December 6, 2019
Call it Barbados’ equivalent to France’s Arc de Triomphe. The Independence Arch, situated in Bridgetown’s city centre, spans the southern end of the Chamberlain Bridge and is directly opposite to the Parliament Buildings. Designed by Grantley S. Romany, the Arch is now so much a part of the built environment that it is hard to believe that it was only erected in 1987, to commemorate the 21st anniversary of Independence – the coming of age of a nation. This month as you drive at night in Bridgetown, you will have the thrill of seeing the Arch swathed in blue and yellow light, the national colours of Barbados. Barbados gained its Independence on November 30, 1966, and in Barbados during the whole month of November, it is celebrated. If you get out of the car to take a closer look at the Arch by day, you will see that virtually all […]
October 8, 2019
“…a palace with which Aladdin himself might have been satisfied.” JAMES ANTHONY FROUDE (1818-1894), British historian and editor, Fraser’s Magazine, on Farley Hill in its heyday. Today, Farley Hill is a charred ruin and a national park of Barbados, but for 100 years it was a breathtaking wonder of a great house where Sir Graham Briggs, a rich British planter and legislator, entertained the crème de la crème of Barbadian society and even British royalty, including Prince Alfred, Prince Albert and Prince George (who later became King George V). The original building, Grenade Hall, was built in the 1800s by Sir Graham’s father, and he bequeathed it to Sir Graham in 1856. Sir Graham renamed the property “Farley Hill” after a British school of which he had happy memories. Folklore attributes 99 windows to his dream of a mansion. However, after his death in 1887, the building gradually became dilapidated […]
August 3, 2019
Looking for an outing for the kids, and indeed the whole family? We suggest a trip to the north of the island to Barbados’ second city, Speightstown, also known as “Little Bristol” because of strong trading links with that English city in the past. This is not a bustling city like the island’s capital, Bridgetown; indeed, it is rather sleepy and quite quaint but wonderfully rich in history and culture. First stop should be Arlington House, one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Dating back 300 years, this ‘single house’ of Charleston style was restored by the Barbados National Trust and eventually opened to the public in 2008. Despite its historic setting, this museum could not be more modern in its use of technology, creating an interactive experience extremely educational and enjoyable for all ages, but especially for those of primary or early secondary school age.
April 29, 2019
Kids have a ball at Dover Beach at our family-friendly hotel. In addition to frolicking in the kids-friendly pool, there’re many areas for them to have fun and create lifetime memories. When it comes to feeding the kids, our restaurant is well prepared to offer those items which are favourites with kids and the kid in us. Items such as hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and the ever-popular mac and cheese are all available on our kid’s menu.
April 3, 2019
In Barbados, the rum shop is an exhilarating getaway, a safe haven, a gaming spot, a stage for worldly conversation and so much more. Our island is blessed to have hundreds all over, and it is at these small hubs of large Bajan culture, that rum and good fellowship go hand-in-hand. One rum shop in particular, however, has an offer that just can’t be beat. John Moore Rum Shop, located in Weston, St. James provides patrons with the typically charismatic Bajan hospitality and an unmatched ambience crafted by the sun, sea and sand.