Keeping on top of maintenance basics for your pool can go a long way in helping to save money long term.
As part of the whole standard of preventive maintenance, think of pool maintenance as a way to stay up to date with health and safety protocols, maintain your property in good working order and most of all save on costs for big-ticket repairs.
Ensuring this asset is well maintained, serviced, and routinely checked is the best way to keep the value and quality of your property as high as possible.
When it comes to your pool, there are a few key boxes that need to be ticked off to ensure that it will be in good shape for as long as possible.
Filters – make sure your pool filters are always working. They should capture any unwanted debris in your pool. Everything from small pool toys to leaves and insects that have fallen into the water will be caught by your filters.
Monitor your pool level! Excessive rain can cause the water level to rise, as well as change the ph balance of your pool. A drop in the ph level of your pool is an easy indicator to make some checks and ensure that your pool is not leaking.
Always be aware of your chemical levels – these are a key factor for the health and longevity of your pool and pool water. The right levels will not only make the pool water look bright and inviting but will prevent harmful bacteria from breeding. Make yourself familiar with the amount of chlorine your pool will need.
A quick skim of your pool’s surface will help keep it looking clean and fresh, as well as assist the filters from having to do all the work!
Brushing your pool regularly will remove debris and algae as well as improves the efficiency of the products you are using.
Tips from Kerry Beckles, Pool Maintenance Technician of Pool Creations
“To keep your pool looking good and extend its life, you need to ensure the chemicals are at the right level at all times. Ideally 3.0 or slightly higher”
“The ph needs to be 7.6, check it often!”
Every 1 – 2 months, he suggests adding an algaecide to the pool and monitoring it
“Your pool should be thoroughly vacuumed once or twice a week depending on the size of it”
Be aware of what is immediately surrounding your pool area!
Hurricane and rainy season can wreak havoc on your pool. Debris from trees, excessive rainwater, and salt breeze can heavily affect the balance of your pool, so it makes sense to ensure the area around your pool is kept as tidy as possible to eliminate the chances of leaves and even patio furniture ending up in the pool!
After high winds and bad weather, pool area furniture often ends up at the bottom of the pool! This not only causes a change in your levels, but scratches to expensive finishes, and chipped tiles. Prevent this easily by packing away anything that can be blown into the pool during a storm or high winds.
It’s a good idea to have your pump area or pump room serviced annually by a professional. A check of sensors gauges pressure metres to ensure they are doing their job is a must. Think of your pump room as the heart of your pool and your filter as the kidneys!
Of course, you want your pool in tip-top shape at all times but do a quick check to ensure that swimming is safe for everyone. Our hot climate and humidity cause so many things to have a short life span.
Check your safety rings regularly to see that they are of good quality should they be needed to save a life! Always have it in a spot that is easily visible and easy to access if someone needs it in an emergency.
If you’ve been hearing great things about the team at Blue Sky Luxury and you may be thinking about listing your villa with us for property management services in Barbados, let’s chat. As a busy individual, you may not have the team to keep track of ph and chemical levels, but we do. We have a large client list of on and off-island owners and would be happy to share a referral with you or you can contact us for a free Property Management consultation. Leave the preventative maintenance to us while you do what you love.
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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Rover, wayfarer, iterant, hodophile, solivagant. Whatever term you use, these are all names for people who love to travel. Yes, we learned some of them today. No, we are not ashamed. Travel terms aside, with the buzz on vaccines bringing a return to near normal, we can only wonder “will international travel return by Summer 2021?” If you self-identify as one of the 5 above, then you must be as excited as we are.
We’re in this together
Our stance at Blue Sky Luxury has always been the same. We are in this together. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on lives and livelihoods. The green shoots signaling the return of international travel please us immensely because we’ve felt the effects here in Barbados and we’ve seen it internationally. Whatever wins we can get, we’ll take it.
