Posts filed under 'Caribbean Holidays'
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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More On Barbados
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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More On Barbados
Select Resorts have revamped their Barbados Villas webpage and have some great offers for the Crane Resort in Barbados.
Add comment November 25, 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
Carnival Time St Lucia
Party Time in the Caribbean as the annual carnival takes place on the beautiful island of St. Lucia. The islands towns and villages will be swaying to the beat of the calypso and steel drum bands.
For the next 4 weeks, until the event’s finale on July 18th and 19th, visitors to St Lucia will be able to enjoy the bands and parades in towns such as Soufriere and Anse la Raye. As the events take place in the low season if means that there are some fantastic deals available for visitors seeking a St Lucia Villa or a St Lucia Apartment.
Select Resorts have some great holiday opportunities including the beautiful Discovery Marigot Bay resort as well as our latest St. Lucia offering the fabulous Cotton Bay Villas and Cotton Bay Apartments.
Cotton Bay Village is one of the newer locations on the island and combines luxury suite accommodation with individual villas and townhouses. You can even you’re your own personal butler. The resort is a new member of the Leading Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the high standard of the accommodation reflects this.
Fortunately Select Resorts have some great deals available which mean this great location won’t cost you the earth!!
Add comment June 19, 2009
Oceans Edge Resort St. Kitts
Savills Select Resorts is delighted to be involved in the stunning development at Oceans Edge St. Kitts.
Ocean’s Edge Resort, a joint venture project between Newfound and local partners, is an exclusive development of apartments, cottages and individual villas spread around the superb beachfront location of Frigate Bay in St Kitts.
Covering almost 40 acres, the resort enjoys a sense of seclusion and intimacy thanks to the bay’s curved beach and the dramatic hillside rising steeply from the shoreline to the south.
With fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and located just yards from the renowned Royal St. Kitts Golf Course, Ocean’s Edge sets new standards for design, construction and lifestyle on this beautiful, understated Caribbean island.
Ocean’s Edge Resort comprises 48 one bedroom beachfront apartments, 8 two bedroom beachfront homes, 48 semi-detached garden cottages, 66 two bedroom hillside apartments and 23 hilltop plots for private, bespoke villas. Building height for the apartments will be restricted to two floors and most properties will have uninterrupted ocean views. Construction is well underway and the handover of the first properties took place in July 2008.
For more information please visit www.oceansedgestkitts.com
Add comment January 9, 2009
Winter Deals From Select Resorts
Below are details of our most recent offers from Select Resorts
A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF NOVEMBER, DECEMBER and CHRISTMAS BREAKS
HOLIDAYS TO THE ALGARVE, SPAIN, TENERIFE AND BARBADOS
Winter Sun Discounts In Portugal From £148 Per Person
Until 31st January 2009, we are offering 20% off all self-catering accommodation at the Pestana Golf Resort in Carvoeiro, Portugal. With a choice of apartments as well as two, three and four-bedroom villas, there is no better place to jet-off to for some much-needed winter sunshine. With great availability for Christmas and New Year, a three-bedroom villa with a private pool is available from £884 per week (a saving of £222), which equates to under £148 per person.
The Pestana Golf Resort is situated near the charming and vibrant seaside resort of Cavoeiro which offers sandy beaches and a good choice of bars and restaurants. Resort facilities include two 18-hole golf courses, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, a bowling green and David Leadbetter Golf Academy with driving range. A discount on public green fees is also available.
Get 20% Off this Fantastic Villa PV3-16
This fantastic Pinheiros Altos 3 bedroom villa is available for rent and the owner is offering a 20% discount on stays in November, December and January.
The Spec:
This villa is within Pinheiros Altos Village and has its own private pool, as well as access to the communal facilities of Pinheiros Altos. The villa is well furnished and will sleep six people in comfort and space.
Specifications:
• 3 bedrooms, 3 en-suite bathrooms + ground floor cloakroom
• Lounge area with cable and satellite television (including Setanta channel), HI-FI, fireplace and sliding doors to terrace
• Fully equipped kitchen including washing machine.
LAKESIDE VILLAGE VILLAS AND APARTMENTS
Get up to 20% of selected Lakeside Village Villas and Apartments
Select Resorts have a fantastic selection of Lakeside Village properties in Quinta do Lago with fantastic deals available, with some owners offering up to 20% on stays in November and December.
