Thinking about going to Barbados but someone just walked into my office and said that the people are not friendly and it's not a great place to go.<BR><BR>Has anyone else heard this?<BR><BR>thanks

Linda , Barbados is a beautiful island it has a lot of everything one wants in a sun destination. Beautiful weather, beaches , and restaurants as well as gardens and other tourist spots. It is an easy island to explore on your own. I have been there on two occasions and have found nothing but friendly people, however my husband and I are friendly to them. A smile goes along way any where and Barbados is no exception. In life you reap what you sow. If you want to go to Barbados go and have a wonderful time you will not be hounded by people selling you things on the beach (is that friendly), you wont be bugged by people that want your sunglasses or py timeshare sellers. The people of Barbados are polite and hospitable . I can't wait to see them again. Karen

How is the snorkeling in Barbados? Also, do you know anything about the Sandy Lane Hotel? <BR><BR>thanks

I have just come back from 10 days in Barbados. Whoever just came into your office has no idea what they're talking about. Barbados is the friendliest holiday destination I have EVER encountered. And that's unusual in countries who have a high number of tourists.<BR><BR>We felt safe everywhere we went, and met nothing but friendly, helpful people. Every time we stopped and looked lost someone would come up and ask if we needed help. They even put us on the right buses and rang the bell for us where we wanted to get out.<BR><BR>Snorkelling there is great, and can usually be arranged through your hotel for free. But there are also special tour companies that provide such a service, along with a whole host of other watersports and day cruises.<BR><BR>Sandy Lane has a good website. We didn't stay there (stayed at the Royal Pavillio), but I used the Sandy Lane health spa, which was fabulous. SL os very expensive, but now is the best time to go as it's ultra low season and the rates are at their lowest - $600 a night, as I recall. Be aware, that their flagship Acajou restaurant has closed down for a couple of weeks.<BR><BR>Take care<BR><BR>Kate B

Kate - -<BR><BR>Thanks for your response. My TA is trying to see if she can get me a deal at Sandy Lane. <BR>What was your opinion when you visited the resort -- -was it extremely fancy or laid back? <BR>Did the guests seem older & wealthy? I saw on their website that they have a children's area, so I can't imagine that it would be a stuffy place.<BR><BR>Thanks

Linda<BR><BR>What I saw of it was indeed extremely fancy, but I guess that's a matter of personal taste. I found it slightly over the top, but others might disagree. The guests seemed no different from anywhere else really.<BR><BR>Have a good time if you decide to go!<BR><BR>K

Linda: I hate to be a dissenting voice here but of all the islands I have been to, Barbados was the worst for being hounded to buy jewellry, see timeshares, take jetski rides etc. Maybe it had to do with the area I was staying in (St. Lawrence Gap). I couldn't even go swimming without some dude on a jet ski trying to get me to go. I also found that the people were reserved, especially around the St. Lawrence Gap area. <BR><BR>I agree that Barbados is a relatively safe tourist-friendly island, but unless things have changed drastically in the past years, there are pockets that are not as nice as others.

How did it compare to a Four Seasons hotel?<BR><BR>thanks

Linda, if you mean how did Sandy Lane compare, I don't know - I've never stayed in a Four Seasons hotel. But it's a world class hotel, and one of the top ones in the Caribbean. I would think it at least equals Four Seasons, and probably surpasses it.<BR><BR>K

We just spent a week near Oistins. Without exception everyone we met was extremely pleasant and helpful and the island is absolutely beautfiul. We took local buses and maxi taxis and even fairly late in the evening, felt very comfortable doing so. We went to the fish fry and joined hundreds of people eating and dancing and having a great time. The snorkelling around the Mullins Beach (west coast) area was wonderful. A mask was hardly necessary, you could just stand in the water and watch the fish! There were people selling time shares at the Gap - you just have to say a very firm "no".

Sandy Lane, a big Brit posh destination on Barbados, has been recently redone. It is a little Vegasy and 'glittery', definitely over the top -- many long-time visitors are still in shock--and priced quite high. None of the subtlety of a Four Seasons hotel,but then,not as 'corporatized' either. Barbados is a small island and quite urbanized. It is Brit and reserved, tho still quite friendly, tho not anywhere as laid-back as other islands.

Sue, just wondering where you stayed near Oistens. We're trying to narrow the search down to something manageable in terms of location! Thanks.

We stayed on the west coast and found the most friendly people I have ever met, and I think only once did we get asked to buy something the whole time we were there. It was a great experience.

Hi, Please recommend a good all-iclusive resort or can you suggest a nice resort with good restaurants nearby. Also, what does this island offer for entertainment? How much should I expect to pay for drinks, meals, and entertainment? Can I travel at night, is public transportation available and safe?

Hello,<BR>I visited Barbados approximatley 4 years ago for 2 weeks, since then I have visited a lot of other islands and due to the "unfriendly" people it unfortunately ranks way down on my list. Mind you not everyone we ran into was this way but the majority was. I also found it very snobby and hard to strike up conversations with the people there. I stayed at the Almond Beach Club and Village, maybe it was just the resort workers there I don't know but since then I have ran into a lot of people who agree with me. My sister just got back from there 3 weeks ago and she also agreed with me, she also stayed at the Almond Beach Village. Sorry - just my opinion.

Hello,<BR>I visited Barbados approximatley 4 years ago for 2 weeks, since then I have visited a lot of other islands and due to the "unfriendly" people it unfortunately ranks way down on my list. Mind you not everyone we ran into was this way but the majority was. I also found it very snobby and hard to strike up conversations with the people there. I stayed at the Almond Beach Club and Village, maybe it was just the resort workers there I don't know but since then I have ran into a lot of people who agree with me. My sister just got back from there 3 weeks ago and she also agreed with me, she also stayed at the Almond Beach Village. Sorry - just my opinion. However I always felt very safe.

I am going to Barbados on 10/4/02 and will be staying at the Almond Beach Village Resort. Can you tell me how were the accomodations, service, and the food. Some of my friends just got back from Barbados (they stayed at Almond Beach Village) and were not impressed with the service or the resort. I want to get another opinion.