Suggestions for things to do in Barbados?

[mainly tailfirst]

Hi all,
owing to the super generous leave policy of my US employer, I finally get a *whole week off* to go somewhere.
So starting Monday, we're off to the Caribbean so I can see the 3rd test in Bridgetown and the better half can do some sightseeing.

Which leads to my dilemma. Due to work schedule, I have done next to no research on the loverly Island of Barbados, save from working out which seats I want for days 1 & 2 of the test and finding time to tour the Concorde.

We'll be staying on the west side of the Island, which I'm told is the nicer water for swimming.
So does anyone have any "must see" recommendations? High WAF is considered a key factor.
E.g.
Day 3 of the test in the Party Stand = Low WAF
Concorde = Low WAF
Decent Snorkeling spot = Hi WAF.

Trip report will be forthcoming in a couple of weeks. (Highlights include surving AA without SG status for the first time :shock

mt

 

[drron]

The major drawcard for Barbados is the beaches,rum and cricket.The last 2 obviously low WAF.There is a snorkelling cruise plus swimming with the turtles cruise that is worth doing.The boat Cool Runnings for some reason is the popular boat.Many others do this trip-stiletto was good.
There is always the Oistins fish fry on friday-very busy-or saturday,not quite so busy.Thought it overrated but interesting for people watching.
Harrisons cave tour gives you a good view of the interior and an OK cave.The East coast worth a look-we went to Bethsheba and ate with the locals at a rum shack-pretty good it was to.
Around Bridgetown is the George Washington house which is worth a visit.Mount Gay distillery is not far and an enjoyable way to spend the morning if you have the early afternoon AA flight to JFK.Bridgetown itself is worth a wander but not too much in the way of retail therapy.
Our problem when there for the world cup was we were at an all inclusive resort.Those rum punches sneak up on you.

 

[QF WP]

"Take it easy mon and have a drink" - I was told this often during a week's break in Jamaica a couple of years ago. Sorry, haven't been to Barbados - however, drop over to Flyertalk's Caribbean Forum and you should find relevant threads via a search.

 

[mainly tailfirst]

"Take it easy mon and have a drink" - I was told this often during a week's break in Jamaica a couple of years ago. Sorry, haven't been to Barbados - however, drop over to Flyertalk's Caribbean Forum and you should find relevant threads via a search.

I did a search on FT and found some good stuff (including that we are sitting on the wrong side of the AC on the inbound leg for a good view - oh well), but the Caribbean section was a little 'sparse'. Hence my preference for the 'personal touch' on AFF.

Thanks to ddron for the tips. I shall ensure that I stick to less than 3 rum punches before lunch.

mt

 

[winetraveller]

Am on the verge of coming down to join you. I have a meeting Late Thurday and was thinking about getting a lastminute deal down on Friday. I saw some for about USD$1000 including three night accomodation in a decent place on the South Coast ex BOS.

I have the dilemma that I get five weeks leave and my GF (American company) only gets two. So I have to plan extra time off without her, so given that she has no interest or idea about cricket, this is a good option.

Have you looked into tickets for the test? I was just planning on trying at the gate or find scalpers.

Will have to decide soon, although there seem to be plenty of seats available and hotels not a problem at this point.

 

[GCD123]

Barbados has a great combination of the intoxicating tropics - water, sand, calipso and slow pace - with all the history of British colonial establishment.

After the obvious things, we love just motoring around and looking at the great resorts - Sandy Lane, Sandpiper, Mango Tree - these are destinations in themselves.
The other fun resort is Sam Lords Castle - on the south East extremity of the island.
Sam Lord was a pirate of sorts. The hotel is in the grand colonial style - and great for afternoon tea in one of the salons with the tradewinds gently blowing.

The old colonial plantation houses are also interesting. Remember the movie Island In The Sun - it was filmed here. Unfortunately the house was burnt down some years ago - but the foundations (I think) are still there.

Nice spot, nice people, great pace.

GCD123

 

[mainly tailfirst]

Am on the verge of coming down to join you. I have a meeting Late Thurday and was thinking about getting a lastminute deal down on Friday. I saw some for about USD$1000 including three night accomodation in a decent place on the South Coast ex BOS.

I have the dilemma that I get five weeks leave and my GF (American company) only gets two. So I have to plan extra time off without her, so given that she has no interest or idea about cricket, this is a good option.

Have you looked into tickets for the test? I was just planning on trying at the gate or find scalpers.

Will have to decide soon, although there seem to be plenty of seats available and hotels not a problem at this point.

I have tix to day 1 & 2 of the test. I'm going to wing it for days 3 & 4 as I have a friend on a package tour who's in the Party Stand. I'd like to join him for the weekend sessions, but I want to suss out the ticket situation first. I'm told that, depending on how the match goes, tix may become very easy to get if the Aussies look like winning. Regards of the result, it beats working!

mt