Barbados
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.
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp. °C |
28 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
| Ave Hrs of Sunshine |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
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.