Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

West Coast Tour

The west coast of Barbados is known as the most popular tourist destination on the island. Its numerous pristine beaches and bays augur well for those who are seeking safe swimming, exquisite sunsets, endless activities, great tanning beaches, touches of luxury, natural beauty, fun, amenities and some measure of self-indulgence.

Barbados' west coast is home to the Apes Hill Golf Course. A cleverly architected, top class course which was opened in December of 2009. Its design accepts and yet embellishes the use of the natural lay of the land with the ravines, wooded areas being enfolded as well as natural and man-made lakes being introduced. Apart from the beauty which it provides to the players et al, the Apes Hill Golf course has been created with specific allowances for all levels of players, without compromising the right to a challenging game on any front.

For your shopping pleasure there are the shops of the Chattel Village. Quite visible from the main road and located next to the West Coast Mall on Highway 1, the stores in the "Village" provide nooks and crannies to explore. There are souvenir stores, bath and body items, art pieces and prints, beachwear and exotic boutiques. The boutiques offer trendy fashion ware and there is at least one chattel house which houses brand named apparel and accessories. To top it off, a gourmet shop offering specialty coffees, teas and other savoury items puts the icing on the cake in terms of options. The Chattel House Village in St. James, Barbados is just the place to get lost in among the stores as there is surely at least one item to catch the eye.

Just about every coast in Barbados has a church and the story is no different with the west coast. A little bit of history on the church writes that St. James Parish Church is the oldest church located on the island of Barbados. This church was constructed near the site where the first English settlers landed on the island back on 17th February, 1627. On that day, eighty (80) settlers and ten (10) slaves arrived to take occupation and to settle the island of Barbados in the name of King James I; they called this place Jamestown.

One of the only remaining sugar factories that exists in Barbados can be found on the island's west coast. Portvale Sugar Factory is a modern-day sugar factory that is located at Blowers in the parish of St. James. Here is where sugar cane juice is processed and transformed into sugar for both local and export purposes. The Portvale Sugar Factory is in full operation during the January to May crop season in Barbados. At this time, tourists and locals alike, have the opportunity to visit and watch the manufacturing process of sugar cane.

Port St. Charles Marina is an exclusive marina lagoon and villa resort. It can be found just outside of Speightstown in the area of Heywoods, St. Peter on the lovely island of Barbados. This development consists of private luxury residences, overlooking the water and which are all appropriately outfitted. Its design and the lay-out of the villas are suited to all types of owners: couples, business executives, families or groups. A concept designed for the discerning individual who is perhaps seeking to invest in a vacation property, the Port St. Charles Marina remains organized and exclusive, however it is not necessarily accessible to the public. Interest in such a property can be discussed with any of the major realtors or property management companies in Barbados.