Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 10

hotel review: Hilton Barbados Resort, Barbados

Hilton Barbados Resort   Needham's Point, St Michael, 11000, Bridgetown, 246-426-0200.  355 rooms+suites.  Pool and hot tub complex; fitness center; 4 tennis courts; health spa; beauty salon.  5 restaurants.

view from room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Located on a prime peninsula position at the southwestern tip of the island, this hotel offers an ocean view from every guest room.  Each room also has a private balcony, and bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower.  The pool complex is expansive and well equipped, and though the surf is often too rough for swimming, plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs await napping or reading.  Children under five eat for free and those ages 5-12 years get free breakfasts.  Additionally, the hotel provides activities and areas for kids as part of its Kidz Club program.  My room on the 6th floor had a divine high ceiling, and I was able to turn off the air conditioning and open the balcony door to a perfect temperature and the sounds of the surf.  It also attracted a sweet little bird that stopped by regularly to raid the coffee tray.

guest room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados





A 17th-century fort and one of the island’s four lighthouses are on the hotel’s grounds.  Built at Needham’s Point in 1650 by the British military to protect beautiful Carlisle Bay from any enemy attacks, Charles Fort was originally called Needham’s Fort.  Its name was changed in 1660.  With 33 guns (at one time it had 40) and 4 swivels, this important fort was part of the garrison and the largest of the forts built around the island.  The fort became a part of the British Military Garrison in 1836.  Visitors can see how the cannon were strategically positioned.  The area now fronts an important nesting beach for Hawksbill turtles.

cannon at Charles Fort at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Constructed in 1855, the Needham's Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on Barbados.  Featuring an octagonal shape and a stationary light, it is also a little different from the others that are all located at Harrison Point.  The lighthouse tower is closed to visitors.

Needham's Lighthouse at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Just a short walk away, guests can find several inexpensive local snack shacks.
●A popular roti house is around the corner of the entrance gate.
● Cuz Fish Shack  is a short walk away at Pebbles Beach.  Customers step up to the window of this popular fish shack to place their order.  The menu is simple--a fish cutter (a “cutter” is a sandwich)--and the price is right, BB$10.  Customers squirt in a condiment sauce or some mayo.  The day I ate here the fish was fresh marlin, and it was pretty darn good washed down with a cold local Banks beer.  Choices for seating are few--one bench is adjacent, and a beach wall where you can perch and enjoy the atmospheric surf is just a few steps away.

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

cutter/sandwich at Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Great Sleeps: Hilton Barbados Resort, Barbados

Hilton Barbados Resort   Needham's Point, St Michael, 11000, Bridgetown, 246-426-0200.  355 rooms+suites.  Pool and hot tub complex; fitness center; 4 tennis courts; health spa; beauty salon.  5 restaurants. 

view from room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Located on a prime peninsula position at the southwestern tip of the island, this hotel offers an ocean view from every guest room.  Each room also has a private balcony, and bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower.  The pool complex is expansive and well equipped, and though the surf is often too rough for swimming, plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs await napping or reading.  Children under five eat for free and those ages 5-12 years get free breakfasts.  Additionally, the hotel provides activities and areas for kids as part of its Kidz Club program.  My room on the 6th floor had a divine high ceiling, and I was able to turn off the air conditioning and open the balcony door to a perfect temperature and the sounds of the surf.  It also attracted a sweet little bird that stopped by regularly to raid the coffee tray.

guest room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados





A 17th-century fort and one of the island’s four lighthouses are on the hotel’s grounds.  Built at Needham’s Point in 1650 by the British military to protect beautiful Carlisle Bay from any enemy attacks, Charles Fort was originally called Needham’s Fort.  Its name was changed in 1660.  With 33 guns (at one time it had 40) and 4 swivels, this important fort was part of the garrison and the largest of the forts built around the island.  The fort became a part of the British Military Garrison in 1836.  Visitors can see how the cannon were strategically positioned.  The area now fronts an important nesting beach for Hawksbill turtles.

cannon at Charles Fort at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Constructed in 1855, the Needham's Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on Barbados.  Featuring an octagonal shape and a stationary light, it is also a little different from the others that are all located at Harrison Point.  The lighthouse tower is closed to visitors.

Needham's Lighthouse at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Just a short walk away, guests can find several inexpensive local snack shacks.
●A popular roti house is around the corner of the entrance gate.
● Cuz Fish Shack  is a short walk away at Pebbles Beach.  Customers step up to the window of this popular fish shack to place their order.  The menu is simple--a fish cutter (a “cutter” is a sandwich)--and the price is right, BB$10.  Customers squirt in a condiment sauce or some mayo.  The day I ate here the fish was fresh marlin, and it was pretty darn good washed down with a cold local Banks beer.  Choices for seating are few--one bench is adjacent, and a beach wall where you can perch and enjoy the atmospheric surf is just a few steps away.

