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...Holidayed (is that a word)? in Barbados? If so what gives and should I allow myself to be dragged there? BTW I cannot abide sitting around doing SFA.
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No idea what it is like... but if this is soon make sure wherever it is was not damaged to much by Sandy.
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Two different friends of ours go to Barbados and Cuba soon.... I am sure Barbados is very nice if you pay for an all inclusive deal there.
Someone on here will have been I am sure. I would check out reviews on Trip Advisor for accommodation. And ask in their forums specific questions. You will get a replies quickly
and get more than one point of view.
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Ive worked for years with a lady who's family are from Barbados. It seems like a wonderful place for a by the pool doing SFA holiday. Not sure what it's attractions are for those, me included, who want activity - sailing perhaps?
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Erin has always wanted to go. I can't be bothered about holidays full stop. I don't mind a few days here and there, but I gotta be doing something. Comes from a life of work work and more work I suppose. I actually don't know how to relax if there exists such a beast. I also feel that there is so much to do in this country without the hassle of going abroad. Oh! well,each to his own.....
Last edited by: VxFan on Fri 23 Nov 12 at 01:12
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It sounds like a three line whip and you have to go. So your questions and thinking need to be about what you can do to keep away the boredom. Do you like reading? :-)
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A good book by the pool, sunshine, pina colada (or insert a rum based drink of your choice here) fresh fish BBqd for dinner.
Yeah carp init.
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Might manage a week then, can't say for sure! As for reading, the Menu sounds OK!! Mind you, don't they have British Bobbies (bobby's)? too. Better watch my driving then. (:0-0:)
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>...Holidayed (is that a word)? in Barbados?
Yup,
Lovely island but you need to choose your hotel and tour operator carefully.
we went in 2004 with Virgin and stayed at Discovery Bay in Holetown.
Immigration at Grantley Adams airport was complete chaos. We stood queueing for more than 90 minutes to present our passports to a grumpy uniform.
The hotel was clean and comfortable but a little dated. They'd also overbooked so we didn't get the room type we had booked until our third day. The food in the hotel was absolute carp and the bar staff non-existent until the rigorously enforced closing time. Most nights we booked a table at the Lone Star just up the road which was excellent but pricey.
Two other couples were in the same situation and the Virgin rep couldn't care less.
If you need to do more than just 'chillin' you'll need to be a golfer, surfer or pretty good sailing a Hobie cat, but again it's pricey.
We wouldn't go there again, at least not to Discovery Bay or with Virgin. It might have changed in the last few years but we've found somewhere better.
In short, do some research before you book.
If you want somewhere in the Caribbean that has reasonable food, accomodation, culture and the most welcoming people you've ever met, point Mrs Devon at Paradisus Rio de Oro in Cuba.
Take a tour to old Havana, go to The Tropicana and then sit on your crumbling balcony enjoying a mojito and hand rolled cigar.
Bliss.
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Be careful if you book Paradisus Rio de Oro in Cuba.... could end up a long way from Havana.
Simply put this into Google maps: Paradisus Rio de Oro in Cuba
One is Havana and the other two are not. And the one with the same name is a 'little distance from Havana'... Maybe 9-10 hours driving.
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>Be careful if you book Paradisus Rio de Oro in Cuba.... could end up a long way from Havana.
You most certainly will but you can't go wrong. There is only ONE Paradisus Rio de Oro in Cuba, it's near Guardalavaca and a two/three hour turbo-prop flight to Havana.
An "Unverified Listing" on Google Maps? I used to give you more credit than that rtj!
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>>I used to give you more credit than that rtj!
I have never been there so did a quick google. But thanks for the previous credit.
I only did a quick search because:
1. We might got there one day but we might very soon missing Cuba as it should be seem - especially seeing Havana
2. Leads on to distance from a resort I found on Thomas Cook... 6 hours drive to Havana
And why I looked at all? Friend goes this week to Cuba for a walking holiday. They start where the hurricane hit.
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>Friend goes this week to Cuba for a walking holiday. They start where the hurricane hit.
Staying in Casas Particulares?
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No idea to be honest. They start on the south east near Santiago de Cuba.
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>>Casas Particulares
Literally "private houses". People renting out rooms, apartments and houses as individuals, usually through an agency or cooperative type organisation.
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>No idea to be honest. They start on the south east near Santiago de Cuba.
Sandy hit Santiago quite badly. Damage to tourist hotels will be repaired very quickly but if your friends are staying in Casas they might be wise to try and check that everything is OK.
Lygonos's flippant comment in another thread about it being a bunch of sticks and mud is sadly true for quite a few folks in Eastern Cuba.
15,000 homes destroyed and another 36,000 partially collapsed in Santiago alone.
www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/2nov-raul-santiago.html
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Had our honeymoon in Barbados, 1998. Sat around and did SFA mostly, hired a doorless, roofless Suzuki roller skate for a few days and drove around some plantations and stuff. Rained a fair bit.
I prefer Europe.
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Went 4 years ago on a dirt cheap virgin package. IIRC we paid under a grand for the two of us for a weeks all inclusive.
I liked it. We spent a couple of days on the beach and swimming with the turtles / lazing around the pool, but we are not really ones to do nothing so went out most days. We got the bus into bridgetown, did a few organised day trips which were well organised, ventured out in the evening a couple of times.
Had a really good time, but not sure that I would go back, just because we did so much there.
Oh yeah, and the Virgin rep was a particularly unpleasant individual, so we went out of our way to book any activities direct rather than through her!
Also did Antigua previously which is far less developed and possibly a prettier island - didn't go there on a package, flight paid by BA miles found hotel on internet
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I shall be pointing out to Erin that there doesn't seem much going for Barbados. Deep Joy.
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You point out that you hear that Cuba is a much better bet,
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Has anybody... - rtj70
