Have you ever dreamt of sitting on a beach, sipping cocktails with the turquoise ocean as your backdrop while you work? Perhaps you have dreamt of virtual office meetings on your balcony, with the birds or the ocean creating a most enviable soundscape. Now, those dreams can become a reality since the Government and people of Barbados are welcoming visitors to live and work remotely on the island for a period of 12 months
Gem of The Caribbean Sea
Separated into 11 parishes, and often called the Gem of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Barbados is just 166 square miles. Most of these parishes are situated on the coastline of the island, with beaches as their outer border. The parishes of St Thomas and St George, however, are in the centre of the island and therefore have no beaches. However, given its relatively small size, a beach is said to be a maximum of a 20 minute drive away from any location. The island is most densely populated around Bridgetown, which is the capital city. But suburban and rural developments are spread throughout the country, providing easy access to shopping, banking and other necessities for those who live further away from the capital. In a manner of speaking, most residents refer to the island in terms of the North, East, South or West Coast. Where should you stay?
Which Coast Is Right for Me?
THE EAST COAST
This side of the island is perfect for individuals and families who want to immerse themselves into an eco-experience during their stay, or simply prefer to be further away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lush eastern side of the island spans the parishes of St Andrew, St Joseph and St. John, and also borders St Lucy and St Philip.
Ambiance
One of the more pristine parts of the island, its untouched rugged topographic beauty makes it the perfect place for biking & hiking. Since this coast is kissed by the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts crisp fresh air and some of the most majestic sunrises that you will ever see. As this Eastern side of the island is not sheltered, it is not recommended for swimming but is instead the home of international surfing competitions. Fortunately, offshore coral reefs create natural pools and bays in some areas where you can safely enjoy the water. As you journey more inland, the natural forested areas provide a safe habitat for birds, monkeys and other animals.
Restaurants & Accommodation
Hotels on the east coast are limited and bespoke, in addition to airbnb facilities littered across the area, your major options include Atlantis Historic Inn or Round House Inn. Both of these properties are over a century old and offer commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean. They mix old-world charm with modern convenience and offer delicious on-site dining. There are also several apartments and private beach houses which are available in the Bathsheba and Cattlewash areas, and along the stretch of the East Coast Road. These are generally self-contained and designed with the independent traveller in mind. On the occasion that you don’t feel like cooking, there are small restaurants and bars nearby that cater mainly to the local clientele and offer meals daily, such as Uncle Joe’s in Bathsheba; the Bay Tavern Bar and Restaurant in Martin’s Bay or the popular Sand Dunes Bar & Restaurant in Boscobelle. You are also sure to discover other neighbourhood bars and watering holes as you explore the area.
Other Amenities
This side of the island offers limited amenities. You are likely to find small village grocery stores in some communities, but others may have only small shops with a limited supply of groceries, and you may therefore need to travel away from your location to top up on your necessities. Similarly, there is little to no access to banking facilities or atms, but the shops, restaurants and bars will sometimes accept payment via credit card – be sure to check before you buy.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not as frequent on this side of the island. You may get a bus passing through every hour, but it may be even less regular in some areas. If you intend to stay along this coast, it is highly recommended that you either rent a vehicle or be prepared to coordinate your business to coincide with the bus schedule.
THE NORTH COAST
St Lucy is the northern-most parish of Barbados. Much like the eastern side, St Lucy is somewhat off the beaten track. The island’s only female-named parish, it boasts a generally quiet atmosphere and unique beauty in its natural landscapes.
Ambiance
There are dramatic cliffs, beaten by the ferocious waves rolling off the Atlantic, but, in contrast, there is the more gentle River Bay which creates an oasis of sorts. St Lucy is also home to the Animal Flower Cave, which is a natural sea cave that opens onto windows of the Atlantic Ocean. At times, you can swim comfortably in the natural rock pools situated inside the cave. Standing on top of the Animal Flower Cave during winter months may afford you with the treat of seeing migratory whales playing in the distance. You can also see this display from Maycock’s Bay, which is another favourite spot for some surfers. Swimming isn’t advised at Maycock’s Bay due to the strong currents in this area, but divers and snorkelers can enjoy the reefs and the shipwreck which is located nearby.
