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Bridgetown, the capital, is among the most vibrant cities in the Eastern Caribbean. The city dates back almost to the initial occupation of the island by the British, and its colonial charm blends well with its contemporary commercial buildings.It is a port city, and as the country’s economy moves away from agriculture toward service industries, the deep-water harbor that accommodates massive ships and large container vessels is of great economic importance.

Barbados’ recently renovated and expanded cruise terminals are among the most sophisticated in the Caribbean. History and architecture buffs will enjoy Barbados’ wide array of great houses and historical architecture, which provide excellent insight into the life and times of the early settlers of the island. The Gun Hill Signal Station is one of several signal stations built around 1818. The restored structure boasts a formidable lion at its base and a fascinating collection of military memorabilia. Likewise, the Barbados Museum, located a mile south of Bridgetown, began its history as a military prison; today it houses artifacts from the island’s history.

Sam Lord’s Castle, now part of the Marriott luxury resort, was built in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord, a notorious planter. A man of lavish tastes, Sam Lord imported craftsmen from Europe to build his “castle.” This is considered by many to be the finest mansion in Barbados. The opulent estate features double verandas on all sides and magnificent plaster ceilings created by Charles Rutter, who crafted the ceilings of England’s Windsor Castle. Much of the original mahogany furniture and gilt mirrors remain intact. A good number of Lord’s possessions, some of which are on display, are said to have been obtained illegally: Lord, it is alleged, used to hang lanterns in trees to trick ships’ captains into thinking they were entering a safe harbor, and when the ships were wrecked on the dangerous rocks, he would plunder them. Legend has it that his treasure is buried somewhere on the grounds.

Sandy Lane Hotel - There are Caribbean legends, and then there is Sandy Lane, the Barbados hotel where you'd expect to find the likes of Cole Porter at the piano if only the place hadn't shut down three years ago for a massive (there's talk of $100 million) rehab.- St. James - Barbados W.I. Telephone: (246) 444 - 2000 - Facsimile: (246) 444 - 2222 • E-mail: mail@sandylane.com

One of the island’s most attractive sugar-plantation great houses, Villa Nova, is currently closed for refurbishment. However, Francia Plantation in St. George, although a private home, welcomes the public on weekdays. Built in 1913 by a successful Brazilian farmer of French descent, Francia is set on a wooded hillside with terraced gardens. The great house is an eclectic blend of Barbadian coral-stone craftmanship and Brazilian wood paneling, with an unusual entrance portico. Francia also has a magnificent collection of antique West Indian maps. Erected in 1650, St. Nicholas Abbey in St. Peter is one of only three houses of Jacobean architecture still standing in the Western Hemisphere. It was the home of a prominent farmer and has no religious connection with St. Nicholas or any religious order, despite its name. St. Nicholas Abbey has Dutch gables and finials of coral stone, as well as an herb garden reflecting a medieval design.

Another one of Barbados’ notable great houses is Tyrol Cot Heritage Village in St. Michael, constructed in 1854 as a home for “Father of Democracy” Sir Grantley Adams, Barbados’ only Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation, and his wife, Lady Adams. The home is filled with the lifetime collection of the Adams’ antiques and memorabilia. The Heritage Village is an outdoor “living museum” comprising chattel houses and the folk architecture of Barbados. Each house displays the work of a traditional craftsman or artist at work on-site.

The breathtaking Andromeda Gardens contain many varieties of orchids, bougainvillea, hibiscus, heliconia, palms, ferns and cacti. Managed by the Barbados National Trust, the six-acre garden was started in 1954 by Mrs. Iris Bannochie, a devoted horticulturist, who named it after the maiden in Greek mythology who was chained to a rock. Set on a cliff, the land is bisected by a stream, forming an entrancing sight of pools and waterfalls.

Beaches:
Barbados has miles of delightful sandy beaches. Most of the best beaches are located on the west side of the island, where the Caribbean’s calm waters attract swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers. There are splendid beaches along Carlisle Bay, stretching from below Bridgetown north to the cruise-ship terminal at Deep Water Harbour. Browne’s Beach and Graves End are favorites.

North of Deep Water Harbour, you’ll find Paradise Beach, Batts Rock Bay and Paynes Bay. In fact, this entire stretch of coast is ideal for beach activities.

The eastern side of the island faces the Atlantic Ocean, and its waters are much less peaceful. The reefs and shoals, and the ocean’s strong winds, create large breakers and treacherous currents. Swimmers should be careful in this area. There are safe shores popular with the locals at Morgan Lewis Beach, Long Pond and Tent Bay. On the south side of the island, the swimming and sunning are great at Bottom Bay and Long Bay, near Sam Lord’s Castle.

Activities:
The western coast of the island is where you’ll find first-rate diving and snorkeling facilities, particularly in the Folkestone Underwater Park near Holetown. More experienced divers can visit the nearby Stavronikita wreck. Boating is also popular on this island, and anglers can scour the local waters for marlin, dolphin, wahoo and tuna. Windsurfing, waterskiing and surfing are available, too.

If golf is your game, you’ll enjoy Barbados’ championship 18-hole courses at the Royal Westmoreland Golf Club and the Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Club. There are also courses at the Almond Beach Club Resort and the Rockley Resort Hotel. For tennis players, there are government-run public courts and courts at many major hotels. Barbados rum is probably the best in the English-speaking Caribbean, unless of course you come from Jamaica, or Guyana or ... It is worth paying a bit extra for a good brand such as VSOP or Old Gold, or for Sugar Cane Brandy, unless you are about to drown it in Coca Cola, in which case anything will do.

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