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
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Find a villa here
Bookmark this page and stay updated on Barbados travel news. In Barbados, our primary source of international travellers come from the UK, USA and Canada. We keep a close eye on travel trends in this bubble to ensure that we can advise our guests and share optimistic news with the travel community. If there are any Barbados travel queries that you have, ask the holiday home experts at experts@blueskyluxury.com.
Fully Vaccinated Travellers
Fully vaccinated persons can move around a lot easier as it relates to day-to-day activities and travel. As such, this has put safe travel back on the radar for many of our international guests. Our travel enthusiasts who are fully vaccinated often ask us about vacation cancellation policies, safety protocols and long term stays in Barbados. They also request information on quarantine regulations inbound to Barbados as they may also have to manage quarantine rules in their home countries. After being restricted for such a long time, we get frequent questions on Summer stays in Barbados, and of recent those who would like to experience
“Crop Over 2021” or, as known to international travellers, “Barbados’ Harvest festival.” To this end, one of our most frequently asked questions is “Do I need to quarantine in Barbados if I am fully vaccinated?” We created a blog on new protocols for fully vaccinated persons travelling to Barbados and share recently released information on Barbados’ Harvest festival, Crop Over. Just click on the link to read about Barbados protocols and to receive tips on travelling to Barbados in 2021. (Namely Fast Track, it eliminates the travel hassle!)
Stick with the holiday home experts at Blue Sky Luxury to receive optimistic travel news as it happens. We will keep this page updated regularly. 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.
Read the latest travel news:
Coming soon:
- Vaccination statistics by country in UK, USA and Canada
- Caribbean Travel Corridor
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
The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. To hold this title would be the envy of the region. Yet, through an unspoken understanding, this is what Barbados has been considered for years! With world-class restaurants, international food festivals – namely the coveted Food & Rum Festival – and a local cuisine to keep them coming back, Barbados is a foodie’s dream destination!
From street food and rum shops, to fine dining restaurants featuring Indian, Thai, Italian, Brazilian and French cuisine along with amazing contemporary fusions. The Barbados menu is an arresting one, as the island is home to an exciting variety of tastes, cuisines and accompanying ambiances that are somewhat shocking based on its geographical size. The island has its unique blend of international eateries with worldly cuisine juxtaposed with food vans filled to the brim with local fare and goodies. And, regardless of whether it is the former or the latter that draws them, visitors to Barbados’ shores embark on a goodie pilgrimage when they arrive, visiting different restaurants every night and coming away with vastly different experiences although the common thread is that the food is always exquisite and warming!
Food in Barbados is quality, and in our business is the villa vacation industry, it plays a decisive role when our guests choose their accommodations. While the island offers a bounty of dining options – from the plushest dining chairs to wooden park benches – the option to experience fine food in the comfort of your own villa is at your disposal. Therefore, when choosing a villa many foodie guests pay careful attention to what is available at the holiday home they will be staying at. Many guests are keen to learn and will ask for recipes, a cooking class or even a tour of the market. So, opt to have a chef on hand to create whatever suits your food mood, and rest assured that our culinary team has extensive experience in creating specialty meals such as vegan dishes, kosher meals and so on. To cap it all off, our Concierge team can rustle up masterful sommeliers to pair wines with any meal your heart desires.
But, for those who dare to don an apron and spatula during their stay, feel free to cook up a storm alongside our chefs – or alone – in a kitchen best equipped to your mastery level. Shown below are our top 4 picks villas with the best gourmet kitchens. And, to add even more charm to the foodie experience in Barbados, venture to the local markets, butcher shops and other suppliers while guided by the knowledgeable chefs and cooks on hand.
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
We have lots of annual visitors who visit Barbados religiously to take part in the Crop Over festivities. While the traditional Crop Over Festival will not be functioning in its former full glory, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a perfect time to rest and rejuvenate and take advantage of the season’s closing weekend July 30th to August 3rd. Before we share with you some of the top vacation villas to spend the long weekend at, here’s a brief overview with a 2021 update of Barbados’ Harvest festival, Crop Over.
Crop Over Festival Overview
The Crop Over Season is a 3-month festival celebrated every summer in Barbados and this national festival is rooted in sugar. This festival began over 3 centuries ago to signal the end of the yearly sugar cane harvest. It has since evolved into Barbados’ biggest national festival, similar to Carnival in Trinidad and Brasil with parties, dancing, and beautiful costumes. The climax of the festival is Kadooment Day celebrated with a national holiday when costume bands fill the streets with pulsating Barbadian rhythms and several international celebrities joining in the fun.
Even though the pandemic has shifted the festivities, the spirit of the season lives on. Recently, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced that even though the Kadooment Day festivities will not be occurring this year, promoters are allowed to host events limited to 150 persons throughout the Crop Over season; just in time for visitors to enjoy a plethora of Barbados music, food, and events. Take this time to also enjoy a Barbados golf holiday, a beachfront villa in Holetown, or check out our long-term rentals page for great rates.
PS: Think you may want to live in Barbados? Check out our sister company Terra Luxury to view some of the best Barbados beachfront villas for sale.
