QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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Bathed in sun three thousand hours a year, Barbados is a paradise where it is always summer. Dubbed ‘Little England’ for the historic architectural remnants of the colonial days of the island, it holds the distinct and unique fusion of West Indian and British culture. The picturesque white sand beaches on the Caribbean side of the island contrast sharply with the rugged Atlantic coastline, which bears resemblance to the crashing waves and immense beauty of Big Sur.

Rich with history, luxury and character- fields of cane, royal palms, rolling hills and terraces with historical museums and houses, classic calypso rhythms, a cuisine of breadfruit, flying fish and world-famous rums, mark Barbados as a truly individual and cultured island getaway. Coral roads and tropical flowers surround the luxurious hotels, golf courses and world renowned restaurants that cover the island. With wildlife reserves, jewellery stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, cave exploration, exotic drinks and fine shopping Barbados proves itself to be the among the most sophisticated of island holiday destinations.


GO THERE FOR

The Beaches - The beaches and bays on each coast hold different qualities and charm, from coral reefs and water sports to beach bars and restaurants with spectacular views. Catamaran and boat trips to snorkel at the coral reefs and shipwrecks are popular activities for those visiting the island.

The Architecture - Barbados has a spectacularly rich history which can be seen in the buildings that cover the island. Colonial plantations and sugar mills showcase this area’s historic past. Tours of the island’s most grandiose homes are available upon request.

The Hotels - The hotels here are institutions unto themselves; Sandy Lane resort harbours some of the islands most luxurious shops as well as a world renowned spa, fine restaurants, bars and a world class forty-five hole golf course.

The Shopping - Indulge in duty free shopping in Bridgetown and Holetown, which play host to shopping malls where you can find anything from antiques and resort wear to fine jewellery. There are also many local markets to explore for local wares, such as Pelican Village and the Rastafarian enclave of Bridgetowns’ Temple Yard for local art and crafts.


DON’T MISS

The Holders House Festival – This annual performing arts festival showcases the best in opera, theatre and concerts. A combination of up-and-coming talent and established artists perform in the lush gardens of the spectacular 17th century Holders House. Past editions have seen Pavarotti wow audiences and an innovative reinterpretation of The Tempest set to the intoxicating thrum of Caribbean music. The festival runs annually in late February and early March and epitomises the relaxed glamour of Barbados. Great entertainment, flowing Champagne and the flicker of candlelight set in the warm evening make these nights to remember.

The Parliament - This imposing Gothic edifice was built in 1874 out of local coral limestone, is the third oldest British Commonwealth parliament building in the world and features marvellous stained glass windows showing figures from the British monarchy. Stand on the observation deck to watch government in progress.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens - Designed by renowned horticulturalist Iris Bannochie in 1954, this garden was named for Andromeda, the Greek maiden tied to a rock and sacrificed to a sea monster. Also located on rock, the specimens at this garden's six cultivated acres can be found on a cliff overlooking the rugged Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of orchids, hibiscus, ferns, begonias and palms thrive among the jagged rocks, gurgling streams and calm ponds. The flower garden is also a haven for many animals – don't be surprised to catch sight of a mongoose or monkey.


THE BASICS

Quintessentially Barbados
Rosebank, Derricks, St. James, BB24037, Barbados
Telephone: +1 800 444 7846
Email: qbarbados@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +1-246
Emergency Services: Police - 211; Fire - 311; Ambulance - 511
Directory Enquiries: 411
Electricity: 115V/50Hz
Language: English
Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Exchange Rate: BBD 1 = GBP 0.33; 1 GBP = 3.06 BBD
Time: Eastern Caribbean (UTC -4)
Grantley Adams International Airport

What to watch for

Driving is on the left on Barbados and in order to drive you must purchase a local driving permit, costing BBD 10/USD 5 on presentation of your license from home to car hire companies.
With regards to electricity the domestic current will operate appliances designated for 115/230 volts AC, 50 Cycles, with 2-pin US style plugs and sockets.
US dollars are accepted in most places, as are credit cards.
Tipping for good service is appreciated and is regarded as the norm. In restaurants and bars around 10% should be added. In private villas and apartments, service is not included, so all members of staff, including the night watchman, should be tipped upon your departure.
Departure tax is no longer payable at the airline check-in desk as it should be included in the cost of your airline ticket - please check your ticket to confirm this. This tax (passenger service charge) is payable by all passengers leaving the island (exempt for stays under 24 hours) and over the age of twelve years. The amount is BBD 55/USD 27.50.
Beware of the caustic manchineel trees that line the west coast beaches. They are fairly large and have small dark green leaves and small yellow/green apples, and contact with the sap of the tree or apples will cause blistering. Even rainwater dripping off the leaves can have the same effect, so do not shelter under them during rainfall. Manchineel trees are usually marked by a red ring around the trunk.


