Den And Gloria’s guidebook
Local History
Holetown was the first town in Barbados and was discovered in 1625 by an Englishman called Henry Powell, who was blown off course and discovered Barbados by accident.
He returned to Barbados two years later in 1627 with a group of English settlers who named the area as Jamestown after the then king of England James 1st.
This name only lasted for two years until more settlers arrived and because of the inlet from the sea, they renamed the area Holetown, as it is known today. It soon lost its popularity as a dock once Bridgetown became established as it provided a much safer harbour for ships of that time. Holetown is today the third largest town in Barbados. The second largest town in Barbados being Speightstown
Holetown has the perfect mix of history with modern day living; with a beautiful white sandy beach, the tranquil and calm Caribbean Sea, both of which are timeless. Then you have some excellent world-famous restaurants, with exquisite cuisine, giving you some once in a lifetime dining experiences. All this nestles neatly in a backdrop of green hills and a historic town with narrow streets and relics from past years.
In the main Holetown complex, you will find the police station, library, museum (which is only open during the Holetown Festival – see below) and a monument to commemorate those who lost their lives in World Wars I & II.
There is also an interesting memorial to celebrate 300 years since the first settlers arrived in Holetown, which was erected in 1905 and the people of Holetown had a huge party to celebrate. However, somebody made a huge mistake as the 300 year anniversary was actually in 1927, so when the 350th anniversary came around in 1977, a new plaque was erected. This is all built on the site of what was the old James Fort, and some of the iron cannons are still in position.
Holetown is also home to the first Anglican Church, St. James Parish Church, which was built in 1628. The original building was made from wood and rebuilt from stone later that century, but over the years through hurricanes and fire, only an iron bell and the baptismal font remain. The structure that stands today dates back to around 1789. Holetown was also home to the first five plantations in Barbados.
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Holetown
Holetown was the first town in Barbados and was discovered in 1625 by an Englishman called Henry Powell, who was blown off course and discovered Barbados by accident.
He returned to Barbados two years later in 1627 with a group of English settlers who named the area as Jamestown after the then king of England James 1st.
This name only lasted for two years until more settlers arrived and because of the inlet from the sea, they renamed the area Holetown, as it is known today. It soon lost its popularity as a dock once Bridgetown became established as it provided a much safer harbour for ships of that time. Holetown is today the third largest town in Barbados. The second largest town in Barbados being Speightstown
Holetown has the perfect mix of history with modern day living; with a beautiful white sandy beach, the tranquil and calm Caribbean Sea, both of which are timeless. Then you have some excellent world-famous restaurants, with exquisite cuisine, giving you some once in a lifetime dining experiences. All this nestles neatly in a backdrop of green hills and a historic town with narrow streets and relics from past years.
In the main Holetown complex, you will find the police station, library, museum (which is only open during the Holetown Festival – see below) and a monument to commemorate those who lost their lives in World Wars I & II.
There is also an interesting memorial to celebrate 300 years since the first settlers arrived in Holetown, which was erected in 1905 and the people of Holetown had a huge party to celebrate. However, somebody made a huge mistake as the 300 year anniversary was actually in 1927, so when the 350th anniversary came around in 1977, a new plaque was erected. This is all built on the site of what was the old James Fort, and some of the iron cannons are still in position.
Holetown is also home to the first Anglican Church, St. James Parish Church, which was built in 1628. The original building was made from wood and rebuilt from stone later that century, but over the years through hurricanes and fire, only an iron bell and the baptismal font remain. The structure that stands today dates back to around 1789. Holetown was also home to the first five plantations in Barbados.
Sightseeing
The larger boat tours will undoubtedly stop at Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown for a snorkel stop.
The area is another Marine Park (there is also one just a short walk from Art Studios at Folkestone).
Carlisle Bay hosts several ship wrecks in shallow water and most of the tours will give you life jackets and snorkelling equipment so you can swim over the wrecks and swim with the turtles. It's a "must do" if you're a first time visitor to Barbados. Sunset cruises normally also stop at Carlisle Bay before the sun goes down.
Day cruises are typically 5 hours and sunset cruises are typically 3 hours. Both usually include a meal and drinks.
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Carlisle Bay
The larger boat tours will undoubtedly stop at Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown for a snorkel stop.
The area is another Marine Park (there is also one just a short walk from Art Studios at Folkestone).
Carlisle Bay hosts several ship wrecks in shallow water and most of the tours will give you life jackets and snorkelling equipment so you can swim over the wrecks and swim with the turtles. It's a "must do" if you're a first time visitor to Barbados. Sunset cruises normally also stop at Carlisle Bay before the sun goes down.
Day cruises are typically 5 hours and sunset cruises are typically 3 hours. Both usually include a meal and drinks.
A fantastic day out. Learn how rum is made, taste a few samples and learn about the early days of Barbados. It’s advisable to hire a car to visit St Nicholas Abbey. There are other distilleries on the Island which are worth a visit
Saint Nicholas Abbey
A fantastic day out. Learn how rum is made, taste a few samples and learn about the early days of Barbados. It’s advisable to hire a car to visit St Nicholas Abbey. There are other distilleries on the Island which are worth a visit
One of Barbados’ tourist attractions. It’s advisable to hire a car.
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Caverna de Harrison
One of Barbados’ tourist attractions. It’s advisable to hire a car.
