General Information for Barbados Villa Rentals

Barbados At a Glance
Barbados villas: A bit of Britain in the tropics…polo and cricket…very good restaurants and nightlife…beautiful white sandy beaches edging a calm turquoise sea and facing a tropical sunset…fully staffed luxury Barbados villas…one of our favorite islands.

Barbados lays claim to some of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated and upscale villas and is often referred to as the gem of the Caribbean. Steeped in English tradition, Barbados has been providing the royal treatment to the wealthy and famous for centuries. The British influence remains quite strong and most hotels still serve afternoon tea and cricket is the national pastime. Bajans, as the islanders are known, have perfected combining British-style manners with a Caribbean friendliness and openness-a combination that makes travelers feel most welcome and pampered. The mood on the island is unmistakably civilized with a British air of formality.

An enchanting island, Barbados is culturally rich and blessed with beautiful white sand beaches and a strong infrastructure, which has enticed investors from around the globe to build magnificent homes along the shores of the renowned West Coast. From stately plantation great houses to ornate chattel houses, the island has a wonderful tradition of stylish homes.

A sophisticated island, regularly hosting VIPS from British royals to U.S. Presidents as well as the Rolling Stones and the Rockefellers, it handles arriving guests with aplomb. Arrival into the thoroughly modern Grantley Adams International Airport is a smooth, streamlined and orderly process. As one of the finest airports in the Caribbean, it serves as a hub for many airlines. The neatly uniformed customs officials are efficient and pleasant. As a Villas Caribe, Inc. client we will have pre-arranged for your airport transfers so that you are met just past the customs hall and escorted to your villa in a private vehicle (additional fees apply). Guests can expect the drive to most of the West Coast villas to take approximately 30-40 minutes but it is a pleasant drive through sugar cane fields and along the coast. Upon arrival, our clients will find their rental vehicles waiting for them and a representative to call on them to complete all of the necessary paperwork.

Our selection of private villas in Barbados and Barbados villas is quite exceptional. We have chosen the best one and two bedroom beachfront cottages, many spacious family villas with private swimming pools and exceptional eight and nine bedroom luxury Barbados villas located on exclusive private estates. Many of the Barbados villas are made of exotic coral stone, which imparts a beautiful quality of light and texture to walls and archways. Some of the older Barbados homes were designed by Oliver Messell and are especially charming and highly desirable residences. The finest Plantation Houses that are available on Barbados appear here as well as the new luxurious townhouse/villas at the spectacular new marina of Port St. Charles. Many of the most luxurious private villas in the Caribbean are to be found on Barbados and we highly recommend this destination to our most discerning and sophisticated clients.

Barbados villas offer a tangible sense of civility and gentility that we find calming and relaxing providing the perfect ingredients for the perfect Barbados villa vacation.

Barbados Airlines:

American Airlines
BWIA
Air Canada
Air Jamaica
Canadian Airlines
Caribbean Star Airlines

Approximate flight times:
NY to Barbados: 4 ½ hours
Miami to Barbados: 3.5 hrs.

Barbados Villas Airport Transfers:
The Grantley Adams Airport is located on the southeastern coast, about a 45-minute drive from the majority of the villas, which are located on the west coast of the island. It is our recommendation, therefore, that guests permit us to arrange private airport transfers for their arrival for additional fees which generally run approximately US $60-$200 per tax round-trip depending upon the location of the villa and the number of people in the party. We may then have the car rental delivered to the villa for arrival.

Barbados Activities:
Barbados offers many activities and attractions that are perfect for a family vacation. Explore the island capital of Bridgetown where the careenage is lined with boats, bars and boutiques and Trafalgar Square has a statue of Lord Nelson that predates London’s by 36 years. Explore the ocean depths in an Atlantis Submarine, stroll through botanical gardens, explore subterranean caves and watch history come alive in the restored Plantation Houses.

Barbados Area Code: (246)

Barbados ATMS:
The island offers around 50 ATMs at bank branches, transportation centers, shopping centers and other convenient spots throughout the island.

