St Lawrence Gap

The St Lawrence Gap, in Christchurch Parish, is the nightlife centre of Barbados, located on the more commercial southern coast of the island. The resorts on the south coast are spread out, some even fairly isolated, but the Gap itself is lined with dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, and, correspondingly, several resorts are clustered there as well. This part of Barbados is more casual and inviting than the Platinum Coast, and the resorts are hardly behind high walls. Wherever you go, you'll find the Bajans (bay-juhns) friendly and welcoming.

The St Lawrence Gap draws a younger and livelier crowd than the rest of the island. Since the main draw here is nightlife, there is always a healthy contingent of singles, though a few resorts here draw families.

Barbados stands alone in the Atlantic, 160km (100 miles) east of the other Windward Islands in the Caribbean, its closest neighbour being St Lucia. The modern and comfortable Grantley Adams International Airport is near the southern tip of the island and is a short drive from the St Lawrence Gap. The St Lawrence Gap is on the southwest coast of the island, approximately 9km (6 miles) west of the airport.

Beaches on the south coast have fine white sand but are windier than those on the west coast. Reef-protected areas are safe for swimming, but there may be some surf. The area is a prime windsurfing spot. St Lawrence Bay itself can be very shallow during low tide and is protected for swimming; it also has good snorkelling from the beach. Dover Beach, at the Gap, is a stunning half-mile strand. Sandy Beach, in Worthing (particularly the section by the Sandy Bay Beach Resort) has calm, shallow waters, making it good for families with children.

Several of the island's most interesting sights are in Christchurch. Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in Bush Hill has preserved some of the island's best remaining undeveloped wetlands and has a large aviary. The Sunbury Plantation in Six Cross Roads is a great historic plantation, where you can have a buffet lunch. Tyrol Cot Heritage Village in Codrington Hill was the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados; today it's a craft village where you can watch artisans in their workshops.

Seaborne activities are centred in Bridgetown. Kids enjoy the Atlantis III submarine, which sails from Bridgetown and can dive to a depth of 45m (150ft), or a cruise on the tall-ship Harbour Master. Closer to the Gap, Ocean Park, on Highway 6, has marine exhibits and a miniature golf course.

Shoppers will find a few duty-free offerings in the St Lawrence Gap, but you may need to make the trek over to Bridgetown to find a larger concentration of stores. A charming Chattel House Village in The Gap has a good range of unique shops selling tourist souvenirs. Tyrol Cot offers the opportunity to watch local artisans make their wares. Blue or green Earthworks Pottery is top-quality.

The St Lawrence Gap is the best place on the island for night owls. You can stroll the main road and find dozens of bars and discos. The Plantation Garden Theatre offers a spectacular calypso cabaret show that is suitable for families. And the Oistens Fish Fry, in the nearby fishing village of Oistens, is the island's best weekend street party.

While resorts will give you a proper English breakfast, do take time to check out some of the local specialities, including Bajan-style pepper pot, a rich, spicy stew of oxtails and beef with vegetables. The St Lawrence Gap is chock-a-block with good restaurants, both upscale and informal.

Many people choose to stay in and around the Gap so that they do not need to rent a car. Numerous buses and minivans offer cheap transit to Bridgetown, the airport, and beyond; these buses and vans stop near most south-coast resorts. If you want to do any more extensive exploring, though, you'll need to rent a car or take tours.

Andromeda Gardens in Bathsheba also has some excellent views. Harrison's Cave is one of the island's most popular attractions. The Flower Forest in Richmond Plantation is a lovely garden with winding paths on a former sugar plantation. Gun Hill Signal Station, atop Gun Hill, is at one of the island's highest points and offers outstanding views. If you are longing for a dose of history, visit the Barbados Museum in Garrison Savannah.

The island's best bars are all right there in the St Lawrence Gap area. The Ship Inn is a large, friendly pub that hosts both DJs and local bands, where you can enjoy a Banks lager or a drink with one of the local rums and dance the night away.

Barbados's Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI)