So you have finally decided that it is time for a vacation. Where will you go? What can you do? There are endless possibilities! You know you want to go to the Caribbean, maybe to Barbados, but which island is the best? You know that Barbados is in Jamaica – hold on, now wait a minute, this is where Blue Sky Luxury, The Holiday Home Experts, comes in. Barbados is not in Jamaica. Trust us. Furthermore, you will not want to consider any other Caribbean vacation. We have all the information needed to plan the perfect Barbados vacation. We will go a step further to provide information on anything you may want to know about Barbados vacation rentals. We’re funny, knowledgeable, and, dare I say – the best in the business.
Blue Sky Luxury – Who we are
A picture is worth a thousand words, so we figure a video must be worth 2,000 words (like this blog.) Watch our video below for a quick overview of all of the services that Blue Sky Luxury provides. In a nutshell, we are a full-service holiday rental company with service lines of Reservations, Property Management and Concierge Services.
We have been in the business for over forty years and we are a giant in the region. What makes us special? We take a human approach to anyone that we come into contact with, we greet everyone as friends, and we guarantee that you will leave as family and we’re particularly proud that we can offer anyone a vacation rental to suit their needs. The crown in our jewel. I mean the jewel in our crown…just making sure you’re paying attention, is our Elite Collection. I’m getting ahead here a bit. Watch our video and we’ll talk more about The Elite Collection, luxury your way and how you can enjoy an authentic local experience at any of our 150+ best-in-class villas.
So now that you are caught up on what we do follow us on social. We are wherever you are. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Charlene is our Social Media Coordinator. I told her you were coming. She’s watching and waiting.
Barbados – an island not in Jamaica
Our Reservations department is a wellspring of knowledge. Many of our agents have been with the team for over 10- 20 years. We are appreciative that we have a collective data pool of over 50 years of experience. What sets us apart, is that Blue Sky Luxury is the chart holder for most of the villas in our holiday rentals portfolio. This means that wherever you book, our team has final approval so pro tip – Book Direct with Blue Sky Luxury.
Don’t tell anyone we said this, but hotels are so 2019. We will compare villas vs hotels as we aren’t biased. We love hotels as well… just villas more. With the emergence of the pandemic, villa stays have become in high demand due to their ability to provide privacy, flexibility, and a more bespoke holiday experience. When you are looking to book (direct) we have segmented villa holidays so that our guests can choose from:
- Flagship villas – An elite collection of five-star celebrity-style villas in breathtaking locations with a discreet complement of expert staff.
- Luxury villas – The finest collection of luxury villas with fabulous reviews, stunning locations, and expert staffing options.
- Classic villas – A selection of inland and beachfront villas for the contemporary or lassie-fair traveller.
Your destination is important but the villa selection is equally so, and our villas rival many international villas. We make it easy for you to find a villa vacation that fits your style. Our website blueskyluxury.com has a comprehensive page on Barbados information. Dive right in but come back to my blog soon, I have at least 3,000 more words to go.
Concierge will have you living Like a celebrity!
Have you ever used concierge services? Concierge is like having an elegant assistant at your fingertips. They make vacation planning easy and effortless. From Fast Track (you need this) to car rentals and pre-stocking this team is friendly, bubbly and they go the extra mile. Additionally, this team also handles guest relations and will check on you during your stay to ensure that your holiday is going the way you planned!
Property Management Services at Blue Sky Luxury
Let’s say, you decide to visit Barbados. You fall in love with the island, the people, the culture (and making money,) so you decide to purchase a villa. The Property Management department is the team that works behind the scenes to ensure that all villas are safe and well-kept. They have exceptionally high standards for safety and cleanliness and are on call 24-hrs to make this happen.
If there is a problem at your villa, a Property Manager will be on hand to ensure that it is sorted soonest. During adverse weather, you are never left alone. Our Property Managers ensure that your villa is safeguarded, contact numbers for them and emergency services are at hand and that you are comfortable. We like to think of them as our superheroes.
