Worldwide, we can imagine that everyone is cringing at the idea of touching that tv remote to watch their favourite Netflix show or grabbing those villa keys to head out to explore the best beaches in Barbados. We put together our Barbados villa cleaning checklist to put your mind at ease. With the additional CDC recommendations of limiting access to any property including for cleaning, during the 24 hours immediately after each guest’s stay. You can be assured that in between bookings we have ample time to properly clean and disinfect all those areas that may incite the germaphobe in you. It’s okay, we’ve got you covered.
As per the CDC, someone can contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface, for example, keys, a doorknob or light switch, and the virus can live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. A detailed workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocol for COVID-19 has been developed. Led by Director General, Human Resource, Ministry of Public Service, Gail Atkins. The protocol covers how to clean frequently touched surfaces, for example, doorknobs, tabletops, counters, light switches, elevator buttons, faucets, among others. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper, and less than 24 hours on cardboard. For this reason, it is essential to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.
Priority #1 Understanding Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities (for example, using a soapy sponge to wipe a dirty counter or surface, especially where dirt is visible).
Disinfecting is when you use chemicals to kill germs (for example, spraying with a bleach solution). By cleaning first, then disinfecting, you can lower the risk of infection.
Gain peace of mind with our top 10 frequent touchpoint checklist. The checklist will be completed after every single guest departs, signed by the housekeeper performing it and submitted – date and time-stamped.
Cleaning & Disinfecting Checklist Post Departure
Disinfect all keys
Disinfect all remote controls
Disinfect all gate remotes
Clean & disinfect all telephones and handsets
Disinfect all lockboxes, safe panels and buttons
Clean & disinfect all blinds, windowsills & lock ledges
Clean & disinfect hairdryer and handle
Clean and disinfect refrigerator handles
Clean & disinfect doorknobs and switch plates
Clean & disinfect baseboards, chair rails, and door panels
This list has been vetted by our expert team of property managers. It’s mainly focused on frequent touchpoints only. If you think that we may have missed something or you just want to reach out to ask us anything about or health and safety standards, email us. We love to hear from you!
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Other than providing an excellent Barbados villa experience, the health and well-being of the Blue Sky Luxury family is our number one priority. Under the banner of The Blue Standard, cleanliness has always been included as a standard in our 300pt checklist. Yes, 300, we leave no stone unturned in keeping our guests and staff safe. With the emergence of COVID-19, it has become even more critical as the aim is to reduce the spread of the infection. On behalf of our team, we want to assure you that in times of uncertainty surrounding travel, your safety and well-being has never stopped being our priority. We have implemented the following practices to ensure that you stay, safe.
Health & Safety
A detailed workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocol for COVID-19 has been developed. Led by Director General, Human Resource, Ministry of Public Service, Gail Atkins. The protocol covers how to clean frequently touched surfaces, for example, doorknobs, tabletops, counters, light switches, elevator buttons, faucets, among others. Protocols by the World Health Organisation, Centres for Disease Control (CDC), USA Centre’s for Disease Control (CDC) and local authorities in respect of cleaning for virus prevention are also being followed in our homes. Our staff has been trained in specific disinfection procedures following recommendations made by local authorities in respect of cleaning for virus prevention, especially in between bookings. Comprehensive COVID-19 guidance is in place globally detailing how to best protect against transmission of the virus and we have included this in our updated protocols for cleaning procedures, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.
Protecting our staff and you
Scared to touch that tv remote or grab those villa keys? We disinfect those too! Put your mind to rest. Read our blog on our Barbados villa cleaning checklist, we’ve thought of everything. For your safety, we have implemented sanitisation stations at all entrances to properties and we provide in-villa sanitization items for you and your family. There are protocols for the use of Personal Protective Equipment for staff, particularly those in foodservice. Our communication on prioritizing the health of both guests and staff is clear and we have advised all of our staff to monitor their health and report to us and the COVID-19 Hotline 536-4500 if feeling unwell. Where possible we can offer self-check-in and check out to encourage social distancing – but don’t worry, we’re always reachable with a 24-hour contact for guest services and our property management team. We’re just a phone call, instant message, or email away and can’t wait to help you make memories.
Space Between Bookings
Based on CDC recommendations, it is advised that access to any property be limited, including for cleaning, during the 24 hours immediately after each guest’s stay. Also, it is a BSL requirement that there is a wait time of 48 hours in between bookings to provide ample time to properly clean and disinfect all areas accessible to the guest/owner, due to a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. Generally, we maintain 2 days between bookings and for our larger villas 3-bedroom villas we maintain 3 days between bookings.
With guidelines and restrictions changing frequently in Barbados through this challenging time we’ll keep you informed. In advance of your arrival and when you join us we’ll ensure you have complete information on everything you need to know.