Barbados- Baby Equipment Rentals:
Car seats, cribs, high chairs, playpens, strollers, cots and bed rails are all available for rental for additional fees which generally run approximately US $4.00-$6.00 per item/depending upon the items selected. Rates subject to service charge & 15% VAT tax.

Barbados Banks:
Banks on Barbados are open from 8 AM –3 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 8 AM-5 PM on Fridays. Most of them have ARMS/ATMS that will accept credit cards, Cirrus, Plus & Inerac.

Barbados Beaches:
Barbados is known for its spectacular beaches. The entire West Coast is bordered by the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and offers sugar white sand and clear calm waters All of the beaches on the island are open to the public. Barbados has no nude beaches and nudism is actually illegal due to its history of conservative British traditions.

On the island’s fashionable West Coast, visitors will discover a virtually continuous white sand beach, edging a calm turquoise sea and facing glorious tropical sunsets. The island offers over 70 square miles of sandy beach and the best beaches are those nearest the villas offered by Villas Caribe.

West Coast:
The majority of the villas that we represent are located on the calm West coast along the calm Caribbean Sea where swimming is fabulous and safe. An almost unbroken chain of beaches forms the coastline between Speightstown to the north and Bridgetown to the south.

Gibbs Beach is a magnificent stretch of beach that offers calm, clear waters and good snorkeling.
Mullins Beach, just south of Speightstown at Mullins Bay, offers glass clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming as well as watersports and the Mullins Restaurant, which serves snacks, meals and drinks.

South Coast:
The south coast offers gentle waves for body surfing, buggy boards, surfboards and some of the best windsurfing in the world. International surfing competitions are held on both the South and East coasts.

East & North Coasts:
The East and North coasts of Barbados are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore and is,
therefore, not safe for swimming except in a few of the protected bays.

Barbados Boating:
Glass bottom boat tours are popular as well as theme cruises where passengers are able to swim, dance and party on the deck of a huge ship.

Barbados - Budgeting a villa vacation:
In addition to the weekly rental rate for a villa in Barbados, the additional costs involved include but are not limited to the following:

Air Transportation
Airport Transfers
Car Rentals
Tip for the staff
Groceries & beverages: Generally budget approximately US $200-$225 per person/adult for 3 full meals per week. These charges can obviously vary up or down depending upon the menu selections.

**Cancellation insurance is strongly advised to cover the cost of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances

Barbados Capital: Bridgetown

Barbados Villas-Car Rentals:
We highly recommend that clients rent a vehicle for their stay on Barbados. We would be happy to arrange client’s vehicle rentals and have the vehicle delivered to the villa on a complementary basis for their arrival. As there is no reliable cab service on Barbados, most clients find Barbados an invaluable service. In addition to a Barbados car rental, Villas Caribe can also arrange roundtrip Barbados airport transfers. As such, your Barbados car rental can be delivered to your Barbados rental villa upon your arrival, and left at your Barbados villa rental upon your departure. Barbados car rental rates are as follows based on weekly rentals:

Barbados Rentals-Conditions of hire:
**In order for Villas Caribe to confirm a Barbados car rental for clients, it is necessary for them to submit a 15% deposit to us. All clients must be over 21 years of age but less than 75 years old and must have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years. It is compulsory to have a Barbados driving permit and our representatives are authorized to issue them at a cost of US $5.00 per permit. Children’s car seats are available for rental upon request. The above Barbados rates, optional CDW insurance, gas and children’s car seats are all subject to a 15% VAT. All Barbados tes are subject to change without notice.
Villas in Barbados Check-in/Check-out times:
Check-in time is generally after 3:00 PM and checkout time is 12:00 noon.

Barbados Climate:
Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater. Hurricanes have traditionally avoided Barbados. The last hurricane suffered on the island with a direct hit occurred in 1955.

Barbados Communications:
The Barbados rental villas all are equipped with telephones and Barbados villa rental guests will be advised of the particular phone number of the property prior to departure. Please do note, however, that the majority of the Barbados villa rental properties have a de-bar system on the phones which permits only local calls and collect international calls. If Barbados rental guests would like to have the de-bar removed from the phone, it is imperative that they notify us well in advance as an additional deposit is required.