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

cutter/sandwich at Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Bridgetown, Barbados: The Garrison Savannah Historic Area; things to do

The Garrison Savannah Historic Area   St. Ann’s Garrison, St. Michael. 

This district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It was once the largest British military headquarters in the Caribbean, and remains the most complete British garrison in the world.  Because this is a limestone island most buildings are constructed with it, but some buildings here were built of brick in the 1800s.  St. Ann’s Fort is an example.  It is also a perfect hexagon and isn’t visible from the sea.  Historic 18th- and 19th-century military buildings encircle the savannah and horseracing track, which consist of a hot flat field without shelter.  It was once known as a “death hole,” because at one time up to 10 deaths occurred per day.  The extensive cannon collection here is one of the world’s largest and contains several that are extremely rare.

exterior of Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos
●Main Guard House/Clock Tower  This is the geographic center of the garrison and the main parade grounds.  Soldiers were dispensed from here to guard houses around the garrison.  The formal Changing of the Sentry stopped in 1905, but was started up again in 2011 for show and now takes place every Thursday at noon in front of the building’s Clock Tower (it uses Big Ben chimes to announce the time).  As the noon chimes start ringing, the colorful parade begins.  The sentries dress in the Zouave uniform originally worn by the famous West India Regiments.

sentries in the Zouave uniform at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos

Changing of the Sentry at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos



●The Garrison horse racing track  One of the world’s oldest race tracks--certainly the oldest in the Americas--this track started up in 1843, and races are still held here.

horse racing track and line of cannons at The Garrison in Barbabos
Also in The Garrison:

● Barbados Museum & Historical Society

● George Washington House Museum



More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

things to do: The Garrison Savannah Historic Area, Barbados

The Garrison Savannah Historic Area   St. Ann’s Garrison, St. Michael.   This district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It was once the largest British military headquarters in the Caribbean, and remains the most complete British garrison in the world.  Because this is a limestone island most buildings are constructed with it, but some buildings here were built of brick in the 1800s.  St. Ann’s Fort is an example.  It is also a perfect hexagon and isn’t visible from the sea.  Historic 18th- and 19th-century military buildings encircle the savannah and horseracing track, which consist of a hot flat field without shelter.  It was once known as a “death hole,” because at one time up to 10 deaths occurred per day.  The extensive cannon collection here is one of the world’s largest and contains several that are extremely rare.


exterior of Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos
●Main Guard House/Clock Tower  This is the geographic center of the garrison and the main parade grounds.  Soldiers were dispensed from here to guard houses around the garrison.  The formal Changing of the Sentry stopped in 1905, but was started up again in 2011 for show and now takes place every Thursday at noon in front of the building’s Clock Tower (it uses Big Ben chimes to announce the time).  As the noon chimes start ringing, the colorful parade begins.  The sentries dress in the Zouave uniform originally worn by the famous West India Regiments.

sentries in the Zouave uniform at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos

Changing of the Sentry at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos



●The Garrison horse racing track  One of the world’s oldest race tracks--certainly the oldest in the Americas--this track started up in 1843, and races are still held here.

horse racing track and line of cannons at The Garrison in Barbabos
Also in The Garrison:

● Barbados Museum & Historical Society

● George Washington House Museum



More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: The Garrison Savannah Historic Area, Barbados

The Garrison Savannah Historic Area   St. Ann’s Garrison, St. Michael.   This district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It was once the largest British military headquarters in the Caribbean, and remains the most complete British garrison in the world.  Because this is a limestone island most buildings are constructed with it, but some buildings here were built of brick in the 1800s.  St. Ann’s Fort is an example.  It is also a perfect hexagon and isn’t visible from the sea.  Historic 18th- and 19th-century military buildings encircle the savannah and horseracing track, which consist of a hot flat field without shelter.  It was once known as a “death hole,” because at one time up to 10 deaths occurred per day.  The extensive cannon collection here is one of the world’s largest and contains several that are extremely rare.


exterior of Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos
●Main Guard House/Clock Tower  This is the geographic center of the garrison and the main parade grounds.  Soldiers were dispensed from here to guard houses around the garrison.  The formal Changing of the Sentry stopped in 1905, but was started up again in 2011 for show and now takes place every Thursday at noon in front of the building’s Clock Tower (it uses Big Ben chimes to announce the time).  As the noon chimes start ringing, the colorful parade begins.  The sentries dress in the Zouave uniform originally worn by the famous West India Regiments.

sentries in the Zouave uniform at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos

Changing of the Sentry at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower at The Garrison in Barbabos



●The Garrison horse racing track  One of the world’s oldest race tracks--certainly the oldest in the Americas--this track started up in 1843, and races are still held here.

horse racing track and line of cannons at The Garrison in Barbabos
Also in The Garrison:

