So you have decided on Barbados as your holiday destination and that you want a villa rental as your accommodation instead of a hotel. But where is the best place to be located during your stay on this beautiful island?
Despite Barbados being a tiny island, measuring just 166 square miles, there are so many areas to choose from in terms of where to locate yourself. You may already have heard of Bridgetown – this is the capital city, also known as a shoppers paradise. If you are thinking of a rental property here, you will find an abundance of duty free shops selling everything from high end jewellery to alcohol to street vendors selling just about anything that may interest you! If you are more interested in history, the Parliament Buildings are also in Bridgetown.
If watersports is more your thing, consider looking for a rental villa on the south side of Barbados. Rockley and Silver Sands are the areas to focus on, depending on whether you want a more lively location or a quieter and more secluded location. Both provide an abundance of watersports, but villas in Rockley will be closer to beautiful beaches and lively restaurants, bars and shops. Silver Sands is also stunning, with many villas being more secluded and giving you beautiful views of the stunning Barbados shoreline.
If luxury is what you are looking for, search for a villa on the west side of the island in Holetown or Paynes Bay. An area where you will find luxury hotels, the beaches are simply stunning and you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful cafes, bars and exclusive restaurants. If you chose a rental here, you are fortunate that the area is on the main bus route, making it easier to explore the rest of the Barbados.
Some people may prefer a more 'chilled out' area where they can experience more of local life. If so, head towards the east cost of Barbados to Tent Bay or Cattlewash. Basing yourself in a villa here will give you the chance to experience village life and mix with the locals. The beaches are just as beautiful and you will also be able to hike and visit tropical gardens in the vicinity.
There are some beautiful villas available for rental in The Crane. This is amongst the cliff tops of Barbados, where you will be secluded and be able to enjoy stunning tropical beaches and views. You will find beautiful boutique restaurants and be able to make the most of the tranquility of this area.
If party life is what you are searching for, why not rent a villa in St. Lawrence Gap. Here you will have your pick of lively bars with live music everyday, clubs and restaurants. You will be sure to find a villa within walking distance of the excitement at night and relaxing beaches during the daytime, giving you best of both worlds.
Barbados really does does offer something for everyone. With so many beautiful rental villas across the island, you are sure to fine a property to suit your budget and needs. Hopefully you are now more familiar with the main areas in Barbados, which should help you to identify where to start your search and also allow you to plan which parts of the island you want to visit during your holiday. More information about the areas is widely available online, with accompanying photos, so do your research before making a reservation. Ensure that you book with a reputable company to avoid being a victim of fraud! And most importantly, remember you can ask any questions to the rental company/lister before booking your rental villa to ensure you are 100% happy!
Martin Wynn
