My Barbados Blog

The Hilton Caribbean's Tee-Off Time package is available now through Dec. 31 at five Hilton Caribbean hotels and resorts.

The Hilton Barbados Tee Off packages starts at $389 per night, and includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, two rounds of golf including cart rental or caddy per person, as well as transfers.

Rates for other Hilton island properties are as follows:

British Colonial Hilton Nassau, Bahamas from $314; The Hilton Kingston Jamaica from $259; The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, Puerto Rico from $299; and The Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre from $325.

I ran across Notes from a Small Island blog, and Ingrid Persaud dishes the goings on at Holder's Season in Barbados. Ingrid's account brought back memories of the last Holder's Season I attended - and yes a visit to Wendy Kidd's homes is worth a visit - even if you are not a cultural fan - Linda

Ingrid starts out with . . .
'Tis “the season” to be jolly on our small rock. Visitor numbers peak as the winter birds settle into their villa nests on the West coast. Those who cannot afford to nest here from November through to April make the pilgrimage for a week or two as a brief escape from the punishing northern winter.

We put on major cultural shows for them – international culture rather than the stuff that makes up our other major local culture event, Crop Over. This being little England we particularly thrive on a little of the English cultural and social scene.

Winter birds want to be able to report back to the less fortunate of Abergavenny and Aldershot that they did not miss out on anything and they got a tan. You saw Much Ado About Nothing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Festival Hall, London? We did it at Holders Festival in a Globe Theatre, London production. Wish you were there darling!

Read the rest of Ingrid's post at Notes From a Small Island

One more exciting Barbados island water activity in addition to my last posting - Linda

Barbados is the only country in the world offering a tour in a boat like this!!

Sit back and relax as you're taken on an adventure of a lifetime, which people of all ages can enjoy. The Sea Eye will glide effortlessly across the azure of the Caribbean Sea, giving you the chance to view this beautiful Island under a warm tropical sun.

The Sea Eye will take you to view the sea life and the turtles through its enormous viewing screen, the first of its kind in the world. You will also feed the fish and snorkel with the turtles in the crystal clear coastal waters of Barbados.

You can view the underwater world and the intriguing shipwrecks through the viewing screen, sipping on your rum punch listening to light reggae rhythms in the comfort of the air cooled dome.

Snorkeling equipment is provided for those who wish to get in the water!

Tour commences with pick-up from your hotel, cruise ship terminal or from Blue Monkey Paynes Bay, St James

For more info, or to book this one of a kind tour, click here

 

Experience an adventure of a lifetime in Barbados on board the Atlantis Submarine!

Explore beautiful coral reefs and marine life at 55 feet, then descend down to depths of 115 to 150 feet to discover a sunken shipwreck from the view port of this real submarine!

We are offering special pricing of $99.00, a savings of 10% off the regular rate of $110.00. Hotel pick-up can be arranged from most Barbados hotels at a charge of $7.50 per adult and $5.00 for children.

Find out more on this special Barbados offer

See More Barbados Tours and Activities - Day Tours, Sightseeing, Day and Night Cruises

**And we always provide roundtrip airport "transfers" in order that visitors to Barbados can securely book their transportation from the aiport to their hotel/resort, and the return trip to the aiport in advance**

Just look under "transfers", choose which area of the island your hotel/resort is located, and get this additional charge taken care of prior to getting to the island.

A variety of world-class music and theatrical performances, ranging from opera to comedy, are lined up in this year's Holders program providing the ultimate sensory experience.

The annual performing arts festival, scheduled to last until March 15, 2008, is held at the breathtaking Holders House in Barbados and has previously been graced by legends including: Pavarotti, Sir Tim Rice and Lesley Garrett.

Holders Season is hosted by the renowned Wendy Kidd, mother to Jodie and Gemma Kidd. The festival is held in the extensive grounds of Wendy's exquisite home, the Holders House, where she regularly entertains British royalty and hosts countless Polo tournaments.

The 2008 Holders Season brings a wide range of festive sights and sounds, from the West End and Broadway musical, to the rhythms of the French Caribbean.

Highlights include a Holders Season favorite, Chicago's 2nd City Touring Company described as "the world's greatest comedy theatre!" Laugh- out-loud comedy giants include Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. In a major coup for Holders, the latest crop of comic talents brings their remarkable brand of improvised humor to the magical garden.

    The current schedule of events is:

     Tuesday, February 26th
     From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London) - Much Ado About Nothing

     Thursday, February 28th
     Kit and the Widow

     Friday, February 29th
     From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London) - Much Ado About Nothing

     Saturday, March 1st
     The Piano - Keyboard Kings Ben "Boogie Woogie" Waters + The David Rees Williams Trio

     Monday, March 3rd
     Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation

     Tuesday, March 4th
     Classical Double Mill Bravo!

