Modern hotels, upscale restaurants, bars & cafes, art galleries, duty-free stores and colourful establishments line the streets of Holetown, Barbados. The town to “the West” and the original settlement of the island. The first of the island's four towns is a city overflowing with history, bustling with activity and full of adventure. If you are wondering how to navigate this fun-filled, vibrant city, and have no idea where to start, this guide provides some inspiration to ensure that you can experience the best of Holetown in just one day!
As a precursor to the day's journey, it is of particular note that your days’ activities take place in the islands’ birthplace. The history of Holetown begins after English Captain John Powell got lost and went off course while voyaging from England to Brazil in 1625. Instead, he arrived by accident on this tiny island (possibly very confused but probably extremely excited)! He claimed it for the Kingdom of England and two years later, Henry Powell (John Powell's brother) returned and named the area where they settled ‘Jamestown'. It quickly became a hive of activity and was renamed ‘Holetown' after a waterway in the area which was used by the settlers to land in Barbados. At the time it reminded them of a part of the Thames River that flows through England called ‘The Hole’ and so it was affectionately renamed. At the heart of Holetown, a monument in Barbados stands erected commemorating this grand arrival.
Breakfast
Now that you know you are walking on historic ground, you can start the day off with breakfast - the most essential meal of the day! There is a range of breakfast options to enjoy in the city where you can enjoy Barbados’ cuisine - we recommend Relish Epicurea, Bean-N-Bagel or Coffee Bean.
In Limegrove Lifestyle Centre across the Water Courtyard, is Relish Epicurea, its cuisine takes you globetrotting, giving you a taste of the Caribbean, England, America, South America and Italy with their country-inspired breakfasts.
Neatly tucked away in the Sunset Mall, Sunset Crest is Coffee Bean. Described as a coffee lover’s dream, not only does this restaurant in Barbados offer lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and a range of other hot beverages but they also serve a range of cold drinks, sandwiches, wraps, and pastries perfect for a quick breakfast.
Bean-N-Bagel is also a delightful all-day breakfast option, which provides a mouthwatering selection of hot and cold beverages, wraps, burgers, and of course, bagels, with economical prices and reasonable portion sizes.
The Beach at Folkestone
After breakfast, your day of fun begins! No trip to the island is complete without a trip to beaches in Barbados. Drive or follow the boardwalk to find Folkestone Beach. A walk down the boardwalk is ideal for working off that breakfast while enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea, the warm sun kissing your face, and the sound of waves crashing beside you. The area is known to have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and as such it has always been popular with international celebrities. Keep your eyes peeled for any who may be on holiday at the prestigious hotels and guest houses that line the boardwalk and are partially hidden between various types of shrubbery and foliage.
At Folkestone, there are several pleasurable activities that you can enjoy. Take a load off and enjoy a good book or catch a tan. Conversely, if it's an adventure you seek, then this Barbados beach offers a wide range of water sports activities. Have an action-packed day by riding the jet skis or paddleboard, or snorkelling the area to spot friendly leatherback turtles gracefully gliding through the water.
Folkestone is also the perfect place for diving in Barbados because located 400 yards off the shore and 18 feet from the surface is the Stavronikita, affectionately known as Stav. The Stav, which was purposely shrunken in 1978 and is one of the most popular diving spots on the island. The 365-foot ship is home to multiple schools of fish, enchanting coral reefs and various sea life. If you’re not so much into diving, but would still like to experience the shipwreck, hop on a glass-bottom boat and see what’s happening below, while staying dry above. Folkestone Beach has shower facilities, a lifeguard on duty, tennis courts and a playground, making the beach suitable for persons and groups of all ages.
Lunch at The Beach House
After a few hours at the beach, we’re sure your appetite has grown. For lunch, there are so many restaurants in Holetown, Barbados to choose from; Just Grilling ( for meals fresh off the grill ) Tides ( for a fine dining in Barbados), Zaccios ( for Italian cuisine), Surfside Bar & Restaurant (a beachside sports bar) or for traditional Bajan style cuisine for lunch the Beach House Restaurant and Bar is a terrific option to satisfy that hunger.
The Beach House provides a fine comfortable dining experience overlooking the ocean, in a relaxed environment. The lunch menu is a la carte with a buffet available on Sundays. The restaurant offers Caribbean inspired food, with Bajan favourites like macaroni pie (a baked variation of mac and cheese) or Bajan fishcakes, along with Mediterranean inspired options. The excellent food and warm and consistently friendly service will not disappoint! Beach House gives you that casual yet elegant dining affair.
Limegrove Cinema
Limegrove provides an excellent cinematic experience, arguably the best on the island, making this a fantastic choice for an after-lunch activity. Unwind at The Cinema at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. The leather seats and footrests make it an excellent spot to kick back and relax after all that swimming, and if you need a quick bite, table service is available so there’s no need to leave your seat until the movie is over.
First and Second Street
To culminate and ultimately wrap up today’s activities, head to First and Second Street to enjoy the night’s festivities. These two avenues are the nightlife hub of the city, capturing the essence of the party scene in Barbados. Home to many bars in Barbados and clubs, on these two avenues, you will find a collection of entertainment, ranging from traditional Barbadian style bars to internationally crafted restaurants and clubs. Get ready to dance, enjoy the music, and potentially sing your heart out, because the vibe is so infectious. First and Second Street have something for everyone to enjoy!
Twelve hours in Holetown, won’t even begin to scratch the surface of the plethora of activities available in the area. However, these few hours will allow you to get a great feel of what Holetown has to offer and give you a glimpse of its personality.