Holetown Guidebook
Sightseeing
Snorkelling
Folkestone Marine Park features an artificial reef, purposefully formed by the sinking of the ship Stavronikita which rests in 120ft of water less than half a mile from the shore. As a result of its depth, diving the Stavronikita is recommended only for experienced divers in the company of others. Contact a local scuba diving operator to explore the Stavronikita and other wrecks along this coast.
It is best for snorkelers to swim around the inshore reef found in the Recreational Zone of the Park. Located about one-third of a mile offshore, this reef is home to numerous fish and other marine life, including sea anemones, corals and sponges.
Other Watersports
The calm water at Folkestone also makes it perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Must-Do Activity
Paddle over colourful coral reefs populated by tropical fish in a glass bottom kayak and experience the view both above and below the surface!
38 personas locales recomiendan
Folkestone Marine Park
Snorkelling
Folkestone Marine Park features an artificial reef, purposefully formed by the sinking of the ship Stavronikita which rests in 120ft of water less than half a mile from the shore. As a result of its depth, diving the Stavronikita is recommended only for experienced divers in the company of others. Contact a local scuba diving operator to explore the Stavronikita and other wrecks along this coast.
It is best for snorkelers to swim around the inshore reef found in the Recreational Zone of the Park. Located about one-third of a mile offshore, this reef is home to numerous fish and other marine life, including sea anemones, corals and sponges.
Other Watersports
The calm water at Folkestone also makes it perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Must-Do Activity
Paddle over colourful coral reefs populated by tropical fish in a glass bottom kayak and experience the view both above and below the surface!
Barbados is not all sun and sand - or, at least, not all sand! Petrea Gardens is an unfolding five acres of manicured gras with eye-catching flowers and a lake parting it down the middle. The white-petalled Petrea plant gives this horticultural attraction its name and it can be found growing bountifully in the park. Numerous bridges cross the lake to allow visitors to take in the stunning views on both sides.
Petrea Gardens
Address: Folkestone, Barbados
*Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
*Confirm as there may be changes due to COVID-19.
Contact number: +1 246-267-0654
Petrea Garden
Barbados is not all sun and sand - or, at least, not all sand! Petrea Gardens is an unfolding five acres of manicured gras with eye-catching flowers and a lake parting it down the middle. The white-petalled Petrea plant gives this horticultural attraction its name and it can be found growing bountifully in the park. Numerous bridges cross the lake to allow visitors to take in the stunning views on both sides.
Petrea Gardens
Address: Folkestone, Barbados
*Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
*Confirm as there may be changes due to COVID-19.
Contact number: +1 246-267-0654
Food scene
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is Holetown’s premier shopping mall. There is a spa on-site, boutiques such as Bulgari, Michael Kors, and Gucci and many restaurants. Middle Eastern delicacies are on offer at Singapura and Lemongrass servesThai. You can also find movie theatres, real estate agents, chocolatiers, and bars.
They also sometimes host events such as craft fairs and exhibitions. If you’re not sure what to, Limegrove will definitely have you covered. Plus it's less than a five minute walk from the Lascelles residence.
177 personas locales recomiendan
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is Holetown’s premier shopping mall. There is a spa on-site, boutiques such as Bulgari, Michael Kors, and Gucci and many restaurants. Middle Eastern delicacies are on offer at Singapura and Lemongrass servesThai. You can also find movie theatres, real estate agents, chocolatiers, and bars.
They also sometimes host events such as craft fairs and exhibitions. If you’re not sure what to, Limegrove will definitely have you covered. Plus it's less than a five minute walk from the Lascelles residence.
Located next to Holetown’s post office, Surfside is a restaurant and bar that offers a little bit of everything, from high-quality local food to a range of drinks and more.
It's a sports bar, so if you’re wondering where to watch a big football match or if you are keen to follow the cricket games that are beloved across the Caribbean, then you’ll find screens here to see the action unfold. The front of the bar opens onto the views of the ocean so you can enjoy the beautiful West Coast sun sets.
Surfside
Address: Behind Holetown Post Office, Holetown
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Contact number: +1 246-432-2105
23 personas locales recomiendan
Surfside Restaurant & Bar
Located next to Holetown’s post office, Surfside is a restaurant and bar that offers a little bit of everything, from high-quality local food to a range of drinks and more.
