Barbados: Drink in the History -- and the Rum

Speaking of food, Zagat offers a guide for Barbados. In the just-released 2009 edition, you'll learn the best places to score a cocktail -- and oh yes, dinner, too, on the Caribbean island.

For romance, the torch-lit, turquoise-water beach view at The Cliff cannot be beat. Try the fresh-fruit daiquiris at the sophisticated Aqua, or soak up the ambience at trendy Scarlet in St. James, where locals say the bartenders really know how to make a proper rum cocktail -- just rum, sugar and bitters -- without any newfangled adulteration from additional ingredients.

Fast Facts

*The island offers several deluxe accommodations options, mostly clustered on the West Coast -- with more on the way as an enormous Four Seasons private residence resort is currently under construction. There are a number of beautiful villas to rent on this island, through Altman Villa Rentals, these can come equipped with a housekeeping, kitchen and security staff. The longtime home-away-from-home of British celebs and aristocrats, Sandy Lane is situated on a lovely stretch of calm Caribbean waters. The Crane offers accommodations available from affordable to mega-deluxe, as well as easy access to the resort's pink sand, beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

*There are a number of direct flights to Barbados from major U.S. cities: American Airlines flies direct from Miami and New York's JFK airport; Air Jamaica also flies direct from JFK. Delta flies from Atlanta; U.S. Airways flies from Charlotte, N.C. The island is also well served by charter and private air services, which is an easier option if you're in for a splurge, as all your customs and immigration formalities will be handled on board for you. If you're making a weeklong trip from New York, for instance, Chief Executive Air will fly a family of 4-6 from New York to Barbados for about $30,000.

*In recent years Barbados has been spared a direct hit from hurricanes. The rainy season stretches from June to October, in Barbados, high season is December through April.

*The official language in Barbados is English, and U.S. citizens do not need a visa. The local currency is the Barbados dollar -- currently just under $2 Barbados for $1 dollar U.S. -- but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted by merchants.

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