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Barbados, 7nts from £789
Best Value All Inclusive
3* Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts, Barbados
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Barbados Holidays
A holiday in Barbados will take you to the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, exposing its eastern side to the harsh currents of the Atlantic making for some dramatic views and scenery. The contrasting Caribbean side on the West of the island hosts many of Barbados’ hotels along its fantastic calm white sandy shores. More commercially developed than many other islands, a holiday in Barbados provides more possibilities for nightlife in the local restaurants and bars. This is especially so in the south of Barbados – local seafood restaurants are a must for any holiday goer.
Travel Guide to BarbadosLocation
Barbados is the most easterly located of the Caribbean islands sticking out into the Atlantic in isolation. It is located south of St Lucia and north of Tobago. The island has the best airline service from the UK with many carriers and frequent flights.
Shopping
The capital Bridgetown offers good shopping with duty free and you can buy virtually anything in this well developed country. Good buys are alcohol (rum in particular), wood carvings and clothing.
Geography
Barbados has two contrasting coastlines. To the south and west the turquoise Caribbean sea calmly laps the shoreline of sandy beaches whilst on the east side the Atlantic thrashes against the coastline with the island taking the full brunt of the waters journey across the ocean.
The island is only 22 miles by 21 miles. It is uniquely formed by a combination of volcanic eruptions and collision of two landmasses.
History
As with many Caribbean islands, the first inhabitants were the Arawaks who spread to the islands from South America with them being driven out (or eaten) by war like and cannibalistic Caribs.
The island was named by the Portuguese “Los Barbados” meaning bearded ones which it is presumed was due to the look of the islands fig trees.
In 1492 the Spanish overpowered the Caribs to take control of the island. However the Spanish moved on in favour of larger islands leaving it open for other nations to colonise which started in 1625 when the first English settlers landed on the island. The British introduced Sugar Cane and brought in slaves to work the plantations. Slavery was eventually abolished in 1834.
The island was granted autonomy by the British in 1961 and gained its full independence in 1966 and now runs under its own democratic government.
Climate
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
Av Temp (F) | 83 | 83 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 86 | 85 | 83 |
Av Temp (C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 |
Sunshine Hours | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Rain (inches) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 4 |
The Caribbean is subject to a hurricane season which is officially from 1 June to 30 November. However 80% of the stormy weather activity occurs within the August-October period with its peak usually being early-mid September. The centre of most storms miss the region moving off to the north, with others causing only minor disruption to weather conditions. However, there are usually a few each year that will pass through the region in hurricane force wind conditions.
Basic Information
Language
English is the official language although a Bajan dialect is locally spoken.
Currency
Barbados Dollar is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.
Electricity
110 volts AC 50 Hz.
Banks
Opening hours Mon-Thur 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-1pm and 3pm-5pm.
Driving
Driving is on the left. Main roads are well maintained with the main highways having a maximum speed limit of 55mph.
Time difference
GMT -4 hours (-5hours in summer).
Tipping and local customs
10% is generally expected in restaurants and by taxi drivers and is often added automatically in restaurants and hotels.
Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.
Tourist Board information
www.barbados.org
Visas
No Visa is currently required for British or Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.
What makes it so special?
The world renowned laid back Bajan welcome and service with a genuine smile. The hotels are of a high quality with good facilities and cuisine. There is plenty to do out and about on the island and eating and socialising outside a hotel complex is not easier anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Where to visit?
Bridgetown is steeped in history and is great for spotting all the names of places originating from the English influence over many centuries
The Atlantic coastline is wonderfully refreshing and picturesque for photo moments
Plantation houses are great historic place to visit
Botanical gardens with their beautiful tropical plants
Most Popular Tours
Island Tour taking in the Atlantic coast
Sailing to the Grenadines Travel Guide to Barbados
Our Holidays in Barbados
Below are our hotel listings for holidays in Barbados. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call to discuss your requirements, alternatively you can view our holidays in other Caribbean holidays destinations.
Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts, Barbados
7nts from £789
This plantation-style property is set in manicured tropical grounds along St James Beach, and offers exceptional all-inclusive value.
Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts, Barbados
Almond Beach Village
7nts from £1,009
This hotel offers great value for money, especially for families, and is situated on an old sugar plantation, spread over 32 acres of landscaped gardens. Its features a nine-hole golf course, watersports and tennis, and a great choice of rooms types.
Almond Beach Village
Almond Beach Club, Barbados
7nts from £1,009
This popular adults-only resort is right on the beach and has a spa centre and plenty of activities to choose from, and guests can also use the facilities of its nearby sister hotel as part of the all-inclusive plan.
Almond Beach Club, Barbados
Turtle Beach, Barbados
7nts from £1,009
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A lively all inclusive resort that has been recently renovated featuring all Junior Suites and Suites for accommodation. It is ideal for a fun all inclusive holiday on the lively south coast all set on a stunning sandy beach
Turtle Beach, Barbados
Almond Casuarina Beach Resort
7nts from £1,009
This all-inclusive escape is set in ten acres of bamboo and fruit gardens along the white sands of Dover Beach, and features children’s clubs, gourmet cuisine, three pools and facilities to suit couples and families alike.