     Thursday, March 6th
     Comedy Night 2nd City Touring Co. Chicago

     Saturday, March 8th (9pm-10pm)
     6pm-8pm Calling All Kids
     9pm-10pm Poetry on the Gallery - Love is all around

     Tuesday, March 11th
     The Piano 2 - Featuring Simon Mulligan

     Thursday, March 13th
     Gospel and Blues Night with The Campbell Brothers

     Saturday, March 15th
     Gala Night - Direct from New Orleans - The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Ticket prices start from $15 per person. For more information on Holders Season, visit www.holders.net

The Caribbean International Film Festival will take place in Barbados April 9-13 at which "Hit For Six!" will be screened.

"Hit For Six!" is a fictional account of a West Indian cricketer who fights a match-fixing charge.

Since its establishment in 1992, the Pan African Film Festival has promoted cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression featuring quality films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada.

Visit the "Hit For Six" website for more information - http://www.hitforsix.com/ 

Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, March 1st, 2008

The 27th annual Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup will be held at The Garrison on Saturday March 1st, 2008.

This is the the leading horse racing event in Barbados, and the largest and most important in the Caribbean region. This international 9 furlong race attracts some of the world's best thoroughbred horses throughout North America and the Caribbean.

Along with a fine day of racing, visitors can also enjoy the traditional Gold Cup Parade, local food vendors, and there will also be live bands to provide musical entertainment.  

For more info, please visit the Sandy Lane site

Mango Bay is promoting Barbados' celebration of its culture and history at the annual Holetown Festival, Feb. 17-24.

The all-inclusive Mango Bay is offering rates now through Jan. 31 from $460; from Feb. 1 to April 30, rates are $510. All rates are per room, per night in a standard room and are based on double occupancy.

The property is within walking distance of many shops in Holetown, 25 minutes from the capital city of Bridgetown and 40 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport. Celebrated for almost three decades, this week-long festival commemorates the anniversary of Holetown, the first settlement of Barbados in 1627.

The Holetown Festival features theatrical presentations, historical talks, sporting events including a 10K run, concerts, street parades, food tastings, poetry readings, sidewalk art shows, games, local handicraft markets and the popular Queen of the Festival Pageant. Event costs vary but a majority are free of charge.

Cool Jazz in the West Indies - on the beautiful island of Barbados - ohhhh it doesn't get much better than this . . . Linda

The 15th Annual Barbados Jazz Festival - Jan 14 - 20, 2008

Singer Erikah Badu and jazz greats Bob James and Lee Ritenour will headline the festival, along with many other entertainers.

Here's the line up for 2008, along with dates, venue and ticket prices:

Jan 14 - Sunbury Plantation House - Bob James & Terri Lyne Carrington - $40.00

Jan 15 - Heritage Park/The Rum Factory - John Patitucci & Clifton Glasgow - $35.00

Jan 16 - Heritage Park/The Rum Factory - Stefan Walcott/Andre Forde - $25.00

Jan 17 - The Crane Resort (Dinner Set) - Vanessa Rubin - $100.00

Jan 18 - Farley Hill National Park - Erykah Badu - $40.00

Jan 19 - Farley Hill National Park - Kenny Garrett, Lee Ritenour, The Almond Band - $30.00

Jan 20 - Farley Hill National Park - The Rippingstons, Cuban All Star Jazz Band, David "Ziggy" Walcott - $30.00

Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency is not handling ticket sales, however we have a few available hotels and resorts with discount pricing. For those needing complete vacation packages with air and hotel included, please contact us ASAP, as air space is limited.

Online Ticket info can be found at this site:

http://www.barbadosjazzfestival.com/tickets.html

Almond Resorts Celebrating Super Bowl

For the 10th year, Almond Resorts is inviting clients to watch the Superbowl 42 game at Almond Resorts, the all-inclusive brand in Barbados.

Big Game Week is once again being hosted by NFL alumni Billy Taylor, former N.Y. Giants' running back, along with Matt Blair, former Minnesota Vikings' star linebacker, Iowa State player and author; Jim Osborne, former Chicago Bears Defensive tackle; and Joe Morris, former N.Y. Giants running back and member of the Superbowl XXI winning team in 1987.

Big Game weekend activities with the players include a golf scramble, beach volleyball, basketball, tug-o-war and a relaxing sunset cruise on the Caribbean Sea.

Big Game Week Packages at Almond Beach Village Start at $1,039 per person during Almond Resorts'Big Game Week, Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, 2008.

Packages are all-inclusive except for any equipment that guests may wish to rent for the Golf Tournament and the Sunset Cruise. Package price quoted is for a standard room, based on double occupancy. Booking period for this special rate ends Jan. 11, 2008.

