Barbados Villas
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Barbados - Villas in Paradise
Barbados is one of the Windward Isles – a holiday paradise with over 70 miles of fine gold and white sands and a breathtaking selection of luxury villas. To the west of the island, the gently swaying palm trees and serene turquoise waters of the Caribbean contrast dramatically with the wild Atlantic beauty of the eastern coastline and, with an average of 3000 hours of sunshine, a huge choice of things to do and some fabulous places to stay, Barbados extends a warm welcome to its visitors all year round.
Villas in Barbados
Barbados holiday villas offer independent-minded travellers the very best way to discover the many treasures of this vibrant little island – you can do what you want to do, when you want to do it. With a Sun-hat villa, you have the freedom to plan your activities, or to act on impulse. A villa of your own gives you space and privacy to enjoy your relaxation to the full and, at the end of the day, it’s waiting to welcome you home.
Freedom to choose
We have an excellent choice of well appointed villas in destinations along the west coast, including the exclusive luxury resorts of Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane. Maid service is usually included, with clean towels, linen etc provided, leaving you completely free to enjoy your holiday. For more details, see our FAQ and Holiday Check List pages. To investigate the Barbados villa accommodation, please browse through our selection of luxury Barbados villas.
Getting to Barbados
Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is located in Christ Church to the south east of Barbados and the flight time from London is approximately 8 hours. A “Flight only” booking is usually the preferred method of travel for the seasoned visitor who is then free to select premium holiday accommodation, independent of “package” travel arrangements.
Getting about in Barbados
St James Beach is approximately 45 minutes’ drive and many car rental companies have a presence on the island, if you wish to transfer to your villa under your own steam. A hire car also gives you the freedom to explore independently, although taxis are readily available and Barbados buses are convenient, cheap and frequent, taking you to many of the places you are likely to visit during your stay. These yellow and blue vehicles are also part of the island’s local character, used by visitors and locals alike - so it’s a shame to miss the experience!
Weather in Barbdos
Barbados is warm and sunny all year round. From December/January time through to June, you can generally rely on dry hot days with slightly cooler nights, when the temperature drops on average to 23°C. The subtropical climate means that rain – or “liquid sunshine”, as the locals like to call it - occurs mainly in the summer months and usually dries up very quickly, leaving everything on the island refreshed. Even on the hottest days, the northeast trade winds may provide a welcome breeze, but don’t be deceived – the sun’s rays are still strong, so high factor sun lotion or sun block is recommended.
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| Ave Hrs of Sunshine | 9 |
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Barbados Beaches
The shoreline is varied and beautiful, with beaches to suit everyone from sunbathers to windsurfers, but it’s the west or “platinum” coast that offers the shimmering white sands and tranquil azure waters of which dreams are made. There are many to choose from and even beaches in the most exclusive locations are open to all. The more secluded locations are hidden from the casual passer-by and often accessible only by a winding path; these are worth investigating and are often the secret hideaways of celebrities seeking anonymity!
Snorkelling
Sandy Lane Beach in the parish of St James attracts the celebrities staying at the luxury hotel of the same name. This is an idyllic spot with a beach bar - perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Gibbs Beach and Mullins Bay are neighbours and offer a good contrast. Go to Gibbs if you want to walk along the tree lined sands and take in some of the most exclusive homes and yachts on the island. For lunch, stroll next door to Mullins, where there is plenty to do, from snorkelling to a trip in a glass bottom boat. In Barbados, every beach has its own particular attraction, and there’s always another one just along the coast.
A Treasure Trove of Activities
As with the beaches, you won’t run out of things to do in Barbados. The range of water sports is amazing and it’s an activity that’s usually high on everyone’s agenda, the “banana boats” and “doughnuts” being a particular favourite with youngsters. If you want an exhilarating bird’s eye view of the island and the ocean reefs that give Barbados its distinctive character, try parasailing.
