Paynes Bay, St James, Barbados

Paynes Bay is located on the exclusive west coast of Barbados between the areas of Fitts Village and Holetown.

Winding down the hill from the direction of Bridgetown, is ‘The Cliff’ restaurant. Offering superb cuisine and stunning ocean views from its amphitheatre style cliff top setting; this restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Barbados. Further down the hill is one of the very few remaining ‘windows of the sea’ of the west coast. This is the beginning of Paynes Bay Beach and where you will find the local fish market. Watch the daily catch unloaded, and purchase fresh fish.

Further along this stretch of road are a few hotels – The House, Tamarind Cove and Treasure Beach. Don’t miss Scarlet restaurant and bar which is perfect for cocktails and dinner in its stylish and chic atmosphere. Adjacent to Tamarind Cove is ‘Daphnes’. A contemporary Italian restaurant of London fame, situated directly on the beach and ideal for lunch or dinner. Moving on further, you will find luxury beachfront apartments and condominiums intermingled between local houses and villas. There are also a couple of boutiques, and the fascinating Paynes Bay antique shop.

Paynes Bay Beach essentially runs from the fish market to Sandy Lane. Once past the hotels, the beach opens up to a huge and stunning sandy bay, and because of its beauty and usually calm swimming areas, it is very popular both with locals and tourists. Just off shore are a number of Hawksbill turtles. You can either swim out to them or take a very short boat trip. Swimming with the turtles is a wonderful experience as these gentle creatures glide around you, and not to be missed!

Back on the beach there are a number of water sports available, such as jet skiing, sailing, glass bottom boat rides etc. Walk on further, past the imposing new ‘Sands’ development and you will find yourself in shady headland leading around to the next cove – Sandy Lane. It is often possible to spot famous celebrities at this world class hotel.

Close to Paynes Bay is Sandy Lane Golf Club where a round of golf can be arranged, and the luxurious hotel spa is sometimes open to non residents. Heading north, Holetown is close by, where there are numerous restaurants, shops, banks and a supermarket. There is a frequent bus service on this route and taxis are readily available. In the other direction is Bridgetown, which is great for duty free shopping.

February – Holetown Festival – celebrating the arrival of the first English settlers – dancing, parades, market stalls

March/April – Holders Opera Season – Held at Holders House which is located off Holders Hill (just off Paynes Bay) –a unique Caribbean celebration of opera, music and theatre

July-August - Crop Over & Kadooment – celebration of sugar harvest – music, dance, partying and carnival

Polo matches are also held at Holders

World Class cricket is played at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Written by Kate - Owner of Property 88629 in Paynes Bay, Barbados