GETTING AROUND

Barbados by Car/Scooter: Cars and open-air mini jeeps can be rented from most hotels for around BBD 200 a day. Barbados Motor Scooters can be rented for BBD 50 per day or BBD 210 per week, however there is usually an additional deposit to pay. Helmets are required by law and come with the rental of motor scooters.

Public Transport and Cabs: The island is easy to get around with an excellent mini-bus network operating virtually everywhere at the cost of BBD 1.50 one-way. Depending on the route, during the week buses can operate from as early as 5.30am to as late as 12.30am. The bus system in Barbados is a fairly good one and the Barbados Transport Board fleet of blue and yellow buses reaches every corner throughout the island on a regular basis.
Taxis are also widely available around Barbados with taxi stands located at the airport, Bridgetown Harbour, and Bridgetown at Independence Square Lower, Broad Street and Heroes Square, South Coast at Accra Beach - Hastings Rocks, west coast at Sunset Crest Shopping Centres 1 and 2. Taxis are not metered, instead the fares are fixed. However it is always a good idea to confirm the cost of your journey before setting off.
Rates by distance should not exceed BBD 2.50 per mile or BBD 1.50 per kilometre. The flat rate per hour is BBD 32, with waiting time BBD 7 per hour between 6am-10pm, and BBD 8 per hour between 10pm-6am.


WHEN TO GO

The only period to be avoided is the rainy season, which lasts between June and October, but Barbados is significantly less likely to be hit by a hurricane than many of the neighbouring islands. Temperatures stay relatively warm throughout the year with lows of 74f in the winter months and highs of 86f in the summer months with only slight changes in average highs and average lows. The prevailing wind direction is easterly with wind speed staying around 20 km/h.

Public Holidays:
January 1st – New Year’s Day
January 21st – Errol Barrow Day
Variable – Good Friday
Variable – Easter Monday
April 28th – National Heroes Day
May 1st – Labour Day
Variable – Whit Monday
August 1st – Emancipation Day  
Variable – Kadooment Day
November 30th – Independence Day
December 25th – Christmas Day
December 26th – Boxing Day


WHERE TO STAY

Fairmont Royal Pavilion Hotel
An enchanting oasis of luxury where the sand is white and pink, the sea and sky cornflower blue, the people warm and friendly and the hospitality fit for sophisticated travellers. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion has been described as "The Jewel in the Crown of Barbados" - an elegant retreat where you can golf exclusive courses, play tennis, snorkel, sail, water ski and revel in the sun. An oasis of luxury and tranquillity beneath gently swaying palm trees, the hotel offers old world grace and stunning scenery.

House Hotel
Paynes Bay, St. James, Barbados
The House resort in St. James, Barbados epitomizes luxury and indulgence from first greeting to final farewell. Nestled in the pristine opalescent beaches of the Gold Coast of Barbados, this adults-only resort greets guests with a welcome beverage and "jet lag revival massage." Each couple is assigned a personal ambassador who has one simple task: cater to the guests' every comfort. The House's thirty two guest suites are arranged around an open courtyard with a magnificent tropical garden and sparkling pond. Visitors can soak up the sun on the unspoiled beaches while personal ambassadors deliver cold towels, fruit and chilled beverages. Water taxis transport guests to area facilities that offer scuba diving instruction and excursions, parasailing and glass-bottom boat trips.

Villa Nova
Featuring old-style glamour and impeccable service the twenty-eight room hotel has contemporary touches by designer Nina Campbell, freeing the hotel from country-house cliché. The restaurant is presided over by Gary Knowles, formerly of London's The Ivy and Launceston Place. The Té Spa has eight treatment villas all with a private veranda, an outdoor bath and shower.