If you enjoy walking around fantastic gardens this is one not to miss. It’s advisable to hire a car to visit Hunte’s Gardens
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Hunte's Gardens
Highway 3AIf you enjoy walking around fantastic gardens this is one not to miss. It’s advisable to hire a car to visit Hunte’s Gardens
Stiletto catamaran cruises actually leave from Holetown Beach which is just a few yards from the condo
Stiletto Catamaran Sailing Cruises
Stiletto catamaran cruises actually leave from Holetown Beach which is just a few yards from the condo
Based in Bridgetown. There are many other catamaran cruises in Barbados, some do a very romantic sunset cruise.
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Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises
Hincks StreetBased in Bridgetown. There are many other catamaran cruises in Barbados, some do a very romantic sunset cruise.
Sandy Lane - Old Nine Golf Course
The exclusive Sandy Lane Golf course.
Apes Hill Golf course. It would be advisable to hire a car.
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Apes Hill Club
Apes Hill Golf course. It would be advisable to hire a car.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the Kensington Oval watching cricket. Kensington Oval can be reached by bus.
Kensington Oval
Enjoy a relaxing day at the Kensington Oval watching cricket. Kensington Oval can be reached by bus.
A day at the horse races. Garson Savannah can be reached by bus with one change at Bridgetown.
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Garrison Savannah
62a Tudor StA day at the horse races. Garson Savannah can be reached by bus with one change at Bridgetown.
Food scene
There are at least 15 to 20 restaurants within easy walking distance to Art Studios. A small selection are:
Impressive building within easy walking distance from Art Studio Condominiums with designer shops and a selection of restaurants at various prices.
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Limegrove Lifestyle Centre
Impressive building within easy walking distance from Art Studio Condominiums with designer shops and a selection of restaurants at various prices.
Good quality food at a reasonable price on the beach and can be reached by walking along the beach from Art Studio Condominiums
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Surfside Restaurant & Bar
Good quality food at a reasonable price on the beach and can be reached by walking along the beach from Art Studio Condominiums
Lovely food in a lovely setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea and within walking distance of Art Studio Condominiums
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The Tides Restaurant | Barbados
Lovely food in a lovely setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea and within walking distance of Art Studio Condominiums
The famous chef, Paul Owens is a recent asset to the Beach House. Within walking distance of the Art Studio Condominiums
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The Beach House
The famous chef, Paul Owens is a recent asset to the Beach House. Within walking distance of the Art Studio Condominiums
Good quality food at a reasonable price and within walking distance of Art Studio condominiums.
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Just Grillin' Sunset Crest
Highway 1Good quality food at a reasonable price and within walking distance of Art Studio condominiums.
Slightly further afield is The Lone Star. On the expensive side but well worth treating yourselves. On the direct bus route from Art Studios, you may prefer to hire a car.
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Lone Star Restaurant & Hotel
Slightly further afield is The Lone Star. On the expensive side but well worth treating yourselves. On the direct bus route from Art Studios, you may prefer to hire a car.
On the opposite side of the road to the lane leading to Art Studio Condominiums. Open Thursday (karaoke night) Friday and Saturday nights.
Rock Net Grill
On the opposite side of the road to the lane leading to Art Studio Condominiums. Open Thursday (karaoke night) Friday and Saturday nights.
Pier One, Port St Charles Marina, Speightstown. Car hire or taxi is recommended.
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Port St Charles
Pier One, Port St Charles Marina, Speightstown. Car hire or taxi is recommended.
Night life
Red Door Lounge
Within walking distance of Art Studios
Night life and food scene
Situated adjacent to Oistins Fish Market, this is a very popular venue. On Friday nights for a good, reasonably priced local food and sometimes live entertainment. Be prepared to wait for food, everything is cooked fresh and they can be very busy. A direct bus service is available from the bus stop on the opposite side of the road from Art Studios, buses will display Oistins but is always best to check with the driver. Fare BDS 3.50 each way. Buses can be packed on return.
Oistins
Conselhos sobre a cidade
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Barbados Buses
There are 3 types of buses in Barbados, the State owned Blue buses and for the adventurous, who like a bit of excitement in their lives then try the privately owned yellow reggae buses (some of whom who drive fast, play loud music and will stop anywhere on their route). Further into the country there are the smaller 9-15 seater mini buses which will stop anywhere on route. All buses run very frequently over most of the Island and charge BDS 3.50 per journey at the time of writing. The State owned buses do not give change so it’s a good idea to have the correct money.
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Taxis
There are numerous taxi firms all over the island, a few phone numbers are in our information pack in the apartment. There is a taxi kiosk outside Grantley Adams Airport where you can arrange a taxi to Art Studios. At the time of writing (May 2023) the taxi fare is approximately USD 66, BSS 122.
Não perca
Water
The water in Barbados is safe to drink. The hot water at Art Studios is heated by solar panels so there is a constant supply of hot water but a word of warning, the water does get very hot. It is worth mentioning also that water is a scarce commodity in Barbados so we do advise using it responsibly.
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Car hire
We always use MAH Car Rental, a very friendly family run business who provide a range of vehicles at competitive prices. They will deliver/drop off and collect the vehicle to/from anywhere on the Island, including the airport, at no extra cost. If you decide to use MAH please mention Art Studios at the time of booking. There are many other car hire companies, details of which can found in the local telephone directory (which is under the pagoda in Art Studios garden) or online.