Vaccinations & Return to Normalcy
The UK and USA have had positive updates regarding their vaccination programs. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that all adults will receive a COVID shot by the end of July. The US current rate by end of fall. At a faster pace, which should be possible based on the promised supply, would allow Americans to enjoy the Fourth of July. President Joe Biden and top public health aide Dr. Anthony Fauci talked about a return to normalcy for Christmas. (USATODAY) Barbados leads the way as the most vaccinated country in the Caribbean and is well on the way toward herd immunity. Read our blog Barbados racing towards herd immunity and the progress of Barbados’ Vaccination Programme
What’s your take?
The successful rollout of the vaccination programmes in these countries means that restrictions can be lifted but most importantly lives can be saved. Barbados is doing quite well and is rolling out a successful vaccination programme. We hope that the international travel will reopen safely so we can spend more time with our loved ones and create new memories together. With the estimated date of the end of the vaccination programme, do you think international travel will reopen for Summer 2021? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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
Go back to our website
Find a villa here
Barbados Racing Towards Herd Immunity
In our Blue Sky Luxury blog titled “Barbados Receives Vaccines” we shared the news of the generous donation of 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India on February 10th. By February 17th the vaccination programme was well underway with government officials and frontline workers receiving the jab. Our update today March 11, 2021, highlights Barbados is racing towards herd immunity for all Barbados residents.
Progress of Barbados’ Vaccination Programme
Although the daily numbers change, over 50,000 people—over 20 percent of the adult population of Barbados have received the first dose of the vaccine. Notably, this has been done in just a few weeks. Barbados leads the way in the vaccination process in the Caribbean. Currently, Barbadians over 18 are receiving the vaccine through a well-organized rollout by the National COVID-19 vaccination committee. The Barbados Government continues to invest in the future of our country and has taken the position that the vaccine will be distributed for free to all residents of Barbados. As a country, it is in our interest to get to herd immunity as quickly as possible, as our economy is so highly tourism dependent. While the elderly, those with comorbidities were the first to receive the jab, the villa workers at Blue Sky Luxury were included with the other front line workers on the priority list. As a tourism dependent economy and country, the reopening of tourism is critical and the only path to that is a fully vaccinated population. We have had generous support from friends of Barbados through donations and continue to raise funds to support this goal. Follow the Barbados Covid-19 Status dashboard to keep up to date on the countdown to herd immunity and COVID-19 related stats.
Myth-busting and the COVID-19 Vaccine
From 5G chips building Nanos in host bodies, to the vaccines not offering protection, there have been crazy stories on whether the jab is a giant hoax like Milli Vanilli (We still love Girl You Know It’s True by the way.) So far in Barbados, the robots have not taken over and the Prime Minister herself made a compelling statement to the press.
“I know that there are some people who have been doubtful. I think that more and more people are realising, well look, if 25,000 people have been vaccinated and everybody good, then a lot of what you are hearing on social media and a lot of these stories and things are an exaggerated version.”
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley
On the international scene, The Daily Mail shared a report which stated that “A single jab of either Pfizer or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is giving 90 PER CENT protection in huge boost to Britain’s world-beating rollout.” John Hopkins Center for Health Security carried the following update as well in their March 2, 2021 newsletter. “New Data Show Vaccines Reduce Severe COVID-19 in Older Adults (Public Health England) Today Public Health England (PHE) has submitted a pre-print of a real-world study that shows that both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective in reducing COVID-19 infections among older people aged 70 years and over. Since January, protection against symptomatic COVID, 4 weeks after the first dose, ranged between 57 and 61% for one dose of Pfizer and between 60 and 73% for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.”
As Barbados continues to race towards herd immunity, we will keep you updated. We know our Blue Sky Luxury friends are eager to return to our shores. For some taking advantage of the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp, a programme allowing visitors to work remotely and is renewable, we’ve had nothing but great reviews. Our fingers are crossed for Summer 2021 travel but most importantly for the health and safety of all Barbadians, travelers, and friends. Stay, safe and stay travel inspired.