The Crane Hotel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
The Crane, St. Philip, Barbados
Set on the world-famous Crane Beach, overlooking a perfect azure blue sea; The Crane was the Caribbean's first resort hotel. Built in 1887, the unique property combines elegance, old-world charm and an incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion. Recognized for its stunning beauty, The Crane was named "one of the Ten Best Beaches in the world" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

The Cobblers Cove
Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados
The understated elegance of Cobblers Cove is evocative of a country-house hotel transported to the exotic Caribbean, with its unspoilt beaches and perfect climate. The hotel's forty spacious suites open onto beautifully kept frangipani-scented gardens.

The Lone Star
The epitome of exclusive boutique hotels, the Lone Star is a stylish, select, minimalistic hotel on the west coast, featuring a fashionable restaurant, bar and all rooms directly on the hotels own stretch of wildly romantic beach. There are four enormous bedrooms, all equipped with fabulous bathrooms and every hi-tech mod con available.

Coral Reef Club Hotel
Porters, St. James
Coral Reef Club is a unique cottage-style colonial resort, situated on a long stretch of white sand beach on the spectacular west coast of Barbados. Family-owned, with a personal style of management and charming staff, the hotel is set on twelve acres of colourful tropical gardens. The original coral stone house with its elegant lounge and renowned restaurant has open air views to the Caribbean Sea. Facilities include three floodlit tennis courts, gym, wind surfing, catamaran sailing, kayaking and snorkelling. Championship golf is nearby at two eighteen hole courses and arrangements can be made for water-skiing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and horse riding.

The Sandy Lane Hotel
Quintessentially Reserve's Choice
Sandy Lane, St. James
Perhaps the most famous luxury hotel in the Caribbean, the Sandy Lane Hotel is the ultimate Caribbean hotel. Every room is spacious and holds simply stunning ocean views. The hotel features two restaurants, three bars as well as golf facilities that include a forty five-hole course and the new 40,000 square foot spa has fourteen state of the art treatment rooms.

Fustic House (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
St Lucy, Barbados
Set in eleven acres of tropical gardens, Fustic House's majestic Great House dates from the 17th century and was converted by Oliver Messel in the 1970s. The discreet elegance of a private estate and Messel's signature touch can be found in the three separate wings hidden deep in the luxuriant gardens, each sleeping twelve guests. Fustic House guests also have unique access to plush private members' club Port St Charles Yacht Club, just a five minute drive away.

Colony Club
Days of endless relaxation and indulgence await you at the Colony Club. From savoury dining and sun-swept beaches, to relaxing poolside activities and casual elegance of evening cocktails, each Colony Club guest will find a personal retreat and memorable moment to call their own.

Eden (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
This five bedroom private property is simply stunning. The magnificent hall of Eden has marble stairs leading up to a gallery which leads into a lounge with a high pickled pine ceiling. Three sets of doors open up from the lounge onto an enormous covered terrace that provides fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea as well as the in-house pool and gardens. Eden is the perfect venue to hire for any occasion.

Little Good Harbour (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
If you are seeking a hideaway off the beaten track, take romantic refuge at Little Good Harbour. Just minutes north of Port St Charles this endearing cluster of luxury cottages, nestled around a central swimming pool and lush tropical gardens, epitomises the best of Caribbean architecture and charm. Little Good Harbour also boasts one of the most charming restaurants on the island, The Fish Pot, where you really feel like you are dipping your toes in the sea as you dine.

Tamarind Cove
Paynes Bay, St James, Barbados
Tamarind Cove was re-opened in October 2006 after dramatic renovations which combines Mediterranean design with relaxed Caribbean charm. Three freshwater pools lie hidden in verdant grounds and landscaped gardens open up onto the golden Platinum (West) Coast. All suites and guestrooms have their own private balcony or patio.


WHERE TO EAT

Josef's Restaurant
Josef’s is a converted residence that houses Chef Josef Schwaiger's eponymous restaurant. It’s simultaneously upscale and relaxed, with wide open plantation shutters to let in the ocean breeze, white tablecloths, gorgeous views of the ocean, twinkling candlelight, and charming gazebos dotting the carefully tended gardens. Sophisticated contemporary cuisine is on tap - continental with hints of Asia and the Caribbean.

