I am heading to Barbados in March for 5 days. Looking for a decent place to stay and things to do. Thanks!

Hilton is nice

Craggy Nook is amazing. We've been twice and would go back in a heartbeat...

We stayed at an airbnb in Holetown. We loved that location. We could take a bus into Bridgetown. Eat macaroni pie from the back of a truck, it's cheap and delicious. Friday night Fish Fry in Oistins is a must. Get a taxi driver to take you around the island, it will take about 4 hours.

Did you find it generally safe? Any places to avoid?

Jay We found it safe in Holetown, we walked around at night. People there were friendly and helpful. Once we picked up some bottled water and a man stopped us and told us their water was good and safe to drink, advised us not to waste our money.

I stayed at Beach One. I found the listing on home away. Nice house and in the middle of everything. Much better thsn the Hilton where I stayed the year prior. I don't have the link only her email. Im sure you can "google it" [email protected]

Newly returned from working and living in Barbados for 7 months. There is currently a sewage crisis on the South Coast with open sewage flowing freely in the streets and into the ocean. (Yes, this is where I was living.) Canada, the UK, and the US have all warned tourists to steer clear of those beaches. The US also recently tested the water in their staff's homes and put them all on boil alert. Personally, I really like the area around Bathsheba - but it probably isn't the kind of beach someone here is going down there for. It's wilder, more peaceful but it doesn't have the amazing turquoise sea and lack of waves you get on the other side. Worth a day trip at least, though.

Oh wow! Thanks Tasha! I had no idea. I haven’t booked yet. Do you think I should avoid Barbados this time and go to another island?

Not necessarily. Barbados has really beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a beach vacation, it really has that. And cheap rum and all of that. But it has hit upon harder times since 2008 so it has some challenges. I would avoid staying in the South Coast right now because of the sewage. Beyond that, it depends on what you are looking for whether Barbados or some other island is your best bet.

Bathsheba is beautiful, but do not attempt to swim at the beach in this area, very dangerous, I lost my brother there in 99...I love Barbados...and if you can go GO! just do some research on the above posters comments, you will not be disappointed! Ps..must do the Mount Gay rum factory, rent your own vehicle to get around as you can drive the entire island in no time!

BA I am so sorry to hear of your brother's death at Bathsheba in 99. Yes: dangerous surf there. A local 16 year old surfer died there this past year as well. The other side of the island is currently better for swimming - you can still get in the water down by Oistens (Miami/Enterprise beach is my favourite!) or up by Holetown. Even the beaches by the Hilton and Radisson should be fine, once you get around Needham's Point, you should be past the sewage. Just stay away from Rockley/Accra Beach or Worthing.

Yes a friend of mine just returned, heard about the surfer...very popular kid I hear...

Honeymooners in Barbados in 82. Sorry to hear it has hit hard times. Lovely people and lovely island. Stayed at the Silver Sands and had friends stay yearly at the Colony club. Crane is or was raw beauty we happened on scooting the island and they were having a Pirates costume Party for an in port cruise ship. We were welcomed and had an amazing time. One of my fondest memories was just up the road from the Silver as we strolled on a peaceful night. In a small hut style house a small light lit the window and a shadowed silhouette of a mother was visable as she sang beautifully her baby to sleep. A block away a raging fire was burning the sugar cane fields and the church beside it had a full rock band as the congregation sang. They were blessing the cane being harvested. Such a Beautiful island in those days. We were going back for out 25th but sadly my husband became ill with Huntingtons and never has been well enough to return. We have a local painting we purchased in our honeymoon that hangs in his carehome. A reminder of our love and special time in Barbados. It's the Journey not the destination in life together always. Very sorry about your brother. BA -J.