Barbados offers both a tranquil Caribbean shore with fine white-sand beaches and a wild Atlantic coastline. Inland, the rolling landscape of sugar fields is dotted with plantation houses, some of which date to the 17th century. (The first British settlers arrived in 1627.) The southern coast is crowded, overdeveloped and best avoided. Most of the desirable hotels are strung along the west coast in the parishes of St. James and St. Peter. During the winter high season, Barbados has a party atmosphere and is unsuitable for those in search of serenity.