It's a sports bar, so if you’re wondering where to watch a big football match or if you are keen to follow the cricket games that are beloved across the Caribbean, then you’ll find screens here to see the action unfold. The front of the bar opens onto the views of the ocean so you can enjoy the beautiful West Coast sun sets.
Surfside
Address: Behind Holetown Post Office, Holetown
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Contact number: +1 246-432-2105
Fine dining
The location of The Tides Barbados restaurant was once home to an island resident in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The open frontage of this establishment has a fantastic view. Set among the impressive pillars and stone floors at the heart of Holetown, this restaurant and bar offers signature dishes that include a coconut curry braised lamb shank, seafood linguini, and pan-roasted salmon, among others. For dessert, a layered cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, iced guava parfait, and a selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets are available.
Delicious food in a wonderful setting will ensure that you’ll want to come here again and again.
Contact number: +1 246-432-8356
112 personas locales recomiendan
The Tides Restaurant | Barbados
Fine dining
The location of The Tides Barbados restaurant was once home to an island resident in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The open frontage of this establishment has a fantastic view. Set among the impressive pillars and stone floors at the heart of Holetown, this restaurant and bar offers signature dishes that include a coconut curry braised lamb shank, seafood linguini, and pan-roasted salmon, among others. For dessert, a layered cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, iced guava parfait, and a selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets are available.
Delicious food in a wonderful setting will ensure that you’ll want to come here again and again.
Contact number: +1 246-432-8356
PRICE RANGE
$25 - $60
Lovely staff, reasonably priced, a selection of food but go here for pizza or pasta. It's cozy.
Contact number: +1 246-432-7394
http://www.spagobarbados.com/
10 personas locales recomiendan
Spago Restaurant & Bar
First Street
PRICE RANGE
$25 - $60
Lovely staff, reasonably priced, a selection of food but go here for pizza or pasta. It's cozy.
Contact number: +1 246-432-7394
http://www.spagobarbados.com/
PRICE RANGE
$45 - $60
Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, VEGAN OPTIONS
Since February 2014 Nishi is under the ownership of Chris Maskery, a successful UK restauranteur and Steve Prebble a UK entrepreneur who lives in Barbados. Nishi incorporates a funky outdoor dining area and bar where you can dine under the stars, air-conditioned dining watching our famous sushi chefs and a private dining area. We are family friendly offering everything from great sushi to homemade British pies and an early evening takeaway service. We pride ourselves on our warm personal welcome and a solid first class consistency in our sushi and hot food
Contact number: +1 246-432-8287
45 personas locales recomiendan
Nishi Restaurant
Second StreetPRICE RANGE
$45 - $60
Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, VEGAN OPTIONS
Since February 2014 Nishi is under the ownership of Chris Maskery, a successful UK restauranteur and Steve Prebble a UK entrepreneur who lives in Barbados. Nishi incorporates a funky outdoor dining area and bar where you can dine under the stars, air-conditioned dining watching our famous sushi chefs and a private dining area. We are family friendly offering everything from great sushi to homemade British pies and an early evening takeaway service. We pride ourselves on our warm personal welcome and a solid first class consistency in our sushi and hot food
Contact number: +1 246-432-8287
Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, VEGAN OPTIONS, Gluten Free Options
Sitar offers the best of North & South Indian cuisine - from the tantalising tandoori to rich creamy kormas. Naan bread is served fresh from the tandoor oven and there are many vegetarian options. Sip a cocktail at the Sitar bar while you nibble on tasty small bites. After dining in the comfort of the AC feel free to smoke the hookah on the balcony overlooking the most popular street on the west coast. Expect an unforgettable culinary experience served with warm Indian hospitality.
Contact number: +1 246-432-2248
8 personas locales recomiendan
Sitar Indian Restaurant
Second StreetIndian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, VEGAN OPTIONS, Gluten Free Options
Sitar offers the best of North & South Indian cuisine - from the tantalising tandoori to rich creamy kormas. Naan bread is served fresh from the tandoor oven and there are many vegetarian options. Sip a cocktail at the Sitar bar while you nibble on tasty small bites. After dining in the comfort of the AC feel free to smoke the hookah on the balcony overlooking the most popular street on the west coast. Expect an unforgettable culinary experience served with warm Indian hospitality.
