FEATURED REGION
BARBADOS IS FAMOUS for its pristine beaches and each coast offers a unique experience. The west coast is known for calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. The south coast is more lively with surf spots and bustling nightlife, while the east coast is a surfer’s paradise but has rougher waters. Each is so unique, it’s hard to comprehend how an island with just 97 km of coastline can be so diverse. To fully appreciate all the island has to offer, I recommend renting a car. Public transit is very reliable, but driving is so much more engaging. Renting is also easy as there is only one main airport, Grantley Adams International, so everything is available as soon as you arrive. But remember, driving takes place on the left side of the road, the opposite of how North Americans drive, so pack your nerves of steel and get ready for some added adventure. Speaking from personal experience, tourists are easy to spot as new arrivals typically try to signal left or right with their wipers. But after a day or so, you should have it figured out. Be sure to look right then left, not left then right when crossing an intersection to avoid oncoming traffic. Accommodations range from the traditional Single House, a long, narrow
one-room home with a single gabled roof, to all-inclusive resorts and private home rentals. Our stay would be at Royal Westmoreland, a private luxury resort located in St. James, Barbados. The gated community highlights a championship 18-hole golf course, restaurants, spa and more on lush grounds overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Holetown, with access to shopping and dining, is just a five minute drive from the resort. While Royal Westmoreland is not situated directly on the beach, the resort provides its guests with access to the exclusive Mullins Beach Club. Complimentary shuttle services are usually available to take guests to and from the beach club. Divided into eleven parishes, ten days is not enough to experience all the island has to offer. But I had my list of can’t miss places and was determined to check off every one. A must see for many tourists is the heart and soul of Barbados Rum production, St. Nicholas Abbey. The Great House is a beautifully preserved mansion that dates back to the early 17th century. It is one of only three Jacobean-style houses remaining in the Western Hemisphere. The story of St. Nicholas Abbey is long and filled with intrigue, and it is closely tied to Barbados other equally famous
Divided into eleven parishes, ten days is not enough to experience all the island has to offer. But I had my list of can’t miss places and was determined to check off every one.
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