Your Barbados vacation is booked. Your bags are packed. But, are they PACKED packed? Let us offer you five must-brings (or at least good-to-knows) that you may not have on your checklist to add an extra serving of ‘wow’ to your Barbados experience.
Extra charge…
It’s not what you think, so please put away your wallets. Barbados is chockfull of gorgeous scenery and Insta-cool experiences that are sure to turn you into a shutterbug. So, if you have one, be sure to pack your power bank – or battery chargers for the professional content creators out there – so that you won’t be left hanging mid-click! And, don’t forget to bring the necessary electrical plug converters to charge your devices.
A nice outfit
We know you’re probably at ten-and-counting beachwear and casual options when it comes to your Barbados vacation fashion haul, but have you even packed a formal wear option? Trust us with this one, since you’ll probably want to have a chic, fine dining night out while on the island. And for the night owls, don’t you want to take in the full Barbados nightlife offering in style?
A pair of sneakers
While we’re on the topic of your vacation fashion, go ahead and make some space for your flip-flops’ more athletic and adventurous sibling. In Barbados, we call them sneakers, but maybe you’ll relate if we say tennis shoes… or gym shoes… or runners. Whatever you prefer to call them, the point remains that you’ll have several more options of Barbados experiences if you have them. This includes hiking through nature trails, parks, and gullies, scenic walks, or even spelunking through the island’s caves. Or maybe your lovely holiday home has a tennis or basketball court and you want to capitalize… in this case, you can!
Pack the romance
This one is a bit more figurative than the others. But, with villas this gorgeous and island vistas so memorable, we couldn’t resist hinting at a love-themed stay. You will be luxuriously spoilt for choice with the options of a stunning garden, seaside or even underground cave wedding. Or, be the envy of your friends with a beautiful Barbados honeymoon. Propose to the love of your life in paradise, or for those veterans at love, renew your vows with the island’s blessings.
Pack up house…
Unlike the romance, we mean this literally. If for some reason you haven’t heard, Barbados is offering you the amazing opportunity to live where you vacation. This has been made extremely easy thanks to the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa, which is a programme launched back in 2020. So, if you have professional flexibility that allows you to work remotely, have a slice of paradise for a little longer than normal! And, what’s amazing about this prospect is that you can bring the whole family – even your fur babies!
Book your Barbados adventures and experiences with our Concierge team – they’re waiting to make your next trip an unforgettable one!
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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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Photo courtesy from Sky Sports
Cricket season is here, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’re anything like us, you’re ready to return to some live sporting action. Why not enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Cricket and the vibe of camaraderie? Book an exciting vacation to sun-kissed Barbados for the international test match. You won’t regret it!
Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies. Barbadians and visitors come together to watch world-class matches at Kensington Oval. It is a highly anticipated event with crowds roaring through the stands! Did you know that Cricket was first played at Kensington Oval in 1882 and was the first Test match played in 1930?
The upcoming International Test series with West Indies Vs. England, Barbados will host the second Test match from March 16 to 20 at Kensington Oval. The first Test Match will be in Antigua from March 8 – 12 and the final Test in Grenada from March 24 – 28. Learn more about the match details or buy tickets for the matches here.
Build Your Unique Cricket Holiday
When the series reaches Barbados for the second Cricket Test, the action will be even more thrilling! Prepare to experience world-class Cricket and a unique stay with Blue Sky Luxury. We accommodate large groups of friends or family and offer fully staffed villas if you prefer. View some of the top vacation villas on our website blueskyluxury.com
Our Concierge Team can help arrange a full itinerary for you before you arrive on the island including restaurant bookings, car rentals, and baby-sitting services. Let Concierge make your arrival to Barbados easy with fast-track services. Breeze through airport lines and health checks and arrive at your villa in no time. Outside of the game, unwind and enjoy white sand beaches, indulge in authentic local experiences, or have fun with watersports.
Foodies can indulge in a great dining experience on the island and choose from an array of restaurants and eating spots. For suggestions on where to find absolutely delectable meals, check out our blog on the top 5 restaurants in the north or south of the island.
Don’t miss out on this local Cricket experience for your next vacation!
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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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This month’s featured vacation home is Sunset Reach! Perfect for family vacations with days spent relaxing by the water. The charming beachfront Barbados villa has recently undergone renovations. The newly built master suite makes this charming beachfront villa a 3 bedroom rental vacation option. Enjoy impressive panoramic views of the vibrant turquoise Caribbean Sea stretching out as far as the eye can see from the master’s patio. While to the left is the remarkable Mullins Beach. Take a stroll down the beach to The Sea Shed restaurant, the delectable dishes are sure to entice you back for more.
