West Coast Attractions
The West Coast of Barbados is otherwise known as the "Gold Coast" and more recently upgraded to the "Platinum Coast" of Barbados. If you are seeking natural beauty, fun, activities, safe swimming, great tanning beaches, amenities, exquisite sunsets, or touches of luxury and hedonism, the West Coast of Barbados will surely have a beach that will fulfill your requirements.
Sandy Lane Bay
Sandy Lane is a luxury five-star beachfront resort close to Holetown and Paynes Bay. Sandy Lane was opened in 1961 by Ronald Tree, a former British politician, as a luxury hotel and golf course on what had been a sugar plantation.
The resort features 113 guestrooms and suites as well as a five-bedroom villa, a 47,000 sq ft (4,400 m2) Spa, four restaurants, seven bars, and three golf courses.
Sandy Lane is known as one of the Caribbean's most stylish and family-friendly hotels, as well as being a haven for the rich and famous. Sandy Lane is also available to day visitors for delicious breakfast and afternoon tea on the grounds.
Holetown
Located in the center of the parish of St James in Barbados, Holetown was the very first town ever to be built in Barbados and dates back to 1625. When the first British landed on the Island, they called the area Holetown as it reminded them of a stretch of the river Thames in London called the Lime house Hole. One of the oldest churches on the island is located in Holetown called St James Parish Church. It is believed to date back to 1660. Today it is a thriving and very pretty town located 2 minutes from the beach and it is full of lovely shops, restaurants, art galleries, and bars.
Dubbed by London’s “Daily Telegraph” as “the most stylish place to shop and dine” in Barbados, Limegrove is the best place to shop in Barbados, offering more than 100,000 square feet of some of the world’s leading retail brands such as Longchamp, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Cartier as well as many specialty retailers
Speightstown
Speightstown, also known as Little Bristol, is the second largest town in Barbados. It is situated north of Holetown, in the northern parish of Saint Peter. The Town is named after William Speight, a member of Barbados' first Assembly during the Settlement years, and the former owner of the land where the City is located.
Much of the character of Speightstown can be found in its architecture - historic buildings dating back to the early settlement of Barbados alongside modern buildings reflecting a developing nation - and in its people - the sidewalk vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, the fishermen unloading their catch along the jetty, local characters hanging out at the Esplanade and friendly staff in modern shops and restaurants.
Folkestone Marine Park
Folkestone Marine Park features an artificial reef, purposefully formed by the sinking of the ship Stavronikita which rests in 120ft of water less than half a mile from the shore. As a result of its depth, diving the Stavronikita is recommended only for experienced divers in the company of others. Contact a local scuba diving operator to explore the Stavronikita and other wrecks along this coast.
Port St. Charles
Port St Charles is an enchanting waterfront retreat and exclusive marina community located in close proximity to Speightstown on the west coast of Barbados. The 1-4 bedroom apartments and villas are set right on the marina, with million-dollar yachts and cruisers moored nearby with 1300 feet of the spectacular beach. Dine in the marina's restaurant, the Yacht Club, lounge around the Sunset Isle Pool, work out in the gym, on the tennis courts, or simply pamper yourself in the Beauty Salon. A complimentary water taxi is on hand to ferry you around the property during the day.