Barbados in Brief
Barbados map, useful information, hints and advice
For those visiting Barbados for the first time, we hope the following information will assist you in planning your luxurious exclusive Caribbean holiday.
Location Map
To view the location of Royal Westmoreland exclusive resort on the island of Barbados, please click here
Useful Information
Climate
Barbados is warm and sunny all year, with warm days and usually cooler nights. The average daytime temperature is between 75º and 85ºF; prevailing north east trade winds blow steadily so it is not unbearably hot. Rainfall occurs mostly in summer, but is usually quick showers followed by sunny skies. Dry season is from January to June. Barbados enjoys an average of eight to nine hours of sunshine most days.
Time Zone
Barbados falls in the Atlantic zone and Island Standard Time is Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours. There is no daylight saving time in Barbados.
Currency
When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S officially but most casual transactions are BDS$2 to US$1,
The Barbados Dollar is tied to the U.S Dollar and does not fluctuate. Other currencies fluctuate, check with banks or press.
Airport Barbados
Royal Westmoreland luxury Golf, Spa and Beach resort is located in St James on the west coast of the island, just a short drive inland and approximately 45 minutes drive from Grantley Adams International Airport.
A retired British Airways Concorde now resides at Grantley Adams international airport. The island was the only vacation destination in this hemisphere with a scheduled Concorde service.
Airports & Airlines UK
Direct flights to Barbados are available from both Manchester and London Heathrow airports.
| London Gatwick Airlines British Airways Virgin Atlantic |
Manchester Airlines Virgin Atlantic |
Flight Duration
Approximate flight time is 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Travel Documents
Passports
Every person entering Barbados, including all North American citizens (Americans and Canadians), should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket.
Visas
Travellers from the UK, Canada and USA are not required to obtain visas to visit Barbados. Travellers from outside these countries should check with Barbados authorities prior to their visit.
Duration of stay
Visitors to Barbados should provide proof of adequate means of support for the duration of their stay to the satisfaction of the Immigration officer at the port of entry. They should be in possession of valid return tickets.
Extensions of Stays
Visitors wishing to extend their stay in Barbados should apply to:
The Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Careenage House, The Wharf
Bridgetown,
Barbados.
Tel: (246) 426-1011
Driving
If you are hiring a vehicle, car hire company’s will issue you with a driver’s permit that is valid for two months or one year. The cost of the permit is US$5 for two months or US$50 for one year. Alternatively, should you be borrowing a vehicle from a family member or friend, you can obtain your local driver’s permit from the Licensing Authority in Holetown. They accept only Barbados dollars. Remember to bring your own driving licence.
Electricity
Barbados has 110 – 115 volt current and USA style plugs therefore an appropriate adaptor is required. The supply on the island and resort is reliable.
Water
Barbados has pure drinking water.
Business Hours
Banks are generally open Monday to Thursday 8am to 3pm and Fridays 8am to 5pm.
General businesses open in Barbados Monday to Friday from between 8 and 9am in the morning, closing from between 5 and 10pm in the evenings. Some retail outlets operate half days on Saturdays.
Barbados Events
Calling all cricket fans.
The World Twenty20 tournament will be held in the West Indies in 2010. The tournament will take place from Friday 30th April to Sunday 16th May this year, with the Super Eight matches and final at the Kensington Oval ground in Barbados. Reserve your luxury villa at Royal Westmoreland before the end of February 2010 to avoid disappointment. To view availability for these dates please click here
Things To Do
Barbados is a pleasure haven with a multitude of activities on offer. Royal Westmoreland’s Concierge service can arrange any number of itinerary’s on our guests behalf. Direct dial from your villa to book:
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