Tag Archives: Welcome to Barbados

Barbados Taxi Tour, West Side of the Island

Strolling through Bridgetown, I was approached by a driver who offered me a great deal on a tour of Barbados.  His name was Gene and I spent the next couple of hours with him touring the west side of the island.  We started in Bridgetown and rode up the coast, stopping at St. James Parish Church,  passing through Holetown and Speightstown.  We eventually worked our way inland towards St. Nicholas Abbey and Cherry Tree Hill.

1 The start of our Taxi Tour, 1.27.16

The drive began on Spring Garden Highway which is known as the coastal road of Highway 1.  The coast is absolutely breathtaking with its crystal clear waters and a myriad of blue seas on the horizon.

Gene slowed down along a stretch of beach to point out the pyramid monument.   The memorial marks the location where terrorists took down a Cuban Airliner in 1976 which was traveling to Jamaica.  Unfortunately, all 73 passengers were killed.

5 Rihanna's New Condo in Sandy Lane

Our next stop was Sandy Lane, known for its upscale resorts and luxury homes.  Many celebrities and millionaires have made their homes here.  Behind a wrought iron fence and security, we caught a glimpse of Rihanna’s new $22 million dollar condo.

Gene slowed down to point out where Tiger Woods was married as well.  Sunderlin is another fashionable, extravagant housing development in Sandy Lane, Barbados.

7 St. James Parish Church, Holetown Barbados, 1.27.16

On the outskirts of Holetown is Barbados’ oldest church, St. James Parish.  Gene suggested we stop due to its historic importance to the island.  I was happy to walk into the auditorium, admiring the stained glass windows and church organ.  Outside of the church was an old cemetery, dating back to the early 1600s.

10 Speightstown Fish Market

North of St. Peter’s Parish is a little fish market in Speightstown.  Second to Bridgetown, this is one of the largest town centers on the island with several historic structures dating back to the time of slavery. Arlington House and the Bridge of Tides Mural are some of the top attractions.

12 Coral Cliff Beach Club, Barbados, 1.27.16

Our journey led us through the beautiful scenery of historic Speightstown, heading a little further north.

Gene stopped for a few moments so I could takes photos of Coral Cliff Beach Club.  One of the newer developments in the area, there are properties here that are available for sale starting at $1 million.

13 St Nicholas Abbey Plantation, 1.27.16

The scenic road began to curve inland as we passed the entrance to St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation.  This small neighborhood is located in the Irish/Scotland District.  The plantation, the Cherry Tree Hill scenic view and Morgan Lewis Windmill are a part of this lovely community.

14 View from Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados, 1.27.16

Driving further down the road towards the water, the high tide was crashing up against the rocks.  We had a beautiful view from Cherry Tree Hill and with a closer look, there was a small village not too far from the shoreline.  Nestled in the parish of St. Andrew, I was standing about 850 feet above sea level.  An avenue of mahogany trees have since replaced the cherry trees that once stood here.

16 Random Cow along Roadway, Barbados, 1.27.16

I could tell we were nearing town as cows were randomly chained along the side of the road.  Gene explained that this is a very common tradition as people do not always have property for the cows to roam in an enclosed space.  He also said that the roadside cattle benefit the city as the cows maintain the height of the grass along popular roadways.

17 Photo of the Ship and Welcome Sign, Barbados, 1.27.16

I thoroughly enjoyed my taxi tour of Barbados’ west end and thanked Gene for his hospitality.  It is not often that you have the opportunity to see a place from the perspective of one who lives there and of course, it is always wonderful to explore rather than staying on the ship.  Just another beautiful day in paradise.

Have you visited the island of Barbados?  What attractions did you see or would you recommend for future trips?  I would be so happy to read your comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

St. James Parish Church
Church Road
Holetown, Barbados
Telephone:  246 422 4117

  • Admission Fee: No Charge, donations appreciated
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Dress appropriately for a place of worship.  At times the church may display a table with local food items for purchase.

