Thursday, 30 July 2015

The Famous Crop Over Festival Starts Today!



What is ‘Crop Over’ Festival?


Beautiful costumes, big smiles and bursting with colour!
Crop over is Barbados’, and arguably the Caribbean’s, biggest and most popular festival. Bursting with colour, dancing and music this festival really is full of life and is a highlight of the summer. This momentous celebrations origins trace back to the 1780s, a time when Barbados was the World’s largest producer of sugar.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors to dance through the streets
There was always a huge party at the end of the sugar season to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest – Crop Over! Unfortunately during the 1940’s the sugar industry in Barbados declined and the festival along with it, terminating completely.

However, Crop Over was revived in 1974, bigger than ever to include other elements of Bajan culture to create a more extravagant celebration which now attracts thousands of people from all around the World. 

Barbados born Rihanna attends every year

To read more about the dates, events and traditions visit www.barbados.org





Friday, 24 July 2015

5 ''Must Do’s'' In Barbados

Number 1 – Hire a Car

At 21 miles long, and 14 miles wide, it’s not difficult to find a way around this beautiful island, however the best way to travel in Barbados is by car, this allows you to take in the spectacular, unspoilt natural beauty, and if you get lost, you can always ask the friendly locals – they’re very accommodating.



Number 2 – Snorkel

With crystal clear waters, and plenty to see it’s the perfect place to go snorkelling. Tropical fish, turtles and colourful corals, the calm waters along the western coastline are particularly perfect. For those who aren’t water babies, you don’t have to go far beneath the waves to explore the ocean. 



Number 3 – Rum Punch

The saying in Barbados is;
1 part sour
2 parts sweet
3 of strong
4 of weak
Be sure to taste the islands’ delicious rum punch. You won’t be disappointed. It tastes so good, you often forget what you’re drinking!



Number 4 – Wildlife Reserve

Visit The Barbados Wildlife Reserve, it gives you a unique opportunity to stroll free watching the animals in their natural environment. The Green Monkeys are a very popular attraction, as they are undeniably cute, with a brown greyish colour they have highlights of yellow and green which makes their overall appearance green. Here you will see various animals from birds to reptiles, it’s perfect with the whole family, in particular children!



Number 5 - The National Dish

Try Barbados’ national dish; cou cou and flying fish, is a local delicacy. The fish is rolled and stewed down in a delicious gravy with herbs, tomatoes, garlic, onions and butter. Cou cou is made with yellow corn meal with finely chopped okras, water and butter. Barbadians love their food, this is displayed in there wonderfully unique dishes. 


Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Elegant Address Barbados Travel Guide: How to Beat Jetlag





Jetlag: A disturbed sleep pattern, weakness and disorientation caused by travelling.
For those who are worried about it ruining the first few days of their dream long haul trip, don’t worry we have created a helpful guide for before and during your travels to help hugely reduce the effects of jetlag.

Before you travel


Change your sleep routine – People with rigid schedules suffer the most with jetlag. It’s best to be prepared and start getting your body used to gentle changes in sleep instead of a large leap. If you are travelling east go to bed earlier and if you’re headed west go to bed later.

Be smart with your flights – Get two holidays in one! Try to find a mid-way stopover as this will give your body more time to adjust and adapt. If this is inconvenient, plan your flights so you arrive in daylight since you will feel more like staying awake and fitting in with your new schedule.

On the flight



Avoid taking advantage of the trolley – As tempting as it is to start your holiday on the plane by taking advantage of mini bar trolley, the effect of alcohol at altitude increases tiredness and dehydration which will have a knock on effect to your arrival. If you are due to land at night also avoid caffeine drinks such as coffee, cola and energy drinks and instead drink plenty of water or camomile tea.

Create a sleep environment – Try to give yourself the best chance of getting to sleep by making sure you pack an eye mask and ear plugs to block out any distractions on the flight. Regular exercise during the day may also help you get to sleep later, but make sure you don’t exercise too late in the evening.


When you arrive



Anchor sleep - Try to get as much sleep in every 24 hours as you normally would. A minimum block of four hours’ sleep during the local night – known as “anchor sleep” – is thought to be necessary to help you adapt to a new time zone. If possible, make up the total sleep time by taking naps during the day.

Natural light - The cycle of light and dark is one of the most important factors in setting the body’s internal clock. Exposure to daylight at the destination will usually help you adapt to the new time zone faster. Shouldn’t be too difficult to keep to this rule whilst you’re sunbathing!





Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Five most fabulous places to dine in Barbados

Barbados is famous for many things; its rich culture, deep history and of course its delicious cuisine. Some even argue it offers the best food in the Caribbean! Hundreds of restaurants populate this small island, each with their own signature style from delicious local seafood to important delicacies.

The Cliff – St James


The Cliff is the most well-known and luxurious (and expensive at $75 per head minimum) restaurant in Barbados, making it a celebrity favourite. The price of your meal becomes a distant memory when you see the unbeatable open-air setting on a coral clifftop above a small cove on the west coast. Unsurprisingly, this incredible setting has place The Cliff at the top of the "most romantic restaurants in the world' list, particularly when the moon-illuminated sea sparkles under a starry sky.
Whilst enjoying the breath taking views and scenery you will enjoy an excellent selection of dishes and an impressive wine list that will excite even the most particular guests. Take your pick from a delicious international menu with dishes from Italy, Thailand, France and of course the Caribbean, all to the highest standard.



Lone Star


This ex-petrol station may not look like much from the entrance, but much like an oyster…looks can be deceiving until you look inside!  With its close proximity to the sea, polished floor boards and bright nautical colour scheme makes this a charm filled, dining location.
Lone star has gathered quite a following and will be thriving with people at dinner time, especially with creative guests from the media and theatre. Dining with ocean-front setting doesn’t get much better than this. Take your time perusing the menu with surprising combinations of influences from all of the globe including India, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. Diner’s favourites include crispy aromatic duck, lamb shank in basic mash and the fresh tuna tartar.



Cin Cin By The Sea – Saint James


In less than four years, Cin Cin has become one of Barbados’ best restaurants; being equally as popular as The Cliff. Sip delicious cocktails at the bar yet trendy interiors before relaxing in the open air dining beside the crystal blue ocean, making Cin Cin of the islands finest seafood hotspots!
Cin Cin could have been transplanted straight from Miami's South Beach, although its laidback Bajan ambience prevents the glitz from ever spilling over into pretentiousness. What's more, the food more than lives up to its swish surroundings.
Open for lunch and dinner, if you’re peckish, you could spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the view with nibbles and cocktails or indulge in their infamously delightful dishes.  The creative menu takes its cue from both Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. Jumbo crab cakes with pickled mango, seared yellow fin tuna, fresh king scallops and spiced Atlantic salmon in a citrus banana butter all take their place next to inventive Italian pastas and classic Provençal flavours.

 Daphne’s

This beautiful Italian restaurant next to The House hotel, is a firm favourite with repeat visitors and remains an institution in Barbados dining. This is the Caribbean sister to London’s Daphne’s in South Kensington meaning there is no question of its exquisite food and level of service. The kitchen is led by Chef Marco Festini Cromer, who creates exciting, contemporary dishes with lesser known local specialities which has won him a loyal following of fans…Pickled green banana anyone?

Starters range from classic Italian antipasto, fish carpaccio, and artichoke and asparagus salad with crumbled blue cheese, to shrimp piri-piri and fish soup. The extensive selection continues with a choice of homemade pastas and risottos, grilled meats and fish, and exceptional main plates such as blackened mahi mahi with peperonata, baked red snapper or stewed tiger shrimp with borlotti beans. With ‘Wine Connoisseur’ night offer a large discount of selected wines and champagne, you can’t possibly resist!



Scarlet


Scarlet bills itself as the best place to eat, drink, and play in Barbados. From the outside, this small chattel house will make you double take as it beckons you from the road with its wonderful colours and fabulous disco ball adorning mini porte-cochere.

Scarlet’s interior décor is an offbeat and quirky version of true Hollywood glamour. This is definitely a place to be dressed up and bring a camera! The restaurant has earned a reputation as the before-and-after-dinner watering hole of Barbados’s chic, but anyone making the pilgrimage really should stay for dinner and dessert. This unique, lively restaurant has an excellent selection of international dishes on the menu, it certainly lives up to its claims. The dinner menu, aptly named ‘Hunger’, manages to be unique yet, Caribbean, and most items are served as ‘Little Dishes’, tapas-sized portions ideal for sharing.


Wednesday, 22 April 2015

The Exotic Beaches of Barbados

As a tropical paradise Barbados is home to some of the most beautiful and sought after beaches in the world. People travel from across the globe to experience the pristine coast with its dazzling blue waters.


