10 Things to do near Craggy Nook Villas

Location, location, location… there is so much to do near Craggy Nook. Here are 10 of our favourite things to do within walking distance of our beachfront villas.

1. Watch Turtles Nesting or Hatching in your backyard

Craggy Nook Villas are located on the beautiful Hastings Beach, one of the most popular sites for nesting and hatching Hawksbill sea turtles in Barbados. Hawksbill turtles are endangered, so we do our best to protect these beautiful animals. If you see nesting or hatching sea turtles during your stay with us, please notify the Barbados Sea Turtle hotline by calling (246) 230-0142. They will immediately visit the beach and are happy to answer any questions you may have while you witness these miraculous animals in their natural habitat.

2. Stroll along the South Coast Boardwalk

The boardwalk stretches 1.6 km of breathtaking oceanfront land. It connects Craggy Nook Villas to many restaurants, bars and beaches, ending at Rockley beach. Around 5-6 PM the boardwalk comes alive with runners and workout classes all soaking up the stunning sunset. Join in the fun, the boardwalk is super near Craggy Nook!

3. Dine at Buzo, Jake’s or Mama Mia – all across the street

There are three awesome restaurants right opposite Craggy Nook Villas. Mama Mia and Buzo are both Italian restaurants. Buzo is more of a fine dining spot while Mama Mia is great for a casual lunch straight off of the beach. Jake’s is a new restaurant that opened in December 2018 serving steak and seafood. They are known for their three for $10 Mount Gay rum mixes on a Thursday night and their cocktails.

4. Rent a Surfboard from Dread or Dead

Dread or Dead Surf School is rated the #1 thing to do in Hastings according to Trip Advisor users. Dread of Dead is known for their guaranteed individual attention thanks to their small class sizes (no more than 4 people per instructor). After you have taken a few classes you can rent a board and walk to Drill Hall Beach (near Craggy Nook) a popular local surf spot.

5. Have Breakfast at Art Splash Café

Art Splash is an art gallery meets café where you can enjoy a healthy breakfast, coffee or smoothie. Around the back of the café you will find a large play park ideal for kids of all ages. There is lots of shaded seating for mum or dad to sit and enjoy their coffee while the kids play. Visit Art Splash on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday to check out the Hasting Farmers Market where local vendors sell ‘homemade, homegrown, or home created’ products and produce. Art Splash is located just off the south coast boardwalk, a 7-minute walk from Craggy Nook.

6. Be a mermaid for a day at the Lagoon near Craggy Nook

Discover your inner mermaid while capturing that Instagram worthy shot. The 45-minute mermaid experience includes rentals of mermaid tails, shark fins or pirate costumes, a photo shoot and playtime for the kiddies. You can look forward to at least 25 professional digital photos within 2-5 days, a great way to capture the fun of your vacation in Barbados. The mermaid lagoon is a short 1-minute walk from Craggy Nook.

7. Travel back in time at the Barbados Museum

The Barbados Museum is located in the UNESCO world heritage site ‘The Historic Bridgetown and it’s Garrison’ making the 14-minute walk from Craggy Nook quite scenic. The museum itself is housed in the old military prison that opened in 1853. Today the museum holds over 500,000 artefacts. The tour is roughly 1 hour long but you are free to roam the eight ‘thought-provoking’ exhibits and the stunning grounds at your own leisure.

8. Explore George Washington House and the Tunnels

Down the road from the Museum stands the historical George Washington House. Barbados was the only country that George Washington visited in his lifetime, outside of the USA. The house he stayed in has been restored to its former glory with beautiful antique furniture and décor. Feeling extra adventurous? Explore the underground tunnels that connect the George Washington House to the nearby Garrison. They were once used to facilitate the secret movement of soldiers during the rule of the British Empire.

9. Marvel at Mallalieu’s Motor Collection

Automobile fanatics should visit Mallalieu’s Motor Collection, just a 1-minute walk from Craggy Nook. This personal collection of antique cars includes a 1955 Rover 75, Allard P1, Bentley Drophead Coupe and more. Enjoy a tour by Mr Mallalieu himself and ask him any questions you may have on the history of automobiles in Barbados.

10. Shop at Lanterns Mall

Looking for a place to pick up those items you may have forgotten to pack or get souvenirs before you leave? Lanterns Mall has it all! The iMart pharmacy and convenience store is our go-to store where you can find everything from groceries to sunblock. There are many fast-casual dining options in the Lanterns Mall food court including Chutney’s, Urban Kitchen, RB’s Rotisserie, Wok Up, Tagore’s Kebabs and Curries, Dragon House Chinese Restaurant, Subway and more. Lanterns Mall is a 10-minute walk from Craggy Nook along the road, or you may walk along the boardwalk for a more scenic walk.