St. Nicholas Abbey
Cherry Tree Hill
St. Peter, BB 26007
Barbados
Telephone:  246 422 5357

  • Admission Fee:  Adults: $45 BBD (US $23); Children ages 5 – 12: $20 BBD (US$10)
  • Hours:  Open Sunday through Saturday from 10AM to 4:30PM. Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Kadooment Day.
  • Amenities:  Light refreshments at the Terrace Café, steam operated syrup factory, sugar cane grinder; hourly tours of the grounds and factory, formal gardens, Cherry Tree Hill (avenue of Mahoganies), museum, complimentary rum drink on the terrace overlooking the gully, rum tasting tour (visitors over 18), detailed brochure to go on your own and the opportunity to take a train ride of the grounds.
  • Scenic View:   Breathtaking view of the coast
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The abbey is not air conditioned so it can become extremely hot, so wear comfortable, modest clothes for the weather.  Wear appropriate shoes for walking should you decide to explore the grounds.  You may be greeted by Simon who is one of the owners of the property who will be happy to provide you with information about the plantation as well as answer your questions. Only the first level of the home is open to visitors.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Barbados Resort
Needhams Point, St. Michael
Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000
Telephone:  +246 426 0200

Where to Eat: 

Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093

Order the local beer and a flying-fish sandwich!

What to Eat: 

  • Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
  • Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
  • Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
  • JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
  • Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
  • Roti – island burrito

What to Read:

  • Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
  • A Caribbean Mystery, by Agatha Christie
  • Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini

Photo Guide for Barbados:

  • The Animal Flower Cave
  • Cherry Tree Hill
  • Silver Sands Beach
  • Almond Beach Resort
  • Speightstown
  • Rihanna Drive, Bridgetown

2 Cuban Airline Crash due to Terrorism, 1976

Monument of Plane that Crashed as a Result of Terrorism

8 Mullin's Beach, Barbados, 1.27.16

Mullins Beach

9 House for Sale in St. Peter's Parish, Barbados, 1.27.16

House for Sale in Barbados!

18 The Entrance to St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation, Barbados, 1.27.16

The entrance into St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation

19 View from Cherry Tree Hill, Barbados

Another view from Cherry Tree Hill

Barbados Shore Excursion: Malibu Rum Tour and Beach

Update:  Malibu Rum Distillery is now The West Indies Rum Distillery

Barbados was one of my favorite ports of call when I worked for the cruise lines.  In addition to visiting all of the historic sites, I loved its coastal beauty.  So years later, when I had an opportunity to visit Barbados again, I wanted to visit the Malibu Rum distillery and its nearby beach.  Exiting the ship, I strolled through the duty free shops and found the taxi stand located outside of the shopping plaza.   I hired a driver for the short 7 minute ride.

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One of the Caribbean’s southernmost islands in the West Indies, the island is known for its rum, beaches, natural wonders and cuisine.  I was looking forward to a relaxing  afternoon soaking up the sun and drinking some fruity Malibu Rum drinks.

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It was easy to find a cab to take me to the Malibu Rum Distillery.  Malibu is the largest coconut rum producer on the island and I love its tropical taste. I entered through a small garden where I found the ticket counter to purchase my tour ticket.  The entry fee allowed me a tour through the distillery, a welcome drink which included the yummy rum and entrance to Malibu Beach with a complimentary beach chair to use for the afternoon.  With ticket in hand, I made my way to the guide for the start of the tour.

Update:  The Malibu Rum Distillery is now the West Indies Rum Distillery

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I learned the process of making rum, the secrets to perfecting the flavor where the tour guide walked me and the group through the process of fermentation, aging and the blending of the liquor.

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Following the informative rum tour, I could not wait to sink my toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning beach with its pure white sand and clear blue waters.  There was a variety of water activities that were free or available for purchase.  I pulled up a lounge chair and clearly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as well as a couple of free (Malibu rum) mixed drinks.  The cold fruitiness of the drink, the summer breeze and the refreshing waters were a perfect ending to my limited visit on the island of Barbados.

After a couple of hours, I made arrangements for a taxi to return me back to the ship just in time for sailing.

Barbados is a beautiful island that I loved during my days working for the cruise lines.  I can’t wait to explore Barbados again on another cruise in the future.    What a beautiful day in paradise!

