Discover the Best Barbados Vacation Rentals and Travel Guides

With over 25 years experience in luxury travel industry, we have seen it all. To help you enjoy your next trip to the fullest, the ZenBreak’s team has compiled the best and worst travel experiences and extracted the lessons we learned from the past. Our recommendations applies to business trip, short weekend get away or long escape on the beach. If you like staying in luxury hotels or are planning to go backpacking for a while, any of the following will apply. BOOK AHEAD Yes, there are tons of flight comparison websites, and you’ve just spent the last hour looking for the best deal possible. However you’re not the only one searching and those internet cookies leave crumbs behind. Next time you go back online, the probabilities are that the price you loved today will be higher. Time flies! Book that trip before the price goes up or you might regret it. DON’T BE FLASHY Never underestimate the eyes of pickpockets. Wearing a fancy watch, or even an unnoticeable bracelet might not seem like something to think about when you travel. However, you never know who’s watching you. Being discreet is the best way to avoid embarrassing or unfortunate situations. Don’t show off and remain anonymous. KEEP A JOURNAL Met someone special? Had an interesting or unusual chat? Writing down how you were affected by certain experiences creates a better platform for reflection at a later date. Souvenirs may not always be photos, words carry your emotions much better sometimes. Remember that by writing what you experienced, you drastically increase the probability of remembering what you lived in the future. WRITE THINGS DOWN Just had directions explained to you in a strong hard-to-understand accent? Not sure you’ll remember the details of which way to go? Just write it down. Take that extra minute to recap and make sure you don’t miss the essentials. It may save you, valuable time later on. MORE TIME, FEWER PLACES Would you rather know a limited amount of information about many different places, or really experience and immerse yourself in a few areas? The world is huge and it’s just impossible to go everywhere. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you can only remember how clean or dirty airports or trains were. Try dedicating a full week to explore a large city. I was once forced to increase my stay in Bangkok from 2 days to 7 due to the SARS virus in Hong Kong. It turns out to be one of the best experiences I ever had. ALWAYS ASK HOW MUCH ($) You’ve just got in a cab, and you’re asking yourself if you’ve got enough cash? Don’t put yourself in a situation where you don’t know how much something costs, and don’t be afraid to ask for the price before committing. If it’s too much, feel free to find another option. This applies to taxi, but also to excursions, restaurants, bars and hotels. Many unscrupulous institutions will inflate their prices when a foreigner show up at their door. Be sure not to be the sucker they all remember. If you feel the pressure to commit, just walk out. LEARN SOME BASIC LANGUAGE Hallo! Ciao! Hej! Namaste! Bonjour! xin chào! It may not be the best, but at least you’re making an effort. It may sound rude only speaking your own language, show you are considerate and learn a few simple words on the way to a foreign country. There are no better ways to make friends. PUT YOUR MOBILE PHONE AWAY Why would you travel thousands of miles to stay hooked on your phone? Forget about social media and various apps during your stay and enjoy a little more of the world around you. Rediscover what it is to live disconnected. You may realize you don’t miss your phone at all! TRY THE STREET FOOD Restaurants are nice, but street food is the real deal. Nobody ever died from eating skewers or local specialties from street vendors. Cheap, fast and authentic, eating outside can only do you good. They will leave you with unbelievable memories. DON’T COMMUTE TOO MUCH Yes, you may feel like there is so much to do! And no, unfortunately your holidays won’t last forever. But is it really worth trying to reach every single town of a country you are only just discovering? Take the time to really explore the town you’re in, you can always come back for a future vacation. ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU! Politeness is universal and enjoyed by all. Don’t be rude, even with the insistent seller at the market, culture varies from one place to the other, what may seem like an aggressive sale pitch may just be the norm where you are. Show appreciation to locals, and earn their respect. This may lead to more chances to say thank you! REMEMBER TO CARRY WATER Don’t risk getting ill from tap water because you forgot to pack a bottle in your bag. A little flask is your best friend for hydration. Don’t forget to wash your hand regularly, or if no fresh water is available, to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. LEAVE REVIEWS Try to leave a short review on commonly used platforms such as TripAdvisor or Google My Business. Do it, whether your experience was incredible, average or poor? Statistics show that those platforms are the number driver when you pick a service or a restaurant. If we don’t leave negative comments to avoid hurting someone, the owner may not find out that you were unsatisfied and the next traveller will not be informed of your experience. On the other end, if your experience really exceeded your expectations, don’t hesitate to mention the individual who provided outstanding service. They may get rewarded. SLOW DOWN, STOP AND OBSERVE Do you feel that you rush around too much in your everyday life? Take the time to look at all the interesting and different things around you. If you enjoy taking pictures, you are sure to find many things to shoot if you slow down a little. Discover the local day-to-day life, this is where the true beauty hides. GET UP EARLY The early bird catches the worm. Rising early gives you more time for exploring, miles traveled and a better overall experience. Early birds enjoy their time off even more! …and finally, to get the best vacation possible, nothing better than saving some money, enjoy the best price guaranteed on your vacation rental with ZenBeak.com