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
Go back to our website
Find a villa here
Barbados received the COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday, February 10th, 2021. The announcement was made on February 7th, 2021, at a press conference held by the COVID-19 unit that the island would receive them by the end of the week. Already, the initiative has kicked off with the most vulnerable receiving the vaccination. Proudly reported by the Barbados Advocate, “Barbados has become the first independent country in the region to roll out a national vaccination programme.”
Great news for Barbados and Barbadians
Worldwide, countries have accepted that the pandemic will be around for a while. For many, the vaccination brings hope of being able to operate as safely as possible under the new normal. As international cities continue to roll out vaccinations, Barbados aims to be one of the first Caribbean countries fully vaccinated with herd immunity to keep the economy going and safe. The World Health Organisation has been highly endorsed by the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield, especially for persons 65 and over. The island is off to a great start with Frontline workers, the most vulnerable, and members of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign receiving their vaccinations and endorsing safety.
Vaccination Rollout in Barbados
Dr. Elizabeth Ferdinand, Co-cordinator of the National COVID-19 vaccination campaign is an integral part of the team responsible for the rollout of the vaccinations to the Barbadian public. The team has already started to roll out the vaccinations, with local hero Sir Garfield Sobers being one of the first to receive the jab. Governor General Dame Sandra Mason has also received her vaccination. Already, 30 persons on the frontline have been vaccinated within a 2-hr period of receiving the vaccine. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George, Major David Clarke, and Dr. Elizabeth Ferdinand also supported the effort.
Hope for travel to Barbados
A 2-week pause is now in effect for the island, a decisive response to monitor and control existing cases. The vaccination gives Barbados hope and provides an opportunity for those who would still like to take advantage of the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp. With winter well underway, Barbados has been a yearly respite for those seeking to escape the harshness of winter. Yes, travel is often for leisure. However, for some who seek to escape from the harsh weather, it’s a necessity. We hope that travel to Barbados will be restored and a return to the sun to soothe the souls of many.
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
Go back to our website
Find a villa here
Blue Sky Luxury is one of the leading Property Management companies in Barbados. Our vacation rentals brand is dedicated to providing our clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions. In a unique and difficult situation worldwide, Barbados has managed its COVID-19 case well. There has been no community spread on the island and most cases are imported. Although the travel industry has been one of the hardest-hit markets, we are still seeing trends that provide hope for those with holiday homes in Barbados. As a villa owner in Barbados or a perspective in the holiday rentals business, we’ve put together a list of our Top 5 FAQs. Here’s how the Property Management team at Blue Sky Luxury can help you have your holiday home approved for quarantine.
1. Do you know what the process is for having your holiday home approved for quarantine for you or your guests?
The Barbados Government has a very clear, set process on how this can be achieved. It requires various correspondence with both the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and most importantly, it requires that a local property management company must be appointed for the home.
2. Do you need help registering your holiday rental home with the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA)?
Following the Tourism Levy Act, all tourist accommodations are required to be registered with the BTPA. Blue Sky Luxury has taken an active stance in providing information to our owners and guiding and ensuring they are compliant with this Act. There is specific information that is needed to complete this registration including providing the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the property.
3. Do you need help registering your property to obtain your TIN with the Barbados Revenue Authority for Shared Economy Levy?
Any property in Barbados that offers short-term rentals, must charge their guests a shared economy levy which is collected and then subsequently filed and remitted to the BRA. To do this, a TIN must be assigned to the property by submitting the registration in the Tax Administration Management Information System (TAMIS) and providing the necessary documents to the BRA. Blue Sky Luxury offers this service to owners within our portfolio. While some other property management companies may refer owners to an accountant to provide this service, you do not need one for this; once we are appointed as the property manager for the home, we take on this responsibility on behalf of our owners.
4. Do you know that if you own a home and you do not offer it for holiday rental that you can still apply to get the property approved for quarantine for your stay?