La Mer
The classic waterfront setting of Le Mer, on the limpid waters of Port St. Charles provides an elegant dining experience serving refined continental cuisine. La Mer is famous for its Sunday brunch in season, which is counted among the island’s best. The restaurant’s beautifully lit Onyx Bar is also perfect for pre dinner cocktails.

The Mews (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
2nd Street Holetown, St. James
Popular for dinner and for its lively bar, The Mews places emphasis on an international menu with lots of fresh fish, all echoing the décor - simple and stylish.

The Cliff (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Derricks, St. James, Barbados
The Cliff is a favourite, modern European restaurant, situated on top of a three metre tall coral cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This open-air restaurant has food to match the beautiful scenery. Using nothing but the freshest, choicest ingredients, The Cliff has attracted a loyal following of big names. The atmosphere is surprisingly casual for such a high profile spot. Make sure to look down during dinner because you might catch a glimpse of the sea life swimming by in the illuminated waters below.

Daphnes (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Paynes Bay, St. James, Barbados
The sibling to London’s Daphnes, the island's sister restaurant is every bit as trendy, although the décor is sleeker and more contemporary. The menu brims with many modern Italian dishes, selecting just one or two dishes may prove difficult, desserts are not to be missed nor are the selection of cocktails and Italian wines.

Round House Inn
The Round House Inn Restaurant & Bar is situated in a 174 year old property. Built in 1832, the Inn is located on the rugged east coast of Barbados, and commands breathtaking views of the Atlantic. It offers simple Caribbean dining often paired with live jazz or reggae at night.

The Gourmet Shop
If you want to create your own picnic, Sarah Hamilton's store The Gourmet Shop has the most delicious ingredients around, from exciting local favourites such as tamarind balls, to the more familiar fresh caviar and foie gras.

Patisserie Flindt
1st Street, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
Mention the name Flindt and the first thought that comes to most people’s minds is that of the most delicious, decadent chocolate creations, or an equally sinful strawberry cheesecake. But sweet things are not all that Flindt is about. In addition to the treat in their west coast location, an impressive variety of savoury and sweet items are available to order, making home and corporate entertaining a breeze.

Zen
The Crane, St. Philip, Barbados
Located within the spectacular Crane Resort, Zen is Rated "Barbados' No. 1 for Food" by the 2009 Zagat Guide. Featuring classic Thai and Japanese cuisine in a stunning setting overlooking Crane Beach, Zen features traditional Tatami rooms, an exquisite sushi bar and the option for guests to enjoy private dining.

The Restaurant at Southsea (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, Barbados
Since opening in 2003, The Restaurant at Southsea has won a myriad of prestigious local and international awards and Chef Barry Taylor's signature dishes have received rave reviews from influential food critics. It is also the only restaurant to win the prestigious Barbados Tourism Award for Excellence in Food and Beverage for two years in a row and was selected as the People’s Choice in 2007. Number 1 rated and AAA 4 Diamond rating, the restaurant’s service is par excellence.

Aqua Restaurant & Lounge (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Hastings Main Road, Christ Church, Barbados
Aqua Restaurant & Lounge has an unmatched natural ambience with unobstructed views of the Hastings coastline. Enjoy premier dining at their internationally renowned restaurant or sit, drink and chill in their late night lounge while the fresh ocean breeze calmly serenades you into a state of relaxation.

Apsara (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Morecambe House, Worthing, Christ Church, Barbados
Contained within a walled garden on Barbados’ busy south coast lies a culinary nirvana which richly deserves its heavenly name. Native dishes of the subcontinent are prepared by authentic chefs in the setting of a gracious Indian home where you can be assured of a truly memorable dining experience. Delight your taste buds, engage all the senses, and embrace the warm hospitality.

The Fish Pot (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Shermans, St. Peter, Barbados
The Fish Pot restaurant is on the site of what was once a 17th century fort, and is situated next to a quiet fishing village in St Lucy. The views from the restaurant are among the best in Barbados and the open terrace dining area looks out to the ocean and beyond. The menu favours fresh fish and seafood with classic Caribbean cuisine and there is also a refreshing selection of soups, salads and other light fare.