Catamaran
Lovers of sea creatures, take a trip on a catamaran and swim with turtles – a truly magical experience - then back on board for drinks and lunch. Submarine excursions allow you a close-up of the coral reef and the Ocean Park Aquarium is another fantastic opportunity to marvel at local marine species. – or you may like to visit the island’s Wildlife Reserve, so you can say you have seen a Barbados Green Monkey, among the many other fascinating animals that live there.
Famous for its rum, Barbados has four distilleries, so why not take a Rum Tour to see how they perfect it? And rum is not the only thing Bajans are good at making; at Earthworks Pottery in the parish of St Thomas you may get the chance to watch potters at work and the island’s galleries display many other local art forms too. So, if you are looking for a unique hand crafted memento to bring home, the shops are full of wonderful pottery, paintings, batik, leather goods, sculptures and wood carvings.
For the avid golfer, the glorious weather is complemented by a choice of world class golf courses. In December 2006 Barbados hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup, a four-day tournament held at the prestigious Sandy Lane Resort. There are three courses to choose from at Sandy Lane alone, two of which are open to non-residents of the hotel, and others along the west coast include the Royal Westmoreland, an exquisite course with a spa, tennis, restaurants and golf villas.
There are so many new experiences to try on Barbados, but do reserve one Friday night for a visit to Oistins, an absolute “must” for fish gourmets. The atmosphere really buzzes down on the shores of this lively fishing town and it gives you a piquant flavour of the island, in more ways than one. Mingle with the local people, watch the women cook fresh Marlin, Kingfish, Flying Fish and Mahi Mahi and then sit down on one of the rustic picnic benches provided and savour your meal. Delicious.
Barbados - Tax free shopping
If you love a bargain or just simply cannot resist shopping, allow some time to visit one or two of the towns, retail outlets and craft centres in Barbados. Browse the shops, stopping for coffee, a snack or a meal in one of the great restaurants, and you will find it’s yet another way to soak up the distinctive ambience of this warm, friendly island. Bajan retailers offer a great choice of merchandise and the tax free system in place ensures value for money.
Bridgetown is the bustling capital where you can purchase a wide range of local and international goods. For Caribbean art forms and shell related gift, Speightstown is probably the best place to go, although it has many other shops including some tempting jewellery boutiques. For many, Holetown is the place to shop. Here, quaint and contemporary sit side by side; the modern West Coast Mall being the next door neighbour of Chattel Village, a collection of little shops and boutiques with a charm derived from the traditional Bajan folk houses of the same name.
All along the west coast, and inland too, there is so much variety - shoppers, get ready for a treat!
Nightlife in Barbdaos
Barbados has a long list of lively bars and superb restaurants that cater for all ages and tastes - but for those who like to party Caribbean style, there are few destinations to rival Barbados. Live music abounds, especially Reggae, Calypso and Steel drum, or pan as it is correctly know, and the island has produced more than a few world class bands and musicians over the past few years.
Nightclubs across Barbados are many and varied - indoors, outdoors, on the beach or afloat – and the performers that entertain you colourfully reflect local culture. Spectacles like fire eating, limbo dancing and stilt walking are accompanied by lively music which will draw you in and set the tempo racing. For a special treat, dinner and a show at The Plantation in Christ Church gives you the chance to sample West Indian cultural roots in a spectacular stage extravaganza and you can even join in with the celebrations.
Then, in the wee small hours, wind down and relax in the privacy of your villa, and get ready for another glorious day on the beach!
People and Culture
Barbados is a truly beautiful island, but it is the warm, friendly Bajan people that make it so special. A former British Colony, Barbados has its own very distinctive identity, so don’t be misled if you hear it referred to as the “Little England of the Caribbean” because it is just as often called the “Land of the Flying Fish”. The official language is English, making communication easy, and the British influence is evident in some of the architecture, notably in Bridgetown – but West Indian culture definitely rules here.
