A Walking Tour of Bridgetown, Barbados
The City of Bridgetown
The historical, cultural and architectural capital of Barbados was an easy place to walk around, and only took a couple of hours at most to explore the many great sites on offer. If the sun is hot I definitely advise everyone to add a hat and sunblock to the comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and camera that are necessary for the exploring the capital.
1. Independence Square
Easily identified by the Independence Arch, the Square is a green oasis that provides a cool place to sit and rest, watching pedestrian and vehicular
Independence Square at Christmas
traffic hustle and bustle in the heart of the capital city. This recreational square features an amphitheatre and two fountains and one of the first major events to be staged in the remodelled Square was a tribute to Barbados’ own Rihanna, the international recording star, in 2008 as she turned 20 years old.
2. Parliament Buildings
The earliest Parliament building was built in 1640 but burned in the Bridgetown fire of 1668. The present buildings were completed in 1874, both the Senate and House of Assembly meet here. The West Wing was finished in 1872, while the East Wing was completed in 1873. A spectacular collection of stained glass windows that show many statesmen, including Oliver Cromwell, adorn the complex , and if access is permitted, the likenesses of all British sovereigns from James I to Queen Victoria may be viewed in the House of Assembly.
3. Queen’s Park
The home was the residence of the Commander of the British troops in the West Indies. Before the days of Queen Victoria it was known as the King’s House.
Queen’s Park is a popular location for exhibitions, fairs and other large public events. The children’s play area features a Baobab tree with a 61.5-foot circumference is perhaps the largest tree in Barbados. The tree is an estimated 1,000 years old and thought to have grown unaided from a seed likely to have come from Africa during the days of slavery.
4. Lord Nelson Statue
This bronze statue of Lord Horatio Nelson was erected in Trafalgar Square in 1813. Part of the statue’s significance is the fact that Bridgetown’s Lord Nelson is not an imitation of London’s and was designed some thirty years before Nelson’s Column was erected in London’s Trafalgar Square. Native Bajans had a strong affection for Nelson who visited Barbados, in command of the British fleet, just six months before his death in 1805. In 1999 the statue was moved to stand near the traffic lights at the top of Broad Street, just opposite High Street.
5. Dolphin Fountain
To commemorate the advent of piped-in water to Bridgetown in 1861 a local newspaper suggested a proper fountain be erected in a central spot. Bajan citizens donated money and a decorative fountain embellished with water-spewing dolphins was installed in 1865. Work on the gardens surrounding the fountain didn’t begin until 1882.
6. Cheapside Market
This large open-air market is a great example of Barbadian culture reminiscent of days past, as small vendors and craftsmen sell every imaginable type of fresh fruit, vegetables and other wares.
Cheapside Market truly encapsulates the charm of Barbados and everything, as the name implies, is very reasonably priced and most vendors are willing to negotiate on large purchases.
7. Bridgetown Synagogue
The Nidhe Israel Synagogue claims to be one of the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere dating back to 1654. The original synagogue was destroyed by hurricane in 1831 and then the rebuilt place of worship was nearly demolished in 1983 untill it was beautifully restored by the Jewish community. The Jews who came to Barbados from Brazil in the 1620s due to persecution introduced sugar cane to the Caribbean.
More Sites to See
National Public Library
National Heroes Square
Law Courts, Police Station, Old Public Library, & Montefiore Fountain
Tom Adams Financial Centre
St. Michael’s Cathedral
Scott Hurley
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Select Resorts have revamped their Barbados Villas webpage and have some great offers for the Crane Resort in Barbados.
Add comment December 10, 2009
Barbados Catamaran Sailing Cruises
Caribbean islands tend to have similar geological features, but Barbados is so well-known for its pristine white sand beaches and tranquil waters on its south coast, that each year visitors are being attracted from not only the neighbouring islands but those from colder climates, like myself.
However Barbados is so much more than its white sand beaches and one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the island is to see first-hand the picturesque seascape of underwater reefs with the abundance of marine life swimming in and around.
From personal experience the best way to sample the delights of the shimmering blue waters of Barbados is by taking a relaxing sailing cruise from one of the many catamarans that harbour in Bridgetown.
The catamarans are all designed with comfort, safety and enjoyment in mind to cater for all generations and tourist types. But with an open bar filled with an endless supply of Banks, rum and wine they definitely provide unrivalled holiday entertainment, and find the perfect equilibrium between relaxation and ‘merry’.
