BARBADOS (Caribbean)

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Barbados, is the eastern-most Caribbean island and is actually an enormous and ancient coral reef, created about one million years ago. It has been billed as 'the real fantasy island', abounding with exotic resorts, beaches and exciting history. With 340 days of sunshine a year, well-developed amenities, a throbbing nightlife and friendly locals, there is surely no more desirable holiday location.

The islanders call themselves 'Bajans', and although they are as West Indian as any of their neighbours, the culture reflects a distinctive English flair. This is evident from its Anglican stone churches (the island is divided into numerous parishes) to the many cricket matches played on its village greens. The 'Little England' legacy dates back to colonial days when the sugar industry reigned supreme. Barbados gained self-government in 1966, and now tourism rather than sugar is the mainstay of the local economy.

The island is a pear-shaped, 20-mile (32km) long stretch comprising soft coral permeated by water resulting in fascinating underground caverns. The coral reefs enveloping most of the island entice tourists to its picturesque shores.

Barbados suits anyone seeking a relaxed and mellow holiday. Main clientele are fairly comfortably off couples, with more mature guests favouring the peak winter season and the younger market the summer; British and Canadians dominate. Barbados is also popular with water-sports enthusiasts, golfers, honeymooners and couples tying the knot "in paradise". There is a range of accommodation here with W-coast hotels tend to be considerably more upmarket and exclusive; mid-range properties predominate on the SW coast. Self-catering options are concentrated in the S, with most also offering in-house food, beverage and entertainments facilities. All establishments are fairly modest in size, with a few notable exceptions.

The W-coast beaches tend to be narrow and have slightly coarser sand than in the S, where wide, soft, white-sand beaches are the norm. The W coast faces the relatively calm Caribbean Sea, although steeply banked beaches can create undercurrents; in some narrower sections, beaches are subject to tide and storm erosion. The sea along the S coast tends to be a little less settled and appeals to windsurfers. The E coast has picturesque, almost deserted beaches facing the Atlantic, but the water has a reputation for strong currents and tends to be the exclusive domain of surfers and strong, experienced swimmers. All beaches are officially public but coastal development often makes access virtually exclusive to establishments lining the shore. Naturist and topless bathing are illegal and the law is almost universally observed.