Scarlet (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Paynes Bay, St. James, Barbados
Scarlet is a little bistro that appeals to all age groups; with Pop-Art inspired décor, large Marilyn & Jackie O prints adorn the walls, a Bajan chattel house on the outside and city bar and bistro inside all fully air-conditioned, this venue offers a welcome relief from the heat. The 45 cocktails are simply fabulous with the signature drink containing a delicious mix of vodka, strawberries, black raspberry liqueur, cranberry, basil and black pepper.


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Olive’s Bar
Upstairs at Olive’s is a sophisticated watering hole. Enjoy cocktails and conversation seated amid potted palms whilst being cooled by ceiling fans either before or after dinner downstairs.

Pravda
A very modern bar with a chic all white interior and brown suede stools, touched off with tropical greenery. Hip music and martinis, signature to St Lawrence Gap served all night.

The Mews
2nd Street, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
The Mews is a well established restaurant and bar which has been at the heart of the Holetown social scene for many years. The bar has a cosy atmosphere which moves up a gear on weekends when it is at its busiest.

Elbow Room Bar
2nd Street, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
Elbow Room is one of the latest 'hot-spots' on Barbados, an instant hit with the in-crowd when it opened in December 2006. Extremely busy on Friday and Saturday nights with a mixed crowd of well-heeled locals the bar features a live DJ on Saturday and Sunday nights. Open-fronted, so drinkers spill out onto the street and mingle with the crowd from The Mews next door, it maintains a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Lexy’s - Piano Bar and Cabaret
2nd Street, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
Run by former Broadway cabaret singer and pianist Alex 'Lexy' Santoriello, who acts as host and also provides live music and entertainment on a nightly basis, Lexy’s is an island favourite with locals and visitors. During the season there are guest appearances by international pianists and various other talented musicians providing colour and character to any night out.

The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is one of Barbados’ oldest and most well renowned nightspots, with top entertainment every night. Features indoor and outdoor bars, top DJ’s and bands nightly.

The Piano Bar
The Piano Bar offers a gorgeous setting at The Restaurant By South Sea with an outstanding wine and brandy selection, along with an extensive vintage rum collection.

St. Lawrence Gap
Christ Church, Barbados
St. Lawrence Gap is the liveliest place to be on the south coast. It’s a street full of diverse restaurants and bars. From lively Mexican music and margaritas to an Irish Pub and even a Piano Lounge there is something for everyone. Thursday is the best night to experience The Gap.


WHERE TO SHOP

Fashion Department Stores

Cave Shepherd
Broad Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
This luxury department store has branches in Holetown, at the cruise ship terminal, at the airport and on Broad Street in Bridgetown. Cave Shepherd is the largest department store on the island and offers designer clothes, beachwear, cosmetics, and cameras, electronics and jewellery at duty-free prices.

Cosmetics

Pure Source (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Mayhoe Ave. Sunset Crest, St. James, Barbados
Pure Source is a lifestyle store situated on the west coast of Barbados which sells skincare and hair care products not to mention accessories of the highest quality from the UK, France, Switzerland and the US. The brands available cannot be found anywhere else on the island. They include skincare from REN, Ole Henriksen, This Works, Suki and Erbaviva; cosmetics from Black Up in Paris and Talika; Holistic Silk travel accessories; Cutler and Gross sunglasses; Phyto and Phyto Specific hair care, Esteban and Natural Magic candles and room fragrance and many more. The store has a very ‘hands-on’ approach and encourages customers to test and compare brands before they buy. Duty Free is available on all items.

Jewellers

Heather Harrington Jones (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Indigo Courtyard, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
Heather Harrington Jones's renowned boutique, situated in St. James on the fashionable west coast of Barbados, stocks uniquely crafted high-end jewellery including platinum, 18 and 22 karat gold, diamonds, precious and semi-precious coloured stones.

Diamonds International (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Lower Broad Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
As the largest fine jewellery retailer and Diamond Sight Holder in the Caribbean, Diamonds International’s boutiques offer a selection of fully certified and guaranteed conflict free diamonds. The company’s collections vary from horological masterpieces to exquisite and rare coloured diamonds. The five star service offered by the brand allows clients to choose from an array of sensational loose stones and place them in platinum, white and yellow gold settings, all within a matter of hours.

