Caribbean: Barbados
You could be forgiven for thinking you've landed back in Britain, when you first cast eyes on Barbados's gentle green countryside. However, look again and you'll spot coconut palms and exotic drapes of bougainvillea, hibiscus and jasmine. Rolling fields of sugar cane surround the small pockets of rainforest scattered along the coast where giant vines, bamboo and mahogany trees thrive. Pounded on the east coast by the white-tipped surf rolling in from the Atlantic and lapped on the west coast by the calm, turquoise Caribbean Sea, Barbados is the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands. Ringed by beaches and nodding coconut palms, tourism tends to be concentrated along the south and west coasts, leaving the quieter but equally beautiful north and east coasts to be the surfers and locals. An island dream, this pear-shaped pendant of land is a tropical paradise - perfect if you're looking to unwind in the sun.
Beaches
Long strips of porcelain white sands tickled by swaying palms and crystalline waters line the south and west coasts of this sun-baked isle. Walk for miles along unbroken ivory shores, where the sand's softer than talcum powder and the sea so clear you can watch shoals of fish flitter across the seabed. If you like calm waters with a soft, sandy bottom then head for the west coast, while the south side boasts seas with impressive ocean rollers perfect for surfing. The east and north coasts meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore. Strong currents rule out swimming except for in a few of the very protected bays.
Eating out
Caribbean cuisine is exciting and diverse and Barbados has some of the finest restaurants in the region. As you'd expect on an island with a rich abundance of seafood at its disposal, much of the dining focuses on fishy creations. Salty fish, as it's known, is a Bajan speciality usually eaten with a fiery sauce or mixed with vegetables, rice and potatoes to form a stew. Indulge your sweet tooth, too, and savour the delights of a pineapple tart before rounding off a meal out with some rum on the rocks. The best way to enjoy your tipple is at a beachside bar in the glow of the moon with the sea gently lapping at your feet.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Barbados' large towns and resorts throbs with Caribbean beats and hypnotic calypso. On the edge of Bridgetown you will find Harbour Lights, a beachfront club offering top live entertainment, and The Boatyard, a popular club where the music plays long into the night. St Lawrence Gap, in the parish of Christchurch, is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants - a popular magnet for the island's night owls. If you're looking for something a little quieter then why not climb aboard a boat and set sail on a romantic dinner cruise? Alternatively, there are plenty of chic beachfront bars for you to sit back with a rum punch and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea.
Shopping
Barbados is renowned for its duty-free shopping, at prices up to 40% off what you'd pay at home. Broad Street in Bridgetown makes a great hunting ground, filled with china, leather, perfume, cosmetics, jewellery and crystal at dramatically reduced prices. Remember you'll need to produce your passport and/or travel documents to make a purchase, so don't forget to take them shopping with you. Alcohol, cigarettes, videos and video games can also be found in the duty free shops, but they cannot be taken away, and will be delivered to the airport for you to collect there. The island has a thriving fashion industry and you can pick up some great T-shirts with quirky sayings. Look out too for hand-painted T shirts and clothes in bright, tropical colours. The colourful Chattel Village shopping complexes in Holetown and St Lawrence Gap has plenty to choose from. Rum is part of the fabric of this island, and you can buy all sorts of varieties and vintages. If you fancy the taste, but not the after-effects, buy some rum cakes instead! Make your purchases in the duty free shops, or at the Mount Gay Rum Factory. Local pottery makes a good souvenir too, and if you like to watch skilled potters at work, don't miss the Chalky Mount Potteries in the hills of St Andrew. Here, one of the finest potters on the island throws beautiful items in an airy workshop which feels more like a treehouse with its 360 degrees views of the countryside.