Yes! This is possible and once again, there is a very clear, set process on how this can be achieved. For more information, please feel free to contact Blue Sky Luxury at (246) 622-4466 on how we can help as a local property management company must be appointed for the home.
5. Do you know there are other options for security (including technological solutions) other than hiring security guards?
Blue Sky Luxury works in conjunction with a security monitoring firm that offers various security solutions on a temporary, as-needed basis specifically for quarantine purposes. We will arrange for a site visit to determine what will work best for your home. Alternatively, the property can be monitored by a security guard, and Blue Sky Luxury works with reputable companies who offer our owners and guests preferred rates.
There are many positive and beneficial reasons for choosing Blue Sky Luxury to look after your home and knowledge about this process and the time and attention taken to ensure that all goes well during quarantine as we act as the single point of contact about Government-issued protocols for many of our owners and guests, especially as it relates to quarantine. We provide information and guidance on various processes such as transportation from the airport, pre-stocking of groceries/provision of ready-made meals, and in-villa COVID19 testing to name a few.
It is very important to us that we help our owners navigate through these challenging times – and not only from the property maintenance perspective – by keeping them informed at all times so they can make the best decisions about their home and ensure that they and their guests can continue to enjoy their time in Barbados.
Contact us today for more information on what we can do to partner with you to ensure your property is looked after the way you want it to be.
Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: management@blueskyluxury.com
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Our Top Reasons to Skip the Hotel and Enjoy a Villa Holiday instead!
Fun with family and friends. Relaxation, a flexible schedule, a chance to “just be you” and enjoy those who are most special. A unique setting, space, a home away from home. All of this can be enjoyed in a gorgeous holiday home – this is what vacations are made of. More-so, with the emergence of COVID-19, and the need for social distancing, villa vacations offer so much more than a traditional hotel stay and here are our top reasons why.
Stay, Safe
With the emergence of COVID-19, the world has changed. As a result of this, holidaymakers needs and expectations have changed as well. An open buffet with hundreds of strangers around brings a sense of anxiety. Having an entire space for you and your loved ones is an offer that a hotel simply cannot match. An increasing number of travelers are into wellness and villas with private gyms, pools and even movie theaters give guests the freedom to stay, safe and relax.
So Much More than Just a Room with a View
Vacation homes offer you so much more than a room with a view. Space to play, reconnect and make memories to last a lifetime. Villa holidays provide access to a world of one-of-a-kind opportunities. Have you ever dreamed of staying in a fully staffed beachfront home with more than 20 of your nearest and dearest friends? Or on a historic island estate with your family surrounded by tropical gardens? Or in a romantic apartment just steps away from fantastic restaurants, hot spots and white sandy beaches? It is time to stop dreaming and start living. All of these memorable vacations, and many, many more are just a few clicks away.
Personal Service … Plus Privacy!
Our experienced team can assist you with choosing the perfect villa from our extensive property listings based on your unique requirements. Ultimately, the villa you choose and all of its amenities becomes your private retreat…there is no need to share with throngs of other guests. To tailor-make your holiday even further, our concierge team of island experts are available to assist with creating your perfect holiday itinerary from the moment you book your home and will also be available to assist you throughout your stay. Many villas come with their staff who look after your every need – it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be duplicated! Even holiday homes that are located within condo resorts are more private than hotels, thanks to the spacious designs and beautiful facilities and common areas.
Great Value
Have you ever considered staying at one of the island’s top villas? Well if you travel as a group, this may very well be your reality! In comparison to hotel rooms with a usual maximum capacity of four persons, several of our villas sleep 10-plus guests. Therefore, traveling as a large group spells more value for money, since the cost is split over more guests at any one time. Additionally, many villas include extra amenities so you can enjoy relaxing at your home away from home rather than heading out daily for restaurant meals and activities.
