On the west coast of Barbados, Saint James parish is known as the island’s ‘platinum coast’, for its upscale living and celebrity hangout status. The area is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches, excellent dining options and luxury brand shopping, and it also has a pretty good golf course or two.
Holetown is a good place to get acquainted with the Saint James area. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a hub of shopping and entertainment with high-end stores, a multi-screen cinema and regular live events, ranging from music concerts to art shows and craft fairs. For something a little different, the colourful Chattel village sets its shops in beautiful tropical gardens.
Holetown’s big cultural event of the year comes around each February – the Holetown Festival. A commemoration of the first settlement on the island in 1627, this lively celebration has everything from fashion shows and beauty contests to vintage car parades and it’s the ideal time to get into the spirit of things with Bajan delights like macaroni pie and Barbados rum.
You will find most of the town’s nightlife on Holetown’s First and Second Streets, where the coolest clubs and lounges have congregated. Head south of the town and a string of stunning beaches like Sandy Lane and Payne’s Bay await you, taking you in the direction of the capital, Bridgetown, which is only 11km away. To the north, the quieter Speightstown has an authentic feel and a variety of interesting sights, including a town museum and a gallery of Caribbean Art. You can also enjoy a fish fry on Friday and Saturday nights, at the famous Six Men’s Fish Market.