Lonestar Restaurant, Barbados

Everyone seems to know about Lonestar in Barbados, its longstanding reputation makes it an obvious choice for first-timers on the island and a favourite for regulars.

The place was busy when we visited on a Tuesday night. Everyone was quite dressed up, everyone apart from us! Tired from our flight that day, I resisted the cocktail list.

The menu is mostly fresh seafood, a mix of oriental inspired dishes and European style food. My guest chose two Thai options: hot and crunchy vegetable spring rolls with sweet chilli dip to start, and Thai green king prawn curry for main. He was particularly delighted with the curry, which, although spicy, had a lovely flavour with the creamy sauce beautifully complimenting the giant prawns. I also chose a starter from the far east, opting for the Thai chicken salad. This was a ridiculously big portion that I felt rather daunted by. A cross between chicken satay and Caesar salad, it was an interesting combination with an especially nice peanut satay dressing. For main I had the US ribeye steak with hand-cut chips, spinach and peppercorn sauce, a rich but delicious dish cooked exactly to my specification.

Feeling full but intrigued about the dessert menu, we greedily shared the yummy Lonestar Dame Blanche brownie, it disappeared fast. The rest of the puddings looked amazing too… including an extra indulgent Lonestar Sundae.

Lonestar is a Barbados institution, with luxury accommodation and an excellent restaurant, it is a pricey but special choice for your Caribbean holiday.

More information here.

http://www.thelonestar.com/

Cool Running Boat trip, Barbados

In my opinion, the Cool Runnings boat tour is the only catamaran trip worth considering in Barbados. Immaculately planned with a hilariously enthusiastic crew on board, it is a fun-filled five hours that you’ll remember long after you fly home.

Setting off at 9:30 (ish) from Bridgetown Harbour, the trip includes three stops;

1.     Swimming with giant turtles

2.     Snorkelling on the reef

3.     Beautiful beach for lunch and a casual swim.

The rest of the time was spent drinking from the complimentary onboard bar, sunbathing and joking around with the crew.

Terrified of swimming with fish, I soon had several nicknames on board, and was eventually responding to “Oi, scaredy-cat!” Despite my fear, the constant goading persuaded me and I swam with (and patted) the giant turtles and managed to get a few photos. The snorkelling was a bit ambitious for me but looked like fun, the other guests seemed delighted with the shoals of tropical fish they spotted.

Lunch was typically Caribbean and very good and I found I was starving when mealtime came around.

The sail back to shore was almost the best part of the trip. The sun was shining, we were given delicious carrot cake and coffee, and all encouraged to get up and dance with the bootilicious and most flamboyant crew member, Ryan.

Massive thanks to captain Eddie and his team for an absolutely awesome boat trip – it was the highlight of our Barbados visit.

www.coolrunningsbarbados.com

tel 001 -246- 436 0911 to book your lunch cruise

info@coolrunningsbarbados.com

The Atlantis, Barbados

We arrived very late to The Atlantis so didn’t get to see the hotel in its full glory until morning. Located on the less popular east coast, this hotel is considered too far away for many visitors to Barbados. I urge you to reconsider however – the views of the Atlantic Ocean are epic and the area offers an unspoilt view of this developed Caribbean island.

The Atlantis has a rustic and homely feel, and we immediately felt relaxed in our lovely, spacious room. Despite being a sister hotel to Little Good Harbour, the Atlantis is grander, more upmarket and seemed to have more guests.

The décor is simple and understated with sea motifs and pictures around the room. The en-suite bedroom and living room gave us plenty of space to make a mess in the little time we had there. A large TV and iPod speakers were available to entertain us. The huge bed was dressed with soft sheets and felt luxurious. In the marble-topped bathroom, we had the pleasure of using a powerful walk-in shower and customised toiletries.

The rest of the hotel is thoughtfully decorated too with books to read and artwork to admire. Downstairs on the breakfast terrace, you can watch the aggressive waves crash against the rocks and feel the invigorating sea breeze whilst enjoying fresh pastries and juice.

If you are at a loose end on a Sunday, head to the Atlantis for their famous brunch, which is renowned across Barbados.

http://www.atlantishotelbarbados.com/