Did you know that on Airbnb, ‘pet-friendly’ is the fourth most popular request when looking for an apartment or a villa? The top three in order are: Free parking A full kitchen Pool Being dog friendly ranks even higher than wifi. Accepting dogs in your vacation rental will increase your income. For many, dogs aren’t seen as pets but as family members. They are often our best friends, they bring joy wherever they go. No home feels quite right without your pet, so why not bring them with you? 48% of American families own a dog. The number of guests traveling with dogs is increasing every year. According to a TripAdvisor survey, 53% of pet owners take their furry friends on the road with them. However, less than 25% of vacation properties welcome pets with their owners.This ratio plays a big role in favour of those who open their holiday home to dogs. With so many potential customers looking for pet-friendly properties, offering this service is likely to increase your bookings and will allow you to increase your stay costs. Being pet-friendly when renting out your home or villa means that your potential clientele will increase greatly, resulting in a higher occupancy rate. After analyzing the statistics of our partners, such as Airbnb and Homeaway, we found that pet-friendly vacation rentals generated higher rental income and occupancy than those that did not accept dogs – between 10% and 20% more. Accepting dogs will generate repeat rentals from the customers. Paying someone to feed, walk and watch your dog every day can be very expensive for the owner, not to mention the anxiety and stress of separation for both parties. By providing dog-friendly accommodations, you allow patrons to create memories with the whole family, which is likely to generate a return for your visitors in the years to come. Man’s best friend will also allow you to increase the length of the stays of the travelers. When a traveler wants to relocate for a long time, it becomes essential for them to find a property that will accept their faithful companion. Asking their friends and families to keep Fido for a week or two, can work, but when the stay stretches over 3 weeks or more, family and friends become scarce and the cost of institutional care becomes prohibitive. Do not worry about the condition of your property. Worried about the damage that Fido could cause you to your rental property during his visit? Statistics show that tenants of short term rentals that accommodate dogs and those who refuse them show the same cleanliness score and the same house conditions when the visitors leave. Dog or no dog, you won’t tell a difference. You will increase the off-season rental occupation. Looking to fill slow rental periods? Opening your doors to pets will increase rentals during times of low traffic. We found that occupancy rates were much higher in dog-friendly houses during the slow season. Note that guests book more last-minute trips out of season. With a small window between the reservation and the stay, it can be difficult to find a place to keep the dog. Competition for dog-friendly homes is lower at this time of year, guests can both book the perfect accommodation and be accompanied by their dog. In conclusion Open your doors to pets, especially dogs. By accepting dogs in your holiday home, you will increase bookings throughout the year and you will also see increased returns from past clients. The risk of damage is far outweighed by the increase in income, which in addition will not prevent you from increasing cleaning costs when a client reserves with a pet, a practice widely accepted by dog owners. So, make the right decision and increase your income, say: Good boy Fido, good boy!

No trip to Barbados would be complete without a taste of the island nectar—Bajan Rum. It isn’t just a drink, but a way of life on the island. Land of rum for more than 300 years, Barbados is home of Mount Gay Distillery, running uninterrupted since 1703, a world record! The rum produced in Barbados, called “Bajan Rum”, was Georges Washington’s favorite, insisting for this specific beverage to be served during his inaugural ceremony as the 1st president of the United States of America in 1789. With exotic flavors, island spices, stories of salty seafarers and island pirates, the rum from Barbados is a drink steeped in history and tradition. What better way to top off a day than enjoying a sun-downer watching the sun set over a beautiful beach! The Rum Revival Rum has seen a huge revival in the 21st century and has seen some fantastic growth figures. Rum sales for the first decade grew by a massive 40%. Spiced rum and the flavoured varieties were especially strong performers with these innovations appealing to a younger audience. Some historians suggest that Barbados was the birthplace of rum, therefore there is no better place to come and experience the liquid gold of the Caribbean. Bajan History of Rum Rum is traditionally made from sugar cane which was introduced to the West Indies by Christopher Columbus and is plentiful on this beautiful island. Once the cane is cut, the sugar is extracted and molasses is left as a by-product. This molasses is fermented, distilled then aged in oak barrels to produce the Bajan Rum we know today. During the 18th century, the molasses came to be known as “black gold” because of the extra revenue it supplied the sugar plantations! In the nineteenth century, the country was home to more than ten sugar factories and the sugar cane was produced by the work of thousands of slaves brought from Africa. The crops were cut and brought to the plantations’ grinding windmills. Windmills used wind power to extract the valuable juices from the sugar canes. Today, you can still see many of windmills across the land. According to many experts, Barbados produces the best rums because of the exceptional quality of its sugar. Why is the sugar so remarkable? Barbados’ island temperate, sunny weather and cool rains are pivotal in creating the perfect conditions for growing sugar cane since the 1600s. The alkaline soil of Barbados is also acting as the special ingredient, it brings a distinctive combination of minerals and nutrients that help to define the aromatic taste of our sugar and therefore, its rum. The Caribbean is at the core of all rum productions. Barbados is the largest and oldest producer with the first commercial distillery, Mount Gay dating back to 1703. The American colonies acquired a taste for our rum along with sailors and the navy and hence a worldwide trade was established. Today rum comes in a huge range of colors and complex flavors which are acquired from the variations in production method. From light gold to rich and dark, and with a fantastic array of spices and flavors—it really is a haven for the discerning drinker. Famous Rum Distilleries Mount Gay Mount Gay is the oldest and most famous distillery in Barbados and it’s owned the French spirits group, Remy Cointreau. With its first commercial sales dating back to 1703, the company has a heritage to be proud of. The Mount Gay Visitor Centre is well worth a visit and you can also choose from five tours where you can find out more about Barbados’ finest and most celebrated spirit. Reserve a trip to Mount Gay Distillery Mount Gays’ premium blend and oldest reserve is the 1703 old cask selection. After that their Extra Old (XO) is a blend that has been aged for 8 to 15 years. Black Barrel is a blended Bajans Rum produced in small batches that have been matured for a second time creating a unique spicy aroma. Eclipse is a great quality rum with a golden amber color and a rich smoky flavor whilst Silver is a white Bajan Rum with banana, peppermint and citrus notes.

Carefree vacation to the country of love, great cuisine, and sensual fragrances are on everyone’s bucket list. But you have to keep in mind that when you are spending big bucks on your tour or honeymoon, you need to narrow down the sites, landmarks, and places you are going to see. France is a jungle of tourists’ attractions and if you’re not prepared, you may find yourself spending money and time on things you might not be a big fan of.This is exactly why we have compiled a list of ten places with diverse features and interests. Give this article a read and you must find a few places that will pique your interest. 1. Palace of Versailles A true incarnation of French military might, Château de Versailles was built in the seventeenth century and has been one of the most renowned castles in France since then. The palace which remained the center of political power for more than a century is an architectural marvel comprising of multiple gardens, buildings, and terraces. Feast your eyes with grandeur-laced furniture, renaissance art, and decor. As you walk through the Hall of Mirrors, witness the Queen’s chamber, and take a stroll in French gardens, you will experience France at its best. This brilliant historic castle with its breathtaking architecture and gardens, and a long history is a must see on a trip to France. A perfect destination for tourists and honeymoon lovebirds alike. 2. Grande Mosquée de Paris Find a desert spring of Islamic culture directly in the Latin Quarter, only a couple of steps from the Museum of Natural History. A generally late expansion to the area, the Grand Mosque of Paris was erected sometime in the 1920s. The mosque is frequented by the nearby Muslims yet additionally offers vacationers an interesting and colorful experience. The inside of the Grand Mosque is a staggering perfect work of art of Hispano-Moorish style. The supplication lobby highlights glorious rugs, and the hammam repeats the showers of North Africa with bright mosaic tiles enhancements. Wander through the lavish fountain embellished orchards and appreciate crisp mint tea at the salon de thé in the yard, or relish a heavenly supper of true couscous at the Mosque’s café. Remember to check the calendar as separate days are reserved for men and women. 3. Alésia MuséoParc If European history fascinates you, then the recently opened historical site in Burgundy has a lot to offer. This is the place where, in 52 BC, Julius Caesar inflicted ultimate defeat on the leader of the Gauls Vercingétorix. Today, the actors dress up as Roman soldiers to entertain visitors with thrilling and informative battle demonstrations. If you’re a bit of a nerd, you can also visit the interpretive center where narration and displays will make your visit much more enlightening and interactive. You will not only have a great time there but return with a better understanding of first century Gaul. For tourists who tend to have an interest in historical fairytales, this is a must see. 4. Bordeaux About thirty minutes inland of the Atlantic, Bordeaux is a port city built upon the River Garonne. This mesmerizing city is studded with historic spots, prime architecture, exceptional art and culture along with distinct shopping experiences. With more than 350 landmarks and historic sites which include ancient bridges and medieval churches, Bordeaux is a city made in heaven for all kinds of tourists. Don’t leave the city without going on a drive through the surrounding wine country—breathtaking scenery of chateaux, vineyards, and villages will simply blow you away—a perfect destination for a honeymoon couple. 