Fathom's End at Mahogany Bay

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.

Read more about Barbados

About Barbados

At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking that Barbados is purely a beach holiday destination, but you're urged to reconsider this common belief. The island of Barbados is peppered with astonishing landscapes (both coastal and inland), enchanting locals, sublime cuisine, intriguing rums, fascinating wildlife, symbolic architecture and a selection of striking holiday villas.

Delve deep into the history of the island and start your holiday by visiting Sunbury Plantation House & Museum. This former plantation was built in 1660's and the premises are scattered with antiquities that delicately detail a recent history of Barbados. St. Nicholas Abbey also provides an insightful representation of Sugarcane production, Bajan artefacts and a wonderful observation point at Cherry Tree Hill. If you’re keen to visit one of the oldest Parliamentary buildings within the Commonwealth and appreciate the democratic legacy of Barbados, drop by The Parliament Buildings. This neo-gothic congress can be found in Bridgetown and act as a representation of Barbados’s Independence. There is so much history present throughout the island and as a result, Bridgetown and its Garrison has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, which the locals are very proud of.

Great efforts have been made to persevere the natural beauty of Barbados, so if you’re drawn to the exploration of National Parks and multicoloured gardens, it won’t take you long to realise that Barbados is a haven for such paradises! Within the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Farley Hill National Park, Flower Forest, Hunte's Gardens and Welchman Hall Gully - visitors, and Botanist alike, will be lost for hours admiring these astonishing botanical parklands. Keep an eye out for the Pride of Barbados… it’s the national flower of Barbados.

Bajan’s take their food very seriously! If you and your fellow travellers are enticed by the gastronomic aspect of holidaying, we believe you’ve selected the right island. With every aspect of cookery mastered; from pickling to freshly prepared dishes, sweet & savoury, fragrant & spicy and of course, the bountiful choice of seafood. Check out the food stalls in Paynes Bay Church – where vendors exhibit locally made dishes & street food that will scintillate the taste buds. At the end of every working week, locals and tourists both flock to Oistins, for 'Fish Fry Day'. This is a must for those who haven’t undergone the experience! The evening starts with barbecues and then ascends into a joyful party. This caps off a busy few days of work for locals as well as the 'strains' associated with serious holidaying.

Barbados is of course iconic for its Beaches & Rum…so why not bring them together? You will have to go out of your way not to be able to find a beach bar along the west coast of the island, as well as the countless Rum Shops. Yes, you’ve read correctly, Rum Shops! These small and locally run businesses embrace the Bajan spice of life, in liquid form. Very delicious! If you’re searching for something a little more special, take a trip to the east coast and visit Sand Dunes Bar and Restaurant at Windy Hill, for an unforgettable experience.

Barbados is a distinct and striking part of the Caribbean. It’s a great fit for all types of travellers, as the island really does have it all. For a little more information about this delightful island, check out our guide to a remarkable stay!

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that Barbados is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the island and the Caribbean Sea to the south of the island. This tropical rainforest climate results in the island experiencing a hurricane season, which usually occurs between June to November. When thinking about booking your holiday to Barbados, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Getting There

Barbados is served by Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown.

From the US:
Direct flights are available from Charlotte, Miami and New York with AA, JetBlue and US Airways.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on BA and Virgin Atlantic. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.

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Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church, Barbados: 

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