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What’s Nearby:
East Moon – Authentic Chinese food! Dine-in or call ahead for take-out.
Bombas Beach Bar – Perfect spot for tropical combos of cocktails, stunning sunsets and magical evenings under the stars.
Sea Shed – The beachside atmosphere, a touch of tropical elegance and great food.
Speightstown – Located on the north-west coast. Take a stroll through the city and discover restaurants, churches, shops and much more!
Watch Video On Sunset Reach
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Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
Freephone UK: 0-800-088-5574
Toll Free US/CND: 1-866-404-9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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When you think of Barbados, you think of the beach, right? Wherever you go on the island, you’re never far from the sound of the waves and the cool breeze coming off the sea. And when it comes to beaches, Barbados has quantity and quality – boasting some of the top Caribbean beaches. We have beaches for surfing, beaching for swimming, and beaches for sipping (on rum punch of course!). Not sure where to start? Think of us at Blue Sky Luxury as your Barbados vacation experts. So grab your sunblock and read on for our guide to the best beaches in Barbados.
Mullins Beach
Let’s start this list with one of our favourite Barbados west coast beaches. Mullins Beach offers the perfect formula you’re looking for from Caribbean beaches – calm turquoise sea, dazzling white sand, and of course the warm tropical sunshine. And if you’re looking for a bit of action, The Sea Shed is the place to be (and be seen!) This trendy beachside restaurant and bar serves up cocktails in the sand, delicious seafood and live DJs keep the vibe going as the sun sets on a Sunday. Never want to leave? You can wake up each morning and step straight onto Mullins Beach by staying at the beautiful three-bedroom Aquamarine beachside holiday home.
Carlisle Bay
Stretching from the Bridgetown harbour to Needham’s Point, this is definitely a bay with something for everyone – groups of friends, couples, or family. Carlisle Bay is our top pick for watersports: it’s home to a protected marine park with five shipwrecks close to shore, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Or for above the water action, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. At the south end, Pebbles Beach is a family-favourite with gently lapping waves. The famous Cuz Cutters stand is situated here serving up delicious fish cutters (sandwiches). Come in the early morning to watch the racehorses being bathed in the sea.
Bathsheba
For a taste of the wild and rugged east coast on your Barbados vacation, Bathsheba gets our vote – a beach that transforms depending on the season and tides. Enjoy leisurely walks collecting driftwood and shells. At low tide, sit and enjoy a rum punch in the calm, protected rock pools – also great for children to wade in and explore. And when the raging waves come in at high tide, the surfers come out to play. Bathsheba is home to one of the most famous surf spots in Barbados – the legendary Soup Bowl, named by Kelly Slater as one of his favourite waves in the world.
Worthing Beach
In the heart of the south coast, this beach is in the middle of the action. The sea is calm most of the year, protected by a fringe reef offering snorkeling right from the beach, and be sure to keep an eye out for turtles bobbing in the surf. To enjoy Worthing Beach every day of your vacation, Blue Sky Luxury offers Arcadia, a beautiful family-friendly vacation rental, with sun-loungers on a patio overlooking the beach. Just imagine your morning coffee from this idyllic spot!
Shark Hole
Don’t worry it doesn’t live up to its name! Shark Hole is one of the island’s smallest beaches, a tiny cove on the southeast coast in the parish of St Philip. Come at low tide when you’ll find a calm inviting pool, protected from the raging Atlantic by a wall of rock. Popular with local residents for a morning ‘sea bath’, if you’re looking for unique vacation experiences, we highly recommend it. It’s a great place for a quick dip to cool off during a Barbados island tour. Of course, Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Services can arrange for you.
Payne’s Bay
Heading back to Barbados Platinum Coast is this stunning stretch of dazzling sand – definitely getting our vote as one of the best beaches in Barbados. Payne’s Bay gently curves with lots of shady trees to relax under. It’s the perfect place for watersports – try jet skiing or water skiing, preferably before your pina colada! Payne’s Bay is popular for Barbados vacation homes, and Blue Sky Luxury offers three beachfront villas at Mahogany Bay, all just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Bottom Bay
Off the beaten path is the unique and beautiful Bottom Bay. This remote choice gets you away from the crowds. There are no restaurants or bars, so pack a cooler or enjoy a fresh coconut from the vendor. Bottom Bay gets a thumbs up from us for a couples or family picnic under the shady coconut trees, looking out at the Atlantic waves. If it sounds idyllic, that’s because it is!