Harrisons
Broad Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Come here for the best of duty free cosmetics, jewellery, crystal, leather and fragrances. There are eleven branches, including one at the airport and at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Mall

Bayshore Complex
Housed in a building that was constructed in 1800 to accommodate the Harbour Police, the Bayshore Complex today is a thoroughly renovated shopping centre with a variety of boutiques and specialty shops that cater to your every need.

Shopping Districts

Broad Street
Bridgetown's main shopping district is Broad Street; a wide array of duty-free shops selling jewellery, liquor, cameras, perfume and clothing. Be sure to bring a passport or plane ticket as proof of your visitor status.

Sunset Crest
Sunset Crest is a resort complex with two shopping centres; the district has a wide variety of shopping options that should satisfy die-hard shoppers as well as those who just need to pick up some sunscreen or a book. In addition to a branch of the Cave Shepherd department store, there are several high-end boutiques, a supermarket, restaurants, banks and a pharmacy.

Home ware

Best of Barbados
Set up in 1975 by artist Jill Walker, Best of Barbados features locally crafted or designed gifts and souvenirs. The distinctive prints of local scenes and architecture are extremely popular, as are the colourful array of tea towels, floral table and drinks mats and traditional Bajan games.

Greenwich House Antiques
A good place to rummage on a rainy day for antiques, trinkets and obscure odds and ends.

Mill House Estate
Canewood, St. Thomas, Barbados
There are several high end home ware stores in the Mill House Estate, in Canewood St. Thomas, a destination shopping centre. Ranging from Dwellings which provides home furnishing and accessories, to Gajah and Indian Ocean Imports; which sell unusual, exotic fine furnishings and accessories.

Walkers World
St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, Barbados
Dover Beach's home accessories, furniture and gift store showcases a range of local crafts. The cafe has a lovely view and steel-pan playing. There is also a smaller version in Holetown at the Chattel Village.

Earthworks Pottery
A store selling distinctive, locally hand-made pottery that makes for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Eclectic

Pelican Craft Village
Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Pelican Craft Village is an area with over twenty-five art and craft shops, and artisan workshops. Local condiments, confectionary, baked goods are also available for consumption whilst exploring the area.

Caribbean Cigar Company Inc,
Located in the Pelican Industrial Park, this store sells Royal Barbados Cigars, handmade locally from Cuban tobacco.

Havana Hut
Shop #4 Chattel Village, St. James, Barbados
For a wide variety of Cigars and the well sought after Cuban Cigars, Havana Hut in the Holetown Chattel Village is a must.

Art

The Verandah Art Gallery and the Tides Gallery sell original paintings and sculptures by local and Caribbean artists; meanwhile the Gallery of Caribbean Art caters to the serious collector. The Gallery of St James also caters for lovers of Caribbean and international art, as well as antiquarian Caribbean maps


HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Day Spa

Ying Yang Clinic & Day Spa
Run by Gene Martin and Diane Tingy, who offer a variety of treatments including acupuncture, deep tissue massage, iridology, Reiki, Ayurvedic massage, reflexology, sacred stone therapy, mud massage, facials, body wraps, chocolate scrubs, oxygen treatments, hot stone massage and many more at their highly regarded day spa.

Indulgence Spa
Mullins, St. Peter, Barbados
Owned and operated by Royal Westmoreland and located adjacent to the spectacular Mullins beach, this spa offers five therapy rooms, a nail studio, an air-conditioned lounge and Spa Café. This secluded location also boasts a wonderful waterfall swimming pool with a secret cave.

The Sandy Lane Hotel Spa
Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados
The spa at the Sandy Lane Hotel is the largest on the island and its resources are open to non-residents of the hotel. Set in its own building next to the hotels’ pool area it has a full range of services in its fourteen treatment suites (some of which have private gardens), including yoga, an ice cave and a meditation studio, a hydrotherapy pool, jet blitz room, chakra room, fitness room and a  personal training room. There is also a John Frieda Hair Salon and accompanying restaurant which offers a selection of healthy meals.

Yoga/Pilates

The Sanctuary
Set in a former plantation house, the Sanctuary offers regular open days, special workshops with visiting tutors, yoga days and private consultations. Classes include meditation, yoga, pilates and Tai Chi as well as private consultations on past life regression, tarot reading, aromatherapy, Reiki healing, iridology, Shiatsu, Indian head massage, ear candling, reflexology and kinesiology
are also available.

