Tom Tom

Just a plane ride away lies the real fantasy island, Barbados. An island that gives a dreamlike, intimate feeling to your trip.

Barbados is a truly phenomenal holiday destination, and geologically unique; a coral island, initially pushed from the sea as two separate land masses by volcanic activity many years ago. Over time these two land masses merged together creating the isle we now know as Barbados. Barbados lies on the boundary of the Caribbean and South American continental plates making it unlike any other Caribbean Island. Within the core of the island, made up mainly of coral sediment, numerous caves and underground lakes can be found. Arguably the most famous of these is Harrison’s Cave; a network of caves, waterfalls, pools and fantastic stalagmites and stalactites.

Descendants of the indigenous Arawakan-speaking tribes tell that the original name for Barbados was ‘Ichirouganaim’ meaning ‘red land with white teeth.’ The reason for the later name Barbados is controversial; some believe that the Portuguese, en route to Brazil, were the first Europeans to come to the island. Others say that it was this Spanish which gave it the Spanish name ‘Los Barbudos’. The word Barbados means ‘bearded ones’ but it is really personal preference as to whether ‘bearded’ refers to the long, hanging routes of the bearded fig-tree (Ficus citrifolia) indigenous to the island; to the allegedly bearded ‘Caribs’ who once inhabited the island; or, more romantically, to the foam spraying over the outlying reefs, giving the impression of a beard.

When visiting Barbados, the first thing you are sure to notice are the gorgeous and renowned flat white sand beaches. On the west coast of Barbados, miles of coral shore beaches and fine white sands stretch along a hypnotising turquoise sea. The West Coast of Barbados is also fringed with countless breath-taking Coral Reefs to provide excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. The South Coast also offers something for everyone, and is a curious mixture of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can swim in calm waters, snorkel over the inshore reefs and tidal pools, and at the southernmost tip of the island, you can windsurf.
The East Coast of Barbados has fantastic and lively surfing opportunities, blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds; the constant breeze of these trade winds give Barbados its mild and pleasant tropical climate. Along the east coast, huge Atlantic waves crash along the shore and so the beaches are better suited for walks and sun-bathing, with a few enchanting places to have a dip in the sea – as the waves break over rocks and reefs, small pools are formed close to shore – natural swimming pools!

Inland Barbados is delightful to explore, enchantingly quiet and rural there are endless fields of sugar cane dotted with old plantation houses. Barbados has a rich and interesting history and has preserved and restored many of its historic buildings – you can visit a plantation house for a trip back in time, see the towering lighthouses that once led ships to safety, or explore the historic towns that are an important part of the island’s past and present.

Whilst on Barbados, a taste of the island’s rum is a must! The isle has been producing rum for over 350 years, and it is recognised internationally for its quality. Many tours and taste sessions are available at the local distilleries.

There are many activities to keep you occupied whilst on holiday in Barbados – for the more adventurous vacationer you can join ‘Jammin’ Catamaran cruises’ and choose swimming with turtles, snorkelling, fishing or diving. You can also embark upon a day or sunset private cruise, and there are a variety of undersea expeditions that are highly recommended and entirely unforgettable. Any shopping lovers will also delight in the unique boutiques found on the Island. Barbados crafts people are highly skilled, especially in the area of pottery – so when visiting the island be sure to look at the local handicrafts and art available!

With so much to offer and more, an exclusive villa is the perfect base from which you can explore this delightful island. They are ideal for those who love to spend their days relaxing by the sea or taking part in a multitude of water sports which include snorkelling and scuba diving around the expansive off-shore coral reefs.

As a Caribbean holiday destination Barbados is a stunning island with a plethora of entertainment, culture and cuisine to make your trip a once in a lifetime experience. Another truly unique quality to this enchanting island is the people. Barbadians, more often referred to as Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. Barbados is guaranteed to make every vacationer feel welcome and accepted, by the time you leave you will feel as you are not only leaving the isle but a part of yourself in Barbados and will want to return again and again.

It truly is a unique Caribbean paradise.

Tom Tom is also only a 3 minute drive to:
- Nearest beach
- Nearby shopping
- Banking facilities
- 35 minute drive to airport

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 Dwarf Poinciana, or Peacock Flower…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 Republic, 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.

Local Public Holidays

21st January - Errol Barrow Day
28th April - National Heroes Day
1st May - Labour Day
10th June 2019 - Whit Monday
1st August - Emancipation Day
First Monday of August - Kadooment Day
30th November - Independence Day

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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