The three faces of Barbados, the beautiful easternmost island in the Caribbean, offer more diversity than vacation spots much larger than 14 by 21 miles. The place to go for “fancy” is the West Coast; the value-minded head to the south shore; and the daring are drawn like celebrities to expensive East Coast handbags. This is why. In fact, let’s start with those celebrities and the most stylish face of Barbados, in Part 1 of this 3-part series.
the west coast: Posh & Celebrity-Central
Expedia UK has named Barbados as the most popular place for celebrities and stars to visit. So if you are a watcher of the rich and famous or if you are rich and famous, you belong on the west coast of Barbados, also known as “The Platinum Coast” for its beautiful white sand beaches.
Celebrities often hang out at Sandy Lane Beach because they stay at the resort of the same name. As all beaches in Barbados are public, you can camp out on a nearby lounger and enjoy drinks and dips in the sea like the Beckhams, Oprah (who bought a house on the island), Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant and Sting. Tiger Woods got married at Sandy Lane Resort.
Barbados has been a playground for celebrities for decades: Frank Sinatra, Jackie O, Pavarotti and many others loved the tropical paradise. The island has also been a favorite getaway for royalty; Harry, William and their friends enjoy cricket matches on the island. Singer Nina Simone had a long affair with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Barrows, who also found time to guide Barbados towards independence from Britain in the 1960s.
The reasons why Barbados is popular with the jet set are numerous. First, the locals in Barbados are generally low-key, quite British, you might say; visitors can be royalty, movie stars, or a family from Ottawa…all are equal to Baja Californians. Other tourists, not locals, are more likely to get excited about the island’s celebrity guests. Second, although the beaches are public, the hotels and resorts are very exclusive and offer great privacy to guests. Third, the paparazzi may not be able to pay for airfare to Barbados; it’s a long distance to travel to snap a photo or two of Sting sampling Barbados’ famous rotis.
In addition to Sandy Lane Resort, for West Coast chic, stay at Fairmont Royal Pavilion, The Colony Club, Tamarind Club, and The House Barbados. Coming soon is the Four Seasons, currently under construction.
You don’t have to be famous, of course, to stay in any of these beautiful places, but it might come in handy if you’re rich.