Alternatively, phone cards are available for purchase at hotels, post offices, supermarkets and some shops. All of the Barbados public phone booths across the island accept phone cards and you may call locally or internationally from the phone booths.

Barbados Currency:
The Bajan dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S. The BDS dollar is fixed to the U.S. Dollar and does not fluctuate. The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted as well travelers’ checks, U.S. and Canadian currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Barbados Customs & Duty-Free Allowances:
U.S. Citizens duty-free allowances:
Departing citizens whose stay is in excess of 48 hours may take back, free of duty, articles totaling up to US $400 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of purchase) on their return. Duty on purchases in excess of the US $400 exemption is 10% on the next US $1000 and thereafter. Duty free liquor is permitted at one liter per person for persons over the age of 21 yrs.

Barbados Deep-Sea Fishing:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding Barbados. Several different companies on the island offer guided Barbados fishing excursions with a focus on big game fish like marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, barracuda and kingfish.

Barbados Departure Tax:
BDS $25 for all passengers except children under the age of 12 years.

Barbados Dress:
Due to the islands conservative British heritage, there is a dress code of conservative clothing. Light cotton dresses and light jackets and ties for formal wear and typical tropical wear during the day.

Barbados Driving:
Driving is on the left, British style. A temporary Barbados license costs BDS $10 and is obtainable from the car rental agencies upon presentation of a valid driver’s license from your own country.

Barbados Electricity:
110 volts/50 cycles-same as in the U.S.
No adapters necessary for visitors from North America but European visitors will require one.

Barbados Estates & Plantations:
Barbados was colonized by the British in the 1600s and is home to many lavish estates and mansions that brim with history. In the past, these homes were often owned by the operators of sugar plantations. Today these beautiful estates and plantations provide interesting history lessons and are frequently situated in the most picturesque locations on the island.

Codrington College:
Located high on a hill, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers one of the most spectacular views of the East Coast of Barbados. Built in 1743, Codrington College is the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere. The grounds are open to the public and visitors will enjoy strolling past the magnificent grounds lush with palm trees and lily pond

Drax Hall:
Drax Hall was built in the 165s by brothers from a very wealthy and well connected family. The Drax made their fortune in sugar and their plantation holds considerable influence with historians and architectural buffs. A classic Jacobean mansion it features steep gable roofs, casement gable windows, corner finials, carved archways and a Jacobean staircase of mastic wood. Drax Hall is the oldest surviving Jacobean mansion in the Western Hemisphere

Heritage Village:
Located on the grounds of Tryol Cot, Heritage Village is a living museum and one of the most popular showcases of Barbadian history and culture. It is comprised of a collection of attractive Chattel Houses, each displaying works by traditional craftsmen and artists. Visitors will find leather goods, ceramics, pottery and local confectionary as well as the island’s world famous rum.

Sam Lords’ Castle:
The Castle was built by the buccaneer Sam Lord and is still considered one of the island’s finest mansions. Built in 1820, the opulent estate offers magnificent double verandahs and majestic plaster ceilings created by Charles Rutter the craftsman responsible for some of the ceilings in England’s Windsor Castle.

St. Nicholas Abbey:
St. Nicholas Abbey is the oldest building in Barbados and one of only three surviving Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Built in the 1650’s, the great house featured Dutch gables, coral stone finials, a Chippendale staircase and fine antiques and china. Its original owner, Colonel Benjamin Berringer, supposedly still haunts the Abbey.

Barbados Events:

January: Barbados Jazz Festival & the Barbados Windsurfing Championships

March: Holder’s Opera Season-a celebration of opera, music and theatre & the Cockspur Cup Race

April: Mount Gay International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament, Barbados Carnival (22-30)

May: Barbados Pan Festival (steel pan music), Kensington Oval world cricket test matches.

