Battaleys Mews is on the best side of Barbados – the island’s Platinum Coast. This may have a glamorous reputation but what attracts the rich and famous is the fact that nothing has been allowed to spoil it. There are miles of pristine beaches of fine white sand and the calm, clear waters are excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving. Mullins Beach is the most popular on this coast and only a short walk away but more tranquil alternatives are just as close.
Barbados is not all about the coast though. Inland, you’ll find a lush rolling countryside that’s great to explore on horseback, by bicycle or on foot. Golfers are spoiled for choice too with a great variety of world-class courses including Apes Hill, the Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane all conveniently close.
To get a feel of old Barbados, head for Speightstown. This historic town has a typically relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, a daily fish market and some great local restaurants, as well as shops, supermarket, pharmacy and medical centre. A short drive in the other direction is Holetown, another old settlement with a more contemporary style and home to the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, described by London’s Daily Telegraph as the ‘most stylish place to shop and dine in Barbados’ with designer stores (duty-free for foreign visitors), restaurants, theatres, cinemas and a lively nightlife.
There is so much to explore on this beautiful island – breath-taking landscapes, fantastic food, a vibrant music scene, a fascinating heritage – but it’s the people of Barbados, the Bajans, who will make you feel immediately at home and eager to come back again and again.
Here are a few … Take a trip by catamaran. What better way to explore the coast? … Swim with turtles. One of the huge range of water-based activities. … Go to a Friday ‘fish fry’. Sample the freshest seafood and local culture at Oistin’s…. Have a culinary experience. At The Cliff, the setting’s as spectacular as the food… Head underground. For the geological wonders of Harrison’s Cave … Go wild. Spot Green Monkeys in the tropical forest at Welchman Hall Gully … Get a taste of history. Visit the working rum distillery at St Nicholas Abbey’s restored plantation house … Smell the flowers. Enjoy peace, tranquillity and panoramic views from the the Botanical Flower Gardens … You’ll find lots more at barbados.org