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.

 

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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

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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!

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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.

 

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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?)

 

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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!

 

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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466

Freephone UK: 0800 0885574

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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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Cricket season is here, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’re anything like us, you’re ready to return to some live sporting action. Why not enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Cricket and the vibe of camaraderie? Book an exciting vacation to sun-kissed Barbados for the international test match. You won’t regret it!

Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies. Barbadians and visitors come together to watch world-class matches at Kensington Oval. It is a highly anticipated event with crowds roaring through the stands! Did you know that Cricket was first played at Kensington Oval in 1882 and was the first Test match played in 1930?

The upcoming International Test series with West Indies Vs. England, Barbados will host the second Test match from March 16 to 20 at Kensington Oval. The first Test Match will be in Antigua from March 8 – 12 and the final Test in Grenada from March 24 – 28. Learn more about the match details or buy tickets for the matches here.

Build Your Unique Cricket Holiday

When the series reaches Barbados for the second Cricket Test, the action will be even more thrilling! Prepare to experience world-class Cricket and a unique stay with Blue Sky Luxury. We accommodate large groups of friends or family and offer fully staffed villas if you prefer. View some of the top vacation villas on our website blueskyluxury.com

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. Let Concierge make your arrival to Barbados easy with fast-track services. Breeze through airport lines and health checks and arrive at your villa in no time. Outside of the game, unwind and enjoy white sand beaches, indulge in authentic local experiences, or have fun with watersports.

Foodies can indulge in a great dining experience on the island and choose from an array of restaurants and eating spots. For suggestions on where to find absolutely delectable meals, check out our blog on the top 5 restaurants in the north or south of the island.

Don’t miss out on this local Cricket experience for your next vacation!

 

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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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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.

 

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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

 

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