Barbados Help

Recieved a wedding invite in the post this morning from an old friend who I have kept in touch with since leaving school. Much to my surprise they are getting married in Barbados during January, never one to miss out on a trip I'm seriously thinking of going. Therefore, I'd appreciate help with the following questions;

Firstly accommodation, any ideas?, probably looking to stay for about a week. I will be travelling alone as Kirst will be in Australia visiting some family for most of month. Not too bothered about price (but Sandy Lane is definitely out of the question ). The wedding party are staying at The Sandpiper, St. James's (just 9 people) but if I'm honest I'd like a little distance as it's all family ii) .

Currency, I've still got quite a lot of $US left over from Vegas last month, shall I just take this with me? Can you use it as currency as some website are suggesting shops and bars will accept it. If not how easy is it to exchange to $BBD.

Car Hire, has anyone done this? I've looked at Stoutes website and they do a doorless Mini Moke which looks quite fun. I'm just thinking of hiring for the week from the airport, this would also save me any hastle of tranfers.

Finally any other suggestions/advice about the island would be appreciated as this will be my first visit.

-Steve

Stoutes are fine - used them before a number of times. Mini moke okay, but I prefer the air-conditioned cars with windows - it is hot out. Depending on your budget you have a wide choice of places to stay - Coral Reef is lovely - sister hotel to Sandpiper I think - but there are other cheaper alternatives. Tamarind is nice now or Treasure Beach. Try Tripadvisor for reviews.
In terms of things to do - snorkelling and swimming with turtles are both fabulous, the sunsets are also wonderful - driving round the island is a great experience, away from the west coast things are very different and the interior of the island is fascinating. Easy to find secluded beaches. Other people will be able to tell you about the more touristy things to do - though I do have a soft spot for Harrison's Cave - even in its spruced up form these days. Restaurants are excellent - cheap and expensive. The restaurant on the beach at Mullins is one of my favourites.
Not sure about currency - I always change my £ or $ when I get there - easy to do.
Have a great time.

All as Ford says but hotel for us always Colony Club, check it out at Elegant Hotels, far nicer than Sandy Lane, more intimate and a LOT cheaper ! The Cliff Restaurant a MUST DO (pre book on-lien if you want a table tho). Not sure about the US $ situation. Oh and the Gay Rum Tour great as is the swimming with Turtles.

US$ very widely accepted. Drive-a-Matic reliable for car hire (although I'm not sure how safe those little mokes are). Catamaran trip a must (try Silver Moon). Lone Star a great place to eat. And, as always, I can't recommend Treasure Beach highly enough (just don't tell everyone...).

Mini Mokes are great fun to drive - I hired one once in Macau for the day. 8D

Do try & take a trip to the Animal Flower Caves on the most northerly tip of the island in the parish of St Lucy. The little cafe is run (or used to be) by a an amazing old lady. Google it & see what you think. I thought it was a truly fabulous natural site.

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do & wherever you decide to stay.

R-P

[quote="mdvipond"
Catamaran trip a must (try Silver Moon).[/quote]
Silver Moon = .
Stoutes are fine -if you want to get burnt (and a sore backside) a moke will do the job ): (Bajan roads are not exactly pot-hole free and they generally drive like lunatics :0 ).
DL

Where to start......

I love The House, a lovely boutique type hotel just down the beach from Treasure Beach. The champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea (widely available in Barbados)and the personalised service all make for a special stay.

The Lonestar is great for lunch to escaape the January heat. I also like The Cliff - expensive but never been let down. You can't go to Barbados without going to Oistins on a Friday evening, a huge fish-fry with music and dancing!

The Mount Gay rum tour is a must to stock up on the liquid gold for those pre-dinner or sunset rum punches. I also like Scarlet's a lovely little "new york" type bar across the road from The House with magical mojito's and good food and service. Sir Cliff and Cilla B are regular's!!

Holetown just up the road from Payne's Bay is great for music and food with lovely bars and restaurants.

$dollars widely accepted and the Bajan people are wonderful, though some of the roads are a little white-knuckle.

For the aviation fans amongst us (is that not us all) check out the Concorde museum near the airport, well worth a look.

Lots and lots to do and let me know if you need anymore.. y)

Thanks for all of the suggestions ^) , the Treasure Beach looks like an ideal choice and close to the wedding venue.

Now do I book UC flights as well :w ):

-Steve

Just one more small point fo ryou...

US dollar is almost universally accepted, but you are likely to get change in Barbados dollars - which is ok, since I tend to use this for tips - just to make you aware.

I could write more about this stunning place, but others have covered most of it.

You'll find other threads on here about Barbados as well, so worth a search and read.

Enjoy, but I warn you, it won't be the last time you visit Barbaods!