Email your enquiry or call our reservations team on +44 (0)1202 786490 to see what great deal we can offer you today!!!
GET UP TO 20% OFF SELECTED LA MANGA CLUB APARTMENTS.
Plus
Beautiful La Manga Club 3 Bedroom Villa SV3-06
Also Available as 2 bedroom or 4 bedroom
This is an immaculate individual villa in a secluded position with private pool surrounded by gardens, beautifully appointed terraces and patios. The accommodation is on one level, apart from the fourth bedroom, which is on the semi/basement level and is self-contained with a separate access. The lounge has an open aspect leading out to a large covered terrace and swimming pool. There is a separate dining room, well-equipped kitchen and utility room. The villa comfortably accommodates eight people.
Available From £900 per week November and December. Just £1500 at Christmas
Christmas at the Hyatt La Manga Club
The Hyatt La Manga Club are hosting a range of Christmas celebrations this year for guests at the resort. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve, with five course dinner and live music. This elegant affair will take place in the hotel’s Amapola restaurant.
On Christmas Day the hotel will host a Festive Family Feast which will also include a visit from Santa fresh from his exersions of the night before.
Forget about Quantum of Solace this New Year’s Eve, and relive your own Casino Royale in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency La Manga. This fantastic casino style party will feature a 6 course dinner, live music, a firework display and plenty of dancing, not to mention an open bar. To make this great night even more dramatic the event is strictly Black Tie.
There are also great deals for guests staying at the Hyatt Regency La Manga or in the Las Lomas Village Apartments
In the Royal Garden Villas guests can expect spacious terraces and balconies with spectacular views of the golf course, sea and private surrounding gardens. Inside the villas guests can take advantage of the heated swimming pools and the latest household appliances for comfort and entertainment.
The Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque is a 5* resort and a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World. It is located on the sea front with access to the beach and beach club facilities.
SELECT RESORTS HAS A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF
BARBADOS VILLA AND APARTMENTS
Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane and the South Coast plus many more
We are pleased to offer an excellent range of beautiful Barbados Villas, Apartments and Townhouses on both the West Coast and on the South Coast which offer great value whatever your budget.
Plus The Fabulous Crane Resort and Residence
Save up to 30% on all Accommodation Types
The Crane Resort & Residences occupies a dramatic high cliff on the Southeast coast of Barbados, swept by fresh, invigorating breezes. This famous property overlooks a half-mile of white soft sands known as Crane Beach, recently named ‘one of the top ten beaches in the world’ by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
For More Information Visit
or call 00 44 (0)1202 786490
Add comment November 4, 2008
BANISH THE WINTER BLUES
Winter Sun in the Caribbean and Portugal
If the less-than-impressive British summer has left you feeling as flat as a pancake, Select Resorts has a mixture of excellent deals that will warm your heart this winter.
In Barbados, the two-bedroom Cassia Heights villas are located on the exclusive Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort and overlook the fairway. The split-level living area opens up through large bay windows to a delightful wooden deck. The properties are set within beautifully kept tropical gardens and are just a stroll away from the Clubhouse and the Sanctuary. The resort facilities include floodlit tennis courts, a gym, communal pool and a Kid’s Club which is open at peak times during the year. Prices start from £201 per night.
Another great option on Barbados is the two-bedroom Tradewinds apartment opposite Mullins Beach, with excellent ocean views, especially from the master bedroom. The apartment is air-conditioned and open-plan, with a fully fitted kitchen and spacious living and dining areas which open onto a terrace fitted with a minibar and refrigerator. The terrace overlooks the landscaped gardens and communal pool, beyond which is the Caribbean Sea. Nearby Beacon Hill is ideal for swimming, water sports and long, leisurely walks. Prices start from £219 per night.
Closer to home, there is a great selection of two-bedroom Lakeside Village apartments in Quinta do Lago in Portugal. This is an exclusive residential estate set in 800 hectares of pine forest at the southern tip of Portugal. The resort is bordered on its south-eastern boundaries by the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of 23 protected areas in Portugal. There are four magnificent golf courses, tennis, swimming, windsurfing on the lake, sailing, fishing, horse riding and beach combing. The resort boasts numerous restaurants as well as a vibrant nightlife. Quinta do Lago has its own shopping centre, modelled on London’s Covent Garden and is a 15-minute drive from Faro International Airport. Prices start from as little as £430 per week / £61 per night from January 2009.
Add comment September 24, 2008