5. Mont Saint-Michel Ascending from the middle of huge mud pads and a portion of Europe’s most dominant waters is the rough island of Mont Saint-Michel, located off the country’s northwestern coast in Normandy. The island is a standout amongst the most famous spots to visit in France for its development of medieval structures worked as though stacked upon each other and delegated with the star fascination, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The striking nunnery was worked by dedicated priests in 708 AD. It happened after the Bishop of Avranches was visited by the Archangel Michael. If there is a tourist spot in France you don’t want to miss out, it’s Mont Saint-Michel. 6. Bouquinistes of Paris Take a walk through the Quai de la Tournelles, which keeps running along the Seine River. Les Bouquinistes are riverside book retailers along the quays around the Pont Marie dotted with stalls loaded with contemporary and classic literature. Look across the road and you’ll see Les Bouquinistes Restaurant. This modern café is renowned for the gourmet food of Guy Savoy. The Latin Quarter’s antiquated boulevards are likewise loaded up with numerous book shops including the famous Shakespeare and Company, a Bohemian bookshop, which sells old versions of everything from Shakespeare to James Joyce. 7. Montmartre Featuring mesmerize Basilica, cobbled pathways, bistros and more, Montmartre is loaded with appeal. Roosted on the highest point of a little slope in the eighteenth arrondissement, the most celebrated Parisian locale has lost none of its town air that tempted a great amount to the creatives of the past two centuries. A genuine blend of workmanship and soul for the film, Montmartre still gives as much joy to the individuals who walk around it and figures high on the rundown for a stay in Paris. With your sweetheart or companions, appreciate historical center visits and the brilliant perspective on the city from the highest point of Sacré-Cœur, eventually you can follow the steps of Amelie of Montmartre. You wouldn’t want to miss this place! 8. The Paris Catacombs 20 meters under the surface, walking through a maze of galleries, you will explore an ossuary comprising of the remains of millions of Parisians. This distinct and somewhat bone chilling site reminds you about the fate of these Parisians and tempt tourists to go on a timeless journey. The Catacombs are what is left of shake quarries constructed and extended over the focal point of the city. A significant part of the limestone that manufactured the city was removed from these mines, yet as the city developed it extended to where the quarries were and quarries must be relinquished. The French revolutionists utilized these passages amid World War II, and rave parties prospered there amid the 1990s. If you love a little bit of unsettling adventure on your tours, the Paris Catacombs is the place to go. 9. Hôtel de Ville Hôtel de Ville de Paris has stayed the center of the Paris City Council since the fourteenth century. The present structure, featuring a neo-renaissance architecture, was worked by two skillful engineers, namely Théodore Ballu and Edouard Deperthes, who worked on the site of the previous Hôtel de Ville which torched amid the Paris Commune in the nineteenth century. You are allowed to visit the town hall which is unique in its apparent grandeur. Guided visits are only available through reservations and the city’s Protocol Department is in charge of organizing them. If you find yourself in Paris during the winter, Hotel de Ville has to offer one of the city’s largest skating rinks situated in the front. Don’t forget to give skating a try! 10. Palais Garnier An architectural showstopper of the nineteenth century, the Palais Garnier, is an engineering marvel made possible by Charles Garnier which inaugurated in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The opera house makes for the thirteenth opera house in Paris after the inauguration of French opera in the seventeenth century. If you happen to visit the opera house, don’t forget to witness the sheer brilliance of the grand staircase, chandelier, grand foyer and Rotundas. Featuring a 7-ton chandelier made of pure crystal and bronze, the staircase constructed of white Italian marble, exceptional stage, and premium marble rotundas made for the high society, the Palais Garnier represents the epitome of French art and culture. Just sit back and relax in the theater that can seat 2,000 people and admire the decadence of classic architectural beauty. Final Word Whatever you do, don’t forget that France is not only about Paris. Every individual district in France accompanies its own particular culture, landmarks, and cuisine. From the quaintest of angling towns in Brittany that have practical experience in fish and crêpes, to the comfortable chalets dabbed around inside the French Alps, where generous cheddar based fondues and charcuterie is the extravagance of every other day. Enjoy everything, and take delight from the overpowering charms that France brings to the table. France serves to amuse the impractically disposed with fantasy manors, truly flawless towns, taking off churches, and still, the nation figures out how to inspire pragmatists together with its dynamic but then contemporary culture. The places we have mentioned encapsulate the hundreds of years old political and social changes of France, while as yet keeping up the magnificence of the human personality, and along these lines turning into an intense symbolization of French culture. Viva la France!

