This beautiful island is known for its friendly people, lively music and arts festivals and some of the best restaurants (they're Zagat-rated, too) in the Caribbean.
GO for a drive to wave-washed, boulder-strewn Bathsheba on the unspoiled Atlantic Coast for the scenery and the surfing; take an underwater excursion aboard the Atlantis Submarine to spy on tropical fish or a catamaran cruise to snorkel with sea turtles; don't miss Harrison's Cave, a magnificent, crystallized limestone cavern; and after dark, check out the lively bars and clubs of St. Lawrence Gap.
STAY at The Crane for a welcoming resort set atop a pink-sand beach; Coral Reef Club for colonial-inspired hospitality and a tranquil spa; Little Good Harbour for its family-run cluster of colorful cottages; the Hilton Barbados for two fabulous beaches and wonderful outdoor space; all-inclusive Almond Casuarina Beach Resort for great ocean views and reciprocal privileges at two Almond sister properties, adults-only Almond Beach Club & Spa and Almond Beach Village; and The Atlantis Hotel, a wonderfully renovated historic gem overlooking the spectacular Bathsheba coastline.
EAT at The Fish Pot at Little Good Harbour for spectacular seafood served seaside; Scarlet for innovative modern small plates and sophisticated ambience; Zen at The Crane for superb Thai and sushi; Fisherpond Great House for the amazing lunch buffet; The Cliff for a special occasion or romantic rendezvous; The Mews for European-Caribbean fare in a cozy, colorful setting; Mullins for an alfresco seafood lunch; Caf? Luna atop Little Arches Hotel for superb Italian; and the restaurant at The Atlantis for fresh local dishes, from seafood to spicy grilled meat rotis.
EVENT SITES The Hilton Barbados has significant function space, from a 570-person Grand Ballroom to a 4,000-square-foot meetings complex, plus an outdoor terrace and adjacent historic fort that can be used for events; The Crane offers a 2,250-square-foot coral-stone-walled Pavilion with sea views, as well an assortment of meeting rooms; Almond Casuarina Beach Resort has a variety of options for weddings, while Almond Beach Village has modern meeting facilities for up to 200 people; and The Atlantis is dramatic venue for an intimate wedding overlooking the dramatic Atlantic coast.
