When To Go

May to July offers some great deals, which are even more tempting once you fathom that the beaches are less crowded at these times and restaurant tables are more readily available. If you enjoy (and can afford) the glitz and celebrity that seem to go down so well in Barbados, then high season runs from December to April (although prices are way-up on early summer).

Top 5 Places To Stay

• Barbados Beach Club

  This hotel sits on a quarter-mile of white-sand on Barbados' scenic south coast, six miles from the shopping and nightlife of Bridgetown. Guestrooms have great views and amenities include complimentary breakfast. An all-inclusive option covers other meals, drinks and non-motorised water sports.

• Bougainvillea Beach Resort

  Facing a South Coast beach with cream-colored sand, this resort is about midway between the dining and nightlife of St Lawrence Gap, and the weekly Fish Fry festival in the fishing town of Oistins. Studios and suites offer patios or balconies with views of the garden or ocean. Decor is tropical, and accommodations have kitchens or kitchenettes.

• Turtle Beach Resort

  Located on the south coast, the Turtle Beach Resort features a long, white-sand beach where sea turtles nest. Resort highlights include open-air dining, a lagoon pool in a rock-garden setting and snorkelling/sailboat hire. The hotel has 161 guest suites in four four-story sand-coloured, wood-shingle buildings with elevators.

• Silver Point Hotel

  Set above the soft white sands of breezy Silver Rock Beach on the south coast of Barbados, away from the crowds, this 15-suite boutique hotel is a favourite for lovers of wind and water driven sports. Room decor includes coral-stone accents, granite countertops, and pickled-pine ceilings. Beds are dressed with pure cotton hypoallergenic linens.

• Almond Beach Village

  This 13-hectare northwest coast resort is situated on a one-kilometre beach. It offers shopping trips to Bridgetown, on-site golfing, swimming at six pools, and reef snorkelling. Spacious rooms have views of either the garden, ocean, or pool.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

• Sailing

  There are daily catamaran excursions for families that let you explore the exceptional Barbados coastline. Drinks and food are usually provided, along with all relevant scuba kit to let you get up close and personal with the wildlife and coral.

• Beaches

  If there’s one thing Barbados is famous for, it’s beaches. The island has been blessed with a beautiful coastline, and you’ll be utterly satisfied – whether you’re into surfing at the Soup Bowl or just chilling out with nothing more than the waves for company at one of the islands secret spots.

• Rum

  Barbados rum is among the best in the world, and to celebrate this there are several tours offering a chance to see how the drink is made (and sample it!). The Mount Gay Rum Tour also features a gift shop, so is the perfect place to stock up, should you need to.

• Ocean Park

  Full of weird and wonderful animals from around the globe, Ocean Park has over 25 separate display areas and features everything from exotic plants and vegetation to rare fish.

• Barbados Wildlife Reserve

  The wildlife reserve has a particular fondness for monkeys, and houses several different species. There are public feedings throughout the day.