June: Barbados Golf Club Tournaments

July: Crop Over Festival –dating back to the 1700s a major carnival that celebrates the sugar cane harvest with festivities that include parades, calypso music, crafts and plenty of good times.

August: Banks Hockey Festival-one of the largest field hockey tournaments, drawing teams from around the world.

November: Independence Pro Surfing Championships

December: Barbados Marathon

Fax Machine Rentals:
Fax machines are available for rental and the cost is approximately US $50 per week plus an installation fee and delivery fee of US $38. These rates are subject to a service charge and 15% VAT and are subject to change.

Barbados Villas General Information-Government & Standard Of Living:
Barbados enjoys a high standard of living and, therefore, does not have the same widespread third world poverty, which is so common on so many of the other islands. The United Nations Development Index (1996) ranked Barbados third in terms of quality of life among 160 developing countries worldwide (Hong Kong & Cyprus ranked first and second respectively).

Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the world with 358 years of uninterrupted parliamentary government.

While independent since the 1960’s, the island still retains a delightful British flair with such customs as high tea and cricket games.

Barbados Golf:
Barbados is an exceptional golfing destination, offering world-class courses as well as family oriented par 3 courses. The championship course at the Barbados Gold Club is open to the public and offers challenges for all levels of play. The Sandy Lane Resort offers players exceptionally lush greens and premier conditions.

Barbados Golf Club:
18 holes. Phone: 246.434.2121
A 6,805-yard par 72 Championship golf course is open to the public and the work of Ron Kirby one of the world’s most experienced golf course designers. The Barbados Golf Club offers panoramic views of the Caribbean and year round conditions. The course was completely reconstructed

The Barbados Golf Club offers panoramic views of the Caribbean and year round conditions. The course was completely reconstructed and re-designed in ‘2002 when it reopened as the first Championship golf course on Barbados. It offers 6, 905 yard par 72 course that has been approved by the PGA European Tour to host a PGA Senior Tournament in ‘2002.
Green Fees:

$73.49 per person valid May 1-Dec. 14, 2002. Rates subject to 7.5% tax and may change without notice. Carts are extra but not mandatory and clubs, shoes and lessons are available directly through the golf course.

Sandy Lane Resort:
18 holes. Phone: 246.432.2829/246.432.2831.
The Country Club at the Sandy Lane Resort is a superb 18-hole course with spectacular vistas of the nearby Caribbean Sea. The prestigious Sandy Lane Golf Club underwent a dramatic redesign by Tom Fazio and re-opened in December 1999. Eventually, Sandy Lane will boast 45 holes with two 18-hole championship courses both designed by Fazio.
Green Fees (18 Holes):
The Country Club at Sandy Lane-$100
Old Nine at Sandy Lane-$60.00
Rates are valid between April 16 and Dec. 14, 2002 and are per person and include caddy. Rates are subject to a 7.5% tax and may change without notice. Club rental, shoes and golf lessons are available.

Rockley Golf Course:
9 holes
A pleasant 9-hole course with par 36.
Green Fees:
9 holes -$63.25
18 holes (2 x round the 9 hole course)-$92.00

Royal Westmoreland:
18 holes, Phone: 246.422.4635
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is set high up on a former sugar plantation. The course meanders through the 500-acre Westmoreland Sugar Estate and offers views of the nearby Caribbean Sea are magnificent.

Barbados Grocery Shopping:
Visitors will find the supermarkets in Barbados are well stocked and offering a staggering array of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life. It is recommended that clients secure a pre-stocking of the villa prior to their arrival so that they food and beverage items upon their arrival.

After their arrival, they may sit down with the cook and plan the rest of their weekly menu. Throughout their stay, they may either grocery shop on their own or alternatively take the cook with them to select the appropriate items for their menus.

Barbados Hiking:
A variety of hiking opportunities exist on Barbados. The rugged east coast is popular with adventure seekers while those looking for a more leisurely hike head inland or on the Arbib Nature & Heritage Trail, which explores the history of Speightstown. Additionally, the Barbados National Trust lead hikes throughout the year that provide interesting information on the history and natural beauty of the island.

Villas in Barbados-History:
While Barbados is frequently known as “Little Britain”, it was in fact the Spanish that first arrived. After conquering the Carib Indians, the Spanish departed and were replaced by the Portuguese who named the island Los Barbados (the bearded ones) because of the beard like appearance of its fig trees. In 1625, after the Portuguese had deserted the island, Captain John Powell landed and claimed the island of behalf of King James 1. Within ten years, British colonists established a House Assembly, which remained the governing body until the island’s independence in 1966.

England was generous to its wealthy citizens and allocated them land, which they used to develop into tobacco and cotton plantations. In the 1630’s, sugar cane was introduced to the island and because a huge success. Indeed, Barbadians dominated the Caribbean sugar industry and Barbados became a cash cow for England as the island’s sugar industry prospered. The “landed gentry” made enormous fortunes off of sugar and were able to enjoy an extravagant and lavish lifestyle with great houses and plantations built in the Georgian style that remain even today.

Unfortunately, to meet the production demands of the sugar industry, slaves were shipped from England as well as convicted criminals. When the need for even more labor increased, slaves were supplied from West Africa. In 1834 slavery was abolished and many former slaves took advantage of the island’s superb education system and went on to prominent political offices on Barbados.

Although tourism dates back to the 1700s when visitors like George Washington came to the island for its healthful climate it was not until the 1950’s that the island a favorite destination for wealthy British travelers. By the 1970’s the allure had spread to North America. Today, over one million visitors come to Barbados each year.

Barbados Horseback Riding:
Several companies on the island offer guided tours that lead visitors through spectacular scenery as well as riding through the surf on deserted beaches.

Barbados Horseracing:
Barbados offers three seasons that run throughout the year and race days are gala events with bands and dancers. The main event of the season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup (formerly known the Cockspur Gold Cup) with a prize that attracts jockeys from the Caribbean, United Kingdom and Canada.

Barbados Internet Cafes:
Global Business Center: West Coast Mall, St. James
Hours Mon.-Fri.: 9 AM-5 PM, Sat. 9 AM-1 PM
Price: $0.25/min.
Phone: 246.432.6508

Computer Internet Services:
Broad Street Mall, Bridgetown
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 AM-5 PM, Fri.: 8:30 AM-6 PM, Sat. 8:30 AM-2 PM
Price/Hour: $2.00US / 15 mins; $7.50US / hour
Phone: 246.431-0756
Fax: 246. 431-0756

Barbados Language:
The official language is English spoken with a unique sounding Bajan dialect. The Bajan dialect is based on Afro-Caribbean rhythms tinged with an Irish/Scottish lilt. An amazing 98% literacy rate is a sign of the island’s sophistication.

Barbados Local Hazards:
Black Sea Urchins
Manchineel Trees-beware of the little green apples that fall from this tree, as they are poisonous to eat and toxic to touch. Do not even seek shelter under one of these trees during a rain, as you will get blisters.

Barbados: Marriage & Weddings:
Getting married on Barbados is relatively easy and couples may even get married on the day of their arrival. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Phone: 246.431.7750, Fax: 246.437.3794. Couples must be prepared to provide a passport or a birth certificate with a photo ID, US $150 in fees and a $25 revenue stamp, which is obtainable from the post office. We are also happy to provide our clients with the names and phone numbers of personal wedding consultants and planners.

Barbados Mobile Phones:

800 MHX analog or TDMA digital phones:
These are the only types of cell phones that work on the island. Be sure to check with your home cell phone service provider to see if they have a roaming agreement with a company in Barbados.

GSM mobile phones:
These do NOT work in Barbados…If you have a GSM World telephone, consult your mobile phone service before you leave to find out what you need.

Mobile Phone rentals:
You may rent a Barbados mobile phone through Cable & Wireless, Ince Cellular, Global Business, Cable & Wireless Cellular and Cellular Telephone Rentals Center.

Barbados Nightlife:
Barbados really lets its hair down in the evenings. Clubs offer the live sounds of jazz, socca, calypso and reggae. While the west coast offers many more sedate venues, it is the St. Lawrence Gap area that rocks the night with dancing and drinking until near dawn.

