May is a good opportunity to visit Bridgetown, Barbados for slightly cheaper prices as it is the last month of the dry season before hurricane season begins. Rainfall has increased from April to 58mm across 9 days of the month so you may encounter the odd shower, but this is nowhere near as high as June will see!
Moreover, there are still 9 hours of lovely sunshine per day with average high temperatures of 29°C (84°F). Most days will see temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and even in the evening it should not drop below a balmy 24°C (75°F). This month has some cooling breezes though so the temperatures should not feel too sticky, despite increasing humidity.
The sea temperature has risen slightly to 28°C (82°F) so the water will feel beautifully warm. As the beach is definitely an option, you might want to spend a fair amount of time lazing in the sun, just make sure you take some sun-cream!
Where to Stay
Melbourne Inn is just a 3 minute drive from the sun soaked Pebbles Beach and a 17 minute drive to Grantley Adams International Airport. A fridge and digital TV are given in the contemporary, warmly enriched rooms and the hotel offers breakfast, Wi-Fi, air con, a balcony, an outside hot tub and seating area in each room. The hotel also has car rentals, a laundry and is just 1.9 miles away from Rockley Golf Course.
Emerald Ridge Guest House is 5 minutes' drive away from Dover Beach and Grantley Adams International Airport is under 10 minutes' drive away. It offers furnished apartments and rooms with free Wi-Fi, fridges throughout, plus each room has air con, TV, private bathroom and free toiletries. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the hotel's restaurant and there is a pool-side bar to sip a cool drink or two. Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary and the Sheraton Shopping Centre are nearby.
Hit the Beach
Brandons Beach has pure white sand, tropical trees and clear turquoise water, the perfect Caribbean beach. The beach is located just outside of Bridgetown, it has gorgeous sands and a stunning view of the sea. The location is perfect for food and drink being so close to the city. The beach also has a snack bar and restrooms, umbrellas, chairs, plus shops to rent water sports equipment.
Coconut Court Beach is fantastic for family swimming, situated in a quiet little bay with smooth waters. This beach is just on the edge of Bridgetown and is a little busier than other beaches in the area due to its urban location. The waters are clear enough for snorkelling and the beach has white soft sand, coconut palms and turquoise waters. There are no restrooms at this beach, but nearby restaurants, shops and bars.
Eating & Drinking Out
Cin Cin by the Sea is a newish, but a very fashionable restaurant in Bridgetown that would not seem out of place on Miami's South Beach. This restaurant serves Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine for lunch and dinner with views on to the sea and white washed walls. A true Bajan laidback ambience makes this restaurant a must for any lover of quality cuisine.
Daphne's is a firm favourite in Bridgetown for quality Italian cuisine and is also the sister of Daphne's restaurant in South Kensington. This place has an extensive menu of pastas, grilled meats, risottos, fish and a huge wine list. The restaurant is closed between June and November on a Monday. A stylish and elegant restaurant that should be on everyone's list on their holiday to Barbados.
Brown Sugar is a famous Bajan restaurant that serves authentic creole and local dishes that tempt most palettes with all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. The restaurants stunning surroundings with fern and flower filled patios create a perfect ambience for fine dining so dress to impress at this restaurant and you won't be disappointed.
Champers is another fine dining experience and probably the best on the south coast of the island. With a spectacular oceanfront setting and rocks just below the dining terrace, this restaurant provides stunning scenery with exquisite food. There is an art gallery upstairs to have a relaxed wander around after dinner.
Things to Do
St. Ann's Garrison also known as The Barbados Garrison was the biggest military garrison in Caribbean British Colonies during 1700s and 1800s. St. Ann's Fort was constructed in 1705 and was the headquarters of the British forces from 1780 until 1906. In 2004, The Barbados National Armoury opened to the public and has a truly impressive collection of guns and cannons, including a cannon from the Elizabethan period of 1600.
Rockley Golf and Country Club is located within 70 acres of tropical and scenic parkland between Bridgetown and Grantley Adams International Airport. The beach is a 15 minute stroll away and St. Lawrence Gap is walking distance from the club for the night life. The golf course has 9 holes and there are plenty of restaurants in the area for local dishes and international cuisine.
Welchman Hall Gully is one of Barbados' remaining accessible tropical landscapes and is a fantastic place to see and feel the islands natural history. If you like plants, nature, hiking and a tranquil tropical forest, then this is the place for you to imagine what Barbados was like more than 300 years ago. The gully has 700 species of plants and is just under 1 mile in length. Barbados National Trust bought the gully in 1962 and more exotic plants, trees, plus ornaments have been added over the years. The perfect, tranquil day trip!
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village was once the home of Sir Grantley Adam and, the village showcases local artists, craftsman, modern Barbados culture and Barbadian history. There is a rum shop to enjoy a tipple and glimpses of life when Sir Grantley Adams lived here.
Independence Arch commemorates the 21st independence anniversary from Great Britain, the arch is set at the end of Chamberlain Bridge. Independence Day is November 30th each year and the bridge is lit up in blue and gold, the countries national colours. The arch features cultural facets of Barbados including the pelican, flying fish, Coat of Arms, National Pledge and Pride of Barbados flowers.
