Fall Into “The Gap” In Barbados!
June 23, 2009
No, I’m not talking about the retailer…. I am talking about the super hip-strip in Barbados called the St. Lawrence Gap, which has some of the hottest clubs and bars to be found in the Caribbean. My newest faux adventure takes me to this sunny destination and thankfully I had an expert on hand to tell me all about it. Barbados is a place rich with beauty, not only in their stunning landscapes but also in their native people, called Bajans. In September 2007, R&B singer Rihanna became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She is currently sitting as an Ambassador for Culture and Youth and chances are if you’ve heard anything about Barbados in the media lately, her name is mentioned. Of course, any press is good for the independent West Indian Continental Island-nation. Its population of only 282,000 makes it an intimate retreat for even the weariest of travelers. Though many people come back for vacations year after year, this easternmost Caribbean island can provide the perfect escape for those seeking an intimate getaway.
It’s no wonder that celebrities flock to Barbados like flies to honey. The sun is always shining, gentle breezes blowing, people smiling and the nightlife is bustling. Sounds like the perfect vacation to me. It would sure be sweet to see it for myself one day, *wink, wink*. But I digress… From every expert I’ve interviewed, one constant remains, “Barbados is surely an epicurean paradise”. Being the only Zagat rated island in the Caribbean, Barbados’ abundance of fabulous eateries ranks it among world-class leaders in fine dining. I’ve even heard that the roadside stands serving Flying Fish are actually tremendous! After a delicious lunch, I suggest heading over to the Welchman Hall Gully. It is a must see attraction for nature lovers who enjoy hiking, natural history and marine life. It is a touch of tropical forest, mixed with Barbadian and other exotic tropical plants.
Although the island is relatively small, there is much to explore. Renting a car can help you to see the most during your vacation, but it is definitely not necessary. You could wander about the island viewing some of the beautiful historic homes, grand plantations or light houses. Spending the day enjoying Harrison’s Cave, the magnificent, crystallized limestone cavern, is also a visitor’s favorite. With pure clear water and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, you’ll be amazed by this natural beauty. Why not enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine amidst fragrant Pride of Barbados’ flowers? They’re more commonly known as the Hibiscus. Take in the crystal waters, blue against the white sand beaches, and beyond that, the brown and green hills dotted white and pink with coral stone and wood buildings, roofed in grey shingles and red clay tiles. Here you’ll notice the combination of old and new, of elegance and simplicity, of history and tradition preserved and ready for you to enjoy.
Oh yeah, you might want to check out the beach while you’re there too. Just kidding! With more than 70 miles of stunning pink and white sand beaches, Barbados is a beach bum’s dream. In fact, surfers come from all over the world to enjoy the East coast’s wide, wind blown beaches. On the calmer South and West coasts, you can walk for miles stopping only to enjoy a beautiful cluster of coral rocks jutting out to sea. Weathered by the ocean’s surf, they tend to form abstract sculptures which are pleasing to an artist’s eye. In the North, coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea reaching up to a hundred feet in height. During your stay, definitely make time for a day trip to the small neighboring island of Dominica where much of the filming was done for The Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. You can also explore the shipwrecks that cover much of the ocean floor just off the coast on a snorkeling excursion.
Finally, a must do in Barbados is a visit to the capital city of Bridgetown where shopping, architecture and fine dining abound. The Bayshore Complex, just outside of Bridgetown is also worth a stop for its shopping and historic value. All and all, Barbados is surely worth considering as you plan your next getaway. As you vacation doctor, I prescribe at least 4 nights in this sunny paradise to cure all your ills. Don’t forget to tell me all about it when you return.
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[...] Fall Into “The Gap” In Barbados!In September 2007, R&B singer Rihanna became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She is currently sitting as an Ambassador for Culture and Youth and chances are if you’ve heard … [...]
[...] Fall Into “The Gap” In Barbados!In September 2007, R&B singer Rihanna became the official face of tourism for Barbados, being included in many of their ad campaigns. She is currently sitting as an Ambassador for Culture and Youth and chances are if you’ve heard … [...]