The Joy of a Flexible Schedule
Staying at a villa during your island getaway offers the perfect canvas to let your imagination run wild! Unlike hotels which have strict schedules for dining, housekeeping and other basic services, villas give you the luxury of sleeping in late and still enjoying a fantastic breakfast, midnight dips in the pool, as well as all the other perks you need to just go with the flow and enjoy at your own pace. After all, this is your holiday so we want you to enjoy it your way!
Kids can be just that…Kids!
Don’t forget, children are very much welcomed in many of our holiday villas! If you have children traveling with you, you can let the frolicking resume as soon as they arrive at the holiday home, where kids have space to explore. Parents can easily keep an eye on the little ones, and won’t have to worry about their children venturing into restricted areas. Moreover – and probably most importantly – the youngsters won’t have to bridle their fun to avoid interrupting other guests! Preparing their food? Keeping to their nap and meal schedule? Villas have that covered too! After all happy kids mean happy holidays for parents too.
Enjoy an Authentic Barbadian Experience
Whether you choose a holiday home on the island’s south or west coasts, or a quiet retreat further inland, villas offer you a more intimate opportunity to explore the authentic Barbadian experience. Take a stroll to the local convenience store, or stop short and have some refreshing coconut water from a roadside vendor to really get a glimpse of how Barbadians live! Better yet, have your in-villa cook prepare the finest in local cuisine and indulge in the best the island has to offer!
Perfect for Families, Buddymoons & Landmark Celebrations
Our beautiful villas offer spacious rooms and grounds perfect for hosting groups of friends and family! You will be spoilt for options when trying to choose the perfect bedroom for each guest, and will cherish the time spent reconnecting by the sunny pool, sipping lemonade on the terrace or around the dinner table each evening. Villas are the top choice for families and landmark celebrations thanks to stunning venues, absolute privacy and the creation of vibrant memories. But, even after your special day has passed and the event lingers as a dear memory, you can bask in the afterglow with your loved ones at the very place where your memories were made. We invite you to make memories to last a lifetime.
Do you think you are ready for a villa holiday? Then visit our extensive listing of villas, condos and apartments to get started!
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
Go back to our website
Find a villa here
Barbados has officially opened for travel. Naturally, we are excited. For us, this means that we have the opportunity to continue to do what we love. It also means that we can share the safety protocols for travel to Barbados with you. Ahead of flights coming into Barbados, these protocols, issued by the BTMI, ensure that we can protect our guests, staff and the Barbadian community.
Download the BTMIs Barbados travel protocols here.
We’ve also included useful links and key information for Barbados travel protocols for safe entry to Barbados. Remember you do have options for private first-class flights with Caledonia Jets and the promise of a spectacular Barbados summer special with 30% off best in class vacation villas. Here’s what you need to know:
- All arriving passengers will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR antigen test within 72 hours of travel or be tested on arrival in Barbados
- Arriving passengers must complete their Embarking/Disembarkation (ED) form online 24 hours prior to travel – Travelform.gov.bb
- A valid email address is required to download the new immigration/customs form or to edit submitted immigration/customs form
- After July 15, you can upload your COVID-19 PCR test results via Travelform.gov.bb
- Testing options are available upon arrival if you haven’t submitted proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test
- Travellers who do not have a negative test and do not opt for testing will not be allowed to enter Barbados.
- Visit barbadostravelprotocols.com to view risk level by country to determine protocols relevant to you during your stay
- To view your country’s “risk category.” See section Assessing country
- Monitoring from “high risk” countries will be conducted for 7 days and may be subject to additional testing during their stay
- The Barbados COVID-19 hotline number is 1 246 536 4500
These protocols are accurate at the time of posting but may be subject to change at any given time. Please refer to the BTMIs website for further updates.
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Launched in The Red Book 2019, The Blue Standard is Blue Sky Luxury’s response to the need for clear standards in the villas rental market in the Caribbean. The aim is to have benchmarks to ensure consistency in the quality of product and services offered to owners and by extension, their guests.
