Inside Barbados Issue 3 - November 2018

Inside Barbados Issue 3 /November 2018

idden H r u O age Herit re o uch m m o S plore to ex our nd beyo es! shor

Adventure Awaits

Can’t Stop Beaching!

A Hotel With Heritage

The Legacies That Live On

Lagoon pool at Sweetfield Manor

Just when you thought you knew it all about Barbados – the many glorious white sandy beaches with exciting watersport activities, the endless sunny days and rum-soaked nights, the luxury resorts and enchanting restaurants – you find out that there’s so much more the island has to offer!

You’d be surprised that close to the port in the capital Bridgetown, are a number of museums that safeguard the history of our island. We’ve also managed to preserve and restore many of our historic structures including the Gun Hill Signal Station, Morgan Lewis Windmill, and the South Point Lighthouse.

Want to spend a night or two at a heritage hotel? Sweetfield Manor is the perfect boutique hotel for you!

For the explorers, venture underwater, underground or around the island with a tour

by Barbados Blue, Harrison’s Cave or the Music Bus respectively. But you can’t do without the beach! Enjoy a cocktail at Copacabana or La Cabane beachside restaurants.

Bet you can’t get here fast enough! Cruise in to our port with Windstar Cruises, the very definition of luxurious comfort.

But first – let’s cruise inside Barbados!

Cheryl Franklin .............................................

Director - Cruise Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

The clock tower of the Parliament buildings in Bridgetown.

Hiding in Plain Site Did you know that Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the Commonwealth?

The interactive Parliament museum, housed within the West Wing of the Gothic-styled Parliament Buildings, traces the development of our democracy in a collaborative way.

From 1639 when Parliament was established, modeling the British Westminster system, to today, where the first female Prime Minister of Barbados holds weekly sittings.

Visit barbadosparliament.com to find out more.

Another incredible museum in Historic Bridgetown is known as The Exchange, where the development of business and trade in the city through the decades is featured. This restored 18th Century building formerly housed a school and a Masonic Lodge over the years.

Many of the exhibits on display feature the history of Freemasonry and education in Barbados. Today, the building is home to two exhibition gallery floors and an art gallery.

The Legacies That Live On Gun Hill Signal Station

From its perch atop the highland of St. George, Gun Hill Signal Station commands a view that is locked into legacy. Built in 1818, this station was one of a series of six that served to signal the approach of both enemy and cargo ships, ensuring the national security of the island. In 1982, the Barbados National Trust restored this location and opened it to the public for viewing. Here, one can find a vast collection of military memorabilia dating back centuries. Gun Hill’s panoramic view makes it a fabulous location for evening events, weddings and more!

Check out barbadosnationaltrust.org for details.

South Point Lighthouse

Morgan Lewis Windmill

The only remaining working sugar mill in the Caribbean is quite a majestic site on Cherry Tree Hill, St. Andrew. Built in 1727, this impressive structure still demonstrates how wind power is used to ground sugar canes for the production of sugar, rum and molasses. Today, visitors can sample delicious cane juice from the mill and an array of goodies from the café on site.

Visit barbadosnationaltrust.org for details

Formally known as the Gordon’s Lighthouse, after its designer Alexander Gordon, the Lighthouse at South Point, Atlantic Shores, Christ Church commands admiration from everyone who visits. This lighthouse was first erected and exhibited in 1851 at the Great Hyde Park exhibition in London.

Made entirely of cast iron, it is the last one of its kind in existence.

It was dismantled and shipped to Barbados where it was re-erected, and a year later became fully operational.

In 2004 and again in 2018, the lighthouse underwent repainting and careful refurbishments to retain the original cast iron plates.

We Windstar Could it be because Windstar is a fleet of smaller cruise vessels loaded with luxury?

Or is it because Windstar Cruises offer adventurous shore excursions?

Maybe it’s because Windstar has that personal, private yacht feel.

A Windstar Cruise ship has the advantage of bringing you closer to each destination due to their more intimate size, as well as having no more than 300 guests on board.