What to do in Barbados? If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean and are making a list of what to do in Barbados when you get there, then you really are spoilt for choice. Although famed for its fantastic beaches and its enviable climate there is much more to do than just sunbath and swim. We have put together a list of some of our favourites. ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES The beach, sailing and watersports Over the years the Bajans have come up with an unlimited number of ways to have fun at the beach. Spend any amount of time on one of our stunning beaches and you are likely to see people playing any number of games. Perhaps an informal game of cricket or even beach volley ball. In the warm shallow waters you will see people boogie boarding, paddle boarding and snorkeling. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not hire a Hobie Cat, a Kayak, a Jet-Ski or even spend the day on a skippered Catamaran! There are plenty of small boat trips which take you out to slightly deeper waters and you might even get to swim with the beautiful turtles that inhabit our waters. Fishing and Deep sea fishing Barbados is an excellent location for deep sea fishing and the season is best from January through to April. If you want to experience deep sea fishing for yourself why not arrange a fishing charter and try your hand at catching Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado and Blue and White Marlin. Barbados is also perfect for fishing in general with fly fishing, bottom fishing and lure casting all being popular pastimes. Scuba diving and snorkelling The scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean is truly amazing and Barbados is no exception. With clear tropical waters, superb coral reefs, and over 200 wrecks to explore there is much to see. The wide variety of marine life in our waters also make scuba diving and snorkeling and exceptional and memorable experience. You only need to venture a meter or so from the shore with a pair of goggles and you will start to see all manner of marine life. If you fancy being a bit more adventurous, grab a mask, snorkel and some fins and so long as you follow some golden rules of safety you are sure to have some incredible experiences. If scuba diving attracts you then there are plenty of great diving centres around Barbados. Barbados Blue Water Sports, West Side Scuba Centre and Roger’s Scuba Shack all offer a full range of PADI courses, dives and trial dives. HERITAGE AND HISTORY Bridgetown – UNESCO World Heritage Site The historic area of Bridgetown and Garrison were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2011. The area is a well preserved area of British colonial architecture dating back to the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating port! BARBADOS HISTORIC SITES Barbados has a rich history and has a variety of interesting and historic sites to visit during your stay. If you are wondering what to do in Barbados on a rainy day, some of our favourites include: Barbados Museum, Parliament Building, Government House, Gun Hill Signal Station, Morgan Lewis Mill, Oistins, Sunbury Plantation House and Tyrol Cot. NATURE Caves Barbados has a unique geology that has resulted in rain water slowly eroding the underground coral beds on which the island is formed. This has resulted in a number of caves on the island, most notably Harrison’s Cave in the centre of the island. There are a number of tours available that take you down through a system of underground tunnels to view magical pools surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. The Animal Flower Cave at the North Point of Barbados is one of the only caves accessible by land and sea. Please make sure you check the sea conditions and tides before you go. Tropical gardens Barbados has a rich horticultural history which makes the most of its fertile soils and warm climate and as such their area number of tropical gardens. Why not check out Andromeda Botanical Garden, Balls Plantation (home to the Barbados Horticultural Society or BHS) Benthams House, Fisher Pond House, Hunte’s Garden and Nursery. Turtles Barbados is fortunate to be home to both hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once an endangered species these amazing animals are making a comeback due to the Barbados Turtle Project and due to their protection from fishing. There area number of tours on the island which allow you to go out to visit and swim with the turtles. REST, RELAXATION AND ROMANCE Tropical spas and Treatments Barbados is well known for its laid-back vibe and is the perfect place for romance and relaxation. Home to some of the most luxurious wellness and spa centres you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to de-stress and revitalise! SPORTS Cricket Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and wherever you go on the island you will be reminded of this. From informal games on the beach, to games on the local cricket pitch to the famous Kensington Oval you can always find a game of cricket somewhere on the island. You will even find roads and roundabouts names after island cricket legends! Horse Racing Head to the Garrison Savannah Race track and you are guaranteed a great day racing as the Bajans love their horse racing! Located on the Garrison Savannah parade ground the track itself is interesting for its military history. Polo Apes Hill and Holders are famous during the winter season for Polo. Golf Golf is a popular pastime in Barbados and with the island’s tropical climate the courses are second to none. The most famous course is the Green Monkey course at Sandy Lane, but there are plenty of other great courses such as Rockley, Durants and Apes Hill to enjoy. Surfing With its warm tropical climate and geographic location on the east of the Caribbean, Barbados is a great place for surf. We recommend South Point, Freight’s Bay and Silver Rock for great surfing and Kite Boarding from December to May when you can catch the swells coming in from the Atlantic. The Soup Bowl at Bathsheba on the rugged East Coast is consistent all year round. We think you will agree that Barbados is a fantastic island and are confident you will have an amazing time when you visit. Whether it is adventure or relaxation you are looking for we hope you now have a better idea of what to do in Barbados during your stay. If you are still looking for somewhere to stay in Barbados, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer holiday villas to suit all your accommodation needs during your stay on the island.