Catamaran Cruise Recommendations:
Cool Runnings is a unique charter company specialising in personalised cruises, ensuring the utmost in comfort, service and enjoyment. 
These elegant, custom-built catamarans sail with a limited number of passengers, to guarantee a superb day of sailing in an uncrowded atmosphere.
The captain and crew are a good-humoured group of well-trained, experienced sailors who know how to look after and entertain their guests. Sail, swim with turtles, snorkel over a shallow shipwreck, swim in a secluded bay and enjoy a delicious lunch and open bar. Sunset cruises are also very popular and private cruises are offered for a more flexible itinerary.
My Thoughts - Cool Runnings was the most enjoyable four hours on my recent visit to Barbados. On past catamaran cruises I have been largely disappointed by the lack of close encounter turtle swimming on offer, but Cool Runnings ensured we were all in the thick of the action.
Before booking this trip I read a lot of articles mentioning the excellent service onboard Cool Runnings. I have to agree that the crew were absolutely amazing and extremely interested in making sure that everyone had a great time – which included the females of my group who pretended they could not swim to gain extra attention.
Rubáiyát is a classic Peter Spronk original with a unique schooner rig. At 50 ft long, she is sleek, comfortable and fully equipped for day chartering. Rubáiyát is skippered by owner and well-known Barbadian Eddie Cheeseman, who has over 20 years professional sailing experience as captain and has been sailing his own boat since 1998.
My Thoughts – I knew this would be a great day for my first Catamaran cruise as I was joined by a host of Virgin Atlantic air-cabin crew taking advantage of their day off, courtesy of Richard Branson. This automatically gave me a high perception of the catamaran knowing that it was the first choice booking for such a prestigious airline.
My perception was not altered throughout the day with great reggae music being played and the staff providing endless entertainment. In particular the shipwreck in the shallows was a sight to see on this trip with schools of multicoloured fish darting through the vessels.
Both of these fantastic catamaran cruises offer breathless views of the Baijan coastine as you sail under the gentle breeze of the trade winds, and if you could only take one trip while in Barbados then I stongly advise a Barbados Catamaran Cruise
Scott Hurley
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Add comment November 25, 2009
Aphrodite Hills Open Evenings
After a succesful evening showcasing Cyprus’ 5* living during October, two more dates have been added for those dreaming of an easy-going, eclectic lifestyle to join us for a drink and experience unparalleled Real Estate opportunities at the 5* Aphrodite Hills.
Aphrodite Hills offers an exciting selection of luxury villa and apartment styles and designs, each intended to complement the beautiful landscapes of the resort, combining the sympathetic architectural touches and contemporary living that have become such a feature of Cypriot real estate.
Savills Select Resorts invite you to an open evening showcasing the stunning Aphrodite Hills Resort, its comprehensive range of luxury villas and the investment benefits.
Aphrodite Hills Open Evenings - PDF Download
Date: Tuesday 01 December 2009
Time: 4.30pm to 7pm
Address Savills, Esher. 55 High Street, KT10 9SH
Date: Wednesday 02 December 2009
Time: 4.30pm to 7pm
Address Savills, Cobham. 10 High Street, KT11 3DY
RSVP to select@savills.com or call +44 (0)845 5056061
Print off the Aphrodite Hills PDF for admission and your entry into our Prize Draw.
*Prize Draw - Experience the 5 Star living at Aphrodite Hills with 7 nights stay at the stunning InterContinental, with 2 rounds of golf and 2 spa treatments.
Add comment November 23, 2009
St Kitts Citizenship benefits boost demand at new $100 Million Caribbean Resort
*Russian Translation*
St Kitts & Nevis, October 28th, 2009 – St Kitts Citizenship is boosting demand for luxury villas, poolside cottages and condominiums at the $100 million Ocean’s Edge resort development at Frigate Bay, report luxury property experts Savills Select Resorts.
Privileged St Kitts Citizenship with all its second passport benefits is proving to be an added incentive for buyers keen to invest in aspirational but
Hillside Plunge pool
accessible property on one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
Citizenship of St Kitts brings with it a second passport plus significant offshore financial benefits such as freedom from income tax, property taxes, inheritance tax and capital gains tax for property owned for 12 months or more.
It is open to people who invest at least $350,000 or its eastern Caribbean equivalent currency in an approved scheme. Ocean’s Edge is officially recognised by the Government of St Kitts as meeting all the necessary criteria required.
Savills Select Resorts Director Pauline Bonanni said: “Investing in property must be one of the most cost effective ways of gaining the considerable benefits afforded by St Kitts Citizenship.