The Blue Standard initially focused on four core areas, primarily to ensure the best possible service delivered to owners. These core areas are:
The Blue Standard – Part 2
The next stage in development of The Blue Standard has evolved to include four areas we believe are crucial to also providing the best possible service to our guests.
These four areas outline specific experiences and facets that are important to the holiday rental traveller. They identify why each is important and to what level/detail the service is to be provided depending on the holiday home and how each home within a certain category will have its own Service Level Standards which will add value to a guest’s experience.
By differentiating and expanding on the added value provided by category, it helps to ensure that each home operates within, and thrives to its highest levels of service, there is consistency of service throughout the entire category of homes and therefore expectations can be set and we can deliver on this promise.
Arrival Experience
Direct contact is essential in ensuring that we understand the experience each guest wants. Keeping the communication channels open, asking the right probing questions and being an expert in our local, authentic experiences build the relationship and keep the guest engaged, excited and open to your suggestions.
The arrival experience deals specifically with how each guest is communicated with from the point of booking straight through to their arrival on island.
Regardless of the property that is booked, a Concierge agent is in communication with the guests within 48 hours of booking. We encourage pre-planning especially for the winter season, our team can facilitate requests for restaurant reservations and car rentals. ‘Must-do’ activities such as catamaran cruises should also be booked early so that guests do not miss out on some of the unique experiences Barbados has to offer.
The arrival experience must always be quick, personalised, relaxed and thorough. Luxury properties include their staff as part of the welcome experience, guests are introduced and the staff provide certain details about the home.
The assigned Concierge agent will also be present for the arrival.
Concierge and Staffing Service
The standard has been set for all of our Concierge agents; they are certified in one or more modules of the Certified Guest Service Professional. The role of a Concierge is to provide information and recommendations to the guest for their holiday as well as ensuring the smooth flow of all services requested while they are on island. Information on and assistance with restaurants, bars, and other activities is also very important, in addition to being available 24 hours a day, regardless of the category of the property.
Many holiday guests make return visits to homes in part, due to the caring and hospitable nature of the staff.
A concierge visits the guests daily at luxury properties almost serving as a personal assistant. While guests are on island, we help to guide them, and anticipating their needs is essential.
Many luxury properties allow guests to charge groceries, wines and beverages to their guest account that is settled prior to their departure.
For each level of property, minimum staffing levels for the home have been set. Properties in the luxury category provide different staff for varying needs; oftentimes a chef, butler and a various number of housekeepers and laundresses are available during the holiday. Many holiday guests make return visits to homes in part, due to the caring and hospitable nature of the staff. Cooks/chefs provide amazing meals and service and many times guests are blown away.
There are times when part of the planning of a holiday involves the need for additional staff. This can be organised by the Concierge, using our team of temporary staff who can be assigned on an as needed basis.
Amenities
Minimum requirements have been established for each home based on the category. Providing amenities at all levels increase the attractiveness to holiday rental guests. Simple recreational additions to the home such as books, puzzles, and board go a long way to show guests that their comfort is considered and important. Owners of luxury homes add amenities to the property; it may be the addition of an espresso/cappuccino machine or something impressive such as tennis courts or an in-house spa, unique touches that will differentiate them from the market.
Having a generator for emergency power needs and water storage tanks in cases of disruption of service are expected of a certain calibre home and owners’ awareness to these needs is growing.
Departure Experience
Regardless of the category of home, the departure process at all properties is no different – it must be quick, convenient and effortless. Twenty-four hours prior to departure all bills and any backup information are to be provided for easy settlement. A gift or souvenir and an offer to rebook are presented.
The departure experience doesn’t end on departure; as a standard, a thank-you email/card and follow-up is always sent. Providing feedback should always be easy and all guests are encouraged to do so.
With the latest upgrade of the Blue Standard we continue to evolve as we seek to ensure that our guests have the best holiday experience.