● Barbados Museum & Historical Society

● George Washington House Museum



More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

St. James, Barbados: The Cliff Beach Club; restaurant review

The Cliff Beach Club   Derricks, St. James, West Coast, (246) 432-0797.

check-in at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados
This restaurant nestles ocean-side on the rocks next to her sister restaurant, The Cliff.  It maintains the same high standards as The Cliff, but with a more casual atmosphere.  Chef Jérémy Dupire mixes in his French influence with Bajan flavor.  Three dining rooms are arranged in tiers leading down to the splash of the ocean waves.  The decor is splashy, too, with colorful lights at night.  Portions are large, and menu items include both the exotic--octopus carpaccio and barracuda steak--and the simple--burrata mozzarella salad and pan-seared sea bass.  I was delighted with my appetizer choice of a prawn-avocado salad with mango dressing and a main of blackened local tuna with potato mash.  Though fish does seem the way to go here, a variety of meats and pastas are available as well.


dining decks at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados

dining deck at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados


prawn-avocado salad at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados


More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

restaurant review: The Cliff Beach Club, Barbados

The Cliff Beach Club   Derricks, St. James, West Coast, (246) 432-0797.

check-in at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados
This restaurant nestles ocean-side on the rocks next to her sister restaurant, The Cliff.  It maintains the same high standards as The Cliff, but with a more casual atmosphere.  Chef Jérémy Dupire mixes in his French influence with Bajan flavor.  Three dining rooms are arranged in tiers leading down to the splash of the ocean waves.  The decor is splashy, too, with colorful lights at night.  Portions are large, and menu items include both the exotic--octopus carpaccio and barracuda steak--and the simple--burrata mozzarella salad and pan-seared sea bass.  I was delighted with my appetizer choice of a prawn-avocado salad with mango dressing and a main of blackened local tuna with potato mash.  Though fish does seem the way to go here, a variety of meats and pastas are available as well.


dining decks at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados

dining deck at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados


prawn-avocado salad at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados


More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: The Cliff Beach Club, Barbados

The Cliff Beach Club   Derricks, St. James, West Coast, (246) 432-0797. 

check-in at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados
This restaurant nestles ocean-side on the rocks next to her sister restaurant, The Cliff.  It maintains the same high standards as The Cliff, but with a more casual atmosphere.  Chef Jérémy Dupire mixes in his French influence with Bajan flavor.  Three dining rooms are arranged in tiers leading down to the splash of the ocean waves.  The decor is splashy, too, with colorful lights at night.  Portions are large, and menu items include both the exotic--octopus carpaccio and barracuda steak--and the simple--burrata mozzarella salad and pan-seared sea bass.  I was delighted with my appetizer choice of a prawn-avocado salad with mango dressing and a main of blackened local tuna with potato mash.  Though fish does seem the way to go here, a variety of meats and pastas are available as well. 


dining decks at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados

dining deck at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados

prawn-avocado salad at The Cliff Beach Club in Barbados


More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

St. Michael, Barbados: Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience; things to do

Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience   Exmouth Gap, Brandons, Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael, 246-425-8757.  M-F 9:30am-2:30-pm, Sat also (Nov-Apr) 10:30am-2:30pm.  Tasting US$20+, 6-17 US$8.

exterior of Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
Even people who know nothing about Barbados generally know the name Mount Gay.  Founded in 1703, it is generally considered the world’s oldest rum company.  The iconic Mount Gay logo is seen everywhere on the island, and their rum seems as well to be in everything foodie.  And this location claims to be the “only air-conditioned rum shop on the island.”  Though the tour stays in a museum-like space, it provides a look at the entire production process.  A short film in a replica rum shop adds another dimension.  After learning about everything from the harvesting of the sugarcane to the bottling of the final product, you finally get to the tasting.  Visitors sample a half-dozen varieties.  Actual rum production occurs elsewhere.

museum at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

life imitates art at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

tasting set-up at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

tasting bar at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

things to do: Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience, Barbados

Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience   Exmouth Gap, Brandons, Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael, 246-425-8757.  M-F 9:30am-2:30-pm, Sat also (Nov-Apr) 10:30am-2:30pm.  Tasting US$20+, 6-17 US$8.

exterior of Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
Even people who know nothing about Barbados generally know the name Mount Gay.  Founded in 1703, it is generally considered the world’s oldest rum company.  The iconic Mount Gay logo is seen everywhere on the island, and their rum seems as well to be in everything foodie.  And this location claims to be the “only air-conditioned rum shop on the island.”  Though the tour stays in a museum-like space, it provides a look at the entire production process.  A short film in a replica rum shop adds another dimension.  After learning about everything from the harvesting of the sugarcane to the bottling of the final product, you finally get to the tasting.  Visitors sample a half-dozen varieties.  Actual rum production occurs elsewhere.

museum at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
life imitates art at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

tasting set-up at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
tasting bar at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers