About Barbados
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide - it's a little paradise that truly has something for everyone.
Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the gorgeous Maxwell Beach on which Bougainvillea Beach Resort is located.
For the foodies, Barbados is indeed the culinary capital of the Caribbean, with an excellent selection of fine restaurants as well as the eclectic selection of local haunts, including the must visit Oistins, where dinner awaits for as little as US$10 - $15 and the hundreds of Rum Shops that dot the landscape, serving traditional Bajan fare.
For those keen on history and cultural heritage, Barbados’ seven museums and the recently designated UNESCO Heritage Site – Bridgetown and the Historic Garrison Area are a treat waiting to be explored.
Festivals as diverse as Shakespeare and Opera in the month of February to Crop Over and Kadooment (carnival) in July and August, and the Food, Wine & Rum festival in November are an excellent way to combine sun, sand and sea with a unique vacation experience.
Barbados is one of the safest Caribbean islands, and easy to explore as there is an excellent infrastructure and so many amazing places and activities are literally minutes away. Getting around is as easy as a ride on the public transport for a mere US$1, to the convenience of readily available taxis or for the more adventurous, car hire (remember, we drive on the left).
Unlike its volcanic Caribbean neighbours, Barbados was formed from coral and limestone. This has created a natural filtration system, which has given the island one of the purest supplies of drinking water in the world. The coral and limestone has also created a network of caves below ground, the most well-known being Harrison’s Cave, a crystallized cavern of breathtakingly beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Nightlife hot spots are just five minutes away from Bougainvillea in the popular St. Lawrence Gap, which is home to several nightclubs, restaurants and bars, perfect for a night out on the town. Venture a bit further afield to enjoy the legendary drinks inclusive parties at Harbour Lights Night Club or party at sea on Barbados’ own pirate ship, the Jolly Roger or on a sunset catamaran cruise.
Yet, perhaps what is most special about Barbados and the reason so many people choose to return, year after year, is the genuine warmth, friendliness and generosity of Bajans (pronounced BAY-JUNS).
Activities, Attractions & Entertainment
There is never a dull moment in Barbados! Information on the activities and attractions below and so much more is available through Bougainvillea’s Activities Desk, where all tours can be arranged.
Ariel Trek
The Ariel Trek is a zip lining experience through some of Barbados’ lush tropical rain forests. This gives the unique feeling of flying through the forest and feeling at one with nature. The platforms are all built around the canopies of the trees. The highest platform is at 100ft. and the course is some 1000ft. of zip lining. Located in Jack-in-the-Box Gully St. Thomas.
Atlantis Submarines
This submarine adventure is an exhilarating experience which is unique in that it gives you a tour of the Caribbean underworld. Perfectly suited for families and one of the most highly recommended attractions in Barbados. It is a fully-narrated voyage which submerges to depths of 150 feet in the comfort of air conditioning with curious fish peeking in through the large port holes.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
This is the animal kingdom of Barbados, where you can stroll freely among animals feeding and playing in their natural environment. Here you can see agouti, armadillo, Brocket deer, pelicans, and caimans. Monkeys are most abundant at afternoon feeding time. Reptiles include snakes, iguanas, turtles, and tortoises. Parrots, flamingos, and peacocks share the premises, adding bright splashes of colour.
Bridgetown and the Historic Garrison Area (A UNESCO Heritage Site)
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, an outstanding example of British colonial architecture consisting of a well-preserved old town built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, which testifies to the spread of Great Britain's Atlantic colonial empire. The property also includes a nearby military garrison which consists of numerous historic buildings. With its serpentine urban lay-out the property testifies to a different approach to colonial town-planning compared to the Spanish and Dutch colonial cities of the region which were built along a grid plan.
Black Pearl Party Cruises aboard the Jolly Roger
This is an exciting cruise aboard Barbados’ old pirate ship, the Jolly Roger. The atmosphere is very upbeat and jolly with a lively crew and strong rum punch! Lunch is included as well as snorkelling, swimming with turtles, rope swinging, walking the plank and dancing to local music.
Catamaran Cruises
There are many exhilarating catamaran cruises in Barbados which include lunch, drinks as well activities such as swimming with turtles and snorkeling in ship wrecks. Some of our recommended cruises include Jammin’, Tiami and Cool Runnings.
Deep Sea Fishing
Fish caught in Barbados include Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, tuna and swordfish. Join one of the daily trips and reel one in.