To wake up right next to one of these stunning Barbados beaches, check out our full list of Barbados beachfront vacation rentals, or get in touch with us today to start planning your unforgettable Barbados vacation.
Stay in touch, we love to hear from you!
Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
Freephone UK: 0-800-088-5574
Toll Free US/CND: 1-866-404-9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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The importance of keeping a complete, cataloged inventory listing of all of the items (including appliances, equipment, furniture, soft furnishings, cutlery, towels, and linens) at your home cannot be overstated. All items in all buildings such as garages, storage areas, and gazebos should be included. This is very important when requesting insurance coverage and having the necessary documentation should an insurance claim need to be made.
For Blue Sky Luxury holiday rental properties, your property manager will count, itemise and log all of the property’s effects and complete a thorough check of the quantity and condition of the items. Your property manager will be required to conduct spot checks after each guest’s departure. You will be notified of any proven damages or losses at any replacements needed at that time will be purchased. These replacements and any other additions that may occur during the year will then be itemised on the annual inventory listing when retaken.
For homes that rent long-term, full inventories are always taken and updated in between tenancies. In both cases, your property manager will be responsible for checking the home after each departure. The reconciliation of the security deposit can be completed with wear and tear expected depending on the length of time the tenants resided there. Similarly, any replacements and additions will be captured on the updated listing for the next expected tenant.
Good To Know
When offering your home for holiday rental, it is important to know and provide adequate par levels for all glassware, cutlery, dinnerware, linen, and towels. For example, you want to ensure that the home has place settings, matching glassware, and cutlery for the advertised number of guests that can be accommodated at the property + 50%. For example, for a 4-bedroom rental property that accommodates 8 guests, the catered capacity will be 12 people.
Similarly, adequate par levels, while different from the expectation of a holiday rental home are also expected when a property is offered for long-term rental.
When the inventory listing is created, the location, make and model of all appliances and equipment is noted. During this process, it is a great opportunity to create an asset register of these items. The asset register will have all of the above details and photos plus the serial numbers are included. Information, where available, on the age and value of each, will be recorded.
Many services are offered during the onboarding of new homes to Blue Sky Luxury. Contact us for a quote, if you are interested in any of these services as a one-time, separate service. We can’t wait for your call!
Written by Peter Layne, Team Manager of Residential Property Management at Blue Sky Luxury
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Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
Freephone UK: 0-800-088-5574
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Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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Let Blue Sky Luxury help you put together 3 flawless steps at the ideal beachfront villa to help your client escape this Winter.
Step one, book the next available stay at Milord Sunsets. Each of the 3 bedrooms is positioned to enjoy views of the turquoise Caribbean waters. The soothing blue vistas will follow you from the white-on-white open-plan living room and dining area. Step two, take advantage of the beachfront plunge pool it’s the perfect spot to catch a green flash sunset! Step three, guests will enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by a private cook/housekeeper. Bon appetit!
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Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
Freephone UK: 0-800-088-5574
Toll Free US/CND: 1-866-404-9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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The weather in Barbados is hot and humid. While this makes for a great holiday home location, it also means that your air condition systems have to work really hard to ensure the air inside your home is cooler than the air outside.
Our Barbados climate can cause unique challenges for the electrical and mechanical appliances on our properties. The extreme heat we experience here can put a lot of stress on your AC unit and the moisture in our air often creates rusting issues that can lessen the life of your AC unit.
All these challenges can be easily avoided with a bit of TLC and of course, regular maintenance to prevent serious problems.
Jonathon Gonsalves, Managing Director of Coast-to-Coast Cooling notes the simple and basic procedures that are carried out during a routine service to ensure that an air conditioning unit is efficient and effective –
- Check unit operation and condition for any obvious obstructions, rusting, or damage
- Thoroughly clean filters and coils
- Clean blow wheels and drain pan
- Thoroughly clear drain
- Clean the louvers and body
- Clean condenser coils and check gas pressures
As property managers, we see all kinds of avoidable issues with our AC units such as garden debris, bird nests, and insect infestation. These problems can end up being costly and incredibly inconvenient – not to mention – HOT.
For those with rental properties, it is crucial to have your air conditioners serviced routinely. We suggest at a minimum every three (3) months.
