Destination information
As well as 'limin' (chilling out) on your Barbados package holiday, you will have to find the time to fit in some 'wining' (no, not the drink - it's Bajan dancing), plus there's lots to see on this pretty coral island. To really understand Barbados, you must take to the waters - a catamaran tour gives you a totally different perspective, while snorkelling fans will enjoy spectacular underwater scenery. There's also plenty of happening nightlife on the south coast for those keen to party, although families and couples seeking a more sedate holiday will find the peace and tranquility they're after in the west!
The trouble with a Barbados package holiday is that you will probably find everything you need right there in your resort. But it’s worth putting down the rum punch and visiting some nearby towns and villages to soak up the local flavour - even if you choose a Barbados all inclusive holiday, where most watersports, meals, drinks and evening entertainment are included. Travel to Barbados’ less developed east coast for some spectacular rugged scenery and some wicked Atlantic surf.
Feeling lively? The south of the island has buzzing nightlife, with a multitude of restaurants, bars and entertainment options. The west coast boasts the island’s classic white sand beaches framed by tropical fronds. Watching a game of cricket – be it Test visitors at the Kensington Oval in the capital city Bridgetown, or a local village game on a rough patch of grass – is always a delight. And wherever you go, the warmth of the local people is bound to be an abiding memory for years to come.
So, if you're looking for a Barbados package holiday, you've come to the right place! Read on to find out more:
Sightseeing ideas
Key Events
Jan - Jazz Festival
Feb - Holetown Festival 13 - 20 Feb '11
Mar - Holder's Opera Season
Apr - Oistin's Fish Festival
Jul/Aug - 'Crop Over' Festival
30 Nov - Independence Day
Star attractions
- Gorgeous Beaches
- Cricket at Kensington Oval
- Plantation Houses
- Nightlife at St Lawrence Gap
- The Friday Night Oistin's Fish Fry
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
Formerly the Escape Hotel & Spa, this West Coast hotel offers guests a brand new standard of luxury. Overlooking the white sands of Prospect Bay, it’s the perfect place to simply kick back and enjoy some serious r and r! The staff are very proud of their hotel and the service they provide, attending to your holiday needs in true Bajan style.
This attractive hotel boasts lovely grounds with bougainvillea and palms fluttering in the gentle sea breeze. There are 3 Jacuzzis where you can combine bubbles and sun, and the property stretches along the beach with an outdoor games area for pool and table tennis. St Lawrence Gap, with its lively bars and restaurants, is a short taxi ride away.
This friendly hotel has an excellent location right on the beautiful wide beach at St Lawrence Gap and is less than a 5-min walk to the many lively bars and restaurants in The Gap – the island’s main area for nightlife.
This superb family resort, spread out over 32 acres, has attractive, landscaped gardens and a proper village atmosphere to it, courtesy of the excellent facilities.
The spacious, attractive suites at this elegant hotel look out over the pristine gardens, breathtaking ocean and swimming pools, and the refreshing breezes of the south coast make for excellent windsurfing and Hobie Cat sailing. Children are really well catered for at this hotel, with their own pool, organised activities and an excellent kids’ club.
Additional info
White sands and Water Sports
The sophisticated west coast boasts some beautiful white sand beaches with gentle waves. South coast beaches are wide with waters perfect for boogie boarding. There are plenty of reefs for divers.
Evening Entertainment
St Lawrence is the nightlife capital. Harbour Lights open-air beachfront club is popular with the party crowd and the Plantation Theatre's music show is a must.
Day Tripping
Enjoy cricket at the Oval or horse racing at Garrison Savannah. Plantation houses give you an insight into Barbados' history. Along with the stunning views along the east coast, you can see the island inside out.
FREE Island Experience
We offer all guests a FREE duty-free shopping shuttle to Bridgetown. Broad Street is the main shopping area, where you'll find diamonds, jewellery and so much more at prices cheaper than the UK high street.
Cruising
Why not extend your stay in Barbados with a Caribbean cruise? Take in some of the most amazing sights and islands the Caribbean has to offer.
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across different islands or combine with a US city or theme park visit.
Weather and climate
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct from Gatwick or Manchester to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic.
Flight Time - Approx 8 hours 45 min.
Time Difference - GMT -4 hours.
Language - English.
Currency - Barbados Dollars B$.
Handy stuff
Local Living
Small beer - £0.66
Small bottle of coke - £0.50
Loaf of bread - £1.50
Sandwich - £3.00
Bottle of wine - £8.00
The above are approx local supermarket costs.
Check In Chill Out is our fantastic service that allows you to soak up the sun right until the last minute.
This service is available at selected hotels in Barbados, Antigua, Tobago, Grenada and St Lucia. Check with your rep in resort if you aren’t staying at one of the participating hotels as you may be able to use a location nearby. Simply look for the Check In Chill Out icon on participating hotel pages.
Read more about our Check In Chill Out Service...