My Barbados Blog

Barbados Sugar Isle Jazz Festival

2012-05-15T23:13:09Z

Good to hear a jazz festival is coming back to Barbados!

Musician and promoter Deryck Walcott, of Christmas Jazz fame, is producing the inaugural Sugar Isle Jazz Festival the first weekend in June.

The Jazz Festival has an exciting line-up featuring some of the best musical talent in Barbados and across the region.

On Saturday, June 2, The Plantation Garden Theater comes alive with jazz, Caribbean style - The Golden Apple Project featuring Rhesa Garnes on vocals will open the evening and an all-star Caribbean band with Len “Boogsie” Sharpe on pan plus musicians from Jamaica, Trinidad, Antigua and Suriname will close out the night with their jazz interpretation of some of the region’s biggest hits from entertainers such as Kitchener, Sparrow, Edwin and Bob Marley.

Touch of Barbados Splendor and Wildlife Reserve Tour

2012-05-15T01:16:42Z

Enjoy a touch of splendor while visiting Barbados' colorful Orchid World and Wildlife Reserve.

This tour allows you to discover the truly breathtaking landscapes and scenic views of the island's east coast.

Wake up to the rhythm of the tropics and paradise to explore - the world will never look the same again!

You will visit Harrison's Cave before heading over the hills and through the valleys to the unforgettable east coast, allowing for a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Your last stop is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve where you'll find those mischievous Barbados monkeys at play.

Stops on Tour:

Harrison's Cave
Scenic East Coast
Wildlife Reserve

More details on this tour and other Barbados tours

Old Trees Penthouse on Sale for $7.95 Million

2012-05-15T01:09:49Z

The oceanfront property sits on the West Coast in Holetown.

The house has two master suites, one of which is currently set up as a media room, that open to private balconies. There are a total of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and one half bathroom.

The penthouse is in a gated community with a doorman.

Click here to tour the penthouse >

Beauty of Barbados: Reggae on the Hill, Mango Bay and More

2012-05-12T02:35:47Z

VIBE Magazine recently visited Barbados to attend an all-day trip to the Digicel Reggae On The Hill Festival.

The festival has become one of Barbados’ most anticipated entertainment events.

The annual event featured emerging Bajan talent as well as sets from Reggae staples such as Jah Cure and Chris Martin.

Photo courtesy of Vibe Magazine

Check out the photo gallery below for a glimpse into the most beautiful faces Barbados has to offer.

Family Barbadian Adventure

2012-05-12T01:41:29Z

“Family Barbadian Adventure” at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados

Families can enjoy a second room for kids at 50% off!!

While the resort is adults-only for most of the year, in the summer it offers daily buffet or a la carte breakfast and complimentary daily activities and entertainment for children of all ages, including kid friendly movie nights, water-sports and talent shows and complimentary non-motorized water sports.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Luxury accommodation based on double occupancy
Daily buffet or a la carte breakfast for the entire family, to be enjoyed in our ocean side Taboras restaurant
Kids 0-5 years old eat free when dining with their parents and choosing from our delicious Kids Menu
Complimentary non-motorized water sports, including kayaking, hobie cat sailing and paddle boards
Complimentary afternoon tea served daily
Complimentary wireless internet access in all guestroom and public areas

Available through October 31, 2012, rates start from $480 USD for the first room and $240 USD for the second room.

Find out more on this family friendly offer

http://www.fairmont.com/royalpavilion/HotelPackages/Family/FamilyOffer.htm

Barbados Summer Arts Festival

2012-05-08T07:14:47Z

The Barbados Summer Arts Festival (BSAF) is an annual celebration showcasing the best of Barbados’ art forms through various events, including a competitive process, but also contributes to the development of the arts locally and regionally.

The mission is to produce unique entertainment events, celebrating artistic endeavour and synergies while educating participants, creating new interest for visitors, and promoting economic activity.

The festival will contribute to development of the arts through events that:

Expose audiences to the core principles of the selected art forms;
Raise awareness of the influence of the arts on quality of life;
Create awareness of job types, functions, and possibilities in the various disciplines; and
Provide an opportunity for sales, marketing, and development of the tourism product in Barbados and the Caribbean.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

BIM-Rock Variations 5/18/12

The Inaugural Bim Literary Festival joins with the inaugural Barbados Summer Arts Festival to present evening of poetry & prose, at the Hastings Esplanade. This event is the precursor to a week-end celebration of several art forms, May 25th – 27th, the first Barbados Summer Arts Festival.

