Saint James

Saint James is the most exclusive parish in Barbados — the Platinum Coast, where the finest hotels, the most beautiful beaches and the best restaurants are concentrated. It stretches along the west coast from just north of Bridgetown to Speightstown, and it's the part of Barbados that most visitors come to experience.

The beaches here are extraordinary. Sandy Lane, the most famous beach in Barbados, is a sweeping arc of white sand with calm, turquoise water and the legendary Sandy Lane hotel as its backdrop. The hotel, one of the most exclusive in the Caribbean, has hosted royalty, rock stars and heads of state since it opened in 1961. The beach is open to all, and even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's worth visiting for the setting alone.

Paynes Bay, just north of Sandy Lane, is one of the best places in Barbados to snorkel with sea turtles. Hawksbill and leatherback turtles are regularly seen in the calm, clear water just offshore. Several operators offer guided snorkelling trips from the beach, but you can often spot turtles independently from the shore.

Mullins Bay, further north, is one of the most popular beaches on the west coast. The Mullins Beach Bar is the social hub — excellent cocktails, fresh fish and the best rum punch on the west coast. It's particularly lively on Sunday afternoons when locals and tourists mix freely.

The restaurant scene in Saint James is the best in Barbados. The Cliff, perched on a rocky promontory above the sea, is the most dramatic fine-dining experience on the island — the setting, with tables on terraces carved into the cliff face, is genuinely spectacular. The Lone Star, Daphne's and The Tides are all excellent alternatives.

Holetown, the main town in Saint James, was the site of the first British settlement in Barbados in 1627. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has the best duty-free shopping in Barbados, and the town has a good range of restaurants and bars.