“Prices at Ocean’s Edge start in the mid-$300,000 range, for which investors gain St Kitts Citizenship, second passports, tax concessions and a home on a Caribbean paradise listed as one of the world’s top 20 islands on which to live.”
Work on Phase 3a of Ocean’s Edge is due to start shortly. Masterminding the project is the Cable Bay Hotel Development Company (CBHDC). Families are already moving into Phases 1 and 2 at the resort which has been praised by St Kitts Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, the Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas.
Phase 3a of the vacation home development includes:
- Bespoke Villas – 32 villa lots starting from US$200,000 with a cost of approximately US$300 per square foot to build a bespoke villa with fantastic ocean views
- Poolside Cottages – 10 two-bedroom semi-detached, single-storey cottages (approx 1,825 square feet), each with their own small garden and private plunge pool at US$525,000
- Hillside Condominiums – two-bedroom condominiums with plunge pools (approx 1,500 square feet), overlooking the ocean, from US$575,000
- Two-bedroom Beachfront Condominiums, approx 1,650 square feet, from US$609,000
- One-bedroom Beachfront Condominiums – 800-900 square feet, from US$359,000.
In total, Ocean’s Edge will comprise 190 condominiums plus 32 lots for bespoke villas. Completion is scheduled for late 2012.
Clients with an interest in purchasing property can participate in a three-night subsidised inspection trip to experience St Kitts and Ocean’s Edge. For more information, please contact Pauline Bonanni, Savills Select Resorts, +44 (0)1202 765011, info@oceansedgestkitts.com, www.oceansedgestkitts.com.
Ends
Information For Editors
International Sales Office
Savills Select Resorts
Telephone: +44 (0)1202 765011
Email: info@oceansedgestkitts.com
About Ocean’s Edge
Ocean’s Edge is a luxury vacation home development in St Kitts overlooking Frigate Bay.
The 40-acre project comprises 190 condominiums including one-, two- and three-bedroom beachfront units, two-bedroom hillside units, two- and three-bedroom poolside cottages. In addition, 32 villa lots offering some of the finest views on the island are available with the option of building a three- or four-bedroom+ villa.
Planned leisure facilities include a fitness centre, restaurant, pools, tennis courts and landscaped recreation spaces.
Ocean’s Edge is owned by the Cable Bay Hotel Development Company Limited – a consortium of stakeholders comprising Newfound Cable Bay Corporation and locally based partners TDC Ltd, Mansha Ltd and SKNA National Bank Ltd.
Ocean’s Edge is located within 10 minutes of RL Bradshaw International Airport which welcomes non-stop flights from New York (JFK), Miami FL, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC and San Juan PR. British Airways has just added a second direct service from London Heathrow.
Islands Magazine (2007) listed St Kitts as one of the top 20 islands on which to live worldwide.
Robb Report’s Vacation Homes Magazine (October 2008), listed the island as of 10 great places where the best time to buy is now.
For more information on Ocean’s Edge Resort, please email info@oceansedgestkitts.com or visit www.oceansedgestkitts.com
###
For further information, to set up an interview or receive a media kit and/or images, please contact:
Dalia Blumenthal, Publicist
Tel: + 1 416 926 1967
Mobile: + 1 416 788 4573
Email: dalia@dbprinternational.com
Add comment November 17, 2009
Ocean’s Edge wants you to see something
There are plenty of places around the world calling themselves paradise, but the Caribbean islands of St Kitts and Nevis make an excellent case for being at the top of the list.
Newfound’s Ocean’s Edge Resort, developed in conjunction with local partners is leading the way in luxury living on this unspoilt utopia.
Take a look at some of the great images below and then visit http://www.oceansedgestkitts.com/ to register for more information.
View even more photos of the marvelous Ocean’s Edge development:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43342222@N03/page6/
Add comment November 13, 2009
‘On Location’ in St Lucia – Yoga at Jade Mountains & The Treetop Adventure Park
Thursday 10th September
Feeling a little worse for wear on Thursday morning I still made it up the mountain to Jade Mountain for yoga at 7am. We had our yoga mats already rolled out on the roof terrace for us with the Pitons and the sea and the
Me yoga-ing at Jade Mountains
sunrise in full view…. HEAVEN. After an hour of bending, twisting and contorting into all sorts of positions I was beginning to get quite hot and bothered, and despite the beautiful views I was quite relieved when it was over. We then took some really cool photos of us looking all meditative in front of the Pitons.