Tuk-muh-nuh! Friday, 5/25/12 7:00 p.m.

Hastings Arts Mart Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 5/25-5/27/12 - 10AM-7PM

This is the BSAF’s 2012 umbrella event – a three-day display of the artistic talents and products of local Bajans. There will be hand-crafted products, visual arts & photography, fashion, dance, culinary arts, martial arts, and aerobic displays and table-top games.

Art Of Healthy Living Saturday, 5/26/12 - 8:00 A.M.

Beachercise, martial arts and aerobic sessions, and the sale of healthy foods

Food Fair Saturday, 5/26/12 - 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.

There will be special emphasis on the promotion of homemade items: preserves, seasonings, beverages and wines.

Proper Pudding & Souse Saturday, 5/26/12 - 11:00 P.M.

Junior Duelling Challenge Saturday, 5/26/12 - 5:00 P.M

Chef Peter Edey’s popular television programme will be recorded under our big tent at the Arts Mart venue in Hastings.

‘Tuk-Muh-Nuh’ Congaline Saturday, 5/26/12 - 3:00 P.M

Beat It Saturday, 5/26/12 - 6:00 P.M.

Concert by the St Lucy Secondary School’s steel band orchestra.

Caribbean Mirror & Picture Barbados Saturday, 5/26/12

Photography on-line exhibition & competition.

The Caribbean Mirror on-line photographic exhibition and competition, is open to all, with entries to be submitted by May 31st. It places an emphasis on developmental issues relating to the natural & built environment, people and health. There will also be an unrestricted category that explores the possibilities of the art form.

Picture Barbados is a photographic treasure hunt where clues are given via the media, during the month of May. Participants are asked to produce pictures according to their interpretation of the clues, and knowledge of the island. There will be a display of the winning entries at a date and venue to be announced.

Queens Park Christmas Posse Pose-off Sunday, 5/27/12 - 10:00 A.M.

As popular as the Christmas morning event in Queen’s Park is, relatively few Barbadians get to see the spectacle first hand.

The Art of Speaking Well Sunday, 5/27/12

Radio event. For those who like dramatic performance as well as those who may be considering a career in broadcasting, this one’s for you. Competitors will be given a passage to read to the audience as if you were a news anchor. Points will be awarded based on your presentation.

Tastes Like Home Sunday, 5/27/12 - 11:00 P.M

A competitive element will be introduced into the food fair, with the ‘Taste Like Home’ cook-off.

The ART Of THE Makeover Sunday, 5/27/12

Video event. We will test the skills of the young brigade as they execute their craft and create works of art on willing participants.

The Fashion Fair Sunday, 5/27/12 - 3:00 P.M.

This is another opportunity for these artisans to display their designs in the Hastings catwalk caper.

Musical Finale Sunday, 5/27/12 - 6:00 P. M.

The festival ends as it started with a musical event in the Bandstand of the Hastings esplanade.

VISIT THE SITE

The Northern Most Point in Barbados

2012-05-03T03:13:34Z

Many visitors to Barbados spend their time on numerous beaches around the island, dine at the hundreds of fine restaurants, but may not get around to visiting the most northerly point on the island.

Heading to St Lucy parish in the northern part of the island, the scenery changes to rolling green hills. The North coast is rugged, untamed and has few crowds unlike the West and South coasts. Here the tradewinds blow a little stronger, and you have a spectacular view of untouched nature.

On your next visit, head north and you will appreciate getting away from the normal hustle and bustle of the island.

We normally stay on the South coast, and take the drive along the West coast to reach North Point. On the return trip we take the East coast - it's amazing to see the difference between the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.

North Point is home to the Animal Flower Cave, however do not expect to see actual flowers! Beautiful exotic flowers can be found at Orchid World or the Barbados Flower Forest.

Animal Flower Cave's name comes from the sea anemones in the caverns which form the shape of tiny flowers. There are not many left in the caves, and if you happen to see one and touch it, it will immediately close up. Walking along it's easy to miss the yellow sea anemones as they are extremely small - about the size of a dime, and some are even smaller.

