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Barbados is still very British. Afternoon teatime is observed. Cricket is the national passion. And Bajans (BAY-juns), as they call themselves, possess a bit of the English reserve.

What's more, the Royalty has wintered in Barbados for decades, and it shows. The resorts are ritzy, and the restaurants are fine. Even the duty-free shops are classier than those on most other Caribbean islands.

While efficient is a word that is not used very often in the Caribbean, it fits Barbados better than many other islands. It has been catering to visitors for some time and has one of the most fully developed tourism infrastructures in the region.

If there's a downside, it's that Barbados is hardly an undiscovered or unspoiled paradise. And it lacks the stunning natural features -- rain forests, mountains, vast coral reefs -- that some islands can claim. Nonetheless, those seeking a week of relaxation on beautiful beaches, perhaps with a little nightlife and history mixed in, will likely be pleased with what it has to offer.

Another plus is the people of Barbados. Bajans are some of the best educated in the Caribbean, and they enjoy conversing on a wide range of subjects. This quality even spills over into entertainment: The island's calypso music always has something to say and often deals with Barbados politics.