The Painless Way... to Where to Stay... in Beautiful Barbados

The south coast is one of my favourite areas to relax on the beach, grab a bite to eat with friends, or party the night out at one of the many nightclubs (especially the ones with "drinks-free" nights).

If you want to be where the action is, in the entertainment hub, the area that never sleeps, then you want to be on the south coast.

The south coast beaches are beautiful as well... great for swimming, sunbathing and watersports. When I'm in Canada shivering during the winter, the thought of getting back to Bim and sipping a Banks beer (the local Bajan beer) while lying on the fine white sand of Pebbles Beach, keeps me warm.

Some popular beaches on the South are Pebbles, Brown's Beach, Accra Beach, Sandy Beach, Dover Beach, Miami Beach and several more.

Did I mention that on the south coast there are also tons of great restaurants, not too badly priced either?

Also check out the roadside vendors in St. Lawrence Gap, a quaint entertainment lane lined with bars, pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, and more.

Definitely try out a Bajan style "burger" (you've got to try it with coleslaw on top)... or if your stomach is feeling for "real food" then go for the delicious Bajan macaroni pie and fried blue marlin fish. You won't regret it!!!

Last thing... it's super easy to get around by foot or by public transport on the south coast. You can also rent a car if you wish but it's definitely not necessary.

The west coast is also called the "Platinum Coast". This is the area of Barbados where the rich and famous choose to frequent with upscale restaurants, luxury villas and boutique hotels at every turn.

Keep in mind though that you can find budget-priced accommodation on the west coast as well.

The beaches are to die for!!! The water is perfect... crystal clear and so calm... like having your own outdoor spa. Speaking of which if you're into spa treatments, you'll find some of the best spa centres in this area.

If you're into golf, the west coast is where you'll find world-class golf, such as Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland, though there are other golf courses on the south.

It's not as easy to get around on the west coast as it is on the south... don't get me wrong, it's not remote at all, but because it's a much bigger coast (not as concentrated as the south) it's not as easy to walk from one place to another.

But have no fear, the public transport operates frequently and you can also readily catch a taxi... or if you're up for renting a car, scooter or ATV (for the more adventurous) there are those options available as well.

The east coast of Barbados is distinctly different from all the other coasts because of its location - the Atlantic Ocean. This means that you'll find rough waters (although there are some shallow pools for wading) and an ever changing coast line reflects this.

This side of the island is perfect if you're interested in a surfing holiday or if you want to experience Barbadian country life. You will find an array of beach houses (very popular with local Bajans) and a few inns.

Places like Bathsheba, the most popular surfing beach on the island (although there are little cave pools that are great for wading and relaxing in the water) and Consett Bay, a rugged and beautiful fishing port in St. John, are to be found on the east coast.

Bath Beach is one of my favourites... lined with beach houses, it's the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon watching the waves or a ride on horse back.

There are also plenty of historical and natural places to visit like, St Nicholas Abbey, Codrington College and Andromeda Gardens.

So if you want the cool breezy NE trade winds blowing on you all day and night, looking to do some nature trails, mountain biking, or surfing, then the East Coast is the place for you. The locals LOVE IT!

I definitely recommend hiring a car, although the public transport bus will get you to Bridgetown in about 30 minutes (it's an adventure ride through the gentle hills of the Scotland District).

To a Barbadian, inland will generally refer to the two parishes that are not on the coast line, namely, St. George and St. Thomas, however to a visitor, inland may be anything that is not within a five minute walk to the beach.

Whichever way you look at it, one thing to remember is that if you stay as far away from a beach as you possibly could, you are never more than a 15-20 minute drive away from one of the many beautiful, white sand beaches that Barbados has to offer.

Generally speaking, inland prices will usually be more competitive than what is found on the coast lines and therefore the further inland you go the lower the prices will be.

These areas would be perfect for you, if you are looking for what is referred to as an authentic holiday. You'll experience a taste of the local life... you'll be surrounded by nature... away from the traffic and congestion of the city and coastal areas.

St. Lucy, the northern-most parish, is home to rougher waters but the most magnificent cliff views. You'll want to vist the Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy... it's a marvel!

Don't think for a moment that the interior areas are boring and dull... there's so much to do and see. As you drive through the country, you'll get a sense of old Barbados as you see the old sugar factories and plantation houses and fields once worked by slaves. There are several houses and factories that offer tours, so be sure to inquire.

If you're seeking a bit more luxury, you can also find polo and golf in these areas or for the more adventurous, you can go hiking, mountain biking or cave exploring.

There aren't many hotels in these areas, but you'll find smaller guest houses and inns as well as villas (some luxury).

I would definitely recommend renting a car to get around, with the drive to the capital Bridgetown being about 30-45 minutes on average.

Don't forget to check out our website GreatBarbados.com for suggestions on where to stay!