Hastings Holidays

On Barbados' south coast, the small town of Hastings boasts some of the most outgoing locals on the island – and cool hangout spots to boot. In true Caribbean style, there are sandy beaches, tropical forests and coral reefs that hawksbill turtles call home.

Hastings has two beaches, each with their own character. Hastings Beach is a palm-tree-dotted strip of soft white sand where you can sometimes swim with turtles in the crystal-clear shallows. The other one's Rockley beach – a five-minute walk away, this sandy stretch is popular with snorkellers and surfers.

The main road runs parallel to the beach, with striking views along the way. Waterfront food stalls and restaurants serve everything from coconut bread to pizza, and there's even an English tea room. There are also a couple of malls, like the Quayside Centre, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs to take home.

A five-minute drive away, the island's capital of Bridgetown's just one of the bustling cities nearby. It's got all the duty-free shopping you can carry, plus a UNESCO-listed enclave of 18th-century British military buildings. Meanwhile, St Lawrence Gap's known for its thumping nightlife and lip-smacking rum drinks.