My partner and I stayed in the Art Studios for two weeks before Christmas. It is a small group of appartments situated a short walk from the sea through pretty tropical gardens. Each of the appartments is privately owned and the small complex is beautifully looked after by Harry, Audrey and Helena. They have been there years and as well as looking after the appartments they also offer advice to help you get the best out of your stay.


As well as being close to the sea, Holetown itself is only a few metres away with its many restaurants and shops and brilliant transport. There are two sets of buses that run all day and well into the night, the regge buses which are yellow and the blue government run buses. The regge buses are fun and not to be missed - slightly heart stopping on a first journey but one soons gets used to it!

We really enjoyed Holetown as a good base for travelling round the island, which we did. We felt quite safe both during the day and evening. Self catering is easy too as there are a couple of good supermarkets close by and a fish market only a short bus ride away.

The weather is wonderful, not too hot during the day and the evenings only a few degress cooler. Very few clothes needed!! The only thing I would say is that the beach close to the Art Studios is being worn away at quite a pace and to get to the beach one does have to do a slight negotiation over rocks - the Caribbean can be quite lively at times too so this is slightly tricky. The beach is still lovely but don't expect endless miles of white sand.

We loved Barbados and will be going back next year - a wonderful place to go to avoid pre Christmas madness!