My husband and I (both mid twenties) are going to Barbados in January.

We have booked our flights ourselves and wonder is it possible to phone various hotels in Barbados to request rates and book them ourselves?

I would also like help with choosing a hotel. our wants are as follows:

- Definitely right on a beach, with rooms as close to the beach as possible, if possible right on beach.

- Good food is a must, we are real foodies. Shall eat in the hotel some nights, and eat out other nights (The Cliff for sure!).

- Not too many kids, sorry to the parents out there!

- Water skiing is very important to my husband.

- Livly-ish sort of place. Would like the chance to meet other couples in the bar in the evenings.

- Cost isn't really a huge issue, although Sandy Lane is out of our league!! We do like slightly higher end hotels.

That's all I can think of at the moment. No doubt I'll think of a million more things the minute I post this.

I appreciate all help.

Thank you

Angela

I'm 20 and recently have visited Barbados (end of Sep.). It was a blast, lots of culture to explore, diving was awsome, the water was warm, I had no complaints. I did not go to the same resrot though, can't really help you with that one. As for nightlife, you have to visit The Ship Inn on Thursday, so much fun.

Ok, that was the wrong post, i didn't mean to reply to this one, oops, but same things apply. As for hotel, we stayed at the Coconut Court Beach Resort, it was a 3&1/2 star, not bad though.

After some research I think Coral Reef and The House are the 2 main contenders.

One question I have re The House, is about the beach. I read somewhere that it is very rocky, is this the case?

Many thanks

Angela

The beach where The House is has lots of coral, but we knew this ahead of time. My husband brought water shoes, which he found helpful. I also brought water shoes, but did without them. Tevas would also work. I found that I just got used to navigating the water.

The beds at The House are absolutely divine.

Definitely check out Coral Reef. It's a fantastic property and the beach there is great (unlike that at The House). Good snorkeling in the area too.

Lois

Thank you all for your replies. A special thanks to Lois who emailed me her Barbados tip sheet. So very helpful, and I hope you realise how much I, and all the others, appreciate it.

I live in N Ireland, and Belfast airport was going to start doing flights direct to Barbados in January (usually we have to go via London, which adds about 4 hours on to our travelling time), which is when we were going to go. Unfortunately, when we phoned then today, we were told the flights were being delayed until March.

I could cry!! Was so looking forward to it, but my husband has promised me we shall go in March which is my 2 year wedding anniversary, incidentally!!

Coral Reef CLub will be our first choce.

Angela

Hi Angela,

Thanks for the kind words. I do hope my Insider Tip Sheet is helpful to people as that's what I'm trying to do through it -- help.

You will love Coral Reef Club and it will be worth the wait until March. Actually the water temps might be a bit better then -- it's always warm, but it's cooler in January.

Lois

We just returned from the Coral Reef Club and loved it. If funds allow stay in a Plantation Suite. It really is that great of a room (you will ask that question when you look at the price) It has everything you are looking for except the lively bar situation. I did see some 20 somethings around but it is mostly older couples and sedate in a sweet, old-fashioned way at night (and during the day for that matter). I think you would have to go off property for a lively bar scene. Enjoy!