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

 

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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466

Freephone UK: 0800 0885574

Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600

Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com

 

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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

 

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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

 

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Dear food lovers! This is an official foodie invitation to the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean! We promise you’ll rejoice at every step of the culinary journey in Barbados. So, let’s get the ball rolling with some of our top Barbados restaurants right now – all certainly bookable by our wonderful Concierge team.

The Tides

While seafood tops the menu at The Tides, everyone is sure to find something to woo their tastebuds. In addition to the truly amazing food, the ambiance is enchanting, setting the perfect mood for the perfect Barbados fine dining experience. Nestle into the Tree House, the Centre Lanai, The Gazebo (with an air condition section) or the Cocktail Lounge and Bar and let your palate be pampered.

Restaurant: The Tides

Mood: Fine Dining

Location: Holetown, St. James

Cuisine: Caribbean, Seafood

Amenities: Valet, lounge, bar

The Cherry on Top: Besides sitting right on the water’s edge, there is also a historic charm to the location. The restaurant is housed in a decades-old residence built after the second world war!

Local & Co.

the newest flavours to savour in Barbados are being whipped up at the Local & Co. This new foodie-crush is a rustic-chic restaurant in a beautiful 18^th century home in the heart of Speightstown. What’s extra special about this restaurant is that its ethos is based on sourcing fresh, organic fare from local and regional farmers and foragers – then transforming them into delectable dishes and products for everyone to enjoy.

Restaurant: Local & Co.

Mood: Farm-to-Table

Location: Speightstown, St. Peter

Cuisine: Local, Caribbean

Amenities: Rum bar, in-house marketplace, beachfront seating

The Cherry on Top: It is perfect for vegans with over 30 vegan options on its menu – including some raw vegan dishes, too!

Sea Shed

Come in beach-loving foodies, we have something especially for you. Sea Shed is one of our favourite beachfront eateries right now. It’s quasi-beach club, quasi-contemporary restaurant, but 100% scrumptious food – we can’t even begin to do it justice! And, they’ve proclaimed to be constantly ‘switching things up’ on their menu, so look out for a different surprise on each visit. So lounge, eat, cheers, repeat – right on the stunning Mullins beach!

Restaurant: Sea Shed

Mood: Beach Chic

Location: Mullins, St. Peter

Cuisine: Caribbean, International

Amenities: Bar, lounge, boutique

The Cherry on Top: You can opt to add the beach to your Sea Shed experience by reserving a table on the sand!

Champers

Champers has been giving casual dining plus first-class – and extremely consistent quality – food for almost three decades. As you get lost in its beautiful décor and location, ‘casual’ will seem like a misnomer. The south coast staple offers a blend of Barbadian and international fare that continues to make a delicious mark on the Barbados foodie journey.

Restaurant: Champers

Mood: Casual, Business

Location: Rockley, Christ Church

Cuisine: Local, International

Amenities: Bar, beachfront dining

The Cherry on Top: Art lovers rejoice – the restaurant is home to On The Wall art gallery, which effortlessly complements the Champers’ journey of the senses!

Worthing Square

If you want several food experiences in one place, our pick of the moment is the newest melting pot of flavours – Worthing Square! This super casual, food truck-esque stop is jam-packed with many cuisines in a relatively small area: Barbadian, Indian, Venezuelan, Trinidadian, Jamaican, Arabian, French, Japanese… just check it out! Although no reservations are necessary, our concierge team can still point you in the right direction and share their favourite Worthing Square haunts!

Location: Worthing Square

Mood: Outdoor Fun

Location: Worthing, Christ Church

Cuisine: Local, Caribbean, International

Amenities: Seating, Bars, Cafes

The Cherry on Top: It’s the perfect open-air location for a family outing – and there’s something for everyone!

With all that said, our Blue Sky Luxury Concierge team is ready to book you at any of these amazing eateries. And be sure to ask them about more restaurant and culinary options the island has to offer!

Cin Cin!

