A short introduction to Barbados

CAPITAL Bridgetown

LANGUAGE English

TELEPHONE to call Barbados, the following dial code is required. +1 246 (00 1 246 from UK)

CURRENCY Barbados dollar

POPULATION 264,000

Barbados is the Caribbean's most revisited destination. It is a vibrant, nearly 400 year old island community - one of the most beautiful places on earth to spend a truly memorable holiday.

Barbados has a tropical climate and is hot and sunny year-round with pleasantly cooling trade winds. The best weather is between December and May, when it is cooler and more settled. Barbados is however very rarely affected by the May-November hurricanes and this can offer a lower cost and quieter opportunity to experience the island’s delights.

Barbados is a beautiful island with white sands and azure blue seas. It is 21 x 14 miles, which is small enough to get anywhere in 45 minutes or less and big enough to never get bored.

The people are welcoming, kind and helpful.

Visitors soon realise that the island's warmth has not only to do with the climate, but also the friendliness of its people.

The Barbados dollar is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of US$1.00 = BDS$1.98. US currency is readily accepted everywhere on the island, whilst most restaurants and large stores accept major credit cards.

The West coast where The St James is located is home to many of the island's most luxurious hotels and private villas, chic polo clubs and golf developments.

Sprawling seaside mansions sit on miles of powdery white sand beaches lapped by the calm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

This coast, with its dazzling tropical sunsets, is perfect for water skiing, smooth sailing on sleek catamarans with stops to snorkel over coral reefs with the sea turtles, or simply soaking in the warm, crystalline waters sipping on a delicious rum punch.

Whilst Barbados tends towards a reputation for the rich and famous, it has a huge variety of restaurants, and holiday makers can enjoy a good value holiday whilst indulging in the occasional taste of luxury.

The St James offers you the perfect opportunity to do this – its luxurious apartments right on the beach allow you to prepare some of your own meals if you wish. You can even fix your own barbecue on the sands and dine under the stars, with the gentle sounds of the ocean around you.