Fodors In Focus Barbados & St. Lucia

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Fodors Recommendations

Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.

Trip Costs

We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Hotels

Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews visit Fodors.com.

Restaurants

Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.

Credit Cards

The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.

Barbados. Broad vistas, sweeping seascapes, craggy cliffs, and acre upon acre of sugarcane make up the islands varied landscape. The warm Bajan hospitality, welcoming hotels and resorts, sophisticated dining, lively nightspots, and, of course, magnificent sunny beaches have forged a long, successful history of tourism.

St. Lucia. One of the greenest and most beautiful islands in the Caribbean is, arguably, the most romantic. The scenic southern and central regions are mountainous and lush, with dense rain forest, endless banana plantations, and fascinating natural attractions and historic sites. Along the west coast and in the far north, picturesque and distinctively appealing resorts are interspersed with dozens of delightful inns that appeal to families, lovers, and adventurers.

Island Activities

Theres always something to do in Barbados, and thats the appeal to most visitors. White-sand beaches await your arrival whether you choose to stay among the classy row of resorts on the west coast or on the more affordable south coast.

Exceptional golf courses lure a lot of players to the island, but the private coursesnotably Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lanearent for anyone with a light wallet.

The islands restaurant scene is impressive; you can choose from street-party barbecue to international cuisine that rivals the finest dining on the planet.

Getting out on the water is the favored activity, whether thats on a snorkeling day sail, in a minisub , on a deep-sea fishing boat , or surfing at Bathsheba Soup Bowl.

Logistics

Getting to Barbados: Fly nonstop to Barbados from Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New YorkJFK or connect through any of those cities. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is in Christ Church Parish, about 15 minutes from hotels situated along the south coast, 45 minutes from the west coast, and about 30 minutes from Bridgetown.

Hassle Factor: Low because of frequent nonstop flights from airports in the United States.

On the Ground: Ground transportation is available immediately outside the customs area. Some resorts arrange ground transfers if you make arrangements in advance. Otherwise, you can take a taxi. Airport taxis arent metered, but fares are regulated (about $38$40 to Speightstown, $30$35 to west-coast hotels, $16$22 to south-coast hotels). Be sure, however, to establish the fare before getting into the taxi and confirm whether the price quoted is in U.S. or Barbadian dollars.

Getting Around on the Island: You may want to rent a car if youre staying in an isolated area, but bus service is good throughout the islandespecially between Bridgetown and stops along the west and south coasts. Taxis, of course, are always an option.

Where to Stay

If you stay on either the tony west coast or the action-packed south coast, youll have access to great beaches. East-coast beaches are not safe for swimming, but youll find spectacular ocean views. Prices in Barbados increase significantly in high season (December 15April 15) than during the quieter months. Most hotels include no meals in their rates, but some include breakfast, many offer a meal plan, some require you to purchase the meal plan in the high season, and a few offer all-inclusive packages.