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An island occupied by the British for three centuries

Barbados is an island nation, the most oriental island of the Antilles archipelago, on the border of the Caribbean islands and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s history is anchored east of Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, in Îles-sous-le-Vent, within Lesser Antilles. Today Barbados is the cultural capital of the Caribbean, it was, for more than three centuries, under the British dominion.

A peaceful independence

Though Barbados has been independent since 1966, the British influence is still present.
Cricket and polo are the national sports. International competitions are organised there every year. The police wear the ‘ bobby ‘ helmet so well known in Britain, and they are much respected as they control the traffic. The effigy of Queen Victoria is still affixed on the facade of certain police stations.

The "bajan", a Barbadian Creole!

It is difficult to resist the unusual charm of this island where cars are driven on the left.
The houses like those of an operetta with their dashing colors, and where "bajan", the local Creole dialect, is spoken. The broken English syntax is influenced by African grammar. The African influence is felt through the music, dance and food.

Though the official language remains English, the Barbadians speak "bajan" amongst themselves.
This island is rich in contrasts. The first day, rent a car and leave for a tour of what is considered to be one of the smallest countries in the world, (with Malta, Andorra, Grenada, the Maldive Islands). The total surface is 430 km ², it is 34 km in length and 23 Km wide. Succumb to the charm of nature in all its beauty, with its hilly plantations of sugar cane, its landscapes, in particular Saint Joseph, and visit the 11 parishes on this island.

Interesting, cultural and family attractions

With its flora and its bountiful fauna, do not hesitate to discover the natural wealth and the animal variety, in particular in the forest of Grenada Hall Forest and Signal Resort, in the heart of the botanical garden Flower Forest, or the wildlife park ‘ Barbados Wildlife Reserve’ .

Meet the local people, be seduced by their kindness, warmth, spontaneity and hospitality.

Stay in a charming hotel, Cobblers Cove(from the Relais and Chateau hotel chain) in an “ oh so very British “ style, if you wish to benefit from the beach on the west coast. The Atlantis Hotel, located in a quaint fishing village offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the evening you can mingle with the locals and taste the local cuisine of grilled fish or meat, in an open-air market, with live music at the ‘ Oistins Fish Fry’ .

Fine white sand and sensations assured!

Let yourself be seduced by the 110 km of beaches, each different.

On the west coast - Paynes Bay, Gibbes Beach - the majority of hotels are nestled amongst the turquoise sea and the pink sanded beaches.

On the east coast - Bathsheba - the Atlantic Ocean offers thrilling sensations for surf lovers and magnificent views of rocky mountains.

On the south coast - Foul Bay, Sandy Lane Beach - windsurfing can be enjoyed. At Silver Sand sea sport lovers can take kite surf lessons.

Cultural diversity

The island also reveals a unique interbreeding, a decidedly Caribbean culture rich in a solid
British inheritance, which makes it a destination appreciated by the Americans and Europeans.
The third day, do a tour of the island and stop off in the domain of Sunbury, one of
last plantation houses in Barbados. Dating over three hundred years, this plantation house was partially destroyed in a fire in 1995, but has been restored and opened up again in 1996.

Trail around to Arlington House, a colonial house, an interesting museum which draws on the history of the colonization of Barbados, the first colonists in the period of plantations.
Outside, the big coconut palms weigh down under the weight of the showering rain, their powerful veins streaming with water. But the shower stops as suddenly as it starts and Barbados smiles once again.