and don't treat them like servants, after all, you have to remember.... it is THEIR home, not yours!!!!

Have never had a bad meal, albeit, some were better than others, but have enjoyed all the local foods and fresh catch of the day If you are used to eating at McDonalds, Burger King and Kentucky Fried, then no, you will not enjoy the food. Beef is not big on the island

Bridgetown is hot, busy and really not worth the trip, have been twice, will not go back

Did not find the taxi fares overpriced. Our hotel has a list of common taxi runs to and from the hotel and what it should cost.....if you get stuck somewhere and have to pay more, report it to your hotel concierge... our hotel follows up on bad reports.

Ask before taking a cab what the charge is... we find them pretty much all comparable

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!

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.

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

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

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

Very Bad Experience in Barbados - Anon. Date of travel: Apr 2004
My husband and I visited Barbados and were horrified at the racist attitude of the hotel manager at a hotel in Accra Beach area, Christ Church. We were staying at another property in St. James and drove over to pick up our another couple (who had travelled to Barbados with us) for dinner as they were staying at a hotel in the Accra Beach/ area. My husband is white and I am a woman of colour. As soon as we walked up to the hotel room door of the other couple who were our dearest friends, I was approached by a white man who suddenly appeared behind us, very aggressively grabbed me by my arms, shoved and pulled me and turned to my husband and said "take her off my property right now, she is not welcome here". I was flabbergasted, shocked and disturbed by this sudden and out of the blue assault. I had no idea who this man was and at first thought we were being mugged. He then said to my husband he was the owner of the hotel and that my husband was allowed to stay on the property but I was not. He then pushed me to the ground and yelled "Drop dead". It was obvious this assault was because of the colour of my skin. My husband and I quickly ran to our car and reported this assault to the Barbados police and the Barbados Tourism Authority. I could not believe it when the police said they could do nothing about it as the hotel was private property and the manager could have done whatever he wanted to us and he would not be charged. We also received the same response from the BTA. It was only after we reported this to the Canadian Embassy in Barbados that we got some headway. We called the permanent secretary's office and reported the incident the same day. We only got a call back five days later, (the day before we were leaving the island)from the permanent secretary's office with somewhat of an apology. At that point our friends left Barbados prematurely and not only will they never return, they have told eveyone they know never to visit. We were embarrssed and upset as we were the ones responsible for our friends visiting Barbados. Not only will we never return to Barbados, but we will contintue to pass the word on about our nasty experience in Barbados and tell everyone we meet never to go to Barbados. Stay away.

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

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