Golf
Barbados is recognized as a world-renowned golf destination and Bougainvillea is a part owner of the Barbados Golf Club. Along with the sun and sea, you can enjoy the beautiful and challenging 72 par, 18-hole championship course, redesigned by Ron Kirby, one of the most respected and experienced golf course architects in the world. Bougainvillea guests enjoy discounted green fees and preferential tee-times.
Harrison's Cave
Exploring Harrison’s Cave is a must do tour of Barbados’ naturally sculpted caverns. The Caves are striking in their grandeur and natural splendour and the well organized tour is a unique experience not to be missed.
Horse Racing
The Garrison Savannah Horse Racing Track is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown. There are 3 racing seasons per year, January to April; May to August and October to December. The biggest race on the calendar is the Gold Cup, which is an international thoroughbred horse race held on the first Saturday in March. Enjoy the excitement of the race, place your bets and soak up the flavour of Barbados.
Horseback Riding
Tours conducted along the unspoiled south eastern coastline of Barbados where views are simply spectacular and the atmosphere is remote and tranquil. The groups are usually kept small to preserve personal attention.
Harbour Lights Dinner Show
The Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show on Mondays and Wednesday is a fantastic show for all ages. A BBQ feast is served along with exotic Caribbean drinks in front of a show of fire eaters, stiltmen, and acrobats keep you at the edge of your seat. Live calypso and tuck bands keep you entertained the whole night through while you dance in the powdery white sand of Barbados.
Island Safari
Adventure Safari is a non-stop-fun expedition taking you to the Eastern and Northeastern side of the island. Relax as the entertaining drivers navigate you on and off-road to some of the least-seen but most magnificent locations in Barbados including Edge Cliff, Bathsheba, Joe's River Forest and much more - including stops at the beach along Barbados' magical coastline. Lunch is a traditional island style meal served with a drink and of course, the famous Rum Punch, juice, diet drinks and snacks are served along the way.
Polo
Polo has emerged as a popular pastime in Barbados. The island has 5 polo fields and an exciting season from January – May, which shouldn’t be missed!
Scuba Diving
With dives to suit beginners, experienced and certified divers, you can explore the reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life of underwater Barbados with PADI certified, highly experienced dive instructors.
Nightlife
Sugar Ultra Lounge
Opened in 2011 and offers a chic, upscale decor in the most well known nightlife area in Barbados, St. Lawrence Gap.
Harbour Lights
A favourite liming spot with locals and visitors alike, Harbour Lights fuses the free drink club nights with the hottest local and international music to produce the ultimate party every Wednesday & Friday. The Club DJs keep the vibe interesting and lively with nonstop hits, until the wee hours of the morning.
Oistins
Oistins is a fishing village, which is transformed on Friday nights into the place to be, with Caribbean music playing, local rum flowing and an extensive array of colourful shacks serving the most authentic Caribbean food at just US$10 - $15 a plate! Oistins, is great for meeting, mixing, mingling and partying the night away in true Caribbean style. Ask about our Friday night shuttle to Oistins!
Priva
Open for evening drinks and dancing til late, PRIVA evolves into a late night party destination in Barbados for people of all ages and offers the perfect cosmopolitan watering hole.
Reggae Lounge
Living up to its name, Reggae Lounge offers a rootsy vibe with reggae and calypso music and is located in St. Lawrence Gap.
Living up to its name, Reggae Lounge offers a rootsy vibe with reggae and calypso music and is located in St. Lawrence Gap.
Lexy's Bar
Sing-along and dance the night away to your all time favorite songs at this charming piano bar, located in 2nd Street Holetown.
Shopping
La Tienda Gift Shop
Located in Bougainvillea Beach Resort’s Lobby La Tienda offers a wide range of souvenirs, toiletries, jewellery, beach wear, books, local & international newspapers, magazines, snacks etc and is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown, the historic heart of Barbados offers a large range of duty free shoppingBridgetown offers excellent duty free shopping, especially on jewellery, fragrances and liquor. Remember you will need your “departure card” and your passport or other ID, to take advantage of duty free prices! Cave Shepherd, the largest department stores in Bridgetown, offers a shuttle service to Bridgetown, Mondays through Saturdays. Sign-up at the Concierge Desk one day in advance for this service. The cost is US$5 and this is redeemable for shopping in the sponsoring store. Note that the shuttle is offered twice daily on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, once daily on other days.
