Barbados for the First Time
 

I am thinking of vacationing in Barbados for the first time. We have been to Grand Caymans many times and were looking for someplace different to relax and do some scuba diving. <BR> <BR>I have a few questions. <BR>1) Has anyone stayed at the Royal Pavilion? It looks beautiful and has the quiet atmosphere we are looking for. <BR> <BR>2) We were thinking of going in late April/early May to save money on the cost of the room. Are there any disadvantages to going at this time? We have traveled in off season before and are willing to take the chance on some rainy weather. <BR> <BR>I know there are villas to rent in Barbados but for the first time on the island we would like to be at a resort to get our bearings. <BR>Thanks

Hi Sara. My husband and I went to Barbados in early May this year and if it rained at all I don't remember it. We had sunny, HOT, humid weather. It might have been overcast one afternoon but that was it in terms of "bad" weather. <BR> <BR>The Royal Pavilion was our first choice but it was booked so we stayed at Coral Reef Club, which was quite nice. I think most of the hotels along that West Coast stretch are pretty nice and definitely quiet. I believe you have to go down to the South Coast to find any real nightlife. <BR> <BR>As to restaurants don't miss The Cliff and Carambola. People were a little more dressed up at these 2 restaurants than I'm used to seeing in the Caribbean but most of the other restaurants were relatively casual. <BR> <BR>We really liked Barbados. There seems to be something for everyone. <BR>

We tried to get into the Royal Pavilion last February and it was booked. It does look lovely and just took a quick peek at the property. Looks very very nice. Harper's now includes it on the "hide-a-way" list and they are particular about the properties they list (and I generally but not always find them pretty reliable).

If you enjoyed the beaches of the Caymans, you might want to find out a little bit more about the quality of beaches in Barbados before you go. Just a suggestion (my husband and I hated it in Barbados). I loved the Cayman Islands but there wasn't alot to do except dive. I definitely would not suggest the Coral Reef Club if you are thinking of the Royal Pavillion, it is in a whole different class. So if I were you I would look into that as well.

stayed at the RP several years back and was not particularly impressed when it was compared with Caneel Bay, Four Seasons Nevis, Malliohana and Cap Juluca on Anguilla,but the Sandy Lane on Barbados did compare very favorably. The beach at RP was narrow, dropped off sharply, had mucho coral and debris and was no snorkling area, which disappointed considerably when compared with Scott Beach at Caneel. After looking at Sandy Lane I suspect that the beach there is quieter and generally better. Barbados is an incredibly beautiful island, the people are friendly, and the variety of terrain in a very small area is dramatic. There are two excellent golf courses on the island too.