For those who are regular visitors to the island (or if you know your geography) you will know that the West side is home to the calm Caribbean Sea and the South and East sides are home to the Atlantic Ocean, with its character and ferocity it is a wondrous site to be hold although not so relaxing when trying to sunbath.

As luxury property specialists we ensure we source the most beautiful of luxury villas, hotels and apartments the island has to offer which is why our adventure has taken us to the Platinum Coast to The Parish St James.

This renowned Parish is home to some of the world’s most sought after and prestigious properties as well as the famous Sandy Lane Beach. Lined with pink parasols you know you are on the Sandy Lane Beach, although you cannot use the comfortable looking loungers you are able to sit along the shore line and relax. 


For those who are more adventurous we would suggest hiring a Catamaran and swimming with the turtles this is a truly wonderful experience and one you will never forget. There are also plenty of water sporting activities along the West Coast due to its calmer waters on beaches such as Payne’s Bay and in The Parish of St Peter at Gibbs Bay and Mullins Bay.


Surfers can be swept away on the South Coast at Surfer’s Point which sees some spectacular waves perfect for surfing. The South Coast is also home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches The Crane, the beaches pristine sands and enchanting surroundings as well as the beautiful waters attract the world’s rich and famous each year.


Elegant Address Finding Our Clients THE Address



Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Sam Lord - Pirate of Barbados

Sam Lord one of the most famous pirates of the Caribbean Sam Lord was unique and some say a very clever pirate with a profitable way of plundering ships.

 According to legend Sam would hang lanterns on coconut trees close to his castle, mistaking the lights for a City Captains would sail toward them and become ship wrecked. Sam Lord would then plunder the ships making them his own.


Sam Lord’s castle was a popular tourist spot in the Parish of St Philip for anyone visiting the island until 2010 when it was consumed by fire. A day trip to the beach at Sam Lord’s castle is a tranquil and relaxing day out a perfect place for a picnic.


There is so much to discover on the island of Barbados and it is much more fun when the locals tell us the stories, experience the history and sunshine of this stunning island by contacting Elegant Address Barbados today and starting your adventure!




Monday, 27 October 2014

The best Golfing resorts

Do you ever want to have some time to yourself relaxing on a pristine beach looking out across the dazzling sea or unwinding in a Luxury spa, but cannot find a place that provides for both men and women or all of the family? Well look no further the exotic island paradise of Barbados has luxury spas, white sandy beaches and amazing shopping opportunities as well as highly exclusive golf resorts, so you can sit back and relax as the men of the group enjoy a day’s golfing on some of the world’s best courses.


Home to the prestigious Sandy Lane Hotel this renowned elegant resort offers a fantastic range of golfing opportunities, equipped with three courses you will defiantly want to be part of this golf club.

Green Monkey

Named after the cheeky little Green Monkeys of Barbados this prestigious golf course is one of the most exclusive in the Caribbean, offering a 72 par, 7,343 yard set on the Sandy Lane Estate with glimpses of the Caribbean Sea and beneath the glistening sun.

Although if you want to play here you will have to stay here as the course is highly exclusive, so contact us today to find out more information - +44 (0) 12037 57 66 09


Old Nine

Since 1961 this famous golf course has offered visitors to Barbados 3,345 yards, par 36 of brilliant golf course. The lined fairway provides an intimate and demanding game. Set within the Sandy Lane Estate this is a popular course.


Country Club

Boasting 72 par, 7,060-yard of immaculate fairways and beautiful lakes this course was designed with a golfer in mind. With the amazing backdrop of the Caribbean Sea you will want to play here every day.

With a prominent spot on the Sandy Lane Estate the Country Club is a fine restaurant to enjoy a light bite to eat or a cold beverage on the patio overlooking the golf course. 



Rated one of the top golfing courses boasting a par 72 championship playing ground amidst tropical landscape. As one of the best Caribbean golf courses Royal Westmoreland is fully equipped with practice green, club house and much more.


Apes Hill

Opened in 2009 at almost 1,000 feet above Sea Level the views from this 7,150 yard, par 72 golf course are simply breath-taking. Prices for a game on this amazing 18-hole course start from $170 per game.


For further information regarding the golf courses of Barbados contact Elegant Address Barbados today, and end the best day of golfing you have ever had in one of our Luxury top Barbados properties. Contact the Barbados experts today via +44 (0) 1244 62 99 63