 

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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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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So, you’re planning a Barbados vacation with the family? We’re confident you’ll have an unforgettable holiday. But we also know what it’s like trying to coordinate activities that the whole family will enjoy. Excursions that are fun-filled and kid-friendly, but also stimulating and interesting for the adults. Is that too much to ask for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do in Barbados. So to get you started, here are six Barbados family activities handpicked by the Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Team.

Barbados water sports

For beach lovers, there’s a lot more on offer than sandcastles and sun loungers. For action-packed fun, Rascals Water Park has an inflatable obstacle course – a floating playground with slides, jumps, and more. Carlisle Bay is a great place to try paddle boarding and kayaking. Or check out Freights Bay for surf lessons – the easy-going long waves are great for beginners and kids. Why not join a snorkel tour or learn to scuba dive at one of the many dive shops on the island? Our Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Services can recommend and book the best Barbados water sports activities for you and your family.

Harrison’s Cave

Grab your hard hats and head underground for one of the island’s most spectacular natural features, and a top Barbados family-friendly activity. The interactive tour (aboard an open tram, which the kids will love!) takes you deep into the crystalised limestone cave system that stretches over two kilometers. Discover impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, flowing streams, deep pools, and even an underground waterfall. Harrison’s Cave is a fun and educational experience, and (here’s an insider tip!) it’s a great activity for those rare rainy days in paradise.

Catamaran Cruise

You’re in the Caribbean! So a day on the water is a must and it’s one of our top recommendations for things to do in Barbados. There are several companies offering catamaran day cruises on a join-in or private basis. Most offer two snorkel stops with the chance to swim with turtles and explore a shipwreck, followed by a delicious Bajan buffet lunch and a cruise along the iconic Barbados west coast. Just picture yourself sipping on a rum punch, under sail, looking out at the stunning turquoise waters. The Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Services can recommend the best cruise for your family, and make all the arrangements.

St Nicholas Abbey

A national treasure with something for the whole family. The kids will love the ride on the historic steam train that climbs to Cherry Tree Hill with stunning views over the east coast. This is followed by a tour of the great house, rum distillery and of course a rum tasting session for the adults. The estate grounds are expansive and beautiful – lots of room for little ones to explore and run around, and there’s a lovely café serving drinks and snacks. Overall St Nicholas Abbey offers a wonderful excursion that ticks all the boxes for a memorable day out for your Barbados vacation.

Animal flower cave

Another ‘must do’ for Barbados family activities is a visit to this unique natural feature on the wild and rugged north east coast of the island. Animal Flower Cave is named after the sea anemone ‘animal flowers’ that live in the natural pools, descend the rock staircase into this stunning seaside cave, open to the crashing Atlantic waves on one side. Bring your swimsuit and have a paddle in the beautiful natural pool inside the cave. Be sure to have lunch at the breathtaking ocean-facing restaurant when you return to the ground level. There’s a small playground for children, often with inquisitive goats running around!

Welchman Hall Gully

Follow the nature trail deep into this beautiful natural gully which was formed by a collapsed cave system in the centre of Barbados. You can take a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable tour guides, or just enjoy a self-guided visit The path is paved and wheelchair / stroller accessible, so Welchman Hall Gully is a great family-friendly excursion particularly for small children. Our tip is to pack a picnic and take your time. One added bonus is to visit when the monkeys are being fed (usually between 10.30 am and noon).

This is just a flavour of the many things to do in Barbados. Our Blue Sky Luxury Concierge Team is ready to make your Barbados vacation as special as possible with carefully selected activities to match the interests of your family. Priceless memories await!

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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Ready! Set! Green List! It’s official Barbados is on the UK foreign travel green list, and we are very excited about this good news. We can’t wait to welcome you this summer!

The much-anticipated announcement came today, June 24^th, 2021, and highlighted the new destination additions to the UK foreign travel green list from 4:00BST on 30 June. Read the full article here.

The destinations added to the UK foreign travel green list include:

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Balearic Islands (which include Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera)
• Barbados – That’s us!
• Bermuda
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Madeira
• Malta
• Montserrat
• Pitcairn Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Now it’s time for you to pack your swimwear, book that ticket to Barbados and celebrate with our latest summer promotion which is extended to July 2nd, 2021! An extra day of relaxation awaits!