Although Barbados has a relaxed cosmopolitan air, the island’s geography and national heritage find a voice through its art, music, cuisine and general lifestyle. All you have to do is look around and enjoy!
Those interested in the island’s history may like to visit the Barbados Museum which has artefacts dating back to the Amerindians, the first known settlers. Today’s indigenous people are cricket mad, as a ticket for a match at the new Kensington Oval, north of Bridgetown will prove. Others may prefer the gastronomic way of getting to know Bajan culture and what helps to make these folks such a friendly, fun-loving people – and it’s not simply the local rum, or even the ice cold Banks Beer!
International cuisine is everywhere on Barbados, but there is no shortage of restaurants, markets and roadside food stalls ready to introduce you to local produce and the national dish of cou-cou and flying fish, which is often served as “cutters”, a kind of sandwich.
For obvious reasons, fish is a staple in Barbados and there’s a huge variety to choose from. Macaroni Pie is also a popular menu item, along with “pepper-pot”, a hearty stew made with oxtail and beef. Sweet potatoes are frequently included in Bajan recipes, for example in “conkies” and there is much to tempt the adventurous gastronomist; try the local delicacy of black and white pudding served with soused pig’s head and trotters. When you have finished your meal, you may enjoy a glass of falernum, the local rum based liqueur containing sugar, lime and almond essence.
Where to Stay in Barbados
Sun-hat Villas specialises in quality and value. Your holiday satisfaction is important to us and that is what guides us when we are choosing villas to offer you, most of which are on the west coast. In the parish of St James are some of the most luxurious villas, beautiful beaches and excellent facilities to be found on the island.
Holetown
Holetown is the “capital” of St James, which traces the tree-lined fringe of the “Platinum” coast and boasts the most delightful air conditioned villas and apartments. A property at Holetown Beach offers you the best of all worlds – close proximity to fantastic amenities, immediate access to the beach and a breath taking ocean view. This is a super location for lazy, sun soaked days lounging by your pool, drinking at a beach bar or cooling off in the sea, but it’s also an ideal location for the energetic. Water sports enthusiasts are comprehensively catered for and there is also a fitness centre.
Holetown’s a great choice if you want to dispense with driving, because there’s so much within walking distance – gourmet restaurants, bistros, bars, banks, post office, medical clinic and a variety of shopping facilities including a supermarket, malls and a selection of interesting boutiques. Nearby, St James Parish Church, is one of the four oldest surviving churches in Barbados. At night, there’s plenty going on locally - but if you really can’t do without your wheels, it’s handy to know that the fuel station is open 24 hours.
Visit in mid-February, and you can witness the Holetown Festival, which commemorates the first settlement established by the British back in 1627, when it was called Jamestown. This is a fun way to get acquainted with Bajan culture and history, through a week of shows, concerts, exhibitions and street parades.
Sandy Lane
About ¼ mile south of Holetown is the Sandy Lane Estate, No1 destination of choice for many a celebrity. This resort and its celebrated beach both take their names from the prestigious Sandy Lane Hotel, which is frequented by the rich and famous from around the world. Villas in this area share the hotel’s reputation for excellence and visitors may book to use the fabulous Sandy Lane Spa, among other first class facilities in the complex.
Sandy Lane is well known for its calm, crystal clear waters and ideal bathing conditions, but there is much more to the resort than simply a great beach. For golf enthusiasts, an 18 hole championship course overlooking the Caribbean is a special attraction; it was for Tiger Woods, who even got married there!
Sandy Lane Golf Club, along with the Royal Westmorland, bestows Barbados with two of the world’s most prestigious courses, but there are any number of other dry land sports within striking distance to watch and enjoy, such as tennis, horse riding and even polo. There is just about every kind of leisure pursuit and entertainment available in and around Sandy Lane, and of course you are close enough to take advantage of the excellent services and amenities in Holetown.
Map of Barbados
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