The majority of the Barbados villas are located on the exclusive West Coast of the island, often referred to as the “Gold Coast”. The West Coast borders the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and offers outstanding sugar white sand beaches. Once guests have settled into their villa, a Villas Caribe representative is available to meet with you should you require any information on the island and is on-call throughout your holiday should you need assistance.

The wonderful villas in Barbados are found nestled in the bays of St. James and St. Peter and dotted throughout the prestigious Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland Estates. Each property is staffed and private, while being just minutes away from some of the finest restaurants and attractions available throughout the Caribbean.

Barbados Polo:
Polo matches are held at Holder’s Hill on the spectacular west coast of Barbados. Matches are generally held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from January to May and attract huge crowds.

Barbados Population: 254,000

Barbados Villas- Pre-stocking:
Since Barbados villas include the services of a staff, it is advisable to have the villa pre-stocked for your arrival at the villa. By pre-stocking the villa for a guest’s arrival, it enable the staff to provide a meal on arrival for tired, weary guests. Once you confirm a rental with our company, we will refer you to the appropriate pre-stocking form, which you will need to complete and return to us.

The forms are labeled as “Pre-stocking #1”, “Pre-stocking #2” and “Pre-stocking #3”. The client, upon arrival at their villa, will pay the fees for the pre-stocking service, groceries and beverages supplied locally. A 15% service charge is added to grocery pre-stocking for the villas. The Barbados villas are stocked with a supply of sundry items at no cost to the clients. These items include toilet tissue, bath soap and dishwashing liquid.

Barbados Restaurants:

Carambola:
Pone: 246.432.0832. Reservations are required and open nightly. Closed Sundays.
Dramatic lighting and alfresco dining are offered at this Cliffside setting overlooking the Caribbean. The restaurant serves some of the island’s best food with a menu of classic French and Caribbean cuisines-and a shot of Asian to add to the intrigue.

The Cliff:
Phone: 246.432.1922. Reservations required in winter and open nightly for dinner from 6:30 PM.
A top choice for romance is this restaurant built atop a 10-foot coral cliff adjacent to the Coconut Creek Hotel. While low key in its atmosphere, the restaurant has attracted Prince Andrew and other renowned guests. IT offers an innovative menu with nouvelle accents accompanied by the freshest of local vegetables.

Nico’s:
Phone: 246.432.6386. Reservations recommended. Open Monday – Saturday.
Offers a good value in an informal bistro setting.
Gourmet Magazine praised its signature dish, a grilled local lobster.

Barbados Security Deposits:
The majority of the villas do require a security deposit to be paid along with payment for the actual villa. A 25%-50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation. Reservations made within 60 days prior to arrival during the winter season and 45 days prior to arrival during the summer/low season must be paid in full. Exception: For Christmas/New Year bookings, deposits are 50% of the total rental fee and payments are non-refundable.

Group #1:
A US $500 security deposit is required and the deposit is held for a minimum of four weeks after a guest’s departure from the villa.

Group #2:
1-2 bedroom villas:
Require a US $500 security deposit.
3, 4 & 5 bedroom villas (including Belair & Nelson Gay):
Require a US $1000 security deposit.
6 bedrooms & up (including Leamington Pavilion):
Require a US $2500 security deposit.

Group #3:
Clients are required to provide us with a Visa or MasterCard number together with a signature of the credit card agreement (we will provide to you upon booking) that authorizes our local representative to debit up to two weeks after a client’s departure for any loss or damage to the villa or its contents and up to 3 months for overseas calls, fax calls and other incidentals.

Barbados Shopping:
Barbados offers a myriad of tempting shopping experiences. Discover charming wooden chattel houses filled with exotic tropical sarongs and hand painted resort wear or peruse air-conditioned emporiums of linens and fine imported china. World-class jewelers offer rare gems and watches while fragrance shops provide all of the scents you could possibly imagine. A vibrant art community on the island creates handmade jewelry, sculpture and paintings.

