The island of Barbados retains much of its traditional British flavor. Enjoy afternoon tea and a game of cricket, and listen for the British influence in the local Bajan accent. Accomodations range from luxe Platinum Coast resorts and villas to affordable hotels, apartments and guest houses.
Barbados is a slow-paced island: Take in a game of cricket, then go for a walk in the Barbados Wildlife Preserve where you might see deer, tortoises, deer and green monkeys.Visit Harrison's Cave, with a 40-foot waterfall inside. Dine on macaroni pie and flying fish.
SHOPPING
With an estimated six rum purveyors per square mile, you'll have ample opportunity to try local Bajan rum. Bajans are also loyal practitioners of crafts such as pottery, and in Chalky Mount village, you can find potters spinning clay into "monkey pots" (a jug specially designed to keep its contents chilled).
DAY TRIPS
The oldest house on the island and one of three remaining Jacobean-style mansions in the Americas, hailing from the 1650s - is St. Nicholas Abbey. (Barbados is home to one of the two other Jacobean mansions as well, Drax Hall.) For divers or snorkelers, visit the Folkestone Marine Park, situated around an artificial reef formed when the ship Stavronikita was sunk there.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
There are four major festivals that draw visitors to Barbados: the Holetown Festival in February; The Oistins Fish Festival, over Easter weekend; the summer Crop Over festival to celebrate the sugar cane harvest; and the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, a celebration of Bajan culture and arts including drama, dance, painting and writing.
DON'T MISS
– Dining on flying fish and macaroni pie
– Touring one of Barbados' plantation houses
– The splendor of Harrison's Cave and its 40-foot waterfall
– Andromeda Gardens' orchids, palms and other tropical beauty
