Letsgo2 is the multi-award-winning destination specialist offering hand-picked holidays to leisure travellers. With a wealth of Caribbean expertise, their Barbados travel guide has everything you need to know before heading off to island paradise
By Letsgo2
Letsgo2 share their Barbados travel guide
There’s so much to love about the Caribbean island of Barbados: the beaches are breathtaking, the weather’s near-perfect, the food is top-notch, the history is fascinating and the people are warm and welcoming. There’s a lively nightlife scene on the south coast, wild surf on the untouched east coast and some of the world’s finest resorts on the fashionable west coast. Barbados has it all.
Barbados is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, but there is lots to see and do right across the island. As one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, you can happily explore everything it has to offer. Stick to the coast and you’ll have access to all kinds of watersports, from snorkelling to surfing and sailing. Head inland and you’ll come across old plantation houses, magnificent gardens, quaint chattel villages and limestone caves.
Things to do
- Go ‘liming with the locals’ at Oistins fish fry on a Friday night
- Watch a polo match at one of Barbados’ world class grounds
- Go on a sunset catamaran cruise along the west coast
- Visit Hunte’s Gardens – the most amazing garden you’re ever likely to see
- Hire a car and explore the rugged east coast
- Visit an old plantation house and learn about Barbados’ rich history
- Seek out designer labels at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre and Holetown’s Chattel Village
- Learn to surf on the south coast
What to expect
Barbados offers a superb Caribbean holiday experience. You’ll feel right at home from the minute you step off the plane. The Bajan people are very welcoming, but there’s more to it than that. Everything has a British tint to it, whether it’s glimpsing cricket being played on village greens or sipping tea and nibbling scones in the afternoon. When Barbados gained independence in 1966, it chose to keep Elizabeth II as the Queen of Barbados. The rolling countryside of the island’s interior is reminiscent of Devon and Somerset, and you’ll see familiar place names like Scarborough, Worthing and Scotland. There’s one crucial difference, the weather in Barbados is far superior.
Activities
A sunset catamaran cruise is an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend you do. Sail past some of the most luxurious properties on the island’s exclusive west coast. Pause to jump into the crystal clear Caribbean sea and swim with turtles. Sip a rum punch and gaze at the incredible shades of ochre, orange and pink as the sun sets into the ocean. Glimpse flying fish leaping out of the ocean and gliding alongside the boat as you speed back to Bridgetown – it’s simply magic!
Take time to visit St Nicholas Abbey. Nothing to do with monks (just re-named on a whim by a former owner), it’s a Jacobean mansion filled with antiques spanning it’s 350-year history, with beautifully tranquil grounds and a lovely cafe. Even better, there’s a working rum distillery. You can witness the whole process, from grinding the sugar cane to sampling the end product.
If you feel like an adventure, hire a car and head over to the undeveloped, windswept side of the island – it’s a big contrast to the lavish west coast. Watch the unforgiving Atlantic ocean pound the shores at Bathsheba, and witness pro surfers take their chances in the world-renowned soup bowl. See quaint wooden chattel houses dotted amidst lush hillsides and banana trees lining the roadside. Keep your camera handy in case you spot a cheeky green monkey peeping out of the greenery.
Dining in Barbados
Barbados boasts some of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in the Caribbean, including The Tides, The Cliff and Daphne’s (managed by the same team as its iconic Kensington counterpart). As you might expect with the island setting, seafood features on most menus, but you’ll also find Thai fusion, Italian and international cuisine in abundance. There are also lots of decent, down-to-earth dining options – a trip to Barbados wouldn’t be complete without sampling the island’s national dish: flying fish. Traditionally, it’s fried in breadcrumbs and served in a cutter (bread roll) with a good dollop of Bajan hot pepper sauce.
Where to stay
West Coast
Blessed with soft sands bordered by the (usually) mill-pond waters of the Caribbean sea, it’s easy to see why the west coast of Barbados is often called ‘The Platinum Coast.’
It’s where you’ll find all the luxury resorts, such as Sandy Lane, Fairmont Royal Pavillion, as well as the upscale all inclusive offerings such as Colony Club , Mango Bay and Sugar Cane Club Barbados.
South Coast
The lively south coast is the best place to stay if you like to do more on holiday than simply lounge by the pool. By day, there are watersports aplenty, with gentle waves perfect for learners progressing to larger surf in bays like Long Beach and Silver Sands.
After dark, St Lawrence Gap is a popular nightlife hotspot in Barbados, with a handful of bars, rum shops, nightclubs and restaurants.
There’s also plenty of choice on the accommodation front, including the highly recommended all inclusive hotels Sugar Bay Barbados , Bougainvillea Beach Resort and Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels.
Who are Letsgo2?
Formed back in 2003, today letsgo2 boasts a small team of well-travelled and vastly experienced professionals, who make it their business to offer first-hand advice and recommendations on destinations worldwide. Whether you’re after a romantic honeymoon, an activity-packed family getaway, an adventurous safari, a non-stop city break or even all four, Letsgo2 prides itself on guiding you through to handpick your perfect package.
What makes letsgo2 different?
Continuity and passion – you’ll deal with the same travel consultant from beginning to end and one who has actually stayed in the hotels they’re recommending, whatever your requirements or dream destination: Dubai – with its sheer variety of things to do, world-famous beaches and indulgent hospitality; the Indian Ocean – for a touch of luxury with glittering sands and deep blue seas; or maybe the Far East – with its contrasting vibrant cities, stunning shores and spectacular rainforest.
Live pricing – the price you see on the website is the price of the holiday; there are no hidden extras.
Bespoke – the team is passionate about delivering bespoke holidays suited to each individual; all ‘packages’ advertised are just suggestions and you can (within reason) travel on any date, for any duration. So each holiday is unique to you.
You’re covered – when buying a package holiday it’s reassuring to know that any money paid is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority through the ATOL scheme. letsgo2 is also an ABTA member, meaning you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and code of conduct. All package holidays sold are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier fails.
What are your top tips for booking a holiday?
Book early. You’ll get cheaper flights and more choice of hotel or room type. Plus, letsgo2 offers manageable payment, and you don’t have to pay the full balance until 12 weeks before.
Ask questions. Find out the facts that are important to you about the resort. A travel consultant that has been there will be able to give details that may not be available when researching online.
Check your passport. Sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many don’t! You must have at least six months’ validity from the date you return
Don’t delay in booking. Prices are flexible and will fluctuate daily. If you have found the holiday you want and are happy with the price, book it.
Explore the best of both worlds. With the whole world on offer, it can be difficult to decide on just type of holiday or destination, so book one of letsgo2’s twin or multi-centre holidays with lively cities and secluded beaches within one trip.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
letsgo2 has won numerous British Travel Awards in the last four years in categories such as Best All-Inclusive Holiday Company, Best Holiday Company to The Middle East and Best Holiday Company to the Caribbean & Bermuda. As these awards reflect the opinions and attitudes of consumers this is a great compliment.
What can we look forward to from letsgo2?
Even more happy customers. This year letsgo2 is up for several more awards and, far from resting on its laurels, winning awards just boosts the team to work even harder to make its customers’ lives easier.
