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
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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
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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Find a villa here
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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Experience Real Moments
It’s time for you to unwrap a vacation of a lifetime. This Christmas, relive the camaraderie of simply celebrating together. Capture the moments you missed with loved ones over a family meal, the tinkle of Christmas music, and the warmth of a long-overdue embrace. Enjoy these experiences on the gorgeous island of Barbados. With white sandy beaches welcoming you and your loved ones, experience these real moments with Blue Sky Luxury.
Need some inspiration? Here are just a few of our featured villas for the best vacation experience!
Kiko
9 Bed | 9.5 Bath | Ultimate Luxury
- Designed with family in mind, enjoy stunning oceanfront bedrooms overlooking a gorgeous, oversized swimming pool
- Luxuriously furnished with unique statement pieces, Italian marble floors, and palatial coral stone pillars
- Onsite amenities include a games room, fully equipped gym, cinema, spa, and sauna.
Onyx
5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | Swimming Pool
- Enjoy a sun-soaked beach holiday with direct beach access to a gorgeous white sand beach.
- Onsite amenities include a large media room, wet bar, and stunning swimming pool.
- Spacious bedrooms with amazing views are perfect for relaxation.
10 Bed | 10 Bath | 2 Powder Rooms | Swimming Pool
- Onsite amenities include a high-tech fitness centre, heated pool, 18’ speedboat, paddleboards, and state-of-the-art cinema.
- A serene garden space filled with verdant tropical foliage.
- Enjoy gourmet dining, five-star concierge planning, and personalized yet unobtrusive pampering!
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
Aerial View of Bachelor Hall
A true paradise oasis in the Caribbean, Blue Sky Luxury is proud to offer the newest luxury villa, Bachelor Hall! Offering a luxury vacation experience perfect for family getaways and holiday stays, this Barbados vacation estate should be on the list for every traveler’s Caribbean vacation bucket list!
This regal beachfront vacation estate set luxuriously over 3.4 acres on the Platinum West Coast of Barbados is just waiting for its first exclusive guests. The iconic 7-bedroom villa features a stunning master bedroom fit for royalty and two newly renovated suites with ensuite bathrooms. Surrounded by lush greenery and right on the beachfront, take tranquil strolls through the vast landscape or along the calming beach shore.
Master Bedroom at Bachelor Hall
Great Room with amazing sea views
Enjoy the villa’s stunning amenities that include a gorgeous swimming pool situated next to the outdoor courtyard. The villa offers an ocean view breakfast terrace for sunlit mornings and a dining terrace for sunset dining. Indulge in true relaxation at the private spa or exercise at the fully equipped gym. Savor uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea while the chef whips up delicious dishes at the Teppanyaki bar.
Full Length Swimming Pool
Service is a key feature at Bachelor Hall. Picture yourself not lifting a finger except to signal for another cocktail. The staff complement includes two butlers, three housekeepers, a chef, sous chef and a laundress. When you feel the need to try gastronomic experiences outside of your private villa, beachfront restaurants are minutes away as well as your choice of white sand beaches. With Holetown nearby, experience luxury shopping and fine dining restaurants, or let our Concierge Can team arrange all of your on-island activities.
Welcome to ultimate luxury at Bachelor Hall, Barbados
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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Find a villa here
Whether you decide to take a trip to the beach or enjoy a picnic with the country views, we think one of the best ways to enjoy your time is on a staycation. Taking a mini-vacay and immersing yourself in a new relaxing environment, is ideal to take some time for yourself and appreciate all the good things around! We share some of our staycation properties that are ideal for your getaway and also close to some great amenities, restaurants, and beach bars.
Just a reminder that our promotion runs until September 30, 2021. Flip through our interactive Staycation brochure to see our list of properties. Staycation rates start from BDS$225 with taxes included.
Staycation Properties for September
1 Bed | 1½ Bath | Resort Pool
- Retreat to your own private holiday home hideaway on the serene Platinum coast of Barbados.
- Dine al fresco with the fireflies and chirps of the crickets for the romantic background music!
- The entire top floor is the master suite with a gorgeous plush king-sized four poster bed giving it a tropical plantation fee
1 – 4 Bed | 1 – 4 Bath | Plunge Pool
- Reeds Bay is lovely and quiet with excellent snorkeling and sea turtle watching.
- Excellent choice for a family or friends’ vacation, or even a couple looking for a romantic getaway.
- Equidistant from the bustling coastal hubs of Holetown and Speightstown.
2 – 3 Bed | 2 – 3 Bath | Resort Pool
- Spend your days relaxing on your private terrace, lounging poolside, enjoying water sports, or basking in the sunshine.
- Perfect for families looking for a laid-back relaxed holiday but with lots of access to activities while on island.
- Lawrence Gap is only 2 minutes walk and is well known for its restaurants and nightclubs.
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
Summer is here and we are ready to welcome you! After so many lockdowns, why wait? You need a Barbados holiday. Be the first to know about our new exclusive summer offer coming very soon. Complete the form below so you don’t miss out.
Contact Us
Barbados Summer Villas 2021
Reeds House: Lower Carlton, St. James
Onyx: Thunder Bay, St. James
Nelson Gay: Battaleys, St. Peter
Footprints North Cottage: Alleyne’s Bay, St. James
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
This inimitable private estate boasts 7 luxurious, air-conditioned suites with king and twin beds and 7 bathrooms.
This five-star, tropical paradise dating back to the eighteenth century; was redesigned in the late 70’s by renowned English theatrical designer Oliver Messel, whose distinctive style takes island living to new heights. Perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the spectacular Caribbean shoreline, this 11-acre estate provides exceptional beauty both inside and out: thick coral stone walls, statues/sculptural art and an enticing lagoon-style rock pool (a Messel masterpiece), together with its sun deck overlooking a tropical ravine, is equally magical at night when it is transformed by spectacular lighting into a romantic rendezvous under the starlit sky.
Enjoy tranquil days where attentive staff take care of your every need and savor delectable meals prepared by a world-class chef. Relax and rejuvenate – spa treatments, private trainers, catamaran cruises, even day trips to neighboring islands can be arranged.
Take a carefree stroll through the tropical ravine and voila, you arrive at the tranquil beach by Half Moon Fort.
Fustic’s enchanting surroundings, embraced by cooling trade winds and stunning sunsets, is also picture perfect for intimate weddings or entertaining groups al fresco-style.
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
Settle into the ultimate Barbados vacation villa at the decadent and exquisite Kiko. With 9 stunning oceanfront bedrooms, a games room, a fully equipped gym, spa, and sauna be prepared to have your breath taken away and to leave completely pampered and relaxed.
The villa features a gorgeous, oversized swimming pool with lots of umbrella lounge chairs, three comfy living areas, an expansive covered verandah and lots of extra luxuries. The home is designed with family in mind and there are two bedrooms with three single beds, ideal for teenagers, a family- style unit side by side where young families can be close.
There is a larger guest suite at each end of the floor with more privacy. A ‘garden’ guest room with external access is on the ground floor for traveling staff or security. Kiko, offered through the exclusive agent Blue Sky Luxury offers 5-star staffing with a butler, housekeeper, laundress and chef. Steal away to golf at Royal Westmoreland or tea at the exclusive Sandy Lane Estate.
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