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With its year-round tropical climate, glorious palm-fringed sandy beaches, clear blue water, and fine hotels, Barbados ranks as one of the world's most appealing and exclusive vacation destinations.
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Known as the 'Jewel of the Caribbean' and for its friendly people, this small coral island is also a horticultural paradise, with dramatic landscapes, lush vegetation, colorful tropical plants, and wonderful gardens.
The island of Barbados is full of bloom and the department of Tourism arranges for hikes, visits to private gardens and gulleys, anthurium nurseries, hotel gardens, informal talks, lunches, afternoon teas etc., from June 20th to July1this year. Visitors from around the world join the group to enjoy the natural beauty and bloom of the island.
Among the highlights are visits to elegant Francia Plantation, with colonial style landscaped grounds, sweeping terraces and lawns; the National Trust's Andromeda Gardens, with its wonderful collection of exotic palms, orchids, and shrubs; privately-owned Fisher Pond House, one of the oldest homes on the island, where one can enjoy a tour of the estate and a memorable lunch of typical Barbadian dishes; delightful private gardens where you can be the exclusive guests of the owners; and the Barbados Flower Show on the opening day, when the spectacular exhibits are at their freshest. There will be time to laze around the hotel or on the beach, or to go shopping in some of the island's tax free stores. For the more energetic, there will be ample opportunities to windsurf, play tennis or a round of golf (at additional cost), or to explore the island's many hiking trails. Escape the winter by making plans to join on this once in a lifetime trip, and experience Barbados in full bloom
Orchid world
Located on Highway 3B, between Gun Hill and St.John's Church, in the heart of the Barbadian countryside this six acre farm is surrounded by sugarcane. On an elevation of 810 feet a number of vantage points allow the visitors to take in the view.
Visitors can take a self guided tour past a waterfall along the well landscaped meandering path and through five orchid houses. The trees are also to be watched carefully for orchids such as Schomburgkia will bloom once a year in a spectacular fashion. All the corners of the orchid world show us new and different floral delights.
Orchids like Vandas, Phalaenopsis, Calanthes, Cattlyeas, Ascocendas and Dendrobiums are found everywhere. ‘rain forest’ orchids are displayed in an environment meant to be a simulation, an eye catching display wherein the orchids seem to hang in mid-air with the orchids’ roots completely free of soil.
The entire area is quite calm and serene and the sound of burbling water and that of the wind rustling through the nearby sugar cane or the twitter of birds. The scent of the orchid fills the air along with the rich colors and shapes. The orchid world is a feast for the eyes. The wedding gazebo located on the best vantage point offers visitors a calm, colorful option to get married.
There are benches located throughout and umbrellas available. Wheelchair facilities and access are also provided.
Orchid World is open 7 days a week, from 9 am - 5 pm. You can hire a taxi to reach the orchid world or you can drive yourself. There are also several organized tours to orchid world. The admission charges are US$7.00 VAT inclusive per person and half of price for children.
For further information contact: Barbados Journeys/Worldwide Journeys Tel: 0870 708 2010/0207 849 4280 Fax: 0870 708 2009.
