Expert: Cathrin Mueller - 6/1/2005

Question
A friend and I are going to Barbados on 6/30 for 5 nights.  We're staying at the Amaryllis Beach Resort and wanted to know if this is a nice hotel.  Also, how's the "snuba" diving tour and Rhino Rider's.  We've heard a lot about Club Xtreme and The Boatyard.  Can you tell us where are some nice places to go?  We're both single females looking to have a nice time.  Finally, where are some good "mom and pop" shops to eat at as well.  

Thank You!

Answer
Hi there!

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to respond but I am in the middle of a move after 23 years and there is a lot to pack!

I am also a single female and travel to Barbados twice a year with a passel of other like-minded gals.  I cannot tell if you are writing from the US or UK, pehaps.  I am German but was raised in NY.

Firstly, your hotel is a lovely one.  I know it only because we drove through it last trip waiting for guests to join our sailing tour.  It is new and quite pretty.  

I must admit that I am almost a Bajan and know nothing about the somewhat 'touristy' attractions that you have probably pulled out of a catalog.  'Rhino Rider's'?? That is a new one for me.  

If you want to dive, there is a reputable dive base on the west coast.  Ask at the hotel reception.  Barbados does not have really exciting diving; so I have been told by friends who dive.  You will not see sharks nor larger fish.  

If  you just want a great day of snorkeling and sailing, I will suggest 'Small Cats'.  This company has a fleet of about five catarmarans that they take tourists on for day trips.  'Cool Runnings', 'Stiletto' and 'Small Cats' are three of their boats.  I always charter the latter because only 12 guests are on board.  The captain will try to get to the snorkeling grounds and to the sea turtles (yess.........go swimming with turtles) 45 minutes before the larger boats do.  You get to enjoy the sea life before 50 tourist jump into the water and mess things up.  This is something that is rarely considered when booking a snorkeling tour.  You have drinks (rum or soft), a great Bajan meal, tunes, pick-up and drop-off for a whole day for about 65 USD.  The smaller the boat, the better the trip.

There are a few fun clubs on Barbados.  I have never tried Club Xtreme because it is in a strip mall and it is just like any club that you can find in a big city.  ALL other clubs on Barbados are open air.  Most charge a cover but Club Xtreme is.... extreme and air-conditioned.  The Boatyard, Harbour Lights and Ship Inn are all owned by the same company.  The Boatyard is where the cruise ships take their guests to lay on the beach during the day.  At night, you have to walk through a metal detector and all dinks are served in plastic cups because of fights etc....  This might not bother you, but I want to have a chat with locals and not other tourists.  Harbour Lights is the same.  For really hard core, try the Reggae Lounge.  I must warn you that the ration is 4 male to 1 female (like flies to poopey) and you get stoned from just breathing the air.  Scarey but harmless with a buddy.

From your hotel, take the number 11 bus (just go out to the main road and they will honk and flash you) for BDS 1.50 and ask to go to 'THE GAP'.  This is a road where all the really fun places are.  The Ship Inn is a lot of fun and has live music on most nights.  Thursday is the best.  Look for The Toni Norville Band.  I have gotten to know Toni over the years and she is a singer just waiting to be discovered with a voice as big as Whitney's or Mary J's.  Here there is an even mix of locals and tourists and the cover is bearable.  

McBrides is also nice.  Do not be afraid to walk down the main roads in the dark in pairs.  Men might talk to you, but they are out to chat at best.  Go be brave and go to a rum shop.  You will have a blast.  Try Bradys in the gap.  A really good meal can be found at the Jungle Cafe in the gap (just keep on walking....... and ask along the way).

You MUST go to the Carib Beach Bar for Happy Hour on Sundays.  Live music on the beach.  This is on the main costal road.  Again the 11 bus in the direction of the airport and just tell the driver where you want to go and they will let you off.  They stop at about 11 pm and then you will have to return via taxi.  

Another tip is to go to Fiesta Latina (the name of the party not the name of the bar) in the gap in the bar across from the bay (near Pisces restaurant) .  The DJ's name is Eddie Ayoung.  He is Trini-Bajan (from Trinidad and Barbadios) and does a good salsa party twice a week.  Say HI from Cathrin!

BooHoo! Because I am moving I am not there now.   :o(
I will be down again in November and then for three weeks.

Have a good time.  The Bajans are wonderful people.  Be as smart with your money and your valuables as you would at home and you will enjoy yourself immensely!

Take care,
Cathrin