Barbados anyone???

Anyone been to Barbados. I was there on a cruise but didn't really explore the island. DH and I have the opportunity to go for free using airline/hotel miles. Any comments would be great. How are the beaches, the hotels, restaurants, etc???

Re: Barbados anyone???

yes, I have been, absolutely gorgeous-we stayed in a time share, the only thing that I can say is keep a watchful eye over your belongings, some locals stole my shoes while I was in the water

the restaurants vary in price and in cuisine, you can find anything you're looking for...beaches are clean, white sand, beautiful crystal clear warm blue water, great scuba diving, water skiing, and definetly hit a party boat while you're there

Message edited 1/31/2006 11:25:26 AM.

Re: Barbados anyone???

Barbados was wonderful --- here is my write-up on tripadvisor.com :

Traveler rating:
St. James: Coral Reef Club: "THE most wonderful HONEYMOON EVER!"
Nov 2, 2004: A TripAdvisor Member, Seaford, NY


We went to Barbados for our honeymoon Sept. 1-13, 2004. It was so wonderful. We had both been to Jamaica for our "first" marriages, but Barbados is way above and beyond. First of all, it has the highest literacy of all the Caribbean Islands. That means educated, polite, gainfully employed natives. The country has a rich mix of cultures and customs. Everyone is welcome and treated like a special guest. I travel extensively and Barbados was truly a wonderful find. Nobody pesters you to buy anything, there is none of that in-your-face stuff found on many of the Islands. The restaurants are some of the top in the world and there is a great mix of tourism as well.
We stayed at the Coral Reef Resort - we could go snorkeling, waterskiing, diving, etc. right on premise for no extra charge. The beach is surrounded by a coral reef so you don't need to travel to snorkel.
The Coral Reef Resort was absolutely PERFECT. We had a Jr. Luxury Sweet, looking directly out to the Carribean. Our return flight was cancelled because of Hurricane Fances, and the staff and owners were just wonderful about taking care of us and making sure we were safe and comfortable.
The food was AMAZING. Some days they brought breakfast up to our room and set it up on our HUGE balcony. Other days we went downstairs to the buffet, with fresh fruits, juices, ommlette stations, etc.
They have 2 pools and a lovely beach. You can get waiter service on the beach. You have to dress for dinner, which is nice because it keeps out the beer-guzzling wife-beater types out.
The hotel is small enough to be intimate and cater to your every desire, but not so large as to make you feel like just a number.
I can't recommend this place enough. It was just so perfect for what we wanted - some days we spent touring the island, and others just lazing by the pool or the beach. We went for a motor boat ride up and down the coast almost every day, and kyaking, and out on a catamaran tour....We NEVER felt threatened or intimidated even in the towns or city, and this is rare for a Carribean Island.
The staff is wonderful, the rooms beautiful, the setting amazing.....AND they are not snooty at Coral Reef, unlike some of the "other" resorts in the area.
I can't wait to return!!!

Re: Barbados anyone???

And a few pix...
Hmm I can only post these 2, the others are too big...

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 1/31/2006 11:45:00 AM.

Re: Barbados anyone???

We loved Barbados. We booked the trip the night before we left and knew nothing about the island. We just wanted to go away. We had a great time. Great beach....Great food. Much better than Jamaica, Puerto Rico, etc. I would definitely go.

Re: Barbados anyone???

I loved it there~

Re: Barbados anyone???

Thanks for the advice ladies. I have enough Hilton pts for 3 free nights and Amex airline pts. Plus the Hilton is brand new. I am getting excited. Woohooo!!!!