Participation in activities with the NFL alumni is subject to space availability and reservations are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once booked, travel agents can sign up clients for the week's events and the Big Game Party (on or before Jan. 15) via email. Other packages are available.

A minimum stay of three nights is required to qualify for participation in Big Game Week activities.

This is a very popular package. Please contact us ASAP to make reservations!

Barbados celebrates Independence Day on November 30th, and soul diva Patti LaBelle will be on the island for the holiday celebration.

The singer is assisting the Barbados Cancer Society's Hospital with a charity fundraising event to benefit the Barbados Cancer Society.

She is very involved with cancer programs and events because her sister died of the disease. Also the singer has diabetes, and is also involved with the National Diabetes Association.

Patti will be the guest of honor at "An Evening of Wine, Jazz and Hope" dinner, and a silent auction will also be held.

She will also introduce the Emmy nominated film "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy", in which she has a small part.

Then, it's on to The Gap Midnight Fun Mile, where she was invited to cut the ribbon to start a charity race. Proceeds from the race benefit the Barbados Cancer Society Hospital's outpatient services.

For those interested in attending any of these events, contact the Barbados Cancer Society at 436-8888 or visit the website: http://www.smbcf.org

   

Enjoy the best reggae on the island at Jumbies in the St Lawrence Gap. The first show was yesterday, and "Raggae Nights" will run March 27, 2008.

The event is being presented by Banks Beer, Jumbies, Bird's Eye Music and CRS Music, and sponsored by HOTT and Love FM.

Barbadian music star David Kirton will be performing life every Thursday night. Kirton's new album "Time for Change" is nominated for seven Barbados Music Awards - including Entertainer of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.

Visit David's website for more info about him, and his music.

"Raggae Nights" Inside Thursday Dates at Jumbies-  Nov 15, Nov 22, Dec 6, 13 & 20, Jan 3,10,17 & 24, Feb 7, 14 & 21, Mar 6, 13 & 20.

"Raggae Nights" Parking Lot Thursday Dates at Jumbies (on these dates, the raggae night moves indoors to Jumbies parking lot, with many guest artist more local and regional) - Nov 29, Dec 27th, Jan 31st, Feb 28th, and Mar 27 is the final day.

Special date: Feburary 7 - (Celebrating Bob Marley's Birthday, which is on Feb 6).

Barbados will host one of the biggest open air festivals in the Caribbean - Nova Culture Fest 2007- from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18.

The festival will be sponsored by the Barbados Investment and Development Corp., and other private companies on the island.

The festival will cater to the entire family and offer local crafts such as pottery, basket weaving, wood carving, glass blowing, along with live cooking demonstrations. There will be plenty of fun for the kids with a special kids zones that will operate throughout the festival.

Saturday's schedule includes lots of activities and a farmers market, and live entertainment will be offered Saturday evening.

On Sunday a Caribbean Sunday Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Harbour Road will be closed and turned into the longest fashion runway ever seen in Barbados.

Source: Caribbean News Net

This weekend, the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Associations Sprint Stakes and Trophy will be run at the Garrison Savanah.

The purse is over $44,000 for the main race, and a $25,000 purse for the second featured race.

Kabul, a six year old thoroughbred, and four time winner is the favorite to take the trophy on Saturday. Two other horses from last year's race, Don Anglesonny and Ribo Tango, will also be competing for the title.      

BH3 Run # 1262
Barbados Hash Harriers Next Event
 
Date:      Saturday August 4, 2007
Time:      4:00 pm - 12:00 am 
Location: Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology, Husbands, St. James
Phone:    266-0571
Notes:     Hare: Chris "Tall Man"

Signs Posted From: North from UWI & West from Warren's Roundabout

BYOM, Mugs & $$'s
 

BH3 Run # 1260
 
Date:   Saturday July 28, 2007
Time:   4:00 pm - 12:00 am 
Location:   Indian Pond House, St. Joseph
Phone:   266-0571/829-0051
Notes:   Hares: Moira, Nick, Selvi "Doggie Style" & Ian "Haggis"

Signposted from Andrew's Sugar Factory, BYOM, Mugs & $

Important: The owners love their chickens and ducks and have asked that you leave your pets at home

Parents - there is a DEEP pond at Indian Pond. It is DEEP, really DEEEEP.

The Barbados Hash House Harriers was founded in November of 1985. Although we are a group primarily focused on running and walking events, we also promote charitable projects for the less fortunate. Boasting over 100 regulars, we meet every Saturday and Bank holidays at different locations throughout our beautiful island of Barbados.

All are welcome to join us, just show up to run or walk, and to socialize... On On!