“I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it!” In the words of the 10cc song ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, we don’t just like cricket, we love it! Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies or the ‘Windies Cricket’ team has produced a long list of legends. From Sir Garfield Sobers to Joel Gardener, the list is too long to mention and far outstrips the size and population of the islands of the West Indies. Barbados cricket dates back to the 19th century and the first, first-class match was recorded to have taken place in 1865 at Garrison Savannah in Barbados which is now home to our famous horse racing track! This first match was followed by a long tradition of playing tours against other overseas nations and this structure is still strong today with West Indies Cricket Team holding ‘test status’. During this time Windies cricket became a national pastime and our beautiful all year round weather has contributed to this. The Kensington Oval The Kensington Oval is the main international cricket ground of Barbados and dates back to the late 19th century, with the first international match being played there in 1895. The first Test match took place between the West Indies and England in January 1930 and the result was a draw. The actual ground itself is in the capital, Bridgetown and was extensively redeveloped between 2005 and 2007 when the West Indies hosted the Cricket World Cup. The outfield was also re-laid with a special type of grass and new drainage was installed to improve the overall performance of the pitch. The Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum No trip to Barbados is complete for any cricket fan, without a trip to the Kensington Oval, hopefully to catch a match, or simply to visit this special ground. If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets for a match then a tour around the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum is still a great way to spend some free time. Packed full of brilliant photos, interesting newspaper articles and cricketing memorabilia, the museum is free to visit and also has gift shop and bar / coffee shop. It is run by some lovely and knowledgeable staff that are always happy to stop and have a chat. There are collections on each of nine players who have been named as ‘icons’ of the game; Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Rev. Wes Hall, Seymour Nurse, Charlie Griffith, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Joel Garner. Test Cricket Test cricket is the highest level of the sport played at international level with the Kensington Oval being one of the locations for matches. It is run by the International Cricket Council or ICC. There are currently ten teams holding ‘Test status’ with Bangladesh being the latest addition: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. A typical Test series is a group of matches (this can number between one and seven, but is usually around five) between two countries where all the matches take place at the host country. Each match can last up to five days, and it is quite possible for the conclusion after this time to be a draw! There is now a rotation system which means that each country plays all nine other test countries over a six year cycle. Test cricket is seen as being the sport in its finest form and any test series will have a devoted following, for example England’s Barmy Army, where fans will travel overseas for long trips to attend various test series. The combination of good weather and fine cricket it a strong attraction! One Day International (ODI) Cricket and other forms of the game This shorter form of the game was introduced in the late 20th century as a means of introducing the game to a wider audience. The game is a faster paced game and has more modern features such as coloured kit, evening play, floodlights and the use of a white ball. There are currently ten teams with permanent ODI status which are the same teams that hold test status (see above). The ICC have also granted temporary statuses to teams such as Afghanistan, Ireland, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and the UAE. There are now other shorter forms of the game such as T20 and some people argue these shorter form games are taking away the appeal of test cricket. Daily Cricket in the West Indies Visit the Caribbean at any time on any day and you are likely to find a match of some standing on the island. The main ground is of course the Kensington Oval, but there are plenty of other Barbados cricket grounds and pitches dotted around the island where you are sure to catch a good game! The Three Ws Oval is perhaps most famous after the Kensington Oval and was used as a warm up pitch in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. It is located next to the University of the West Indies and features sculptures of three large wickets and a monument dedicated to the Three Ws: Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes. Visitors can also stroll up the West Indies Cricket Walk of Fame and visit the grave sites of Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott. There are also plenty of smaller grounds dotted around the island which are used for regional tournaments and local club cricket. Drive around the island and stop by and watch a few ‘overs’ if you fancy. Alternatively pitch up on any of Barbados’s many beautiful beaches and you might come across and informal game in the sand, or set one up for yourself! If you are a fan of Windies cricket and you are planning a visit to see a match then both our golf look out at El Sol Sureno and our Anidale Spacious Condo are perfectly located for you to make the most of your visit. Both are in close proximity to Bridgetown with the Kensington Oval and the Three Ws Oval within easy reach. Oistins, the St Lawrence Gap and all the beautiful beaches of the south and west coast are also on your doorstep all helping to make your visit to the Caribbean that extra bit special. See you at the next Test match!

