Holetown was the first place of settlement in Barbados and is the third largest town on the island. Located in the parish of St. James, it was originally called Jamestown after King James the 1st of England. The name “Holetown” came about because ships used to be off loaded and cleaned in a small channel/hole in the vicinity of the town. Every February, the town hosts the Holetown festival, a local festival that showcases crafts and music of the island. In Holetown, most of the restaurants in the area are located on two streets. These streets, called 1st and 2nd street, provide a wide variety of dining experiences and are most frequented on weekends. These streets were so named as they were the first to be constructed in Barbados.
Accommodation
Mango Bay Resort
For places to stay in Holetown, visitors and locals looking for a staycation can stay at Coral Reef Club, Mango Bay Resort, Discovery Bay as well as Tropical Beach Apartment Hotel. As implied by their names, all of these establishments are located near the seaside.
Tides Restaurant
Food
Holetown also has a wide variety of places to eat, with over 37 different restaurants to dine in the area. Most of these are located on 1st and 2nd streets. These restaurants including Nishi Restaurant, offer fine dining experiences complete with local entertainment. Other food establishments in the area include The Tides Restaurant, Zaccios, The Beach House Restaurant and Bar, Just Grillin’, Surfside Restaurant and Beach Bar and of course, KFC.
Shopping and Stores
Limegrove
- Limegrove Shopping Mall – high end shopping centre and mall frequented by both locals and tourists.
- Cave Shepherd – offers duty free shopping and is one of the most popular stores in the island, with one also located in Bridgetown.
- West Coast Mall – has a collection of stores that offer duty free shopping.
- Sunset Crest Shopping Mall – also offers duty free shopping to fit any needs.
- Chattel Village – modelled after the historic chattel house. Sells local art, fashion, craft, souvenirs and many more.
Attractions and Recreational Activities
- Beach – the Holetown Beach is available for casual liming and swimming but also offers various watersport activities.
- Limegrove Cinemas – the only cinema in the area, this is located in the high end Limegrove shopping mall.
- Team Baywatch Watersports and Hightide Watersports – for those who are looking for a bit of adventure, watersport activities as well as short boat trips and snorkelling are offered by these two companies.
- Folkestone Marine Park and Visitor Centre – provides water activities such as diving, jet skiing and snorkelling.
Getting Around
Holetown is also easily accessible by bus by any transportation system going to Speightstown.