Barbados Vacation Villas for the Long Weekend
3 Bed | 3 Bath | Resort Pool
• Evenings can be well spent on the large verandah overlooking the resort pools and white sandy beaches
• Enjoy meals in the spacious living and dining area separated by the breakfast bar
• Access to resort gym and fun watersports
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.
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.
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
Equipment Suitability for Rental Properties in Barbados
Turning your investment into a rental property can be a great way to earn income. It is all about providing a functional and comfortable experience for your guests when they choose to stay at your property. One of the key things needed for success in your new venture is having suitable equipment. From smart tech solutions to appliances, furnishings and IOTs, equipment for a particular property must make sense for its use and situation. Simply put, having suitable equipment will enhance your guests’ stay, meet and exceed their needs and wants and ultimately deliver on customer satisfaction. The result? Advocacy + loyalty= ROI. It’s a complex formula but the Property Management team at Blue Sky Luxury is here to assist you in choosing suitable equipment to maximize earnings.
Identifying your property niche
When deciding to enter your property into the rental market, it is important to identify what type of rental property you would like to have, a long-term or a short-term holiday rental. Your choice helps to determine the type of equipment needed. Additional factors impacting equipment choice are:
1. The type of rental property
2. The location of the rental property.
To be considered, is the property an apartment /condominium, townhouse? Is it in a maintained gated community? or is it a standalone villa with gardens and a swimming pool? Here is how you choose the right equipment for your rental property.
Furnishing a long-term rental property versus a short-term holiday rental property.
A long-term rental property can be rented fully furnished, semi-furnished or unfurnished. A holiday rental property is a fully furnished and outfitted property that is rented on a nightly rate basis to a range of clients. A long-term rental property can be rented furnished or unfurnished, to an individual or entity for a minimum of 6 months with a signed agreement. Fully furnished entails all necessary furniture, major & minor appliances, a fully outfitted kitchen, enough linen and towels for how many people the property can accommodate.
- A Semi-furnished rental property normally means some furniture and/or appliances are included.
- An unfurnished property means no appliances or furniture.
If any services are included in the rental agreement, it is necessary to provide the equipment for those services, e.g.– laundry, cooking, gardening, pool maintenance, irrigation systems.
Equipment choice based on location
If your property is located on or near the coastline, you may want to consider investing in stainless steel equipment for large and small kitchen appliances to combat the effects of the salty air. If your property is near a Gully, window screens would be recommended for flying insects or birds.
Is your property isolated? If so, you might benefit from a security system. If it is in an area affected by regular water outages, a water storage tank would be helpful.
For condominium properties, choosing a stacked washing machine and dryer would aid with limited spaces.
Must have equipment for property rentals
Do you have a generator? Depending on the type of equipment you have and how essential they are to keeping the property functioning, it is important to make note of what is run by electricity and what you might be without in the event of a power outage. Consideration should be given to having a generator to run power to these pieces of equipment. For example, electric gates, elevators, water pumps for drinking water or even sewage pumps.
Preventative maintenance is crucial
Be proactive, not reactive.
Ensure that all equipment in your rental properties is maintained and serviced regularly. Maintenance should be scheduled in three or six months periods or annually. Governed by The Blue Standards, our definitive 300 pt. checklist for property care, The Property Management team at Blue Sky Luxury has a thorough and innovative Preventative Maintenance Plan. Our Property Care Mobile App ensures that all results are reported in real-time and done right.
Learn more about our Barbados Property Management team
Locally we are known as the Property Management Experts. Our team of 17 Property Managers maintains 200 plus villas, apartments, townhouses and condominiums across Barbados.
Our Property Management Services include:
1. Routine & Preventative Maintenance
2. Human Resources Provision and Management
3. Administration, Account Management and Reporting
4. Insurance
5. Smart Staffing
View our Brochure to learn more about our range of Property Management services and why choose Blue Sky Luxury to manage your investment.
Learn more | Get your Complimentary Quotation
Contact Property Management: management@blueskyluxury.com
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 proud to offer Footprints and Onyx to discerning travelers looking for a private, contemporary villa vacation on the West Coast of Barbados.
Footprints, Alleyne’s Bay, St. James
Footprints villa intrigues with a sleek, contemporary design on 12,000 sq. ft. of beachfront bliss. The Footprints Estates comprises 5 contemporary suites in the main house for up to 10 guests or rented together with one or both of the two 3-bedroom cottages (North and South) accommodating up to a total of 22 people. The main house features all the creature comforts with 2 pools, a private rooftop deck, 2 bars, a gym, and a media room. Transition effortlessly to vacation mode as the hospitable staff focus on fulfilling your needs for 5-star service and privacy. Arrive at a fully stocked villa and enjoy the serenity of your infinity-edge pool, beach-side plunge pool, or the lure of the refreshing Caribbean waters on a fantastic white sand beach. Dine with sunset views from the terrace with no need to lift a finger. Leisure activities and lifestyle amenities nearby. Welcome to barefoot luxury at Footprints, Barbados.