Therefore, service is extremely personal as the crew can be more attentive to your needs.

Whatever the reason for our Windstar adoration, we’re happy to host Windstar ten times this cruise season, including spectacular 14-night round-trips from Barbados!

Click the video above to get a glimpse of a Windstar cruise.

Be sure to visit their website www.windstarcruises.com or contact your local travel agent to secure your booking

A Hotel With Heritage This boutique hotel known as Sweetfield Manor is situated almost secretly within the historic Garrison area and was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. The recently renovated colonial buildings enjoy a breathtaking view over the South Coast and Bridgetown. Lush gardens, flavourful cuisine, relaxing rooms and friendly staff ensure a unique experience.

Perfect for a pre or post cruise holiday, a couples’ getaway or even a wedding. The relaxing nature of Sweetfield Manor invites peaceful relaxation, selfpampering and rejuvenation. The hotel is complete with family rooms, gourmet breakfasts, a lagoon style swimming pool, day spa, and free Wi-Fi. Yoga classes can be booked in advance and Airport transfers are also available.

Visit them online at sweetfieldmanor.com and follow them on facebook and instagram.

Adventure Awaits!

Harrison's Cave Eco-Tour

Right in the centre of Barbados is the popularly nicknamed “Eighth Wonder of the World”, Harrison’s Cave.

This crystallised limestone cave is known for its many stalactites and stalagmites, flowing streams and crystal clear pools, and numerous columns and tunnels.

Traditionally, tours are conducted daily with a knowledgeable guide on a driven trams. However, the new Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Tour lets you get down and dirty as you walk, creep and crawl through natural passageways to explore cave formations like the original discoverers of the cave did.

Check out harrisonscave.com for further details.

Barbados Blue Watersports

From their base at Needham’s Point, on the grounds of the Hilton Barbados Hotel, this PADI 5 Star Dive Resort is strategically situated for easy access to the best diving and snorkeling sites along the coasts.

Barbados Blue can enhance your extended stay with night dives, private charters, kayak and jet ski rentals, and scuba diving packages.

Visit divebarbadosblue.com for more details

Music Bus

This fun 4-hour long tour delivers the history of Caribbean Music while traversing the landscape of Barbados set to pulsating tracks of reggae, calypso, spouge, soca and more! Stop off at beautiful beaches and other secret locations while you enjoy rum punch, snacks, and beer.

Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are available.

Visit suntoursbarbados.com for more information

Copacabana Beach Club looks out on to the enticing Browne’s Beach on Bay Street. This ultra fun and popular relaxing spot is also now home to Virgin Holidays’ exclusive Departure Beach.

Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/copacabanabb for more info!

Can’t stop Beaching!

The newest beachside hot spot on Batts Rock Beach delights your senses with a spectacular ocean view and a lively atmosphere. This could just be the hippest beach bar on the island with so many ‘instagramable’ spaces to click and post!

Delicious food is available to nosh on under shady beach trees and the cocktails are sublime. Find out more by visiting them on Facebook and Instagram. facebook.com/lacabanebarbados Instagram: la_cabane_barbados •

Pre and Post Cruise Stay Hotels 1.

1.

Coral Reef Club is an award-winning five-star luxury boutique hotel recognised as one of the best hotels in Barbados. www.coralreefbarbados.com

Sandpiper Hotel boasts of relaxed style 2. The and intimate charm on the West Coast. www.sandpiperbarbados.com

2.

Club is a tranquil tropical paradise 3. Colony featuring lush gardens and meandering lagoon

3.

pools. www.eleganthotels.com

a private balcony and ocean views from 4. Enjoy every room in this idyllic location. www.hiltonbarbadosresort.com

Crane is the perfect choice for couples, 5. The families and events. www.thecrane.com

4.

multi-million dollar renovation at Fairmont 6. ARoyal Pavilion has revitalised the hotel’s guest rooms, offering more luxurious hospitality in Barbados. www.fairmont.com

5.

6.