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Last Updated: Aug 17th, 2009 - 19:02:51 |
Fresh from becoming the first England cricket captain to win the Ashes in 18 years, Michael Vaughan is taking time off before the next England cricket tour to find somewhere to relax and unwind. And it would appear that he has found just the place.
Along with his pregnant wife Nichola, and their one-year-old daughter Tallulah Grace, they have found a luxurious paradise home on the island of Barbados, on the Royal Westmoreland development.
For several years now this part of the world has been attracting a number of celebrities, such as golfer Ian Woosnam, former cricketer Mike Gatting and former tennis great Virginia Wade. Gary Lineker has also got himself a property there, and Rio Ferdinand has been rumoured to be looking too.
The Westmoreland's golf club has also attracted the interest of Hugh Grant, Prince Andrew and West Indian cricketing legends such as Sir Gary Sobers and Desmond Haynes.
Vaughan could barely contain his excitement about spending time in Barbados: "I am looking forward to having my own private villa and a piece of paradise on Barbados. It is a beautiful island and an ideal place to recharge my batteries."
A beautiful island indeed. It is the most easterly island in the Caribbean, with a population of just a quarter of a million. It boasts 97 kilometres of coastline, naturally offering tourists stunning beaches and water sports galore.
Aside from lounging on the beach, Barbados also provides plenty for the inquisitive mind. In the capital, Bridgetown, you can check out the Barbados Museum. Part of the historic Garrison area, it used to be a military prison and was built between 1817 and 1818. Its numerous galleries portray many fascinating elements of old Barbados, as well as exhibits of modern art.
You can also check out the Jewish Synagogue, which was originally built in 1651. A hurricane destroyed it in 1831, and the building that stands there now was constructed in 1833. Remarkably, in 1929, there was just one practicing Jew left in Barbados and so the building was sold and converted into offices. But after it become derelict in the 1980s, the local Jewish community restored it and it is once again in active use.
There is also Trafalgar Square to see, complete with its Lord Nelson statue. This was built three years after its London equivalent. There you will also find the Dolphin Fountain, dating back to 1865, which commemorates the arrival of piped water into Bridgetown.
For those that fancy a tipple of rum, then a visit to the Mount Gay distillery is a must. It is one of the world's oldest distilleries, and is open to tours. You can see how, for the last 300 years, the rum has been perfected, with a trip round the distillery, the bottling plant and the aging area. You can also sample the rum in a bar and pick up a souvenir too.
Further afield, nature lovers will enjoy the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, as you can wander through the amazing wildlife including brocket deer, the Barbados Green monkey, land tortoises and peacocks.
A visit to Harrison's Cave, in St. Thomas, is also worthwhile. There is an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites and cascading pools. The tour takes an hour as you descend into the caves on an electric tram.
For spectacular views of the coastline, then Bathsheba is the place to go. The East Coast Road is incredible, a popular place for surfers to go as the sea is rugged, a truly beautiful spot.
In terms of nightlife, you must go to the legendary Boatyard. This is the island's most famous venue to party the night away, and can be found in Carlisle Bay. Not only are the beach and water activities there excellent during the day, but at night the party atmosphere is something not to be missed.
Search for a holiday to Barbados
Visit the official website of the Barbados Tourist Board
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Book online 24 hours a day or contact our telephone helpline on:
0845 299 4450
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
Sunday 10.00 - 22.00
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