Contact number: +1 246-432-2248
PRICE RANGE
$13 - $30
CUISINES
International
MEALS
Dinner
7 personas locales recomiendan
Jamestown Bar & Grill
PRICE RANGE
$13 - $30
CUISINES
International
MEALS
Dinner
Tranquil shopping experience outside of busy Bridgetown
Sunset Crest Shopping Mall (previously Cave Shepherd) is a duty-free joy for savvy shoppers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a bargain on handbags, shoes, jewellery, and more.
There are also plenty of opportunities to buy a bottle of spirits for much less than you would expect to pay for at home. The entire mall is easy to navigate and, like everywhere else in Barbados, it’s aesthetically pleasing.
Sunset Crest Shopping Mall
Address: St James, Holetown, Barbados
Website: https://www.bridgetowndutyfree.com/
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Sun: 9am - 4:30pm
30 personas locales recomiendan
Cave Shepherd Sunset Crest Shopping Mall
Sunset Crest Shopping Mall (previously Cave Shepherd) is a duty-free joy for savvy shoppers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a bargain on handbags, shoes, jewellery, and more.
There are also plenty of opportunities to buy a bottle of spirits for much less than you would expect to pay for at home. The entire mall is easy to navigate and, like everywhere else in Barbados, it’s aesthetically pleasing.
Sunset Crest Shopping Mall
Address: St James, Holetown, Barbados
Website: https://www.bridgetowndutyfree.com/
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Sun: 9am - 4:30pm
A Fun Bajan Experience
Bajans love to sing karaoke...they also love to drink rum and 'wuk up' (local dance involving waist gyration, if you don't know!). At these events you can experience all three.
*Remember social gatherings may be prohibited due to COVID and so the description below may not reflect what it's like otherwise.
First and Second Streets, Holetown, are the heart of nightlife in the parish of St. James with their offering of restaurants and bars. On Sunday nights tourists and locals alike come together to sing their favourite chart topping hits (at karaoke next to Ragamuffins & opposite Tiki hut) and dance in what becomes a full-blown street party after about 10 p.m..
It's a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Lascelles residence.
6 personas locales recomiendan
First Street
First Street*Remember social gatherings may be prohibited due to COVID and so the description below may not reflect what it's like otherwise.
First and Second Streets, Holetown, are the heart of nightlife in the parish of St. James with their offering of restaurants and bars. On Sunday nights tourists and locals alike come together to sing their favourite chart topping hits (at karaoke next to Ragamuffins & opposite Tiki hut) and dance in what becomes a full-blown street party after about 10 p.m..
It's a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Lascelles residence.
Other things to do
It's next to the Lascelles residence.
Contact: (246) 844-6891
(Mention you were referred by Martin)
Platinum Coast Tennis Barbados
It's next to the Lascelles residence.
Contact: (246) 844-6891
(Mention you were referred by Martin)
Consejos para la ciudad
No te lo pierdas
The Holetown Festival
Holetown Festival
Where: Holetown, Barbados
When: February*
*Dependant on COVID restrictions
Holetown has celebrated, every year since 1977, the the arrival of the first eighty English colonists who landed there with ten African slaves (😳 ).
During the festival, accommodation may be scarce, so it's recommended that you book early. Our residence is a short walk to the entertainment (Gospel, Classical, Tuk Band and Calypso concerts, folklore dancing shows, etc…) but far enough to be away from the noise of it.
Cómo moverse
Buses are the cheapest way to get around
At $1.75 US ($3.50 Barbados) per person per ride, public transport is the cheapest way to get around. The wait depends on the route, with Holetown being a relatively busy route and short wait. Barbadians are particularly friendly with visitors and you can ask anyone at a bus stop what bus(es) to take to get where you want to go.
The following video tells you all you need to know.
https://youtu.be/k9hfQoamKgc
*You can get away with not paying for a small child if they can sit on your lap (your partner cannot get away with this).
No te lo pierdas
Barbados Activities Calendar
Check out this link for a comprehensive list of monthly events including festivals so you know what's happening in Barbados:
https://www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do/events-and-festivals?pageindex=1