Barbados Vacations
by: Joan Wingert
The capitol of Bridgetown serves as the dividing point
between the West coast and the South coast. Nearly every
hotel and resort on the island will be located on or near one
of these two coasts. What is the difference? Are there
advantages to one or the other for a visitor to the island?
The prevailing easterly trade winds affect the most
distinctive natural differences between the two. Because the
wind invariably blows from East to West, the eastern coast
has heavy surf—the primary reason there are no hotels on
the East. There are some very nice beaches but they are not
suitable for swimming or watersports activities.
This Easterly wind also bends around the south coast,
creating a bit of wind and surf there as well for those
beaches. It is not surprising that this is where the best
windsurfing is located (and there are some world-class
locals). These beaches are generally suitable for
swimming; only during bad weather will the red “no
swimming” flag be posted.
The West coast is on the leeward side of the island (the
wind is blowing offshore not onshore). These bays and
beaches are much calmer with very light surf. Snorkeling
and nearly all day trips aboard private boats is perfect here
along the calm West Coast.
The resorts, shops, restaurants, and other business
establishments of each coast also exhibit a decidedly
different “personality.”
BARBADOS SOUTH COAST RESORTS
The resorts along the South Coast will range from 2 to 4
stars. Prices for accommodations on the South coast tend
to be relatively modest and reasonable.
The central locale of the South coast is St Lawrence Gap.
Without a doubt, this is THE local hotspot, featuring a
cobblestone walkway with gas lighting, and lined with one
interesting restaurant or bistro after another. Barbados is
known for its many wonderful (let me say it again—
wonderful) restaurants, and several are located here in the
“Gap.”
Between the Gap and Bridgetown, the area is busy with a
variety of establishments including banks, gas stations,
KFC, Chefette (the local fast food outlet featuring rotis to go),
etc. strung along the South coast highway. Old and run-
down buildings sit side-by-side with brand new buildings—
evidence that many old structures are being replaced with
new.
BARBADOS WEST COAST
The West coast is sometimes referred to as the “Gold
coast” or the “Platinum coast,” and is less intensive in its
development. Some of the coast is the preserve of the rich
and famous, whose stunning villas will occupy some of the
beach area.
The center of the West coast is Holetown, the original
English settlement which dates to the early 17th century.
This has a delightful shopping area, including a series of
“chattel house” shops. Outstanding restaurants are dotted
here and there along the coast.
The West coast features mostly 4 and 5 star resorts. The
accommodation costs for staying on the West coast will
generally be higher than on the South coast of this lovely
island, Barbados.
About The Author
Joan Wingert is editor for Caribbean dot Travel (www.
caribbean.travel), a recently-launched website specializing
in information for travelers to the Caribbean. Our site
includes an interactive library (www.caribbean.
travel/articles/index.php) which hosts articles on any and all
things related to the Caribbean as well as travel in and
around the islands.
by: Joan Wingert
The capitol of Bridgetown serves as the dividing point
between the West coast and the South coast. Nearly every
hotel and resort on the island will be located on or near one
of these two coasts. What is the difference? Are there
advantages to one or the other for a visitor to the island?
The prevailing easterly trade winds affect the most
distinctive natural differences between the two. Because the
wind invariably blows from East to West, the eastern coast
has heavy surf—the primary reason there are no hotels on
the East. There are some very nice beaches but they are not
suitable for swimming or watersports activities.
This Easterly wind also bends around the south coast,
creating a bit of wind and surf there as well for those
beaches. It is not surprising that this is where the best
windsurfing is located (and there are some world-class
locals). These beaches are generally suitable for
swimming; only during bad weather will the red “no
swimming” flag be posted.
The West coast is on the leeward side of the island (the
wind is blowing offshore not onshore). These bays and
beaches are much calmer with very light surf. Snorkeling
and nearly all day trips aboard private boats is perfect here
along the calm West Coast.
The resorts, shops, restaurants, and other business
establishments of each coast also exhibit a decidedly
different “personality.”
BARBADOS SOUTH COAST RESORTS
The resorts along the South Coast will range from 2 to 4
stars. Prices for accommodations on the South coast tend
to be relatively modest and reasonable.
The central locale of the South coast is St Lawrence Gap.
Without a doubt, this is THE local hotspot, featuring a
cobblestone walkway with gas lighting, and lined with one
interesting restaurant or bistro after another. Barbados is
known for its many wonderful (let me say it again—
wonderful) restaurants, and several are located here in the
“Gap.”
Between the Gap and Bridgetown, the area is busy with a
variety of establishments including banks, gas stations,
KFC, Chefette (the local fast food outlet featuring rotis to go),
etc. strung along the South coast highway. Old and run-
down buildings sit side-by-side with brand new buildings—
evidence that many old structures are being replaced with
new.
BARBADOS WEST COAST
The West coast is sometimes referred to as the “Gold
coast” or the “Platinum coast,” and is less intensive in its
development. Some of the coast is the preserve of the rich
and famous, whose stunning villas will occupy some of the
beach area.
The center of the West coast is Holetown, the original
English settlement which dates to the early 17th century.
This has a delightful shopping area, including a series of
“chattel house” shops. Outstanding restaurants are dotted
here and there along the coast.
The West coast features mostly 4 and 5 star resorts. The
accommodation costs for staying on the West coast will
generally be higher than on the South coast of this lovely
island, Barbados.
About The Author
Joan Wingert is editor for Caribbean dot Travel (www.
caribbean.travel), a recently-launched website specializing
in information for travelers to the Caribbean. Our site
includes an interactive library (www.caribbean.
travel/articles/index.php) which hosts articles on any and all
things related to the Caribbean as well as travel in and
around the islands.
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