Barbados

Barbados, a true gem of the Caribbean is a relatively flat coral island with excellent beaches, rolling hills and deep ridges and gullies. Geologically Barbados is unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the years. This and other anomalies make this Caribbean Island quite phenomenal, with geological structures that you will find only in Barbados. Within Barbados, a vast array of caves and underground lakes provide an excellent supply of what many say is the purest drinking water in the world.

Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, nightlife, beautiful beaches, music, history and world class restaurants. But what makes Barbados even more special, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile.  

We have stayed several times at the Bougainvillea Beach Resort, a luxurious ocean front property situated on the cool south coast of Barbados, 5 miles from the airport and Bridgetown. The rolling surf makes the beach area a great playground for the kids. A kids program is available at the resort from Monday to Friday from 10:30 -2:30 for $15.00 US per day / per kids.

The St Lawrence Gap (the "Gap") is a 1.3 km stretch of road in the parish of Christ Church famous for fine restaurants and nightlife. Café Sol, a Mexican theme restaurant, offers large portions, great for a famished family. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in the Gap, great shopping and lively nightlife. Fine dining is a hallmark of Josef’s, offering Caribbean and Oriental cuisine. This restaurant is highly recommended for that special outing. The Gap is a perfect location for a stroll after an enjoyable dinner with the kids.
 
Oistin`s Fish Market. Oistin`s, on the south coast of Barbados, is a fish market that teems with people shopping during the day, and comes alive at night to offer a “true” Caribbean experience. Grilled flying fish, dolphin, shark, tuna, are only a few choices for the catch of the day.  Caribbean music plays in the background as you enjoy your evening with friends and family. Across the street from Oistin’s is Chefette's, one of 14 Chefette’s on the Caribbean island that offer a North American style fried chicken dining experience. Nuggets and fries are favorites of the kids.

Did you know that Barbados has been chosen to host the 2006 World Golf Championship? The location will be at Sandy Lane Resort located on the west coast of the island from December 5th-10th/06. Cricket is the national sport of Barbados. Thousands of Barbadians flock to world-class matches at Kensington Oval. Barbados will play host to the 2007 World Cup Final on Sat April 28/07.  It is expected that tens of thousands will travel to the island for the event, with specially chartered cruise ships stationed offshore to provide accommodations to the throngs expected to show up for the event.  

West coast beaches are generally the calmest, but good, safe, quiet swimming is available in the many tranquil bays along the South West and the South Coast that touch the Caribbean Sea. If you like calm waters with a soft sandy beach, then the West Coast is probably the best of these conditions, but seasonal variations can cause things to change. The South Coast beaches offer gentle waves for body surfing and tumbling in the water. There are rollers for surfing with boogie boards, surfboards, and some of the best windsurfing in the world. International meets are held there regularly. The East and North coasts of Barbados meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore and coral reefs. This coast is not recommended for swimming - there are strong currents and fierce waves beating on the rugged coral to create a spectacle of power of a wild and rugged sea. North Point is a must see attraction for the whole family.

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