Barbados offers a variety of shopping experiences from art galleries to an exceptional selection of fine jewelry. The duty-free merchandise is offered at prices 20%-40% less than in the U.S. or Canada. Popular items include cashmere, fine English china, tobacco and the island’s famous rum.

Barbados, also, boasts a thriving artistic community. Visitors will find numerous galleries located throughout the island. Local crafts include mahogany carvings, basketry, locally made jewelry and souvenirs. Hand painted china and local pottery line the craft markets. Visitors will find exceptional black coral jewelry made from fossilized Bajan coral and carefully polished and set into gold or silver.

Rum is obviously another great buy on the island. Mount Gay Rum has been producing fine rum for over three hundred years and a variety of blends are available for purchase.

Barbados Sports:
Cricket, Cycling and Mountain Biking, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Sports Fishing, Diving, Parasailing, Sailing, Surfing, Polo, Tennis, Kayaking and Windsurfing are all available on the island

Barbados Staff:
The villas on Barbados all include in their rental rates the services of a full staff. At the very least, each property is staffed with a cook/housekeeper. The larger villas include more complete staffs to include cooks, butlers, housekeepers, laundresses and gardeners. The exact staffing for each villa is listed on the descriptive material on our website for the various villas.

The staffs on Barbados are available to clients six days per week. The general hours of service are 8:30 AM-9:00 AM to 1:30-2:00 PM and 4:30-5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Each staff member has one day off per week.

We appreciate that some clients may wish to have dinner later than 7:00 PM and if the staff is asked to stay later than 8:00 PM, a taxi must be called to transport them home at the client’s expense. This is because public transport is very unreliable after 8:00 PM.

Barbados Telephone Deposits:
The majority of the villas have an overseas debar placed on the telephone lines. If clients require the debar lifted, an additional telephone deposit must be collected for any overseas phone calls made at the property and at least 2 weeks notice in writing must be given. The deposit is refunded approximately ninety (90) days after departure.

The amount of the deposit is in addition to any security deposits required for the specific villa and your villa consultant can advise/confirm the exact amount required depending upon the specific villa.

Barbados Tennis:
The majority of the large hotels and resorts on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest. Additionally, there are public courts at the National Tennis Center and Folkestone Park. Please note that traditional whites are generally worn when playing tennis in Barbados.

Barbados Time Zone:
Barbados falls in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of US Standard time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

Barbados – Tipping
It is appropriate to tip the staff approximately 10% of the cost of the villa rental on departure day.

Barbados Tourist Board Contact Information:
USA/New York Office: 800.221.9831.
USA/Los Angeles Office: 800.221.9831

Barbados TV & VCR Rentals:
TV’s & VCR units are available for rental and the costs generally run approximately US $18-$23 per day plus service charge and 15% VAT.

Barbados Water: The water on the island is pure and safe to drink from the tap.

Barbados Watersports:
Every conceivable water sport may be arranged on Barbados…from swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing and sailing.

Barbados Windsurfing:
Barbados is one of the world’s top destinations for windsurfing. It is ranked in the top 10 for ideal conditions with year round winds and warm waters. Indeed, Barbados hosts numerous events on the professional windsurfing circuit. Most of the competition takes place on the island’s south coast at a spot known as Silver Sands. International windsurfers visit annually for events that include the Barbados Cup and the Professional Windsurfing Association’s Silk Cut Purple Wave Grand Prix

Barbados Snorkeling & Diving:
Barbados offers exceptional close in snorkeling directly off it’s spectacular white sand beaches. The best underwater adventures are found on the west coast of the island where reefs, shipwrecks and myriads of aquatic life abound.

Barbados Wildlife Parks:
A wide variety of exotic wildlife exists on Barbados including the green monkey and whistling frogs.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve:
Offers a unique experience for visitors to experience a variety of exotic fauna, peacocks, ducks, turtles and other friendly creatures that are permitted to roam free on the reserve.

Barbados Zoo:
The Barbados Zoo is a unique facility in that it was once a working sugar cane factory until recently.