Barbados Banking

Barbados was first settled by the British in 1627 and many British traditions are now an intrinsic part of the Bajan culture. It is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands and the ideal introduction to the West Indies. Barbados has something for everyone but has not compromised its idyllic charm by becoming too developed. You won't find high-rise hotels, arcades or hamburger chains; you will find beautiful white sand beaches, swaying palms beside warm blue seas and some of the friendliest people in the world.

The island's interior has fascinating abundance of flora and fauna and the eastern Atlantic side is ruggedly beautiful. The 'platinum' west coast is renowned for its luxury hotels fronting the soft, white sands and calm waters of the Caribbean. For the sports enthusiast there is everything from golf to horse-racing with some of the best watersports in the world and, for cultural interest, there is the island's varied history and a host of stately homes and elegant plantation houses to visit. Barbados has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a wide selection of restaurants   hotels and nightline. Barbados boasts some of the most exquisite hotels.

If chic boutiques, serenity and elegance are your style, posh resorts and calm Caribbean waters on the West Coast are for you. The South Coast is a paradise for those on the go, with the active nightlife of St. Lawrence Gap and spectacular beaches with outstanding surf to lull you to sleep. Wherever you choose to stay, all island's treasures are within easy access as Barbados is just 21 miles long. The island is mostly flat. Its rolling hills, deep rifts and gullies provide a scenic home to colourful and interesting plants and wildlife. Its west coast boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast with waves that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 F./ 24~33 C.