Over the years the strong surf from the sea has carved deep caves into the jagged cliffs. Inside the caves are fossils of stone fish, and other natural wall formations - and one of the most pleasant surprises are several clear pools where you can take a cool dip - so make sure to bring a swimsuit!

The crashing surf has eroded the coral and created hollowed out "cave windows" that give you views out to the sea - There are about six windows to the ocean from inside the cave.

The cliff top and bay views are spectacular with foamy blue waters crashing against the rocks below, and spraying into the air.

You can hike out onto the cliffs on the East side of the cave and view small holes 50 feet down with the pounding surf beneath.

The viewing path on top to the west of the cave entrance has the most incredible views. There are also blow holes spraying through the jaggeds cliffs.

North Point Beach is not advisable for swimming. The sea conditions are usually rough with large waves and dangerous undercurrent. Experienced surfers are usually the ones out in the water.

The entire area is extremely rocky and can be slippery, so non-slip shoes are advised. You need the non slip shoes for climbing the ladders to decend down into the caves, walking through sharp coral, and mossy pools. Also the steps in and out of the cave are steep.

There's a small cliff side cafe which serves fresh lemonade, tasty sandwiches, rum punch and Banks beer. Benches are provided which give the opportunity for more fantastic views of the cliff and sea.

The Animal Flower Cave can be visited Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and the price is $10 US for adults, and $5.00 US for children. If you would rather walk around and take photos from the top, you do not have to pay. The admission price is to get into the cave, and is a guided tour.

Tip: Put your camera or cell phone in a zip lock bag. As you walk through the cave, the strong surf sprays inside.

Visit the site for more info http://animalflowercave.com/

Barbados Island Information

The Crane Resort - Barbados

2012-05-02T00:51:02Z

A lot of cruises now embark and disembark in Barbados. And, this island is an excellent place to spend a few days to relax and unwind after your long flight before you board your cruise, or after your cruise before your flight home.

Like most islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is all about the sun, the beach, relaxation and rum punch!

Before we boarded Silversea Silver Spirit for our April 2012 transatlantic sailing, we booked a night at The Crane Resort in Barbados.

As is the case with many flights to Barbados, our American Airlines flight from Miami did not even land in Barbados until 10pm. There is simply no way to fly into Barbados from DFW on the day of embarkation.

The 20-minute taxi ride from the airport to The Crane was uneventful and found us at the Reception desk around 10:45pm. Check-in was quick and easy and was made even easier with a complimentary glass of their fantastic rum punch. Soon, we were being escorted to our suite which was huge!

The Crane offers residential-style suites that have separate living room, bedroom, kitchen, and two full bathrooms. Some of these are actually sold as residences, so they have everything you could ever want in long-term accommodations. What a waste to only experience this for one night!

Read more at Cruise Report

Barbados Hotel Deals

Barbados Free Night Offers

2012-03-22T16:53:45Z

What better way to welcome you to Barbados than Fairmont Royal Pavillion's incredible series of Free Night offers*

Book now for this limited time Barbados promotion . . .

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Luxury accommodation based on double occupancy

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Free Night Offers:

Every 2nd night FREE*

Valid for travel from August 16 to October 30, 2012

Every 3rd night FREE*

Valid for travel from May 23 to June 30, 2012

Every 4th night FREE*

Valid for travel from April 22 to May 22 and from

July 1 to July 15, 2012

Fairmont SAVERs*

Save up to 20% off when you book our Fairmont SAVERs rate!

Enjoy fantastic complimentary services:

Enjoy the use of non-motorized water craft and sports. Savour the pampering of afternoon tea. Keep in shape at the fitness centre and stay in touch with WiFi.

Bring the kids!

From March 15th through October 31st, we cease to be an adult only resort as we welcome children of all ages with complimentary daily activities and entertainment.

It is a perfect time for families to have that special time together in a grand Bajan adventure. Complimentary daily activities include kid-friendly movie nights, watersports and talent shows

At The Fairmont Royal Pavilion kids 0-5 years old eat for free in our restaurants (this promotion excludes the Kids Corner, in room dining, and pool and beach services)

Kids 6-12 years old enjoy 50% off our regular menu prices

Participation in the turtle hatchling release including a complimentary boat tour to visit and swim with the turtles (this activity is subject to availability and must be booked with Concierge upon arrival)

AVAILABILITY

Valid for reservations made before April 15, 2012. This promotion is subject to availability.

RATES:

Oceanfront Deluxe room from $480*

Beachfront Junior Suite from $650*

Visit site for more info

Barbados and Trinidad Gas Pipeline

2012-03-12T19:40:53Z

Within the next 18 months, a natural gas pipeline linking Barbados with Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) could be a reality.

Word of this came from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart during a media briefing yesterday where he highlighted some of the outcomes of the 23rd inter-sessional meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Suriname.

He was at the time narrowing in on some of the discussions held outside of the main inter-sessional dialogue, which included a follow-up discussion with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on finding a conclusion to the fishing dispute between the two countries.

Read full article at Barbados Advocate

Barbados Likes You Facebook Promotion

2012-03-05T23:39:59Z

The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has reached over 50,000 fans on Facebook. To celebrate and reward followers BTA is giving away 50 days of prizes - and grand prizes include a trip to Barbados!

Some of the 50 days prizes include Kindle Fires, Mount Gay Rum and Banks Beer apparel, Barbadian cookbooks, iTunes and Amazon Gift Cards, all courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Authority and their partners.

Grand prizes include five-day/four-night vacation packages for two to Barbados, with round-trip airfare on American Airlines from a U.S. gateway. Accommodations will be at the luxurious Ocean Two, South Beach Barbados, and Elegant Hotels' Tamarind and Colony Club.

This grand prize trip to Barbados will be unlocked every time the Facebook page reaches an additional 10,000 likes.

The Barbados trip prize winners will also receive restaurant and attraction vouchers. Facebook followers can enter the contest daily.

Visit the BTA Facebook Page to enter

CaribbeanTales Holding Festival in Barbados

2012-03-03T18:50:06Z

For the 3rd consecutive year CaribbeanTales will be holding a festival in beautiful Barbados during May 2010.

The Caribbean Diaspora’s most dynamic film festival group - with bases and events in Toronto, Barbados and New York, and partnerships across the region and the globe - showcases Caribbean themed films of all genres.

Their programming celebrates the unique voice of the Caribbean in all its shapes, incarnations and diversity, including: culture, comedy, animation, sci-fi, diapora stories, stories of cultural identity and multicultural relationships.

About Caribbean Tales

Caribbean Tales is a group of companies that produces, markets and exhibits Caribbean-themed films for regional and international distribution.

These include: CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, that links producers and buyers of quality filmed entertainment; the CaribbeanTales Film Festival Group that produces annual events in Toronto, Barbados and New York; the Caribbean Incubator Program for Audio Visual Entrepreneurs that delivers training for filmmakers, and CaribbeanTales.ca, a non profit that promotes citizen participation through the medium of film, contributing to an inclusive Canadian society.

Founded in 2010, the CaribbeanTales Film Festival @ Island Inn Barbados is a multi facetted event that includes a Film Festival, an Industry Symposium, and a Content incubator, all aimed at stimulating the development of a vibrant world class Caribbean film and television industry.

More info on festival and submissions

Take A Look At The Crane

2012-02-17T07:27:00Z

Barbados Fustic House for Sale

2012-02-16T19:07:54Z

Today sees the launch in Country Life of one of the Caribbean's most remarkable properties, idyllic Fustic House in the parish of St Lucy, the northernmost of Barbados's 11 parishes and the most unspoilt.

Photo - Your Barbados Villas

Set in 10 acres of lush tropical gardens on a ridge overlooking the fabled west coast of the island, the classic, pale coralstone plantation house, built in about 1740, was remodelled in the late 1960s and early 1970s by the inspirational theatre designer Oliver Messel, who moved to Barbados for health reasons in 1966.

Here, until his death in 1978, and despite having no formal architectural training, Messel established a flourishing new career as the architect of choice of the wealthy international set, designing and creating nine signature houses on Barbados and 18 on Mustique, including Les Jolies Eaux, Mustique, for Princess Margaret, who was married to Messel's nephew, Lord Snowdon.

Read more

Barbados Orchid World

2012-02-16T07:21:00Z

CLICK ON PIC FOR MORE FLOWERS FROM BARBADOS AND CARIBBEAN REGION

Source: Uploaded by user via Linda on Pinterest