Spend this Christmas in the Caribbean and ditch rainy days and grey skies for bright sun and beautiful beaches! The Caribbean is a great place to visit for Christmas and New Year as for starters, the weather is great. December marks the start of the dry season and the temperature is just perfect. You can expect warm sunny conditions on most days with little need to worry about storms spoiling your stay. On top of the great weather, the Bajans like to make the most of Christmas. Being a predominantly Christian society, Christmas is an important part of the island calendar. Midnight Mass, Carols by Candlelight and early morning services are all very well attended, and can be found in the numerous churches that are all over the island. It’s also the start of the main tourist season, when houses and businesses all get a spruce up with a lick of paint, and with Christmas lights adorning buildings everywhere. Christmas and Boxing Day are both national holidays and it’s a time for family and friends. On the day itself, families enjoy the festivities in any number of ways. A popular pastime is Christmas morning in Queens Park in Bridgetown. Dressing up smartly is an important part of this tradition, and being seen in your best outfit whilst taking in the music of Royal Barbados Police Force Band and other performers is all part of the fun! The morning at Queens Park is then usually followed by a traditional Bajan Christmas lunch. Food is an important part of Christmas in the Caribbean, and typically families get together and enjoy the traditional dishes of baked ham, jug jug and Bajan black cake (see further descriptions below!). You will find many restaurants are actually closed on Christmas Day – so if you are planning to eat out then you will have to plan ahead… Baked Ham Generally the ham is baked with a glaze. The addition of spices such as cloves and fruit such as pineapple add to the tropical feel of this dish – which can be enjoyed hot or cold – making it an ideal dish for Christmas in Barbados . Jug Jug Jug Jug is a traditional Bajan Christmas dish and is a variation on haggis. It’s a reminder that the Scots played an important role in the history of the island and the ingredients include a type of green pea called pigeon peas, a type of corn called guinea corn, and the addition of herbs and meat. Bajan Black Cake This rich fruit cake is also an important tradition of the island. The key to the success of a great Bajan Black Cake is in the preparation. The combination of dried fruit and liquor, plus the time, love and traditional is all what makes this a time honoured Bajan Christmas dish! A shop bought cake just isn’t the same! The beach is of course a popular place to be visit on Christmas day – especially with visitors to the island. Spending the day in swimwear with bright sunshine and white beaches, and perhaps a Santa hat, is a far cry from the cold Christmases of the northern hemisphere and much appreciated by travellers. ‘Seeing the lights’ is also a fun pastime if you are spending Christmas in Barbados. Homes and businesses go all out with their Christmas lights, with red and green being especially popular colours. Come the evening and Bridgetown, the Chamberlain Bridge, Independence Square and the wharf are all transformed by a mass of colourful lights! Finally, Boxing Day is another important part of Christmas in the Caribbean and many people use this day to meet up with friends, arrange picnics and exchange presents. Garrison Savannah – the famous Bridgetown horse racing track – holds ‘Boxing Day at the Races’ which is very popular with race goers and families alike. New Year in the Caribbean As well as Christmas in the Caribbean, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are also a great time to visit the islands. In fact New Year’s Eve is called Old Year’s Night throughout the Caribbean. Typically the islands see a huge influx of visitors, including the rich and famous, all seeking a little winter sunshine and the chance to top up their tan. Generally the celebrations go on well into the night with music, beach parties and fireworks all part of the festivities. Many restaurants and hotels offer set menus which are very popular and need to be booked in advance. The beach bars on the island are all popular haunts and the St Lawrence Gap is also a popular destination for party goers! This year Bridgetown is holding a free ‘Bridgetown Countdown Old Year’s Night Celebration’ with a range of food and entertainment on offer, and culminating with a midnight firework display with the Wharf basin as a stunning backdrop. It is tradition for some revellers to go on right through the night, and to then drive over to the east coast of the island to view the sunrise and to welcome in the New Year. Some beach bars and restaurants now offer breakfast specials which have become popular with visitors and Bajans alike. Following the festivities of the night before, a typical New Year’s Day usually involves a relaxed day at the beach and perhaps a picnic. This is a national holiday in Barbados so even the locals enjoy this time with family and friends. If you are thinking of spending Christmas or New Year in the Caribbean, or even better both, then we have some great Barbados accommodation here at ZenBreak. Perfectly located for making the most of everything the season has to offer. We do hope you have enjoyed hearing about everything that is going on over the Christmas and New Year break, on our beautiful tropical island. We look forward to seeing you soon.