Thank you for your support and your loyalty. We will continue monitoring the situation concerning COVID-19 and respond further based on the advice of governments, public health authorities, and medical professionals. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our homes in the future.
Our Property Management team is the largest and friendliest group in Barbados, and we enjoy what we do! We make the safety of our people and our owners’ property a priority. Download our top 5 tips on how we maintain hurricane ready villas and support our guests on the island during adverse weather. Our team manages over 150-holiday rentals properties, and it’s a labour of love! We’re never complacent because of our 65-year record of no hurricanes in Barbados. We pride ourselves on being ready.
All year round we ensure consistency and quality of service and during the hurricane season, we go the extra mile to ensure that our villas are hurricane ready. See below for a few common tips, some of which you can do at your own home.
- Our properties have a battery-powered radio and other important items and equipment
- Gutters are cleared (including downpipes) Watch below as Peter ensures that Eden is ready for any adverse weather
- Roofs are cleared of debris (branches etc.)
- All water systems are checked including backup pumps and controls
- Guests are stocked on medications, baby formula, personal hygiene items
- Guests are stocked on non-perishables, have 1 gal water per person per day
- Property Managers /staff know & can locate closest hurricane shelter
We’re always here for our guests and ensure that we put people and the properties that they stay at a priority. Download our top 5 ways on how we stay hurricane ready in Barbados.
Check out Peter at the stunning Sugar Hill – Eden
PS: At Blue Sky Luxury we have over 200 properties in our BSL property management portfolio and 150 of these are vacation rental homes. Contact us for more information on Property Management in Barbados or to book your Barbados vacation villa.
Blue Sky Luxury Family,
Our focus is to support local families by offering a home away from home staycation. Now, more so than ever is the time to demonstrate the strength of our culture. We adopt the “no Bajan left behind” sentiment and want to do all we can to keep the local economy growing. Our “there’s no place like home” staycation helps you to support as well with our offer of up to 40% off your stay at participating Blue Sky Luxury villas for Barbadian citizens and residents. If you need something to take your mind off everything, experience peace and serenity in a private villa. When you stay in a Blue Sky Luxury villa you are guaranteed: the entire property to yourself and self-contained facilities while still being sequestered with your loved ones. While there may be no rule book, we will stand together as a team and as a family and we will be guided by our values in all that we do.
We also appreciate the level of concern you may have for your safety. Please know that your health and well-being is our number one priority. We are listening carefully to the concerns we receive from our colleagues and friends. Blue Sky Luxury is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. See how we’re prepared and learn about our new enhanced cleaning protocols and relaxed booking policies.
Fall in love all over again with Barbados, take a sneak peek of our villas below.
Book now by contacting Blue Sky Luxury on 622-4466 for rates and details on participating villas or email experts@blueskyluxury.com
Download our FAQ for staycation rates and answers to your most frequent questions and enquire below.
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Staycation with Blue Sky Luxury
High Trees
4 bed | 4 bath
Favourite Features:
– Pool to the beach in seconds
– Dine alfresco in expansive private gardens
– Covered patio with sea views
Nelson Gay
6 bed | 7.5 baths | 12 guests
Favourite Features:
– Historic family-friendly villa built in the 1950s
– Trade 50-foot pool steps from snorkelling
– Garden gazebo complete with a wet bar
West We Go
4 bed | 4 baths | 8 guests
Favourite Features:
– Situated on the famous Sandy Lane Beach
– Air-conditioned bedrooms w/ ocean views
– Relax with a cocktail & enjoy stunning sunsets
Terms and Conditions: This offer is valid on participating villas only. Valid on stays between May 28th – December 15th, 2020. This offer is not combinable with any other offers. Blue Sky Luxury reserves the right to change the terms of this promotional offer to modify or end this promotional offer at any time without notice. Offer only applicable to Barbadian citizens and residents with valid ID.
Want to learn more about our fun-loving team? read more about Blue Sky Luxury, the holiday home experts.
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Whether you are travelling, thinking of travelling, or simply like to be informed, take 3 minutes and get up to date on what you need to know about Barbados Hurricane Facts. Get quick facts on the history of hurricanes in Barbados and information on how Barbados is equipped to handle a hurricane or storm. Keep track of the hurricane outlook for 2020, understanding the severity of a storm helps you with risk assessment. We’ll show you The Saffir Simpson Scale and how it is used to rate storms from a Category 1-5. All delivered in a quick and easy to read format.
General Hurricane Information
The Atlantic hurricane season starts from June 1st and lasts till November 30th of the given year. The Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico are the areas covered for hurricane activity. A Hurricane is classified as a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots). Hurricane awareness week is between May 25th – May 31st. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will announce the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season outlook on May 21st, 2020.