After breakfast I had the most AMAZING full body massage at the spa. Never had a massage like it … mmmmmmmmm….. The others went on another shore dive, and once again, raved about how fantastic the diving is in St Lucia.
Me and Linzi yoga
I was quite sad to leave Anse Chastanet. It really was the most relaxing, beautiful and peaceful place. On the way to our next hotel we stopped off in the middle of a tropical rainforest for a zip-lining experience that delivers such a rush. This was so much fun! We were given harnesses, gloves and helmets and taught how to stay facing forward on the zip line and sent on our way. The Treetop Adventure Park really lived up to its name with the zip lines going from tree to tree. There are people hooking you on and off the lines all the way round, and it’s a constant flowing process so very little hanging around waiting. The lines are pretty high, some above the canopy of trees, it’s so much fun whizzing through the jungle whooping like Tarzan!
Treetop Adventure Park
I really recommend you experience the exhilaration of this treetop canopy adventure when visiting St Lucia and it can be located west of the northern point of Dennery river bridge.
That evening we arrived at our next hotel, Coconut Bay. An all inclusive hotel on the beach on the Atlantic side, which is split into an adults only side and a childrens side. We had a really lovely meal, and a dance in the night club on site – we were the only ones in it and requested all the music we wanted, it was really good fun on our last night in St Lucia.
Kat Hayter
Reservations Executive
Add comment October 13, 2009
Get to know the birds of southern Europe
How many species did you add throughout the summer months?
Although it has been well reported that August was a very quiet time for birders, this was not the case in the sunny Algarve, Portugal.
Birding in the Algarve takes you off the tourist track popular with walkers and cyclists to a land where White Storks and Hoopoes, Purple Swamp-hens and Azure-winged Magpies offer a truly memorable experience.
Enthusiasts that booked their accommodation with Select Resorts this year all returned home in buoyant moods as they report to us the number of species that they have ticked - included sightings of Wigeons, Booted Eagles, Ospreys and Glossy Ibis all at Ludo farm in Quinta do Lago.
Ludo Farm borders the Quinta de Lago resort and spreads east as far as Faro Airport. The best access to get the most out of your visit is from the road leading to Ilha de Faro. If you park on the right-hand side of the road and head along the track westwards away from the airport you have access to saltpans and glorious lagoons that provide some great views.
At Select Resorts we want to hear of your birding experiences in the Algarve region, so please feel free to add your comments.
Remember at the end of an action packed day bird watching it is essential for some good food and comfortable accomodation to relax in. Check out Select Resorts website http://www.selectresorts.co.uk to arrange your accommodation in the Algarve now.
Add comment October 12, 2009
‘On Location’ in St Lucia – Anse Chastanet Bay & Jade Mountains
Wednesday 9th September 2009
The first task of the day was to get packed up and sadly leave the Bay Gardens Resort. We took the luggage to Vigie Cove where we boarded a boat for our transfer round to the South of the island. This was a real highlight. We had all climbed around to the front of the boat and sunbathed drinking Pitons. We then glimpsed for the first time the REAL Pitons. Two huge green peaks iconic of the island and created by the volcano. Just stunning scenery and a wonderful boat trip with some wonderful people.
We made a quick stop to the Fond Doux Estate, which is a working cocoa
Plantation Cottages
plantation where guests can stay in little cottages. I could have spent hours taking photos – there were so many unusual trees and weird looking tropical flowers. But it was an unscheduled stop and we didn’t have time to stick around, as we had a visit to the volcano, mud baths and Diamond waterfall planned.
The volcano is dormant and steam bellows out of craters in the ground, it is like something from planet of the apes. The guide told us how a few years ago there were little bridges from one hole to another where tourists could get up close. They were soon taken away when a guide fell off, made a crater of his own and got severely burnt up to his waist. Poor guy. Anyway, we were then taken away from the tourists to
Group mud bath
where the locals go for the natural mud baths and hot springs. At first I was not convinced that jumping in a hot pool of water and smothering myself with mud would be fun. But soon enough I was baking out in the sun with mud all over, and then washing off under a hot waterfall. And I must say, my skin felt soft as a baby’s bottom – someone could make a mint bottling this stuff in the UK.
We were pretty hungry after that, and so off to lunch at Anse Chastanet. This is a beautiful, peaceful and environmentally conscious resort on the most beautiful beach. The rooms are either down by the beach or up on the hillside with the most stunning views. Many of the rooms are open to the
Anse Chastanet Bay Coastline
elements (and the nature!) with walls missing allowing guests to feel like they really are in the jungle. But don’t get ideas of camping, think more like 4 star tree houses – Chook did actually have a tree growing from the shower up through the roof in his room! This really is something different for people who love nature or want a really peaceful retreat.
That afternoon was spent either diving or sunbathing on the gorgeous beach. Then in the evening we were invited up to Jade Mountain for a drink before dinner. Words cannot explain how AMAZING this hotel is, and no photo can do it justice. It is jaw droppingly the most incredible hotel I have ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot!). It is the most luxurious hotel on the island and regularly caters for A-list celebrities
Jade building
and the very rich. Located on the top of a mountain with striking panoramic views of the Pitons and the ocean, the rooms are called ‘sanctuaries’. The unusual architecture of the hotel means that each sanctuary has its own private walkway, for just them and their private butler to use. We were taken to a suite for champagne and canapés. I was speechless – one large open plan room, hanging on the edge of a cliff with one completely open side. A four poster bed, and a private infinity pool – in the bedroom! We all felt like celebrities and watched the sun set from the luxurious sofas with champagne flowing. I thought I was dreaming.
Unfortunately a bunch of excitable travel agents would not fit well with the peaceful and romantic surroundings of the restaurant for exclusive guests at Jade Mountain, so back down the hill to the restaurant at Anse Chastanet for delicious meal. It would not be the last I saw of Jade Mountain though, as we had been invited back in the morning for sunrise yoga on the roof terrace. As the night wore on and the rum kept coming, I wondered if I would actually make it up in time the next morning…
Add comment October 12, 2009
Aphrodite Hills – Open Evening
We are pleased to present the luxury Aphrodite Hills which provides unparalleled Real Estate opportunities for those dreaming of an e
asy-going, eclectic lifestyle within the most prestigious sports and leisure resort in the Mediterranean.
Aphrodite Hills offers an exciting selection of luxury villa and apartment styles and designs, each intended to complement the beautiful landscapes of the resort, combining the sympathetic architectural touches and contemporary living that have become such a feature of Cypriot real estate. Aphrodite Hills offers top quality property at an integrated resort making Mediterranean indoor and alfresco living a real pleasure.
Savills Select Resorts invite you to an open evening showcasing the stunnin
g Aphrodite Hills Resort, its comprehensive range of luxury villas and the investment benefits.
Date Thursday 29th October 2009
Time 5.30pm to 8pm
Address Savills Residential, 139 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9AY
For further information please contact select@savills.com or call 01202 765 011
Add comment October 9, 2009
Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean
With the ICC ending speculation that the tournament could be moved away from West Indies the count down for the tournament is now on its way starting with the official launch in Barbados on October 31.
The tournament will be staged at four venues – Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia from 30 Apr – and the final will be played at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on May 16.
ICC Chief executive Haroon Lorgat comments on the hosts stating – “In Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia we have four outstanding venues, something that was shown in 2007 when they hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and we know that West Indian spectators enjoy the format as they have already embraced Twenty20 at domestic level.”
Defending champions Pakistan will play in Group ‘A’ alongside Bangladesh and Australia. Former champions India are in Group ‘C’ with South Africa and another qualifier while Group ‘B’ comprises Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
Download your free tournament schedule by clicking here
Barbados
Barbados is a coral island formed in pre-historic times by erupting volcanoes. Now it is a dream for beachgoers, cricketers, scuba divers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts and just about anyone seeking fun and relaxation in a relatively upmarket environment. Its west coast boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast with waves 
that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Accommodation
Select Resorts offer outstanding prices on the finest villasand apartments that Barbados has to offer. Whether looking for accommodation close to Bridgetown that is pulsating with night-life, reggae music, and fun-loving locals or accommodation in luxury resorts like Royal Westmoreland and The Crane, Select Resorts will create a truly unforgettable experience for you.
St Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, a tropical island rich in unspoiled natural beauty, verdant forests, beautiful coves and palm fringed sandy beaches. The most popular part of the island is the north, here are also some of the best beaches, shopping centres, marin
as and hotels. It can be explored by taxi, boat or hire car and there are many fascinating tours
Accommodation
Select Resorts provide an exquisite collection of villa and apartment rentals on this beautiful tropical island. Take advantage of watching the cricket in St Lucia with beautiful scenery and perfectly positioned holiday accommodation stretched along palm fringed beaches with gorgeous views out across the Caribbean Sea.
Add comment October 9, 2009
