A love letter to Holetown, Barbados
I found myself replying to an email to a traveller going soon to Barbados with recommendations she asked for. I felt, why not share this widely - useful for anyone visiting the area of Holetown on the west coast of Barbados. If you’ve got questions about Barbados or planning a trip, invite us to support - email travel@princeadventures.com.
My email verbatim:
Good afternoon,
Thanks for this update on all of the above!
Holetown - we honestly love a local sunset/sundowner bevvy at Surfside, it's not a fancy place, but go for sunset, sit adjacent to the beach, grab a rum punch or banks or deputy (two local brand beers) and just chill. We've had samosas, fries, club sandwich there, not a fancy place at all. Populated with various tourists and locals. You'll see great sunsets at your resort too.
In the mall we like Buzz Box for smoothies, we don't drink coffee, but have heard their coffee is great. Barbados is not 'good' for pizza, but Pepenero in the mall I find to be good pizza, for the island. I have not been to Derriere but people claim it to be very good, so may be worth trying out. If you go, I'd love to know your feedback.
We've gone to trivia night, years back, at Cafe Bar Carizma in the chattel village in Holetown. It's intense trivia and very competitive, I enjoy it, the quizmasters are good, and you need a reservation, but the food is just decent, not crazy good. The little chattel village is worth seeing, maybe stroll through even if you don't go for dinner. There are vendors and snack shops.
Colony Club does have some theme nights, I think one is a BBQ night, would be worth going to if you want to stay on the resort for a night or two. There is usually nightly live music too. Ask when you check in what they've got on!
Snorkeling at the marine reserve nearby, Folkstone, is very good, will need to bring equipment as I don't believe there are any rental outfits there.
The Tides is our favourite fine dining restaurant on the island, and over the years, we've been to them all. I would recommend a celebration dinner there, do book a reservation. If you go early dinner for sunset, it is nice, but I personally prefer to dine open air at The Tides after sunset, so you don't get too steamy with the heat. It's a good excuse to dress up (not required); in the restaurant I love the trees, and the water lit up.
A fun and beach vibey lunch out is Sea Shed - up the coast a little bit, can take the bus for cheap, it's a straight shot on the bus, one road, we've taken the bus when we've not had a rental car, it's safe and frequent, and an experience. Need cash though, I believe the fare is under $4 BBD per person each way. $1 USD = $2 BBD, they'll accept both currencies (no change given). Will want a reservation for a guaranteed seating at Sea Shed choose, 'deck or left deck' if you book for the best views. ZR taxi vans - white vans, independently owned, operating on the bus routes are legal, but I don't recommend for you guys. They can be wild drivers and not always a positive experience, can be packed like sardines in there and usually no a/c.
Wine Cave or Massy (grocery store) in Holetown sell wines. Beverages can be pricy on the island, and if a nightcap (like I'm keen myself) is on your agenda, maybe have a bottle or two in your room to enjoy.
If you take one day trip - perhaps go to the North Coast to see the coral limestone or the East to see the rugged areas. Not essential, but an interesting alternative to the beaches. I'm sure the hotel will have day trips/outings/excursions on offer, so ask if you're keen.
There is a monument in Holetown worth looking at, I believe at the landing place of the first colonizers from the UK, from the 1600s, could be nice to spot on a walk into town, on the west side of the road, by the post office.
A little nice-to-know, in Barbados it is very customary to say good morning /good day/good evening, before saying anything else. Tourists don't always immediately pick up on this, but I would always allow for this and locals will great you similarly in return. Kind of a slow hello/gesture before any conversation. So, if I'm beach walking in the morning, greeting a restaurant staff member, or passing someone on the sidewalk, I greet everyone this way.
Hope this information is helpful, and I really hope your trip is a hit, pre-surgery especially for your husband. I wish you'll fall in love with Barbados. I hope you do, it is a gem of an island.
Here if you need anything and if I don't hear from you, safe travels!
Jakki