About Barbados
Barbados is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is located approximately 168 km east of St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and not inside of Jamaica as most people think. To get to Jamaica from Barbados by plane, it takes approximately 2 ½ hours. From the USA to Barbados takes approximately 5 hours and from the UK to Barbados 8 hours and change, if that helps put the location into perspective. Some airlines that fly to Barbados are Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines, JetBlue, AirCanada and WestJet.
Barbados Hurricane & Hurricane preparedness facts:
- Barbados has not been impacted by a hurricane for 65 years. The last hurricane that Barbados experienced was in 1955.
- Barbados is not in the hurricane belt. The hurricane belt is an area in the Atlantic Ocean that is likely to be impacted by hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season.
- On October 30th, 2010 Hurricane Tomas, a tropical storm at the time, passed 20 miles south of Barbados and caused mild structural damage
- Hurricane shelters are being made compliant with COVID 19 requirements
- CDEMA runs pre-impact drills and has a post-impact plan supported by the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) which is a rapid response unit
- There are hurricane shelters in all parishes of Barbados. These are managed by Senior Shelter Wardens
- There are approximately 10 privately owned business shelters, all with potable water
- Out of all named shelters, Barbados has approximately 14 hurricane shelters with wheelchair access
The Saffir Simpson Scale – how hurricanes are categorized
| Category | Miles Per Hour (MPH) | Meters per Second | Knots |
| 1 | 74–95 | 33–42 | 64–82 |
| 2 | 96–110 | 42–49 | 83–95 |
| 3 | 111–129 | 49–57 | 96–112 |
| 4 | 131–156 | 58–69 | 113–135 |
| 5 | >157 | >70 | >136 |
Next week we share how our Property Managers have prepared our villas for hurricane season, with a portfolio of 120 + vacation villas, it’s a labour of love!
If you’re looking for a way to bring Barbados to mum for Mother’s Day or any other day, try traditional Bajan bakes. Similar to a muffin, these fluffy, golden rounds can be enjoyed alone or with jam, oats, or even cheese.
Check out our recipe from Ayo. Our talented Chef for the luxurious vacation rental, High Breeze
Fresh Bajan Bakes Recipe
3 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder (optional, the difference between hard and light and fluffy texture )
1/2 cup brown sugar
1tsp salt
1 1/2tsp cinnamon
1tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups oil ( sunflower, canola or vegetable )
Mixed all dry ingredients. Add water until a thick batter is formed. Heat oil, use spoon to scoop batter fry until golden brown.
Enjoy!
Because we could all use a glass of Barbados’ finest right about now and we’re committed to bringing you a taste of Barbados. Sharing with you our famous rum punch recipe to try out no matter where you are.
A favorite to many seeking a Barbados vacation escape, we hope that you can find peace within, whether you’re inside or outside. Stay healthy and keep moving with one of our favorite yogis Bawa Yoga. Follow her on Instagram @bawayoga. Barbados will always be a place of refuge for those seeking peace and respite.
Dear friends,
It is clear that the best defense against this virus is to stop it from spreading. To do that we must stay ahead of the spread by limiting and even stopping all contact. To protect us, you, Barbados and the world we are doing our part. We are now fully virtual everywhere we can be. Nearly two weeks ago we transitioned our staff complement to ‘work from home’ arrangements. Last week we had 100% compliance. All office systems are up and running and all staff can fully function remotely. We are still open for business in the sense that whatever can be done without physically being there at our office, we are doing. We couldn’t be more proud of the way our team has pulled together to make the virtual adjustment in such a short period of time.
Many countries are wishing that they had moved earlier. Last weekend restrictions came into effect and then last night, further restrictions were deemed necessary. In both cases we were ahead of the required mandates and we intend to stay ahead so that we can serve you with total confidence. Everyone is reachable by telephone, email and mobile. Property managers have new robust protocols for visits to properties both residential and commercial for essential and security reasons only. Staff in the properties have separate protocols as well and are keeping the curfew. Valuers are completing engagements where site visits had been completed and all reports are now delivered digitally. Property showings for brokerage are no longer possible, although the new video walk throughs are available for many listings and this reduces the number of properties you need to visit in person when the restrictions are lifted. Our holiday rentals division is the most impacted at this point and we miss our guests. But they will be back and we will be here, stronger and better.
Staying ahead of the curve is in our DNA. We hope you understand and appreciate the actions we have taken and we look forward to working with you in this temporary virtual world but more importantly to meeting you in person in the post COVID-19 world.
Stay safe, stay strong, stay positive, stay connected.
The team at Blue Sky Luxury.