Nestled on Barbados’ prestigious **Platinum Coast**, Holetown is where luxury meets history. As the island’s **first British settlement** (established in 1627), this charming town blends colonial heritage with modern elegance, offering pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and vibrant local culture . Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of authentic Bajan life, Holetown delivers.

 

Where is Holetown?

Holetown is located on Barbados’ **west coast**, about **12 miles (30 minutes) from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)**. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, passing sugar cane fields and coastal roads before reaching this upscale yet laid-back destination .

 

### **Best Ways to Get There:**

– **Taxi**: ~30 mins (~$50 USD).

– **Rental Car**: Easy island-wide driving (rentals from ~$50/day).

– **Bus**: Budget-friendly (BDS$2) but slower—take the **blue or yellow bus** from Bridgetown .

Top Things to Do in Holetown

1. Relax on Pristine Beaches

Holetown’s **soft golden sands** and **calm turquoise waters** are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. The west coast’s gentle waves make it ideal for:

– **Kayaking & Jet Skiing**

– **Snorkeling with Turtles** (spot hawksbill and leatherbacks)

– **Glass-Bottom Boat Tours** (explore shipwrecks & reefs)

 

2. Dive into History

– **St. James Parish Church** (1675): Barbados’ oldest church, featuring 17th-century relics like a 1696 bell and stained-glass windows .

– **Holetown Monument**: Marks the 1627 landing site of British settlers .

– **Folkestone Marine Park**: A protected reef with snorkeling trails and an underwater shipwreck (the *Stavronikita*) .

3. Shop & Dine in Style

– **Limegrove Lifestyle Centre**: High-end boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren) and gourmet dining .

– **Chattel Village**: Quaint shops selling local crafts, spices, and rum .

Best Restaurants

– **The Tides** (seafood with ocean views)

– **Ragamuffins** (Caribbean fusion + Sunday drag shows)

– **Just Grillin’** (authentic Bajan grilled fish)

 

4. Experience the Holetown Festival (February)

A week-long celebration of Bajan culture with:

– Street parades & folk dancing

– Vintage car shows

– Open-air concerts & food stalls

 

5. Sunset Boardwalk Strolls

The **West Coast Boardwalk** (2.5km) offers breathtaking sunset views, beachfront bars, and stops at luxury resorts like the **Coral Reef Club** .

 

Where to Stay

– **Luxury**: **Coral Reef Club** (12-acre beachfront resort)

– **Boutique**: **The Sandpiper** (tropical chic with rum cocktails on tap)

– **Budget-Friendly**: **Mango Bay Hotel** (all-inclusive with ocean views)

 

Day Trips from Holetown

– **Bridgetown** (20 mins): UNESCO-listed capital with historic sites & shopping.

– **North Point** (45 mins): Where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean .

– **Oistins Fish Fry** (30 mins): Friday night seafood feast with live music .

 

Final Tips

– **Best Time to Visit**: December–April (dry season).

– **Currency**: Barbadian dollars (BDS), but USD widely accepted.

– **Local Etiquette**: Bajans are friendly—greet with a “Good morning!”

Holetown is Barbados at its finest—where history, luxury, and island charm collide. Ready to explore? Pack your swimsuit and a sense of adventure!