Fathom’s End at Mahogany Beach enjoys a fabulous beachfront location with direct access to the fine, glistening sands. Mahogany Beach, also known as Lower Paynes Bay, is a continuation of Paynes Bay Beach, one of the favourites on the west coast of this magical island. Paynes Bay Beach sits in the parish of St James. It is the perfect sport for swimming, snorkelling and watersports such as kayaking, sailing and jet skis. Paynes Bay also boasts the Paynes Bay Fishing Complex, a fish processing hall for the fishermen of the west coast where you can buy fresh local fish.
Just a few minutes drives away is the buzzy town of Holetown. Holetown is also renowned for its fantastic dining scene. First and Second Streets are lined with quirky bars that embrace the spirit of the Caribbean. Holetown’s Folkestone Marine Park spans several kilometres along the coast and was set up to preserve the coral and shallow areas inhabited by turtles. The marine park is separated into various zones, including two sports zones where motorised aquatic sports are permitted, a scientific zone and a recreational zone where you can snorkel in peace and discover the fascinating underwater world.
Bridgetown, the capital, offers the quirkier side to Barbados. It boasts attractive waterfront cafes, Parliament Square, fantastic bridges, a boardwalk which runs along the river and bustling colonial streets sprinkled with pastel-coloured malls and warehouses. The streetscape has mostly stayed the same, and streets have their original names, such as Liverpool, Lancaster and Swan.
Despite being drawn to the beaches, this heavenly island also boasts a stunning interior of rolling hills, plantation houses and wonderful lush botanical gardens. If you only have time for one of the gardens, try and visit the Flower Forest Botanical Gardens near the village of Bloomsbury, Saint Joseph. It is hard to imagine that the gardens were once a sugar plantation as today, it spans fifty-three acres, all sprinkled with beautiful plants, trees and flowers.
If shopping is your thing, the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is one of the most stylish, upmarket places to head to. It is home to the world’s leading retail brands, including Armani, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Gucci and Ralph Lauren. The brightly painted shops at the Chattle Village are renovated Chattle homes and are absolutely charming and worth a stop for souvenirs.
Barbados is famous for cricket, polo and golf. It is home to many prestigious golf clubs, including The Royal Westmoreland Golf Club and Sandy Lane, where there are three courses. Holders Hill is the main polo venue on the island, where you can spend a very civilised afternoon watching the polo while enjoying a superb afternoon tea at the same time. Cricket fans enjoy a trip to Kensington Oval, the oldest, prime sports venue in Barbados, established in 1882. Aside from cricket, Kensington Oval is also the venue for soccer, hockey, concerts, music festivals and the summer festival of Barbados, Crop Over.