Onyx, Thunder Bay, St. James
Be the first to experience the soulful side of Onyx, a private five-bedroom luxury villa located on one of the most soothing West Coast beaches in Barbados. It is designed in contemporary upscale style in seductive black and grey tones tempered by white walls and floors, bold geometric décor and striking black and white portraits on the walls. This holiday home is fully staffed with a professional chef and butler. Inviting pool and sea views are a hallmark of the villa which is complemented by a modern entertainment pavilion with a TV, wine chiller and plenty of seating. The pavilion resembles an upscale outdoor bar and is cooled by ceiling fans and sea breezes. Completing the walkthrough of Onyx villa is direct beach access to a sinfully gorgeous white sand beach. Onyx is a short drive away from popular restaurants like The Seashed, Fishpot and Orange Street Grocer. This luxury vacation villa delivers a sun-soaked beach holiday guaranteed to fulfill your needs for relaxation, excellent cuisine and if needed, a rejuvenating workspace.
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
Experts say blue is the most calming color, so consider a stay at any Blue Sky Luxury villa as an antidote to stress! Experience the soothing blue vista from the pool to the sky and the Caribbean Sea as we list our Top 5 IG worthy villas for April 2021.
5 Bed | 5½ Bath | Swimming Pool
- This villa is set on the 16th Fairway, looking onto the manicured par 5, 16th Green.
- We love the beautiful wooden entrance bridge as soon as you step inside you’re surrounded by an attractive illuminated water feature.
- The master bathroom is unlike any other. Bi-fold windows can be fully opened in each of the bathrooms enjoying amazing views.
8 Bed | 8½ Bath | Swimming Pool
- This villa overlooks the rolling fairways of Barbados’ Royal Westmoreland Golf Course.
- Luxuriously furnished with unique statement pieces, marble floors, and state-of-the-art lighting.
- Gym, games room, snooker room with kitchenette, and a surround-sound media room.
3 Bed | 3½ Bath | Swimming Pool
- The stunning unobstructed views of the Porters estate signature mahogany grove.
- An afternoon can easily be spent exploring the grounds of this historic gem!
- Onsite gym and a pathway leading to a small chapel.
3 Bed | 3½ Bath | Swimming Pool
- The infinity pool overlooks the gardens and cliffs. The deck is a great option for dining al fresco, lounging with a book, or sunbathing the day away.
- The third floor leads directly up out onto the roof deck which has ample causal seating and panoramic views of the ocean.
- Hectors House is a botanical beauty and with west coast luxury vibes on the south coast.
10 Bed | 10 Bath | 2 Powder Rooms | Swimming Pool
- Onsite amenities include a high-tech fitness centre, Sunfish sailboat, heated pool, 18’ speedboat, paddleboards, and state-of-the-art cinema.
- A natural gully on the property has been transformed into 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
Volcanic ash consists of fragments of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass, created during volcanic eruptions. Once in the air, the ash is transported by wind up to thousands of kilometers away.
Outdoor activity should therefore be minimized, as exposure to ash can be harmful to your health, particularly the respiratory tract. Persons are therefore advised to stay indoors where possible.
This blog looks briefly at the impact on human health, infrastructure – namely pools & pool equipment, irrigation systems, landscape lights and buildings and seeks to provide tips on general safety and clean up.
Human Health
Volcanic Ash particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs. With high exposure, individuals may experience chest discomfort and nasal irritation. Persons should limit their exposure to ash fall and use a mask to reduce inhalation of the volcanic ash.
Pools & Pool Equipment
Billows of Volcanic Ash in the air will result in ash settling on pool floors and suspending silt/mud in the water. It is not necessary for pools to be drained, water is a precious commodity. In addition, only cover pools with tarpaulins if they can be properly secured and removed without the contents on the tarps entering the pools. When the ash abates, your pool company will clean the water of the silt/mud and vacuum the ash from the floor. Pump seals, cartridge/sand filters, ball valves and cartridge filter O-rings should all be checked for damage.
Irrigation Systems
Volcanic ash will need to be cleaned from valve boxes. Pop-up sprinklers may sustain some damage due to the abrasiveness of the ash, causing water to leak around the shaft or for them not to pop-up or retract. Micro sprinklers may also be clogged or not perform correctly. Irrigation controllers, outdoor and submersible pumps and filters should be inspected for dust.
Landscape Lights
Volcanic ash accumulation will most likely block the beam in up-lights but can easily be cleaned with a lens cleaner. Ash fall on transformers can be swept with a hand brush.
Buildings
Gutters and trench drains need to be cleaned as the slope of the gutters and drains do not allow the ash to run off and the weight of the wet ash will put undue strain on the gutter bracket. To clean the roof, use a shovel to scrape ash off, especially if you’re working with a thick layer. Exercise caution when working on roofs as ash is slippery.
General Cleaning of Volcanic Ash
Lightly dampen the ash to prevent it from billowing and sweep it up before rain, if possible. Remember that ash particles have sharp broken edges, making them very abrasive material.
To end on a positive note, volcanic ash often contains minerals that are beneficial to plants, and if it is very fine, it can break down quickly and fertilize the soil.
We also shared a blog on Barbados Volcanic Ash Tips click to view.
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
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
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