Barbados
Barbados is the most westerly of the Caribbean islands. Cooled by the prevailing NE trade winds, the climate is always warm and pleasant without ever being oppressive. The average daytime temperature is around 28°C whilst during the night it drops to around 22°C. Just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, the island has a population of about 267,000.
Restaurants
When eating out there is a wide range of bistros, grills, cafes and beautiful restaurants from relaxed and informal to fine dining. Wherever you go the standards are high and the settings very special. There are too many to specifically mention here; our house management team are always happy to offer guidance or suggestions.
Attractions
Barbados may be a small island but it has a wealth of sights, attractions and sports. To acquaint yourself with the teeming life of the surrounding Caribbean, you can learn how to scuba dive, go power snorkelling, go water skiing, or for the less intrepid take a trip on a glass bottom boat! To enjoy the island's tropical flora and fauna, try a visit to Orchid World, the Barbados wildlife Reserve, the Flower Forest or the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Equally popular are the underground lakes and waterfalls of Harrisons Caves and the Animal Flower Cave.
The cultural life of Barbados is equally rich, with everything from the Gallery of Caribbean Art, The Barbados Jazz Festival in January to the Crop Over Festival at the end of July when the islanders finish harvesting the sugar cane. You will also find a fascinating diversity of arts and crafts producers.
Sports
Barbados has a big reputation for sports.
Cricket: Cricket enjoys enormous status in Barbadian society and is a source of unlimited national pride. It is played throughout the year with the domestic season running from May to December and international matches being held between January and April. Barbados Kensington Oval was chosen as the venue for the final of the World Cup Cricket in 2007.
Deep-sea fishing: Boats are available for rent from the harbour in Bridgetown
Polo: Polo is a fatnastic spectacle to watch. National and international matches are played at Holders Hill, St James, generally between September and March. Tel 432 1802 or 421 6852.
Golf: There are three championship 18 hole golf courses on the Island - the Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane on the West Coast and the Barbados Golf Club on the South coast. There are several tournaments held throughout the year, the biggest being the Barbados Open which is held over three days in the month of November.
Hike Barbados: Every Sunday morning at 6am and at 3.30pm all hikes are free! Here you can learn about the geography, history and culture of Barbados.
Horse Racing: A trip to the races at the Garrison Savannah is a good days entertainment, especially during large races such as the Sandy Lane Gold Cup. This is held in March, races are alternate Saturdays from January to March and May to October.
Water Sports: Water sports are available all over the island, including directly from Mullins Beach. If you wish to give it a gothere are opportunities for many Water Sports including watersking, wake boarding, wind surfing and sailing.
Shopping
Holetown
Holetown is located on the West Coast a few miles south of Mullins Bay. Located within Holetown is:
Lime Grove Lifestyle Centre: This relatively new and luxurious shopping centre is located in the heart of Holetown. Here you can find some of the world's leading brands and afterwards relax in one of the restaurants surrounding the water feature on the ground floor. There is also a cinema complex.
West Coast Mall: This has a large modern Massey supermarket. There are also stalls selling local fruits and vegetables.
Chattel Village: Next door to the West Coast Mall is Chattel Village, a colourful collection of gift shops. This also includes the Gourmet Shop, which sells high quality meats and bespoke international food that are generally not otherwise available within the local supermarkets.
Speightstown
Speightstown is located on the north west coast a few miles north of Mullins Bay. It has a colonial charm with historic buildings dating back to the early settlement of Barbados, alongside more modern buildings. The Gallery of Caribbean Art is located here. Some very modern shops such as Archers Hall selling luxuries for the home, nestle alongside side walk vendors offering local fresh fruit and vegetables. You can buy the local fishermen's catch daily from the fish market. There is also a Jordans supermarket.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown is located in the south of Barbados, around a 40 minutes drive away from Mullins Bay. It is the capital of Barbados and the main commercial area. It was established in the 1630s and over the years has developed a style all of its own. The main street is Broad Street where there are several banks, department stores and duty free shops. Pelican Village is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown close to the harbour that services cruise ships and which offers the best of local handicrafts and provides the opportunity to see Barbados craftsmen at work.