Sheraton Mall
Sheraton Mall is a shopping and entertainment complex with approximately 120 stores, services and eateries along with the only multiplex cinema on the island. Duty free shopping available. Conveniently located 10 minutes (by car) from the resort.
Limegrove
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has emerged as the most stylish place to shop, dine, and lime for all visitors and residents of Barbados. Duty free shopping available. Limegrove, Barbados' first mixed use lifestyle centre, is located in the heart of Holetown. The Centre is home to many of the world's leading retail brands including Michael Kors, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, MAC and Ralph Lauren as well as restaurants, delis, cafes, bars, gourmet foods, an art gallery, cinemas, a spa and salon.
Cave Shepherd, Worthing
Cave Shepherd is the largest department store in Bridgetown but it also offers a smaller south coast location. The Vista shopping complex is one of many Cave Shepherd shops which offer duty free prices on an outstanding assortment of designer perfume and cosmetics, cameras and electronics, liquor and cigars, sportswear and beachwear, local music and quality souvenirs.
West Coast Mall
The modern West Coast Mall houses an excellent range of tax free stores, including Diamonds International, a Bookstore, a duty free Cave Shepherd shop which sells clothes pottery and perfume, an electrical shop, a hair dressers and more. The shops are all situated around a café which sells sandwiches and drinks at reasonable prices. There are also stalls dotted around the building which sell cheaper, yet very pretty, clothes and jewellery.
Pelican Village
Pelican Village Craft Centre is the place for a wide variety of genuine one of kind creations designed and locally made by skilled craftsmen in Barbados and the Caribbean.The local craft work is created from the island’s natural resources when it is available. Materials include leather, bamboo, mahogany wood, clay, grass, pandanus, shells and palm leaves.
Helpful Hints
Transport
- Car rentals are available through our Activities Department
- Buses - The bus stop is on the main road, approximately 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The cost is BD$2.00 per trip.
- Shuttle service is offered to Oistins on Fridays at a cost of US$5.00, Bridgetown Monday to Saturday at a cost of $10 and there is a complimentary shuttle to the supermarket on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Taxis are available at the main entrance of the resort. When transport is required between 10 pm and 7 am, it is recommended that you pre-book with Reception. Taxis are also readily available at the airport and transfers to the hotel cost approximately US$20.
Currency
- US dollars (but not coins) are accepted everywhere on the island.
- Currency can be changed to Barbados dollars at Reception from 7 am – 5 pm daily.
- Cash advances on your Credit Card are available at Reception
- ATM’s are located in Oistins and in St. Lawrence Gap, both approximately 5 minutes drive from the hotel.
Internet & Communication
- Complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout the resort. The password is provided at check-in.
- Computer and printer access is available in our internet room on the lower level. There is a small applicable charge.
- 1-800 numbers are not toll free from Barbados but can be dialled using 1-880
- A mailbox is located in each lobby. Postcards & stamps can be purchased at La Tienda in the Main Lobby.
Laws
- Drugs are illegal and you are can be charged for purchasing marijuana or other illegal substances. If approached, by a person attempting to sell, please say no.
- Smoking is prohibited in public buildings in Barbados. Within the hotel, this means that smoking in the hotel’s rooms, on balconies, restaurants, lobbies, etc is illegal and subject to fines of up to BD$5,000. The hotel will also charge a cleaning fee when the non-smoking law is not adhered to in rooms or on balconies.
- Camouflage is illegal in Barbados. This includes all clothing, bags, hats and bandanas.
- US Dollars cannot be issued by the hotel or any local business. You will always receive Barbados dollars change, even when paying with US dollars. Foreign currency can only be issued at a bank or the Airport’s currency exchange desk.
Safety
- Safety is paramount. Barbados is one of the safest destinations in the world but like anywhere, crime exists. Avoid walking on your own in isolated areas, wearing excessive jewellery or showing large quantities of cash. Use the standard precautions that you would take at home.
- Unregistered visitors are not allowed in guest rooms. If you are having a visitor, please direct them to Reception so that they can be registered before visiting your room. Day passes are available at the Reception desk for visitors who would like to spend the day at the resort. (*conditions may apply and registering/granting day passes is at the sole discretion of the hotel).
- Flip Flops may seem harmless, however can be dangerous as they do not offer sufficient grip. To avoid the risk of slips & falls, flip flops are not recommended on property.
