Royal Clipper Day Three – Almost On To The Ship !

Another lovely sunny morning in Barbados, and another early start. The day began with a visit to the Colony Club Hotel on the West of the island about 20 minutes from Bridgetown.

After breakfast we headed off in our minibus, with our driver for the day Kevin, to the hotel. As the name suggests it is styled as a colonial residence  and it is a really lovely, low rise hotel.

The restaurant is partly open air and looks out towards the beach area. The rooms are set in clusters around the grounds, many feature four poster beds and have been newly refurbished.

It is an ideal location, on a gorgeous sandy beach, for anyone looking to do cruise and stay on the island. It was my favourite hotel of all the ones we saw the only downfall – it rained that morning!

We the returned to our minibus and Kevin took us off on an  island tour. We headed straight up the west coast through Holetown, the first settlement in Barbados and originally called Jamestown after King James I !! It boasts a variety of good restaurants, and villas belonging to the rich and famous, Richard Branson and Simon Cowell have homes here. Then though Speighstown, which has a little know luxury marina, yachts can come and go here without being seen and there are plans to expand this secret harbour already underway.

Heading away from the glitz and luxury of the West Coast we head north to see the unspoilt part of Barbados. Here the roads start to get bumpy as we head through little, colourful villages. The north coast of Barbados is known for its spectacular panoramic views as the Atlantic Ocean meets the coastline, not recommended for swimming but part of the island that is completely different.

The fishing village of Bathsheba is know as the soup bowl of Barbados and is home to local and international surfing competitions, it is a stunning place.

We head back towards Bridgetown, who`s location was established by English settlers, and head through the streets of brightly coloured buildings towards  and our hotel for lunch.

Today is the day when we will finally get to see Royal Clipper !