Check out recent our blog post with some FAQs when planning your trip to 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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Barbados Volcanic Ash Tips

Barbados is currently experiencing a thick plume of volcanic ash resulting from eruptions from the La Soufriere Volcano in the neighboring island of St. Vincent. The ashfall is evident across the island of Barbados and particularly heavy on the West Coast and northern sections of the island and expected to continue for as long as the volcano continues to erupt. Our Property Management team shares some tips to help you protect your property from continued ash fall in Barbados.

Our Property Management team manages over 240+ Barbados rental properties. We have hands-on experience as you can imagine with the high volume of ash in Barbados over the weekend. The following are precautions that you can take if you are currently on the island.

Tips to Prevent your Property from Volcanic Ash

. Keep doors and windows closed to minimize the amount of ash entering your property.

. Persons who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma and eye allergies should be particularly careful to have their medication on hand at all times.

. Limit the use of air-conditioners and clothes dryers to reduce the likelihood of the ash impacting the functionality of systems.

. Persons who need to drive are advised to do so with caution due to reduced visibility at this time and are advised to use lights and the car wiper system if visibility becomes difficult. Also, refrain from using the vehicle’s ventilation system.

. Consider covering or bringing furniture indoors to protect from the ash.

. Protect yourself by using a mask or cloth face covering to provide relief from the ash.

. Ensure that pets are sheltered and have adequate food and water and that their food and water containers are thoroughly washed periodically.

. For those with private pools, if the current ash fall is light, similar to construction dust and the pool filtration system is designed to filer such. You are however advised to shut off the pumps if the ash fall gets significantly worse. 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. PS: See our Preventative Maintenance for Pools Tips

 

About Us – Property Management

Our Property Management practices are governed by The Blue Standards. The aim is to have benchmarks to ensure consistency in the quality of products and services offered to owners and by extension, their guests. We love what we do we are up to the challenge for anything that comes our way. If you have more questions or need clarification on our Property Management service, please contact us. Our team would be pleased to discuss your requirements, so you feel confident in choosing us as your Property Management partner.

 

 

Photo Credit: Primo Bar & Bistro

Amidst the tumultuous year that was 2020, PRIMO BAR & BISTRO reopened on July 1^st, 2020 under new ownership with a fresh vibe and a dedicated team. Set in an iconic location on the ocean’s edge in the calm bay of St. Lawrence Gap, this location has been featured in more magazines and tourist travel logs than anyone can count. The combination of serene sea views, delicious and affordable menu, and friendly staff make this new restaurant ideal for casual dining or tapas & cocktails.

Well-known local entrepreneurs and partners in the business, Mark Maloney and Zary Evelyn, have invested heavily in the restaurant and welcomed back Head Chef Jason Gittens as well as a number of the previous staff to ensure a friendly, welcoming environment.

 

Photo Credit: Primo Bar & Bistro

The picturesque location offers a little something for everyone, from the lounge overlooking the boardwalk and all the action in The Gap, to the ground and top floor oceanfront dining balconies and an air-conditioned dining room. The eclectic menu has a subtle West Indian influence and includes an extensive variety of fresh seafood, meat and pasta dishes that accentuate freshness and flavor and there are a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options as well. Primo’s boardwalk lounge features the most delectable thin-crust pizzas, perfect while enjoying a cocktail by the sea. The menu has been priced to encourage locals and visitors alike to enjoy this stunning location at affordable prices with starters from Bds$18, mains from Bds$40 and pizzas from Bds$35 to $49 each, and there is also a kids menu. Parking is located across the street and the $5 parking charge is redeemable in the restaurant.

If you pair a stay at a Blue Sky Luxury villa, choose Sapphire Beach, Ocean One 502 or Terraces 101 with a visit to Primo Bar and Restaurant, you’ll be walking distance away from the restaurant and all the offerings of The Gap. If you’re on the island our Concierge Can team can arrange dinner reservations. If you’re planning on visiting…maybe for Summer 2021, make sure Primo is on your Barbados Restaurant Bucket list. Enjoy!

 

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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