Almond Casuarina Beach Resort
Island Inn
7nts from £819
A wonderful small property full of character and atmosphere located on the west coast just a short walk from the beach at carlisle bay featuring just 25 rooms. Ideal for older couples wanting to get away from noise and busy resorts
Island Inn
Tamarind Cove, Barbados
7nts from £779
On the west coast of Barbados and part of the Elegant Hotels group, this hotel is built in a mixture of Mediterranean and Caribbean styles. Guests staying here can also enjoy the facilities and restaurants of sister Elegant hotels on the west coast.
Tamarind Cove, Barbados
Crystal Cove Hotel, Barbados
7nts from £1,029
A unique Barbados retreat can be discovered at a cove nestled upon its west coast, complete with sun-swept beaches, gentle Caribbean breezes and brilliant turquoise waters…your adventure at Crystal Cove begins now. This all-inclusive tropical beach resort brings to life Barbados’ unique paradise.
Crystal Cove Hotel, Barbados
Colony Club Hotel, Barbados
7nts from £869
Situated on the finest stretch of Barbados’ Platinum (West) Coast, Colony Club is a timeless retreat restored from a former private Colonial Club. Its sophisticated ambiance extends to all 96 tastefully appointed guestrooms and suites
Colony Club Hotel, Barbados
The House, Barbados
7nts from £1,209
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A haven of privacy and serenity, this intimate adults only boutique hotel blends chic design and minimalist grace with the essence of the Caribbean to create a wonderful relaxing refuge, sophisticated yet informal, unique and understated.
The House, Barbados
Mango Bay
7nts from £1,119
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Set on a beautiful beach on the west coast offering an ideal location for those seeking the convenience of an all-inclusive holiday combined with the personal service of a smaller resort
Mango Bay
Situated on the south of the island just 15 minutes from the airport, the resort of Oistins Bay is ideally located to enjoy the life and cuisine typical of the south coast
Butterfly Beach
Barbados Hilton
7nts from £989
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Enjoying a prime location on the West Coast with beautiful beaches, this hotel offers extensive sporting facilities along with a spa and excellent food and service
Barbados Hilton
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
7nts from £1,299
Described as ‘The Jewel in the Crown of Barbados’, this couple-orientated, secluded hideaway is a magical oasis of luxury with the warmth and style of a Barbadian home.
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Cobblers Cove
7nts from £1,249
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux, the Cobblers Cove is an English Country House style hotel offering spacious, comfortable rooms and excellent cuisine.
Cobblers Cove
Little Arches
7nts from £919
One the most distinctive boutique hotels in Barbados. Tranquility and privacy await you at Little Arches with a friendly and personal experience away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist districts.
Little Arches
Southern Palms Beach Resort
7nts from £869
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Southern Palms welcomes the young who want to do it all, the couple who just want to enjoy each other’s company or the family with children. With a relaxed atmosphere of luxurious comfort, personal service and attention to detail, ensures a perfect holiday
Southern Palms Beach Resort
Settlers Beach Villa Hotel
7nts from £699
A peaceful location, walking distance from Holetown, these stylish villas are a cab ride away from the best Barbados’ restaurants
Settlers Beach Villa Hotel
Silverpoint
7nts from £899
Silverpoint Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that offers the services and amenities of a luxury hotel, set within an intimate environment.
Silverpoint
Cruises
Wind Surf, a deluxe motor sailing yacht that carries just 312 passengers, combines the romance of billowing sails with sleek design and service. Renowned for pampering without pretence and the ability to visit hidden harbours and secluded coves around the world, the upscale Wind Surf provides an informal atmosphere with no dress code or fixed meal times in the onboard restaurants. And with two different Caribbean itineraries on offer, that take you either through the Grenadines or north to St Martin, you will be spoilt for choice.
Windsurf Grenadines Cruise
Windsurf Northen Caribbean Cruise
7 nights from £1,699
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Wind Surf, a deluxe motor sailing yacht that carries just 312 passengers, combines the romance of billowing sails with sleek design and service. Renowned for pampering without pretence and the ability to visit hidden harbours and secluded coves around the world, the luxury Wind Surf provides an informal atmosphere with no dress code or fixed meal times in the onboard restaurants. And with two different Caribbean itineraries on offer, that take you either through the Grenadines or north to St Martin, you will be spoilt for choice.
Windsurf Northen Caribbean Cruise
There are so many different reasons to choose a holiday in Barbados; the tropical climate coupled with the cooling trade winds off of the Atlantic Ocean allow for a warm and refreshing atmosphere making the beautiful white sandy beaches a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The location of the island means a holiday in Barbados is perfect for water sports and boasts some fantastic surfing locations. In contrast, the sheltered west coast, known as the Platinum Coast, creates a calmer setting, perfect for couples and families with great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and romantic walks along the palm fringed beaches.
Wildlife and nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with the diverse nature and marine life the island has to offer with the colourful array of plant life providing a picturesque setting to take in the sights and sounds.
If the beautiful sights and sounds are not enough reason to choose a holiday in Barbados, it’s rich and colourful culture combined with the friendly Bajans and variety of fresh local cuisine should do the trick
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