'Tropical paradise' may be a term which is often bandied about, but Bridgetown in Barbados is a location that truly deserves the name. Its tropical climate means you're guaranteed consistently hot and sunny weather no matter what time of the year you visit. As a place for winter sun or even a hot Christmas Bridgetown is perfect.
As the resort is sheltered from trade winds, thanks to its position on the southwest coast, the temperatures remain in the high twenties, averaging 26°C (79°F) in December. High temperatures still reach 28°C (82°F) and lows are a mild 24°C (75°F) so you could spend Christmas Day on the beach! In fact, there are 9 glorious hours of daily sunshine and the sea temperature remains at 28°C (82°F).
As a holiday location Bridgetown is in fact most popular during the winter months. Winter is dry season in Bridgetown with rainfall dropping considerably from November to only 97mm across 14 days in December. Rainfall amounts will be much lower by January and February. The humidity levels drop with the rainfall, making the climate pleasant and comfortable.
Where to Stay
Tropical Sunset Beach Apartment Hotel is located 6 miles from Bridgetown city centre and Grantley Adams International Airport is a 30 minute drive away. The hotel is located on the beachfront and features an outdoor pool, plus gardens with terraces. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, air con, private balcony, kitchenette, fridge, wardrobe, bathroom with shower and panoramic views from the balcony. There is huge choice of restaurants, bars and shops within a five minute walk from the hotel. Local dishes, international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in the local area. Lime Grove Shopping Centre is a ten minute walk from the hotel and there is movie theatre within the shopping mall.
Best E Villas Prospect is close to Batts Rock Beach and a 15 minute drive from Bridgetown city centre. The rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TV, private patio, a kitchen, a washing machine, a microwave, a fridge, an oven and there is an outdoor pool at the complex. Tropical gardens surround Best E Villas and there is a launderette, plus barbecue facilities. Nearby is the Ryan Brathwaite Sports Training Centre and Kensington Oval, Sandy Lane Golf Course are five minutes' drive from the villas.
Hit the Beach
Brighton Beach is located between the cruise terminal and the rum distillery, the smooth waters and the tropical trees, make this a perfect beach for swimming or sun bathing. The beach amenities include a snack bar, restrooms, lounge chairs and is great for snorkelling with the clear blue water. The beach does get very popular with locals and tourists, but the long expanse stops it getting too busy.
Paradise Beach is one of the quieter beaches near Bridgetown, it features shallow rocks, calm waters and is excellent for snorkelling. The beach is next Brighton Beach and is separated by a small wood. There are no restrooms available, but you will find a snack bar and local shops have snorkelling equipment to hire or buy.
Drill Hall Beach has a shallow reef offshore for fantastic surfing and has a large pink sandy beach area for sunbathing or general relaxing. The beach has numerous tropical trees, picnic tables and a beautiful turquoise sea. There are no restrooms at this beach, but there are plenty of local restaurants, shops and bars nearby. Needham's Point is also close to Drill Hall Beach.
Needham's Point has soft white sand, tropical trees, natural reefs and the smooth calming Caribbean Sea perfect for snorkelling or swimming. Situated near Bridgetown's edge, this beach features calm turquoise waters, soft sand for sunbathing and enough shade to retreat from the sun. There are no restrooms at this beach, but there are plenty of local restaurants, shops and bars nearby.
Eating & Drinking Out
Christmas Day dinner with all the trimmings set on idyllic island, warm and sunny, no rain, sleet or snow this is a Christmas Day dinner dreams are made of. Maybe a Christmas Day lunch buffet eating at The Beach House whilst looking out onto the beach and waves crashing onto the sand would suit you.
New Year's Eve gala at the Sand Piper is a black tie or no tie event of drinking, eating and dancing. The champagne gala party has a local band to provide the sounds, fireworks at midnight, all set under a beach front deck and marquee.
St. Lawrence Gap for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will be an event not to be missed, especially at these three clubs:
Reggae Lounge Dance into the night at this open air nightclub to sounds of reggae, calypso and rhythm and blues surrounded by tropical vegetation under the stars.
Old Jamm Inn One of the islands hot spots with DJ's and live music ranging from sizzling soca to hot jazz.
Sugar Ultra Lounge A sophisticated and ultramodern nightclub that has a dress code that club chic. This club has the latest sounds and the latest equipment for sound and lighting, this place offers "something special" for its clientele.
Things to Do
Mix Nutz J'ouvert or Bajan "fore-day" is a big street party, it features carnival bands and dancing in the streets of Bridgetown from early morning until sunrise. Special events are held throughout the year and New Year's Eve is the biggest with free drinks, DJ's, paint, mud, powder, breakfast and an after party.
New Year's Eve firework displays on the island of Barbados are truly special and stunning, catch a display at these places:
Hilton Hotel Resort, Sandy Lane Resort, Mango Bay Resort, South Coast Boardwalk, Hasting Rocks, Carlisle Bay Beaches, Bridgetown Boardwalk, Trevor's Way, Hinds Hill area, Sunset Ridge and beaches along Spring Garden Highway and beaches along Payne's Way.
Charles Fort was built in 1650 and in 1665 the fort destroyed a whole Dutch fleet that was attempting to attack Barbados. The fort is the oldest and the biggest fort on the island, the stone walls are impressive and the cannons are imposing today, it looks more or less the same as 400 years ago. Charles Fort is now part of the Hilton Barbados Resort and its grounds.