Restaurants & Accommodation
Options for accommodation on the north coast is limited. Other than private houses and villas, you can stay at Little Good Harbour which is a family-run hotel. They offer a choice of either suites or cottages, all fully equipped with kitchen and dining wares. There is also a restaurant and spa on the property. If you are looking for maximum privacy during your stay in Barbados, you may also want to consider Fustic House. This expansive 11-acre property has 7 separate luxury suites, a park of mahogany trees, a natural pool and exceptional views of the coastline. Their on-site chef prepares exquisite meals. There are also spaces dedicated to movies, table tennis, badminton and a pool deck, providing several options for family entertainment. There are not many other options for dining in St Lucy, but if you are staying on the north coast, be sure to visit, The Fish Pot, Moontown or Catch 22 where they serve a variety of dishes. You can also head down to the west coast for a larger selection of dining experiences.
Other Amenities
Grocery shopping is available at St Elmo’s Supermarket in the area locally known as Moontown. Fortunately, due to its proximity to Speightstown, other amenities are not too far away from St Lucy. In Speightstown, you will find other supermarket chains, banking facilities, a small shopping centre and the bus terminal which connects the north of the island to the capital.
Public Transportation
Once in Speightstown, transportation is easy to come by, but the commute to/from rural St Lucy may be a bit of a wait. So if you are expecting to make frequent trips out of the parish, it is advised that you secure a rented vehicle during your stay.
THE WEST COAST
Primarily associated with the stretch of the coast along St Peter, St James and part of St Michael, this area has become a favourite of international celebrities, hence its nickname, The Platinum Coast. It is known for its luxurious properties, fine dining restaurants and, of course, its glistening white sandy beaches which lead into calm sheltered waters of the Caribbean Sea
Ambiance
Unlike the north and east coasts, swimming is generally safe year-round on the west coast. Golfers are in their element here since there are several world-class PGA-standard golf courses within minutes of each other. You can also enjoy a range of marine activities along the entire length of the coast, and polo lovers can visit the 4 world-class venues on this side of the island. For those who delight in spending evenings in the glow of the setting sun, the West Coast Boardwalk provides the ideal location, where you can exercise or simply relax and enjoy the magical sunsets of the island as daylight fades.
Restaurants & Accommodation
Accommodation is not hard to find on the west coast. The difficult task, however, is deciding where you want to stay! You can choose from guest houses, apartments, hotels (which range from intimate to 5-diamond ratings), cottages, condos or palatial villas. Prices will vary according to the type of accommodation that you select, but as the nickname Platinum Coast suggests, this stretch is generally reputed to be higher-priced and to cater to those who can afford a more lavish lifestyle. There are lavish villas and/or condos in the palatial areas of Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane and Port St Charles, to name a few. Alternatively, you may prefer one of the slightly more modest accommodation such as Tamarind by Elegant Hotels or Fairmont Royal Pavilion. One of the easiest ways to sift through your options for housing on the west coast is to book through a real estate agency. Companies such as Altman Real Estate, Ron Karp Realty, Terra Caribbean and others manage the various types of available properties. You can also do an independent search of the extensive listings of hotels, apartments and private accommodation shown on the internet.
Dining and entertainment are also easily available, with fine dining restaurants such as the world famous Tides Restaurant, The Cliff and Lone Star featured prominently on the discerning visitors top list of things to do. This Coast also features a range of popular bars and nightclubs, fast food outlets such as KFC, Burger King and the local favourite, Chefette. Holetown especially comes alive at night with a myriad of restaurants and activities in 1st and 2nd Streets, but there are also smaller bars and restaurants along the coast where you can often find residents and visitors enjoying the more modestly priced menus, there you may spot personalities like Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richards and former Prime Minister Tony Blair enjoying the local ambiance.