Unfortunately, doors get left open with the AC on at full blast when guests are enjoying themselves and don’t think about the consequences of such a seemingly innocent mistake. This ends up causing sweating, condensation issues and generally overworking the unit.
A regular AC service from your provider significantly improves your power efficiency and the air quality drawn into your home. It also reduces the likelihood of failure of the equipment and its parts.
It makes sense to have your unit services routinely to avoid clogged filters, clogged drains, unpleasant smells, mold growth, reduced air movement and flow, icing of coils, and clogged coils which may lead to overheating and compressor failure.
As Jonathon noted, with COVID affecting us worldwide, it is that much more important that we avoid stagnant air wherever we are.
A Look at Why AC Maintenance is Important:
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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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So, you’re planning a Barbados vacation with the family? We’re confident you’ll have an unforgettable holiday. But we also know what it’s like trying to coordinate activities that the whole family will enjoy. Excursions that are fun-filled and kid-friendly, but also stimulating and interesting for the adults. Is that too much to ask for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do in Barbados. So to get you started, here are six Barbados family activities handpicked by the Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Team.
Barbados water sports
For beach lovers, there’s a lot more on offer than sandcastles and sun loungers. For action-packed fun, Rascals Water Park has an inflatable obstacle course – a floating playground with slides, jumps, and more. Carlisle Bay is a great place to try paddle boarding and kayaking. Or check out Freights Bay for surf lessons – the easy-going long waves are great for beginners and kids. Why not join a snorkel tour or learn to scuba dive at one of the many dive shops on the island? Our Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Services can recommend and book the best Barbados water sports activities for you and your family.
Harrison’s Cave
Grab your hard hats and head underground for one of the island’s most spectacular natural features, and a top Barbados family-friendly activity. The interactive tour (aboard an open tram, which the kids will love!) takes you deep into the crystalised limestone cave system that stretches over two kilometers. Discover impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, flowing streams, deep pools, and even an underground waterfall. Harrison’s Cave is a fun and educational experience, and (here’s an insider tip!) it’s a great activity for those rare rainy days in paradise.
Catamaran Cruise
You’re in the Caribbean! So a day on the water is a must and it’s one of our top recommendations for things to do in Barbados. There are several companies offering catamaran day cruises on a join-in or private basis. Most offer two snorkel stops with the chance to swim with turtles and explore a shipwreck, followed by a delicious Bajan buffet lunch and a cruise along the iconic Barbados west coast. Just picture yourself sipping on a rum punch, under sail, looking out at the stunning turquoise waters. The Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Services can recommend the best cruise for your family, and make all the arrangements.
St Nicholas Abbey
A national treasure with something for the whole family. The kids will love the ride on the historic steam train that climbs to Cherry Tree Hill with stunning views over the east coast. This is followed by a tour of the great house, rum distillery and of course a rum tasting session for the adults. The estate grounds are expansive and beautiful – lots of room for little ones to explore and run around, and there’s a lovely café serving drinks and snacks. Overall St Nicholas Abbey offers a wonderful excursion that ticks all the boxes for a memorable day out for your Barbados vacation.
Animal flower cave
Another ‘must do’ for Barbados family activities is a visit to this unique natural feature on the wild and rugged north east coast of the island. Animal Flower Cave is named after the sea anemone ‘animal flowers’ that live in the natural pools, descend the rock staircase into this stunning seaside cave, open to the crashing Atlantic waves on one side. Bring your swimsuit and have a paddle in the beautiful natural pool inside the cave. Be sure to have lunch at the breathtaking ocean-facing restaurant when you return to the ground level. There’s a small playground for children, often with inquisitive goats running around!
Welchman Hall Gully
Follow the nature trail deep into this beautiful natural gully which was formed by a collapsed cave system in the centre of Barbados. You can take a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable tour guides, or just enjoy a self-guided visit The path is paved and wheelchair / stroller accessible, so Welchman Hall Gully is a great family-friendly excursion particularly for small children. Our tip is to pack a picnic and take your time. One added bonus is to visit when the monkeys are being fed (usually between 10.30 am and noon).
This is just a flavour of the many things to do in Barbados. Our Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Team is ready to make your Barbados vacation as special as possible with carefully selected activities to match the interests of your family. Priceless memories await!