Lee-Ann Parisi, Pilates (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Porters, St. James Barbados
Pilates is a method of exercise that focuses on enhancing flexibility and strength for the entire body which develops the body uniformly, improves and corrects postures, increases flexibility and elevates one’s mind and spirit. Private and semi-private mat lessons are available by appointment in the comfort of your hotel, villa or home (with 24 hours’ notice).

Mobile Massages

Prana (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Jaishree Mahtani, 31 Highgate Gardens, St. Michael
Prana is a mobile massage service that travels to your home or villa with massage table, music, oils and sheets to provide you with the most relaxing experience in the comfort of your own home. Prana's therapists are internationally trained, qualified and extremely professional offering all types of massages including Swedish, deep tissue, pre-natal, Indian head, Reiki, crystal healing.


WHAT TO SEE

Sunbury Plantation House - Built between 1660 and 1670, the handsome Sunbury Plantation House is built from local coral blocks and ballast stones, the latter from the ships that set sail from England to pick up Barbadian sugar. The interior retains its plantation-era ambience and is furnished in antiques, many made from Barbadian mahogany. In the area behind the house is a collection of horse-drawn carriages. Tours are given by guides well versed in local history. You can also have lunch or tea at the courtyard restaurant, or a five-course dinner served on Sunbury's 200-year-old mahogany dining table.

St Nicholas Abbey - Another historic location to visit in Barbados is the recently re-opened St Nicholas Abbey, which screens an extraordinary film of plantation life in the thirties, recently rediscovered in a bottom drawer of a cabinet within the Abbey.

St John's Church - Located in Hackleton's Cliff, St John’s Church is one of the most charming churches on the island. It is also the burial place of Ferdinando Paleologus, the last member of a family descended from ancient Greek royalty, who was a warden of the church and died in 1665.

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village - This historic house belonged to Sir Grantley Adams, leader of the Bajan independence movement, and was the birthplace of his son Tom, the second Prime Minister of Barbados. The Palladian-style house was built in 1854 of native coral stone. You may tour the home and view the Adams' beautiful antiques and other artefacts. The adjacent four-acre estate has been turned into a "heritage village," representing life in a Barbadian town circa 1920. Blacksmiths, potters and craftsmen work in the former chattel houses and you may buy their wares.

Gun Hill Station - Visit this spot on a clear day – the views are amazing and stretch from east to west. This signal station was built in 1818 as a communication point and station for sick British soldiers. The Barbados National Trust owns and operates the station, which is one of only two such stations still in existence on the island. Be sure you examine the huge lion carved from a single rock; Captain Henry Wilkinson completed it in 1868 during his off-duty hour.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve - Wander through this open-air zoo to see an array of wildlife including deer, tortoises, a wide variety of tropical birds, and numerous snakes and iguanas. The Barbados Primate Research centre has introduced green monkeys, who can be seen swinging aloft through the mahogany trees.

Harrison’s Cave - Harrison’s Cave provide enchanting underground tram rides through natural limestone caverns with streams, waterfalls, pools and stalagmites and stalactites found on the island.

Beaches - The west coast of Barbados has some of the finest and safest beaches in the Caribbean, blond sand and palm trees stretching more than ten miles from the north of capital Bridgetown to beyond Speightstown. The Atlantic coast on the east side of the island also has stunning beaches, however the water is too rough for swimming and is only recommended for accomplished wind and body surfers.
The beach at Folkestone, close to nearby Holetown on the west coast offers snorkelling around reefs and nearby coves. Equipment can be rented on the beach daily. Enthusiasts can take excursions to explore shallow sunken wrecks and reefs around the island.
Worthing Beach and the lagoon side of Miami Beach are among the livelier beaches on the south and east coasts of the island. Good windsurfing and kite surfing around the south of the island, at Maxwell (protected, for beginners) and at Silver Sands (full-on, with waves, for advanced surfers) are markedly different from the secluded beaches of Crane Beach, Bottom Bay and Harrismith Bay – which are ideal for a leisurely day out. The fantastic turquoise waters and shell pink sands of Miami Beach are idyllic as are Payne’s Bay and Mullins Bay, all picturesque beaches not to be missed.