Have you visited the island of Barbados?  What did you enjoy the most about your vacation?  I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to the island of flying-fish soup and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The West Indies Rum Distillery
Brighton Beach, Barbados
Telephone:  246 425 9300

Home of Cockspur and Malibu Rum

Where to Stay:

Accra Beach Hotel
Rockley, BB15139
Christchurch
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 435 8920

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careenage, Bridgetown
St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone:  246 427 0093

What to Eat:

  • Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of the island
  • Black Cake is baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins with a little rum added to it.
  • Conkies are sweet desserts made from corn meal, raisins, coconut, and pumpkins with sugar cane and spices which is then put inside of a banana leaf and steamed.
  • Cutters are small sandwiches usually made up of ham, cheese or egg and served with a salad.
  • Fishcakes and Bakes are weekend meals usually cooked for fishfrys. The fish is usually cod, fried in a batter seasoned with local spices and herbs.  Bakes are a form of bread made of flour, salt and water and once baked, dipped in hot sauce.
  • Jug Jug is a casserole made from a mixture of beef and pork along with pigeon peas, onions, hot peppers, corn and stewed.
  • Macaroni pie is similar to macaroni and cheese with onion, herbs and ketchup added to it and topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
  • Pig Tails are a local street food made from the meaty part of the pig tail.
  • Sea Urchins which are stewed or fried.
  • Souse and pudding is a pork and potato dish made from sweet potatoes seasoned with local herbs.

What to Read:

  • Triangular Road: A Memoir, by Paule Marshall
  • Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
  • A Tan and Sandy Silence, by John D. MacDonald
  • The Seven Lives of Lady Barker, by Betty Gilderdale
  • The Tale of the Body Thief, by Anne Rice
  • Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl, by Kate McCafferty

Photo Guide for Barbados: 

  • Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the east is home to over six acres of flowers and plants
  • The Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and interesting formations in the cave
  • Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to photograph the local Green Monkey.
  • Bath in St. John for stunning views and a popular picnic spot
  • Bottom Bay in St. Philip is known for its rugged, towering cliffs on the southeast side of the island.
  • Bridgetown in St. Michael is a lovely location to photograph its architecture, harbor and charming capitol.
  • Cattlewash and Bathsheba in the east are fabulous surfing locations with large boulders and spectacular beaches.
  • Codrington College built in 1743 is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture and grounds are absolutely stunning and is one of the most photographed locations on the island.
  • Cove Bay in St. Lucy offers panoramic views of the rocky coastline
  • Culpepper Island is on the east side of the island and only accessible at low tide, located approximately on hundred yards off of the coast.
  • Crane Beach in St. Philip offers pink sand and rugged cliffs.  Most photographed from the Crane Beach Hotel, this location is on the southeast side of the island.
  • East Point Lighthouse is located at Ragged Point and provides a stunning backdrop for views of the coast.
  • Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter was built on a hill with outstanding views of the east coast.  Photograph the architectural ruins and cliffside structure.
  • The Flower Forest is located on the north side of the island that offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens
  • The Garrison in St. Michael is home to several historic buildings and attractions.  The Garrison Savannah is open seasonally offering horse racing.
  • Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south side of the island is home to wildlife set on thirty five acres.
  • Grenade Hall Signal Station in St. Peter was once used to send signals across the island. Beautifully restored, its beautiful views include the surrounding forest and forest trail.
  • Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George is one of two signal stations recently renovated.  Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the large lion statue and panoramic views of the island.
  • Miami Beach / Enterprise Beach for white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas
  • Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew was built in 1776 and on the site of the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill.  Cherry Tree Hill is north of the windmill and offers panoramic views of the east coast and mahogany forest
  • Orchid World in St. George to photograph a wide variety of orchids
  • Speightstown in St. Peter is great for photographing architecture
  • St. John’s Church in St. John offers stunning gothic architecture and awesome views.
  • St. Martin’s Bay in St. John is a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the coastline
  • Sunbury Plantation House on the south side of the island is a historical plantation set in a mahogany forest.
  • Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas is a great place to photograph plants and the Barbados Green Monkey.  Welchman Hall is a spectacular building that measures nearly three quarters of a mile long.

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