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Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
Freephone UK: 0-800-088-5574
Toll Free US/CND: 1-866-404-9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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For the golf enthusiast, Blue Sky Luxury offers Royal Westmoreland-High Spirits. A 4-bedroom villa commanding breathtaking views of a stunning Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course. If spending the day on the green isn’t enough, guests also have access to first-class recreational onsite facilities. Celebrity graced tennis courts, a fitness center, spa and a clubhouse with a resort pool complemented by varied dining options.
The Blue Sky Luxury vacation rental portfolio contains some of the finest golf communities in Barbados, like Royal Westmoreland. What makes Royal Westmoreland distinct, is its fantastic lifestyle bubble, high-end villas, and of course, one of the finest golf courses on the island. Explore this exclusive golf community here.
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Direct Barbados: 1-246-622-4466
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Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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At Blue Sky Luxury, we value our property inspections, our detailed and consistent twice annually inspections, which are crucial to protecting our valued tenants and homeowner’s investments, as well as the continuous reinforcement of our ‘Blue Standards’.
As Barbados’ leading property management company – Blue Sky Luxury holds a vested interest throughout our managed properties. But more importantly, we help our tenants and homeowners, breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that we are truly safeguarding their interest.
In our world of Property Management, inspections from time immortal, are our best line of defense against property damage, and oftentimes, personal injury, as we focus on the health, safety, and wellness of our tenants and homeowners. As you can appreciate, whether it is due to tenants’ misuse of a property or maintenance issues that go unchecked, property damage can lead to hefty repair bills – especially when it goes unnoticed for long periods of time.
As our mission, we prefer to be proactive, rather than reactive. Over time, you perhaps heard of many nightmare scenarios of tenants turning beautiful homes into anything from brothels to drug labs to party houses.
While we appreciate that not every tenant can be painted with the same brush, we are committed to ensuring that all our tenants are held to the ‘Blue Standard’, so that our homeowners’ investments remain protected.
In this topic, we will examine the below listed key areas.
What is a Property Inspection?
A Property Inspection is a detailed and systematic visual inspection of the property, its structures, design, and fixtures that will provide a transparent understanding of the property’s ‘vital signs’ and condition as observed on the inspection date.
The Value of a Property Inspection
Like most homeowners, the purchase of standalone homes, villas, or condominiums, or even the most luxurious multi-million dollar homes, purchasers have very little to no prior knowledge of, or expertise in or property management.
Property management companies, such as Blue Sky Luxury, specializes in property management professionals, who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to detect costly problems. For example, most of the value of residential land comes from the house. To explain further, a house with one or more severe structural, electrical, or even plumbing issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars or even more. Consequently, scheduled property inspections are necessary in ensuring your investment remains in pristine condition. Property inspections are an added value mechanism, every homeowner with a vested interest in his or her property should maintain. After our annual inspection, as a homeowner, you will have a much clearer understanding of your property’s condition; highlighting the necessary maintenance and preventative maintenance measures you need to undertake.
There’s Even More Added Value…
- Increase revenue – where applicable i.e.: rental properties
- Decrease operational costs
- Reduce Maintenance Calls
- Improve Renter Retention and lease compliance
- Improve Rental Owner Satisfaction
- Decrease Mold Liability
- Concise Data for planning and budgeting
- Knowledge of the True Condition of the Property
The Inspection, Key Areas of our Focus
Depending on the age, size of the property, and its general layout, inspections can generally be lengthy, ranging anywhere between 2 and 6 hours, in terms of navigating the property. The property manager will examine the property and its structures, to include, but is not limited to:
- Internal/external structural integrity of buildings
- Foundation
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Appliances
- Special Features (CCTV, Security Systems)
- Air Quality and Air Conditioning
- Furniture and furnishings
- Ventilation
- Roof and gutters
- Grounds (for drainage problems or evidence of environmental hazards)
- Interior finishes and fixtures (floors, ceilings, walls, cabinets, sinks, etc.)
Our Final Word – The Value in conclusion!
Property inspections are essential if our tenants and homeowner rights are to be protected while ensuring that our homeowners get maximum returns on their investment. The property management team at Blue Sky Luxury is committed and will continue to go the extra mile, to ensure that our wide-ranging portfolio of properties is magnificently maintained, such is vital to the longevity of the property.
Here, we have highlighted the value and equally so, the importance of property inspections and their importance to the tenant and our homeowners. As a tenant or a homeowner, you don’t have to worry, we have your safety and comfort, as our top priority.
Stay in touch, we love to hear from you!
Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
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