Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Reuters Life!) - Barbados is a serene Caribbean island that lures visitors with its aqua waters, friendly people and fine dining.

FRIDAY

Noon - After settling in your hotel get ready for a bit of sunbathing on some of the top beaches in the world, including The Crane Resort www.thecrane.com

3:30 pm - Catch the last tour at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery and learn about the history of rum, the balm of clipper ship sailors. Become a rummy yourself by learning tasting skills at the bar. www.mountgay.

5:00 pm - Treat yourself to an early dinner at Champers where you can try grilled barracuda. www.champersbarbados.com.

7 pm - Aside from the Las Vegas-style show, the main reason to visit The Plantation is to see a truly amazing Bajan tradition -- stilt dancers. These high walkers dance and even turn flips that can almost upstage the fire eaters. www.plantationtheatre.com/

9:00 pm - Head for Jazz Fest and listen to music. www.barbadosjazzfestival.com

SATURDAY

8:00 am to noon - Join an Island Safari and explore the hidden coves and wild places in the island. From Gun Hill Signal Station, a clear day will grant you a view of most of the island. Rugged coasts and clear pools can be tricky if you indulge in the jungle juice rum concoction www.islandsafari.bb.

1:00 pm - Lunch at Waterfront Cafe where jerked pork, pepper pot and other Caribbean dishes are served in the middle of historic Bridgetown, on the marina. www.waterfrontcafe.com.bb.

2:00 pm - Walk along the wharf and shop in boutiques along the way.

4:00 pm - Try your skills at surfing with a lesson given by champion surfer Melanie Pitcher, who can get almost anybody riding on a board. www.surfbarbados.com.