Barbados

Holidays in Barbados have, for years, been synonymous with the ultra-stylish. The rich, the famous and the beautiful still show no sign of falling out of love with Barbados. And who can blame them? This stunning island nation, just east of the Caribbean, is a world apart. British rule ended a scant 40 years ago, so, as you'd expect, there's a touch of the old colonial in the architecture of the bustling capital, Georgetown. But chances are you won't dally here too long, for you'll no doubt be fanning out to the coast, where Barbados' world class resorts and sugar-sand beaches can be found.

Beaches

The southern and western coasts of Barbados are where the tranquil, phosphorescent waters of the Caribbean Sea meet the fine white sand of the beaches. Here you can soak up the sun under the shade of a palm tree, or indulge in water sports and maybe an over or two of beach cricket. Along the island's east coast the Atlantic Ocean churns up tumbling waves which are perfect for surfing, but not recommended for swimming.

Eating Out

Caribbean food, as you'd expect, is focused on the fish harvested from the surrounding seas. Flying fish is served with hot sauce and rice. Try, instead, local dishes such as Pepperpot - a spicy pork stew. Most resorts offer a wide range of chicken and fish dishes, although beef is less popular, and most plates come heavily spiced. Grilled black-bellied lamb chops, spicy ribs, Bajan fish cakes and Creole chicken salad all add colour and fire to most menus.

Shopping

Holidays in Barbados aren't just about the beach. Bridgetown's lively streets are home to excellent craft stores, duty-free jewellers selling vibrant Columbian emeralds, internationally branded fashion and locally-distilled rum. The venerable Cave Shepherd department store is a must-visit.  The Mount Gay Rum distillery and visitor centre, a short walk from town (by an excellent little beach) is a must-experience too and sells the tipple cheaper than most other outlets. Galleries and workshops in resort offer fine arts, crafts and fashions: but be prepared to haggle quite vigorously, and you'll get a bargain.

Nightlife

Restaurants, pubs, jazz bars and reggae clubs stay lively till midnight or beyond, and Baxter's Road is a calypso hot-spot, although Barbados isn't the place to come for all-night dancing, or discos till dawn.  Bridgetown's Waterfront Café, and The Boatyard are the place to head for waterside jazz and live music. Elsewhere, most resorts offer floorshows, reggae with steel drums, and al fresco parties, washed down with a Mount Gay rum cocktail or two.

Activities and Entertainment

You'll be forgiven for not exploring too far when you're presented with some of the world's best beaches on your doorstep. But you'd be missing an awful lot if you didn't. The island's relatively easy terrain hides a wealth of opportunities. Go on safari in the 85 tropical acres of St. Joseph, hike into the hills of 'Scotland', visit the island's many 'plantation' gardens, visit the great white lion at Gun Hill - a symbol of British rule on the island. Or spend time at the Barbados Museum with its live theatre show.