If you are planning a trip to the Loire Valley and you’re wondering what do and where to go during your stay, there is certainly plenty on offer. The Loire Valley, in central France is located along the Loire River, France’s longest river, and is a region often referred to as the Garden of France. With its rich agricultural soils and favourable climate it is renowned for its fine wines and speciality foods. It also has an important historical and cultural background, developed over the millennia by the people who lived and worked along its banks and used the river for travelling or transportation. As such, the Loire Valley has many quaint old villages, historic towns and numerous fairy tale castles or Chateaux to explore. In 2000 the Loire Valley, between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its “Outstanding Cultural Landscape”. Food of the Loire Valley Much of the fun of visiting the Loire Valley is trying some of the regional foods. Whether it be a village delicatessen, a typical French restaurant or a farmers market you won’t go short of local produce on offer. Some tasty treats you are likely to come across and might like to try include: Cheeses – these really do come in all shapes and sizes and flavours and goats cheeses are especially popular. Most shops or market stalls will let you try a sample before you buy. Pâté or Rillettes – are usually made to age old recipes with pork as the main ingredient. Again you will find an enormous range of textures and flavours. Game – is an important produce of the region and hunting was an important pastime. You will find everything from wild boar and venison to rabbit, pigeon, duck, quail and pheasant on offer. Mushrooms –one of the more interesting and less known crops from the region. They are grown underground in troglodyte caves and are responsible for a good percentage of France’s production. Tart Tatin – this fabulous rich upside down tart made from caramelised fruit originates from a hotel in Lamotte-Beuvron in the Loire Valley. Wines of the Loire Valley The Loire Valley is France’s third largest wine producing area and has an enormous diversity of wines. They can be broadly split into four groups which follow the upper, middle and lower course of the river as it flows out to sea. Why not spend an afternoon visiting a winery and tasting some local wines or enjoy them with a mean as they complement the gastronomy of the region perfectly: Centre wines – such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé Touraine wines – such as Vouvray, Montlouis, Cheverny, Touraine, Tours and Chinon Anjou and Saumur wines – such as Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil Nantes wines – such as Muscadet Castles and Chateaux of the Loire Valley Dotted along the serene River Loire you will find numerous Castles and Chateaux. Many were built in the French Renaissance period and were the homes of French nobility of the time. Some were ransacked during the French revolution, but those that remained are part of the cultural history of France. Even better they make for a great day out, and generally have plenty of activities to suit all ages. Some of our favourites include: Chateau Blois Chateau Chambord Chateau de La Ferte Saint Aubin / Castle Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire / Castle of Sully-sur-Loire Towns of the Loire Valley There are many historic towns spread along the Loire Valley, most notable are Orleans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Chinon, Saumur and Angers. Each has its own charm and appeal and some of the highlights include shops, markets, restaurants and bars, museums, bridges and even the impressive Tours Cathedral. Pastimes of the Loire Valley Along the middle region, the River Loire flows through a wide valley lined with rich fertile soils. It is a broad slow moving river and is particularly beautiful. Over many generations a wide range of pastimes have developed along the river and valley and many of these are still enjoyed today. Our favourite things to do in the Loire Valley are: Bird watching Canoeing and Kayaking Cycling Fishing Gardening Horse riding Hunting Walking If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the Loire Valley, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We offer fantastic accommodation, perfect for a family break in this stunning region. We do hope you have enjoyed hearing about some of the things to do in the Loire Valley that we find are most popular with our visitors. We’re sure you will find more things during your stay, so please do help us add to the list and let us know your favourites!

Barbados is turtley-awesome! Home to nearly 500 nesting female Hawksbill Turtles that come up on to the beaches of the West and South coasts to nest during June-September. You will see the turtles swimming all year round and there is a near 100% certainty that on a boat cruise or diving trip you will get to experience the serene sea turtles up close. Conservation The Barbados Sea Turtle Project was set up to protect these amazing endangered creatures and restore population numbers. Turtles often lay their eggs on the tourist beaches lined with hotels and restaurants. This poses great opportunities for visitors to Barbados to witness a truly unique and natural experience, one they certainly won’t forget. Unfortunately the bright lights of the hotels can disorientate the tiny turtle hatchlings, meaning when they hatch at night time they can’t find their way down to the water and are likely not to survive. There are many risks to the precious turtle eggs, so it is important for everyone to report any nesting or hatching sightings to The Barbados Sea Turtle Project on their 24 hour ‘Sea Turtle Hotline’ (246) 230-0142. Which beaches? Swimming with the turtles is a must do for all visitors to Barbados, the West Coast offers the highest chance of seeing these majestic creatures. You are highly likely to spot the turtles in the shallows from Paynes Bay up to Lonestar. It’s not unusual to see the turtles close to the shore line along this stretch of coast, you don’t even have to swim out. For the best experience, grab your goggles or a snorkel and mask and observe the turtles under water in their natural play ground. Boat trips There are a plethora of different catamaran day trips that offer swimming with turtles, from luxury charters to party boats and dive boats too. There’s a perfect boat cruise for everyone, take a look here . Be sure not to touch or crowd the turtles, swimming with them is a real honour. Clean up Remember not to leave your trash on the beach at the end of the day and be careful on board a boat not to let items fly off into the ocean. Items like drink straws and plastic bags can kill sea turtles!