Historical Links of Barbados & Charleston

Charleston

Built in 1924 as the largest and grandest hotel in the Carolinas, the Francis Marion Hotel has hosted notable historic and famous clientele in fine style. Extensive restoration and updates have enhanced the hotel with today’s comforts whilst maintaining the historic ambience of a bygone era. The hotel’s unparalleled views of the harbour and a convenient location in Charleston’s historic district make it the ideal base for your Charleston adventures.

Founded in 1670, Charleston is well known for its traditional Southern Hospitality, wistful elegance and cobblestone streets featuring many well preserved historical buildings and an atmosphere all to itself. Pretty and charming, this beautifully preserved city offers tours through historic landmarks and monuments and some of the area’s most timeless cultural sites. The number one USA city some may say, Charleston is a world of fascinating discovery just waiting to be explored. Take a walk along the promenade and Waterfront Park overlooking Charleston Harbour, just across the water from the historic Fort Sumter National Monument. Fort Sumter is located on an island and is only accessible by boat; it’s the very spot where the first shots in America’s civil war were fired in 1861 and well worth taking the time to visit.

Step onto a horse-drawn carriage and ramble past famous pastel coloured Antebellum Mansions, historic churches, manicured gardens and other renowned landmarks on one a tour through the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. Discover spooky tales and chilling stories of Charleston’s haunted houses, famous ghosts and low country voodoo superstitions on a Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Walking Tour. Other popular city tours include boat tours of the harbour and neighbouring coastline, culinary tours and bus tours to some of Charleston’s historic plantations including Boone Hall and Magnolia Plantation.

Drayton Hall has been owned by the Drayton family for over 15 generations and dates back to the 1670’s a when the Drayton family and seven enslaved people moved from Barbados to South Carolina to Magnolia Plantation. Drayton Hall has withstood both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War which makes it a fascinating place to learn so much more about the history of this fascinating part of the USA. Tours of the Plantation include the plantation home and gardens and the plantation rice fields and swamps – be sure to have your camera ready as you might bump into some of the local residents that includes alligators, herons and turtles.

Other popular Charlestown attractions include Patriots Point, a military museum with retired navy ships and submarines including the USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, McLeod Plantation Historic Site, Folly Beach Pier, Morris Island and the famous Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island. It’s a Charleston Icon that’s said to be between 300 and 400 years old and a great spot for some stunning holiday selfies.

Let the doorman greet you as you enter the Francis Marion’s gorgeous grand lobby complete with chandeliers and chic furnishings where a knowledgeable concierge is on hand to arrange days and evenings out and anything else you might need during your stay.

Take in the unsurpassed views of the historic harbour from the comfort of your well-appointed guest room or with its dreamy European-style bedding and a host of home comforts that includes a flat-panel TV, custom-made vanities, sitting area, coffee pot, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi and on demand movies.

The hotel also has a full service day spa, a fitness centre and a relaxing bar lounge that’s just the place to enjoy a cocktail and jazz piano before you head out for the evening. There’s also an in house restaurant serving up a great range of classic Southern favourites using local farm fresh ingredients wherever possible – be sure to try the award-winning shrimp and grits!

Named after the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the hotel has a long tradition of gracious service, superb accommodations and marvellous events all of which makes the Francis Marion Hotel is a wonderful base for your stay in historic Charleston.

Barbados

It’s time to say goodbye to the cobblestone streets of Charleston and make our way to the charming Caribbean island of Barbados where we’ll stay at the Island Inn Hotel, an intimate all-inclusive property located on the beautiful South coast of Barbados just steps away from the white sandy Pebbles Beach. Less than a mile from the island’s capital Bridgetown there’s plenty of shopping, restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep, and with just 24 guest rooms it’s the ideal spot for an authentic Bajan intimate hotel experience.

Barbados has a rich heritage that blends together a wonderful mixture of British, West African and other historical influences. Located within the Garrison Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Island Inn Hotel building has been designated as a national treasure of Barbados, full of old world charm with contemporary amenities. Take a short stroll to the beautiful beach at Carlisle Bay, a crescent shaped bay and natural harbour where luxury yachts and catamarans nestle beside each other. Enjoy some time soaking up the sunshine, snorkelling, diving and lots more; it’s a great beach life!

At the Garrison side of the site you’ll be able to visit the Barbados Museum, the George Washington House and see the cannons lining Garrison Savannah, the island’s famous race track. And if you get up early enough, you might just see some of the race horses bathing in the see at Pebbles Beach – as the grooms nicely and maybe you’ll get your picture taken beside them!

Other popular island attractions include Harrison’s Cave, a 1.5 mile network of coral caves, the Concorde Experience, an aviation museum that houses Alpha Echo a decommissioned Concorde aircraft as well as the Mount Gay rum visitor centre and the smaller St Nicholas Abbey, a 1660’s Jacobean style plantation house that operates as a small batch rum distillery and a museum of colonial life.
There’s plenty of opportunity to have some fun whilst finding out lots more about the wonderful island of Barbados. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 on the Island Safari Tour, dive under the waves in the Atlantis submarine, zipline through the jungle, and take a guided tour through the stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison’s Cave, maybe finish off the day with a ride along the beach on horseback.

In the evening, when the sun goes down the fun gets started, the Island Inn Hotel is just a few miles away from Dover Beach and the lively St Lawrence Gap, the party capital of Barbados and the place to be for casual eating, fine dining, lively nightlife, music and shopping. From the latest sounds and stunning light shows at the Sugar Ultra Lounge to the timeless classic theme nights of the Reggae Lounge – there’s something for everyone in the Gap, where every nights a party night!

Back at your home-away-from-home you can relax by the pool with a cascading fountain and enjoy a cool cocktail. Watch a favourite game of football or cricket in the lounge that’s open 24-hours a day and the ideal place to relax and unwind. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the hotel’s Boardwalk restaurant along with traditional English style afternoon teas.
Guest rooms and suites are contemporary and fresh with modern amenities and beach towels provided. Choose a pool view and walk straight out of your patio onto the pool deck. There are five categories to choose from so take your pick, junior suites have a separate living area and are a great option if you want a bit of extra space.

Life at the Island Inn Hotel is a blissful experience of Barbados life surrounded by tropical landscaping and close to all the action you could want. It’s a great choice for families, couples and groups of friends – this idyllic island getaway has it all.