Other Amenities
You will definitely have easy access to shopping, banking facilities and other services along this route and you are also likely to find internally branded stores such as those situated in the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. There are also shopping centres in Speightstown, Sunset Crest and Holetown, where you can purchase groceries, clothing, electronics, souvenirs and other items.
Public Transportation
Transportation along the west coast is easy. Many of the hotels are associated with private taxi operators. You can also opt for the very frequent public transportation along the main west coast road, with large buses, minibuses and ZRs (smaller vans) constantly travelling along that route. If
you will be staying off the route, you may need to be prepared to either walk or take a private taxi to your accommodation.
THE SOUTH COAST
The parish of Christ Church joins with St Michael and St Philip on either side to form the south coast of Barbados. This side of the island is the perfect blend of the other coasts, offering everything from tranquillity to fast-paced living at a comparatively affordable price..
Ambiance
The beaches along this coast have contrasting characteristics, with calmer waters over to the south-west and more turbulent ones to the south east where the Atlantic directly hits the island. Swimming is generally not advised in these rougher waters along the St Philip parts of the coastline, or at the beaches in Silver Sands, Inch Marlow, however these locations are popular for surfing & wind surfing.
Some of the more frequented beaches for swimming on the south coast are Enterprise Beach (locally called Miami Beach) and those along Carlisle Bay on the south-west. The south coast is also where the Richard Haynes Boardwalk is located. You are guaranteed to find residents and visitors alike exercising along this boardwalk on mornings and evenings, and at the right time of year, you can stay at a distance and watch as turtles come ashore to nest under the cover of night.
Restaurants & Accommodation
Much like the west coast, there is no shortage of options for accommodation on the south of the island. For a quieter retreat, there is The Crane Resort to the far south-east, which overlooks the award-winning Crane Beach. Or you can consider the smaller Ocean Spray Apartments in Inch Marlow. They offer self-catering apartments, but you can also choose from their farm-to-table breakfast and lunch menus. If you prefer to stay closer to a small town, then Little Arches, Golden Sands and Butterfly Beach may be more your speed. Located just outside of the historic fishing town of Oistins, they boast a tranquil environment while being near to key amenities.
There are several types of accommodation along the acclaimed entertainment district of St Lawrence Gap, ranging from quaint hotels like Meridian Inn to the 5 Diamond all-inclusive Sandals Royal. This area is bustling with nightlife, so you may have to contend with late night parties. As you move closer towards the border of Bridgetown in the south-west, there are more hotels and beach apartments that line the entire coast. There you will find the popular Accra Beach Hotel as well as international brands such as The Hilton and The Marriott.
Most of the hotels on the south coast will offer on-site dining options. There are also several shopping centres with food courts such as Sheraton Mall, Lanterns Mall, and Quayside Centre. Additionally, Street Food and open-air restaurants have been set up along the Boardwalk and its immediate environs. There is also easy access to several popular fast food chains. With Oistins, St Lawrence Gap, Worthing and Hastings along this coast, there is no shortage of entertainment and also a wide variety of options for indoor, outdoor or seaside dining experiences.
Other Amenities
This side of the island offers extremely easy access to every amenity imaginable – banking, supermarkets, general shopping – all of which can be found within a short distance of each other. If you are staying in St Philip, your closest access to such amenities will most likely be in Six Roads where you will find Emerald City Shopping Plaza. There are other stores in that area which offer pharmaceuticals, clothing, hardware and electronics. For those staying in Christ Church, you
will have multiple options for banking, grocery and general shopping since Sheraton, Lanterns, Oistins and Quayside are all located in that parish.
Public Transportation
Buses, minibuses and ZRs are a constant feature of this coast and there are many options for private taxis. However, the further east you go after Oistins, the more infrequent the public transportation becomes. You may therefore find that there are fewer regular trips into St Philip, for instance, and renting a vehicle may therefore become a necessity, if one opts to reside that far East.