Stretched along Barbados’ west coast, St James is one of the island’s most beautiful tourist regions. It’s a fun, lively area with a mix of laid-back glamour and Caribbean sunshine, informally known as the “platinum coast” due to its sparkling clear waters and fine sandy beaches.
Despite this region being developed with high-end hotels and stately private residences to an international jet-set, its coast remains one of the most beautiful Barbados has to offer. With the recent development of extensive boardwalks, visitors can enjoy spectacular sunset strolls with the glittering sea as their companion.
The Sandy Lane Hotel is an iconic spot drawing a star-studded clientele, whilst Sandy Lane Beach in St James is one of the region’s finest beaches. Ideal for swimming, and snorkelling, tropical sea life and sea turtles can be spotted, whilst opportunities for kayaking and paddle boarding are abundant.
Coco de Mer is ideally positioned, offering both tranquil seclusion as well as being close to the prestigious Sandy Lane Golf Course and the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre which comprises upscale boutiques, spas and fine dining.
In contrast, a visit to the historical Holetown will offer a taste of local flavour. The Chattel village has a more artisanal flavour, offering local crafts, art and jewellery. The Chattel houses offer a striking contrast to the colonial residences with their dazzling white coral facades and open verandas; the former are vividly coloured with fancy gables and gingerbread fretwork. The Chattel houses date back to plantation days; the small wooden shacks were designed to be movable, yet this didn’t limit their decorative charm; finished in candy pinks and pistachio greens with pretty shutters and sloping roofs.
Within close proximity to Coco de Mer, visitors can enjoy the fine culinary art at Tides Restaurant for something a little special, or Zaccios for informal pizza lunches with the kids. The west coast offers everything from rum cocktails at the bar to Thai cuisine or local Bajan fare. A culinary experience here takes influences from African, Caribbean, West Indian and European gastronomy for something a little unique. Known for its rum tradition, started circa 370 years ago, the island is brimming with tours of the world’s oldest rum.
Barbados is a place of contrasts, from movie-star hedonism to cane-cutting village life and artisanal fare; from fishing villages to dramatic, rugged Atlantic coastlines - visitors will enjoy a vivacious diversity within a very accessibly-sized island. A unique blend of vibrant, local life and colonial-influenced afternoon teas alongside cricket matches on the green!