Barbados

Barbados is a coral island, pushed out of sea by volcanic activity in a far away time. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast a lively surf is blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds give Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate.  When you visit Barbados, you will see it is mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes which provide an excellent supply of drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world. 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, and there are geological structures that you will find only in Barbados.  Barbados Expectation Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, night life, music, history and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. But what makes Barbados even more special, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. Barbadians make you feel welcome and special, in this lovely Caribbean Island. You will feel its your home and will want to come back again and again to Barbados: A unique Caribbean paradise, surprisingly sophisticated, friendly, fun and always Naturally Charming!  Barbados, often called the “Little England” of the Caribbean, blends the finer elements of British tradition with warm island hospitality. Barbados is one of the first democracies in the New World and a regional leader in education and commerce. Explore the many beaches, rolling countryside, charming villages, old sugar mills and plantations that represent the colonial past of the island. Tour the East Coast where the Atlantic Ocean’s waves are a surfer’s paradise. Shop in the capital city or stay out late to party in the nightlife. The average annual temperature ranges from 70°F–87°F.

Activities and Attractions
Golf – Sunny weather all year round makes Barbados an ideal location for golfing and the perfect vacation spot for golfers and “would-be” golfers!
BARBADOS GOLF CLUB – Golf for all … 18 Holes This 6,805 yard par 72 Championship golf course, which is open to the public, is the work of Ron Kirby, one of the world’s most experienced golf course designers. The Barbados Golf Club has teamed up with several Official Partner Hotels to offer affordable golf holiday packages, and special offers. 7 day unlimited golf passes are available from as low as US$364.
ROYAL WESTMORELAND 18 Holes  This is a members only golf club, however if you are going to be staying at Glitter Bay and Royal Pavilion, they have special arrangements for you to use the golf course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., he course is placed high up on a former sugar plantation. The holes follow the variations of nature and the view of the Caribbean Sea is magnificent. Royal Westmore is also one of the world’s most exciting resort courses, complete with a spa, tennis, restaurants and golf villas.
SANDY LANE GOLF CLUB  Choose from one of three courses – The Old Nine, the Country Club Course and the Green Monkey Course. The 2 latter courses were both designed by Tom Fazio. Other facilities available at Sandy Lane include restaurant, spa, tennis, children’s club and watersports.

SCUBA – The barrier reefs, located 1/2 – 2 miles from shore contain large coral heads which form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish. Larger organisms are also found on these reefs, feeding on the smaller fish. The Hawksbill turtle can also be found on these reefs. Wrecks form fascinating habitats for marine life and Barbados has several excellent sites for wreck diving. Carlisle Bay, with 200 reported wrecks, and the Stavronikita, located at Folkestone Marine Park, are two of the most popular sites.
Barbados is ideal for year-round diving but is probably best in the summer months. The visibility ranges from 40 to 70ft and the water temperature is a consistent 80 degrees F.

Shopping – With high-quality, tax-free merchandise, excellent service by friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, and comfortable, air-conditioned stores, shopping in Barbados truly is just beyond your imagination!
Dutyfree shopping is especially popular, with prices typically being 30 to 50% less than in Europe and North America! When making dutyfree purchases be sure to have your passport or airline ticket with you. Your packages can be delivered to the airport or sea port for your convenience.
The heart and soul of shopping in Barbados is Broad Street in the capital city, Bridgetown. There you will find several large department stores and duty free shops. In addition to the specialty stores (such as jewellery stores), there are several shopping malls offering a wide variety of products and services. Just outside of Bridgetown is the Bayshore Complex, worth a stop for its shopping, and historic value.

Dining – Watch the sun sink slowly into the turquoise Caribbean Sea while enjoying a sumptuous dinner at any of the excellent restaurants in Barbados.
There is an abundance of fine restaurants on the island that offer local cuisine, seafood and continental cuisine. The wide range of dining options available in Barbados ensures that there is something to suit every taste and budget.
By day informal attire is acceptable in most Barbados restaurants, but at night a more formal dress code is enforced. It is also recommended that dinner reservations be made in advance, especially during the winter.