It’s quite possible that we are well over 3,000 words but I hope that this blog on Barbados vacation rentals has been useful or at the very least entertaining. I’ve included some FAQs relating to this blog. Happy vacationing, choose Blue Sky Luxury and choose Barbados.
Barbados Vacation Rentals FAQs
Q: How can travel to Barbados?
A: Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, British Airways, Jet Blue, West Jet, Caribbean Airlines, and more all fly to the island.
Q: Where is Barbados if you allege it is not in Jamaica
A: Barbados is just off the island chain, out of the main hurricane belt in the Caribbean. Our closest neighbours are the islands of St. Vincent and St. Lucia
Q: Can I fly to Barbados by private jet?
A: Absolutely! M Jet is one of Barbados’ Premier Fixed Based Operators with a private ramp and hangar.
Q: Can I sail to Barbados?
A: Sure bet! Leave your Blue Sky Luxury villa and island-hop to the Grenadines
Q: Do I have to book with an international tour operator or agent?
A: No you do not. All vacation bookings come through Blue Sky Luxury so make your life easier by booking with us
Q: How do I know which Barbados villa to choose?
A: The team at Blue Sky Luxury is available by email, and website chat. Ask us how we can help you find the perfect villa
Q: I want to purchase a luxury villa in Barbados. Can Blue Sky Luxury help?
A: Our sister company Terra Luxury offers luxury villas for sale and many of our new owners engage us for Property Management services
Q: Can I contact Concierge even if I am not staying at a Blue Sky Luxury villa?
A: We love to help everyone! We won’t tell if you won’t but please do.
Q: What else does Property Management do other than Property Management?
A: I’ve seen them arrange flowers, decorate an entire villa (see Bora Bora by Zoe), and line dance but they also excel at small project management, villa staffing, Human Resources, and trust accounting just to name a few.
Q: Villa Guru, you are so wise and such a gifted writer, how do I contact you for more details on Barbados or vacation rentals information?
A: Stop it, you’re flattering me. Flatter me some more at experts@blueskyluxury.com
Until my next blog Friends….
From the desk of the
Villa Guru
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
Sugar Cakes
Ready for that authentic Barbados road trip? No road trip is complete without some tasty treats like the unique ones that Barbados has to offer! Here is a quick look at 5 Barbadian Snacks you need to try!
Sugar Cakes
Made from grated coconut, spices and sugar, this sweet treat is sure to have your sweet tooth pulsing with excitement! You will often find multicolored sugar cakes, which get their colour from food dyes. Traditionally sugar cakes were made with only coconut and sugar (and molasses for brown sugar cakes) but recently new flavours have been created including bay leaf and ginger!
Tamarind Balls
This tart snack is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Bajan tamarind balls are a perfect blend of sweet and sour. The tamarind fruit is combined with brown sugar and rolled into balls satisfying both your sweet and sour senses. You can also get some that are hot and spicy flavoured. Be careful when biting into these as most tamarind balls contain a few tamarind seeds!
Nut Cakes
If you love peanuts and sugar, then Bajan nut cakes are for you! (By the way, we aren’t referring to the traditional cake made with butter, sugar and eggs) This crunchy treat is similar to peanut brittle, where peanuts and sugar are combined and made into oval pieces.
Fishcakes
Perhaps the most popular food in Barbados, fish cakes can be found on all menus – from 5 star restaurants to street-side vendors. Fish cakes are a savoury mix of salted cod fish and local herbs and spices, deep fried to golden perfection. A favourite version of the Bajan cutter is the ‘Bread and Two’ which includes two fish cakes, a slice of a cheese and of course, pepper sauce.
Coconut Bread
Coconut bread, also known as sweet bread, is another Bajan sweet delicacy that will definitely satisfy your sugar cravings. =The pièce de résistance is the divine combination of grated coconut, powdered cinnamon, and brown sugar placed in the middle of the coconut bread or on top of the loaf leaving a burst of sweet ‘cinnamony’ flavour in your mouth! You can enjoy this treat anytime of the year.
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
Welcome to the evolution of Greensleeves, a luxury boutique-style villa in Barbados. The owners of Greensleeves made an excellent decision to enhance and create an even more luxurious experience for guests. An extensive renovation of the beachfront estate gave life to a stunning Barbados villa.
You can be assured that the promise of a one-of-a-kind villa will be met with sophisticated designs promoting wellness and peace. The pool has been completely redesigned and rebuilt, zen areas were created and all rooms upgraded with unique, plush furnishings.
A stunning lanai takes advantage of sublime 360 ocean views. The cottage, more so an exquisite stand-alone villa in its own right has been completely revamped and evokes a unique style. Greensleeves is now the ideal villa with full staffing, eclectic decor, and sumptuous cuisine. The epitome of luxury reborn.
Guests’ Check-in Experience
On arrival enjoy a cool towel and a refreshing Greensleeves Special created by your personal butler. Partake in scrumptious snacks under the lanai.
What’s Nearby
For some well deserved holiday pampering, the villa is close to many luxury stores, restaurants, and bars:
Sea Shed Restaurant – 850m
Pier One – 4.7km
The Fish Pot – 5.4km
Local & Co. – 2.7km
La Baguette Bakery – 3.4km
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre – 4.8km
Life On The Water
While you are here you’ll have no shortage of options for beach activities. Explore the island on a private island cruise. Spend a day swimming with the turtles, tropical fish, and sunken pirate ships. You might discover buried treasure! Take in a completely different view of the island from the air on a parasail. Let our Concierge team book your next adventure.
Visit our website to learn more about Greensleeves villa.
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
Escape to the island of Barbados this Summer and head to one of our top 5 IG Blue Sky Luxury vacation homes. Let our Concierge team make all the arrangements while enjoying sheer relaxation at your Blue Sky Luxury vacation home.
9 Bed | 9.5 Bath | Swimming Pool
- Featuring 09 stunning oceanfront bedrooms
- Onsite amenities include a games room, fully equipped gym and cinema, spa, and sauna
- This villa caters to larger/multi-generational groups as well as discerning couples who like to entertain in style
10 Bed | 10 Bath | Swimming Pool
- An enchanting beachfront villa featuring luxury amenities
- Rental includes an 18’ speedboat equipped for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and other aquatic excursions!
- Share in onsite activities like the state-of-the-art home theatre or the fitness center outfitted with Technogym equipment.
4 Bed | 4 Bath | Beachfront
- Situated on the famous Sandy Lane Beach in Barbados
- There is a separate self-contained garden cottage
- This villa is the perfect choice for families and friends looking for a peaceful holiday
7 Bed | 7 Bath | Swimming Pool
- Perched on a coral ridge with unforgettable views of the Caribbean coastline
- 11-acre estate with a park of mahogany trees amidst mature, lush gardens
- The natural lagoon-shaped pool is set on the natural rock cliffside
5 Bed | 5 Bath | Swimming Pool
- This villa sits right on the beach taking advantage of exceptional Caribbean Sea views
- The ocean-facing patio is the ideal place to watch a spectacular sunset after a relaxing soak in the giant master tub
- This Barbados vacation rental makes outdoor relaxation easy
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
Photo from Visit Barbados
There truly is no better answer than ALL THE TIME! With sunny views all year and fun events for entertainment, the real question is “How are you getting here?”. If it helps, here are some interesting events and festivals that happen throughout the year in Barbados that can help your decision when to visit.
1. Crop Over Season: July – August
2. Holetown Festival: February
3. Barbados Food and Rum Festival: October
4. Oistins Fish Festival: April
5. Sandy Lane Gold Cup: March
6. Gospelfest: May
7. Reggae Festival: April
8. Rally Barbados: June
9. Barbados Celtic Festival: May
10. Run Barbados: December
11. Barbados Hockey Festival: August
12. Barbados Sailing Week: January
Find out more about these events by visiting visitbarbados.org
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
At Blue Sky Luxury, health and safety are important to us as it is to our rental clients. Regular inspections result in safe living accommodations and our printed property information give tips on health and safety. We highly recommend reading these tips provided to be informed and aware.
