Live in Barbados

The Crane presents the inaugural Village Masquerade to ring in 2010!

This open air, spectacular street party is ideally located in the brand-new Crane Village on the Southeast Coast of Barbados. Patrons will have the privilege of being entertained by the dynamic band known as the “Soul of Barbados”, Virtuosity. The band will showcase their versatility throughout the night as they perform everything from well-known classics to today’s hits as patrons dance the night away under the stars.

Tickets at $150 BDS include the extensive Gala Dinner and Seafood Market Buffet in three locations on property – L’Azure Restaurant, Pavilion Room & Town Hall and an after party.  Premium bars and a selection of fine champagnes will be available throughout the party on a cash basis.

A Preview of the Gala Buffet Menu

• 7 Salads to choose from including Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable & Chicken Salad and Mozzarella di Bufalo with Vine Tomatoes & Basil
• 7 Choices from the Seafood Market including Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon and sumptuous Tiger Shrimps
• 8 Main Courses  including Canard a L’ Orange, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Tandoori  Red Snapper, Chermoula and Chick Pea Salsa
• A full carving Station featuring Classic Steam Ship Round of Beef with Horseradish and Yorkshire Pudding and Marmalade Glazed Ham, Home-Made Apple Chutney
• And for the sweet tooth, a wide selection of 11 tantalizing desserts to round out the evening’s culinary delights.

In addition to this, Barbados #1 Zagat-rated Zen Restaurant will feature its traditional a la carte menu on the night for those desiring Thai/Japanese cuisine.

Please note that prices are subject to a 10% service charge.

For bookings: contact newyears@thecrane.com or call 246-423-6220.  Book early to ensure your space!

West Coast secret spot (between Lone Star and Royal Pavilion)… Our favourite place to chill on the weekends …

The historic Atlantis Hotel on the East Coast of Barbados is on schedule for a Christmas reopening.

This comes in the wake of a massive renovation of the property that started in 2008. The hotel features some of the most amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and has been a mainstay of the Barbados tourism product since the 1970s.

Though ownership of the property has changed hands several times since it was first developed in the 19th Century, the property is part and parcel of the stunning East Coast views of Barbados. The newest owners of the hotel, Andrew & Patricia Warden added this property to their other tourism based properties in 2008.

The renovation will transform the property to a 10 suite hotel.

Full article here.

Sorry to be  late on this offer, posted on September 15th was this article by Conde Nast Traveler – 50% off this fall on Oceanfront Suite at Cobblers Cove.

I know this hotel well and highly recommend this special to anyone contemplating a vacation to the sunshine this fall!

Due to fully launch in December of this year, Beachlands is headed up by UK developer LTG Real Estate and will be constructed by JADA.  Having recently toured the site, Beachland owners will not only have uninterrupted sea views but also a long stretch of one of the finest beaches on the west coast right on their doorstep.

Beachlands consists of 46 luxury beachfront apartments in an exclusive position on the Platinum Coast of Barbados.  Located in the Parish of St. James, on a prime piece of wooded land between Sandy Lane and Holetown, Beachlands is both central and secluded, largely protected by its lush vegetation of mature trees and shrubs.

Apartments from 2,500 – 4,800 sq ft

Penthouses from 3,000 – 8,000 sq ft

Prices range from US$3million to US$13million

The Beachlands Information Centre is on site and now open Monday to Friday for visitors.

Nice integration of Google maps on Barbados.org, describing locations and details of some west coast beaches…

Many people visit Barbados and seem to miss out on experiencing Speightstown, which is on its own accord one of the most beautiful towns on the island. The best part of Speightstown, in my opinion,  is the stretch along the coast, where you will find cafes, banks, shopping stores, pubs, friendly people and super friendly fruit and veggie vendors.  It’s where I shop for my fruit and veggies every week!

Most people don’t need much edging when it comes to the utopian plusses of living on a Caribbean island, but Barbados may be one of the most ideal for expat living. We recommend the quaint Speightstown, which is the second largest town on the island behind Bridgetown.

The city is named after William Speight, a member of Barbados’ first Assembly during the colonial years as well as the former land owner where the city is located. Many historic buildings dating from colonial times, including Arlington House, still remain standing in the town and can be seen mostly along Queen Street, Church Street and Orange Street.

Source: www.expatify.com

Lonely planet is rated as one of the most informative travel websites available today. Here’s what they have to say about Barbados:

Many Caribbean islands have beaches, but where Barbados differs is what lies behind the surf and sand. No matter your budget or style, you can find a place to stay that suits you, whether cheap, funky, restful or posh.

All the comforts of home are close at hand if you want them as Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the region. The literacy rate approaches 98% and the capital Bridgetown and its surrounds are booming.

Source: www.lonelyplanet.com

A number of high profile celebrities often choose to vacation in Barbados. Just a few of the many are mentioned in this article ..

The small Caribbean island of Barbados is a popular place for celebrities and stars to visit. According to Expedia.com (www.expedia.co.uk ), Barbados is the number one place to go to see celebrities. This is, after all, where Tiger Woods came when he married his longtime girlfriend Elie Nordegran. They made the famous Sandy Lane Resort their choice to wed, and they are not the only big names to visit.

Frank Sinatra was a regular here, while the west coast of Barbados, where Sandy Lane is located, is known as the Platinum Coast for the high number of very wealthy people who own houses.  Oprah Winfrey bought a house here, and in a seemingly previous life, so did Britney Spears. The celebrity strip near Holetown is famous for its visitors, including Mick Jagger and Sting.

Source: www.homesgofast.com

Nice piece on caribbeanislandsrealty.com about a surfer’s love for Barbados’ breaks.

After St. Barths’ discovery I began my Caribbean detective work and found that the best surfing in the Caribbean appears to be in Barbados.

Source: caribbeanislandsrealty.com