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A greater way to visit the Lesser Antilles
A greater way to visit the Lesser Antilles
Small inns are the best and, cheapest, way to enjoy yourself
There's something about the first onslaught of winter that triggers my Caribbean dreams, and there may be no better year than this one to explore an upscale isle such as Barbados.
Barbados definitely has loads of luxury (the only island with its own AAA and Zagat guides) but it's also one of the easiest for budget travel. There's a great infrastructure here -- a hangover from more than 300 years of British rule -- so you'll find clean, drinkable tap water and good local buses, along with excellent small hotels, many offering special discounts.
Beyond the beautiful beaches, it's the friendly Bajan people who will really make your stay memorable, and staying "small" is the best way to meet the locals. The best way to save big is to find a small all-inclusive hotel on a nice stretch of white sand, and simply relax, because the perfect weather and clear blue sea are the same no matter where you stay.
While the west "platinum" coast, with its flat water and posh resorts, is truly spectacular (think swanky Sandy Lane or the Fairmont Royal Pavilion), I found soft surf and serenity at the modest Sea Breeze Beach Hotel ( sea-breeze.com)on Maxwell Beach, along the island's southern shore. While you won't find acres of grounds, Michelin-star dining or luxury amenities here, the recently renovated property has comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and good food. Friendly Jamal always had a lounge chair and umbrella ready for me on the white sand beach, while chatty Gordon and Wavell made wicked rum punch, and Judy delivered perfect made-to-order omelettes every morning.
Considering the price is around $300 per couple per day, including unlimited drinks, decent buffet meals and two dinners in the upscale Azul restaurant on the property, it makes an affordable getaway.
For a change of scenery, it's a five-minute cab ride (about $10) to St. Lawrence Gap, a busy area filled with restaurants and clubs, or a 30-minute ride into Bridgetown for duty-free shopping. (Save on lunch at the Balcony Restaurant in the Cave Shepherd department store.)
A New Yorker I met was staying at the nearby Bougainvillea Beach Resort, where you can trade the meal plan for an apartment with a full kitchen ($180 a night for the studio or $240 for a one-bedroom).
Head to the well-stocked Super Centre supermarket in Oistins to fill the fridge (and for bargain beer and rum), or get fresh local ingredients at the Cheapside Market in Bridgetown, then eat in.
IF YOU GO
Getting there Air Canada and WestJet fly non-stop from Toronto to Barbados.
Online Great deals can be found at totallybarbados.com and cheapcaribbean.com. The tourist board is at visitbarbados.com |
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發表於 2010-12-13 09:07
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