Here are a few tips that will help you stay safe while on your next holiday vacation in Barbados:
- Always remember to lock/secure all doors and windows when leaving the property or before going to bed.
- Use safes provided to store your valuables.
- Use the alarm system if provided when going out or staying in.
- If there is a gate for beach access always remember to lock that gate after you come off the beach.
- Pay attention to pool signs.
- Check for the depth of the pool and if you or any of your party cannot swim do not pretend to be brave and venture into the deep end.
- Only use plasticware around the pool.
- Do not leave small children unattended in the pool or otherwise.
- Where there are high balconies small children must be supervised.
- Do not go in the pool or on high balconies while intoxicated.
- Avoid inviting strangers into your holiday home.
To find out more about how we manage properties and what we do to promote a safe holiday, click here!
Following these tips will result in an incident-free holiday. Help us help you stay safe!
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
Arrive in Barbados with your negative test results and voila, you’re free to go. It’s that simple. Have breakfast, a dip in the pool, (at your private vacation villa), or visit one of our Top 5 recommended restaurants – all with no time spent under restrictive movement. If you have not yet already done so and you have an upcoming stay with Blue Sky Luxury, please confirm to our team the vaccination status of all adults in your party so that we can ensure arrangements are made accordingly. Before you get to roaming the Barbados countryside, here are the full details for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers in the new Barbados Travel Protocols.
What’s a fully vaccinated person?
A fully vaccinated person has been classified by the Barbados Government as having received an approved vaccine in a two-dose regime and has received both doses plus 14 days, or a one-dose regime, one dose plus 14 days. Your vaccination status will be fact-checked by the Barbados Government and persons who do not meet the criteria will fall under the travel protocol for unvaccinated persons. That’s not a terrible thing, it may be a slightly longer wait but the safety of Barbadians and visitors alike has always paramount. However, if you are looking forward to the roaming of said countryside, being fully vaccinated certainly fast tracks you there… ahem, as do our Concierge Can team.
How Can we at Blue Sky Luxury Help?
Protocols are constantly changing; Barbados has been quite forward-thinking in ways to operate safely while placing the value of lives at the forefront. Our Concierge Can team can help you:
· Secure your PCR appointment with an approved medical practitioner
· Arrange for the medical practitioner to test you privately at your villa
Stick with the holiday home experts at Blue Sky Luxury to receive optimistic travel news as it happens. We will keep a close eye on travel trends so you stay updated. We are happy to share Barbados travel news with you as it happens. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @blueskyluxury for updates and stunning vacation rentals.
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
Vroom, Vroom, Vroom – Not to be too cheesy with it, but we are excited for the upcoming motor sporting event this June with amazing local, regional, and international drivers, the 2022 Sol Rally Barbados event! Even more exciting, after the 2-year hiatus, the event is back and promises to be more thrilling than ever! Maybe you’ll catch our CEO of The Terra Group, Andrew Mallalieu behind the wheel this year or Rob Swann flying the rally flag for Blue Sky Luxury.
Key Dates of the Event
With an adjustment to the structure of the event due to the safety protocols, there are a few important things to note especially the dates. Here’s a little overview:
The Rally Show – Saturday, May 28th
King of the Hill – Sunday, May 29th
Sol Rally Barbados (Day 1) – Saturday, June 4th
Sol Rally Barbados (Day 2) – Sunday, June 5th
SuperSpecial Finish – Sunday, June 5th
Sol Rally Barbados Prizegiving – Monday, June 6th
Where can you stay?
Well, with us of course! Blue Sky Luxury has several select villas perfect for the event duration and able to accommodate large groups should you be travelling with fellow motoring fanatics!
Need something to do in your free time?
Around the event time, it will be the prime of summer! Sunny days and sandy beaches await you. 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 all surrounding the event. You never have to worry about what you’re doing next!
Stay tuned to more details as the Sol Rally Barbados event gears even closer. (See what we did there?)
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
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!
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
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
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
Go back to our website
Find a villa here