We have a free Barbados travel guide for you that has been compiled by our many travellers to Barbados. This includes reference to the best restaurants, Beaches, Entertainment, Bars and Childrens attractions. It also provides advice on car hire and excursions. Download the free Barbados travel guide here.
The name ‘Barbados’ has a controversial heritage. After the Portuguese had discovered the island they named it Ilha dos Barbados. This translates to the island of the bearded ones. The debate arises around whether this is in reference to the many bearded fig trees that inhabit the island, to the bearded Amerindians who lived on the island when the Portuguese arrived or to the foam that sprays out over the outlying reefs that gives the perception of a beard. In 1519, Barbados was officially recognised by map by the mapmaker Vesconte de Maggiola from Genoa. We have private villas with pools in the best resorts in Barbados. Book through us but direct with the owner.
Thanks to Maggiola we now know that Barbados is in the east of the Caribbean; the Island is relatively small. Barbados has a great depth of tourism thanks to its fantastic weather, friendly islanders, fine dining, top rated golf courses, excellent water sports and the fact the island is surrounded by the best sandy beaches and clear azure waters which make Barbados an ideal Caribbean holiday.
The fact that Barbados has one of the highest standards of living have made it one of the most luxurious and well developed in the Caribbean.
VIP villas quick guide to Barbados.
Capital: Bridgetown, located in the Parish of St.Micheal.
A historical capital, Bridgetown, recently celebrated its 350th anniversary. It possesses a statue of Lord Nelson, the British naval hero. This statue was erected in 1813, 27 years before the British built their monument in London. The oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere and the third oldest democracy in the British Commonwealth are amongst other attractions worth seeing.
Beaches: Most of the islands top rated beaches can be found on the West Coast. VIPvillas recommends Mullins Bay, Payne’s Bay and Folkestone Beach. Here you will find calm waters and sandy white beaches that are backed by palm trees. Barbados also has many isolated beaches hidden from tourists that offer perfect spots for those of you who seek tranquility. The east and south coasts have livelier shores, perfect for water sports; try Silver Sands and Worthing Beach. However the best surfing beach on the island is the Soup Bowl near Bathsheba on the north coast. We have luxury villas right on the beach.
Barbados is renowned for the quality of it"s attractions. Please feel free to read this internet guide but to get a real understanding of the top rated Attractions for travellers in Barbados we recommened you download out Barbados guide from the link at the top of this guide.
Travel to Barbados is relatively easy with major airlines servicing the island.
Travellers Attractions: A visit to Harrison Cave is a must when in Barbados, the magnificent, crystallized limestone caves with pure water streams are a wonder for the eyes. The Coral reefs entertain travellers, try scuba diving or jump aboard one of the various boat trips that run daily to take a closer look. You will find some of the islands finest architectural buildings on Broad Street, including the Mutual building. Broad Street is also where you will find one of the islands best shopping malls, DaCosta’s.
Barbados is also home to many nice parks that provide pleasant walks. Try Queens Park located near the Capital.
Barbados Bars & Nightlife There is no shortage of bars in Barbados. There are beach bars, which are open all day and then others, including restaurant bars that open up in the evenings and have a bar crowd as well as their diners, particularly on the West Coast. There are even a few wine bars in Barbados, which is unexpected for the Caribbean, but they attract a good crowd. It is also fun to visit the local rum shops. The locals are gracious hosts and will generally be very welcoming. You will also easily locate bars that are open late and clubs that have dancing as well as drinking.
Feel free to download our Barbados Guide at the top of the page.
Restaurants.
As you would expect Barbados offers its travellers some of the finest cuisine the Caribbean has to offer. VIPvillas recommends that you try dining on the West Coast as here you will find exclusive, often expensive restaurants that are situated in excellent settings. You will find good places to eat on the South Coast as well, here food will be priced more reasonably. Download our free guide at the top of this page.
Guide to Golf
The World Golf Championships was hosted in Barbados in 2006 at Sandy Lane Country Club .
The golf course is top rated on a worldwide basis , try the Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, Rockley Golf Resort and the Barbados Golf Club, all are top rated and worthy of a visit.
Sandy Lane Golf Club
Built in a mahogany plantation overlooking the Caribbean sea on the west coast, the stunning Sandy Lane Golf Club was recently redesigned by architect Tom Fazio. A par 72 (7060 yards off the back) is fringed with mature trees that were planted more than 25 years ago.
VIPvillas have sophisticated villas on this course that are well worth a browse through our search engine. There is also the old nine hole golf course adjacent to the hotel which winds a pretty route through the mahogany woodland.
Royal Westmoreland
Designed by Robert Trent Jones. VIPvillas have luxurious villas set on this course, you must be qucik however because they get booked up promptly. The views of the Caribbean Sea from every hole makes this top rated golf course even better. Built on sloping terrain, you have got generous fairways to aim for and large greens to putt on but it isn"t easy for any golfer! Watch out for the 18th - a great finishing hole!
The Barbados Golf Club
Originally built in 1974, this is the oldest 18 hole course on the island. It was completely redesigned (by Ron Kirby of Palm Beach) and rebuilt in 1999 to bring it up to full Championship standard. 6805 yards off the back, Par 72 and a Slope rating of 124 - makes it a top rated golf course with plenty of water hazards, beautiful mature trees and a few touches of "links".
The US dollar is the most commonly used form of currency and you can attain a good exchange rate on all of the islands. You can exchange your money at Hotels, the airport and all banks. ATMs are widely available and all major credit cards are accepted throughout the island.
Trading exchange rates available at XE.com, this is not what you will get on the high street but is the trading rate. It will give you some bargaining power!
Language:
The official language can vary from island to island in the Caribbean but English is spoken throughout Barbados.
Guide to Flight times:
Between 9-14 hours depending on stopovers and which island you choose to visit. There are direct flights to Barbados
Weather guide:
The Caribbean offers good weather all year round. Temperatures are summer-like all year, averaging over 27C (81F).
Dialling code:
Barbados 00 1242,
Electricity in Barbados:
240V. English-style plugs are used
Guide to Passport and visa requirements for Barbados:
You will need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months beyond your date of return.
Visas:
Not required for UK passport holders for stays of less than three months as long as you have a return ticket.
Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Water:
There are very few places in the Caribbean where the water is not safe to drink. However, bottled water is widely available on most islands if you prefer the taste.
Guide to bookings.
All bookings are made direct with the owner, saving you money. Our booking system can facilitate live bookings over the internet but for special locations like Barbados we recommend you speak allow us to tailor your holiday to your specification. This is particularly important if you intend on getting married, going on honeymoon or want a golf package. All of these things we can do for you. Contact us at Bookings@VIPvillas.com or simply call us on the number at the top of your screen.
Barbados villa holidays
Guide to Golf