Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

November 1, 2009

If you go

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, connecting service (change of planes) to Bridgetown, Barbados, is offered on American and JetBlue. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $418.

WHEN TO GO

High season in Barbados is November through April, but the weather is beautiful any time of year. Summer is the best time to find bargain rates.

WHERE TO STAY

The Crane, St. Philip; (246) 423-6220, www.thecrane.com. On a high rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic. The Crane is also the oldest hotel on Barbados (it opened in 1887), and a few of the original stone buildings still perch on the bluffs. Rates for one-bedroom suites begin around $350 a night.

Cobbler's Cove, Speightstown, (246) 422-2291, www.cobblerscove.com. Rooms open onto wide porches shaded by hurricane shutters, the public rooms have lots of flowery upholstery, and every afternoon at

4 p.m., they serve tea (complete with scones). No TVs. Rates begin around $515 a night.

WHERE TO EAT

Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry, Oistins. The grilling and music start about 6 p.m. Plates of grilled fish, macaroni pie, rice and peas go for around $10 each.

Mustor's, McGregor Street, Bridgetown, (246) 426-5175. Plates piled high with Bajan specialties will average $10 or less.

Sweet Potatoes, St. Lawrence Gap, (246) 420-7668. Let the server order for you. I would have never ordered bol jol, and it turned out to be my favorite dish on the island. Dinner here will run about $25 to $35 a person.

The Terrace at Cobbler's Cove, Speightstown, (246) 422-2291. Reservations recommended. An appetizer and an entree will average $55 a person.

WHERE TO DRINK Mount Gay Rum Factory, Bridgetown, (246) 425-8757, www.mountgay. Mount Gay runs 45-minute tours weekdays. $6 a person

WHERE TO LEARN TO COOK BARBADIAN

Sweet Potatoes, St. Lawrence Gap, (246) 420-7668. Call ahead to book.

Anne-Marie Whittaker, (246) 228-5837, www.native-treasures.com. She'll design a custom cooking class for as few as two people.

The Crane, St. Philip (see above). You can make arrangements with the hotel for private cooking classes in your suite with Chef Michael Hinds. Cost is $150.

TO LEARN MORE

Barbados Tourism Authority, www.barbados.org.