St James

There’s good reason behind the dubbing of St James as the ‘Platinum Coast,’ known as it is for the stunning turquoise waters and silver sands.

Situated on the western central part of Barbados, the island as a whole is famed for its superlative beaches and St James certainly doesn’t disappoint.

When to go

It is rare indeed that the temperatures deviate from the high-20s, regardless of the time of year you find yourself in Barbados.

However, consistent temperatures aside, the wet season of June to October does bring with it the chance of experiencing a storm, though that is offset by smaller crowds and cheaper rates.

The island is driest from February to May, with the crowds dwindling from April onward.

Top Attractions

The Holetown Festival pays homage to the time when European settlers first arrived on Holetown’s shores, during the month of February. The vintage car parade is a highlight, but there’s also concerts, shows and art exhibitions.

A short sojourn in the Flower Forest Botanical Gardens is highly recommended and is just a short 15-minute drive away. Its winding, mazy pathways lead you through a luscious array of tropical plants, and the restaurant on-site is worth checking out too.

If shopping is your thing, your spoilt for choice by the three shopping malls in close proximity, with Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, home to top designer stores, the pick of the bunch.

Beaches: The resort is a combination of island tranquillity and Barbadian charm, with its captivating coastline and pristine beaches. The stylish Paynes Bay is one of the island’s very best. And Holetown Beach is a picturesque combo of palms, turquoise shoes and white sands. Drive a few minutes south and the mahogany-lined Sandy Lane beach is another great option.

Dining

There’s dining to suit all budgets, from waterside shacks to 5* cuisine. The restaurants along St James’ beaches provide an authentic slice of Bajan delights. The national delicacy is flying fish, and trust us, don’t skip over the salted cod fishcakes.

However, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience then the world-famous Lone Star Restaurant is a popular choice.

Entertainment

Holetown’s 1st and 2nd Streets are the place to head after sunset. There’s a lively and exciting atmosphere created by the late-night bars, music venues and nightclub Priva. Friday is busiest but be sure to stop by on Sunday for the street party.

Culture

Familiar faces such as Tony Blair and Frank Sinatra are known to have admired the resort and have been seen attending mass in the St Frances of Assisi RC Church. Dating back to 1629, the small yet dramatic St James Parish Church is a piece of history worth viewing, and the landscaped gardens of Lascelles Plantation are also worthy of your exploratory efforts.

Adventure and Sports

There’s plenty of water sport action taking place at Holetown Beach, including water skiing and banana boat rides.

Guests can also visit Folkestone Marine Park, which is perfect for exploring the colourful and fascinating coral reef by scuba diving and snorkelling.

Getting around

There is basically one road that runs along the coast, where you’ll be able to use the public buses or private-owned mini vans.