Island Villas Property Blog

You started off looking for the best budget hotels in Barbados and ended up staying at Royal Westmoreland Resort. Say what?

Tranquility, Royal Westmoreland

Recently some university friends of mine planned a trip to Barbados to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. Scouring hotels for the best deals, they realised that booking the luxury, 4 bedroom villa, Tranquility, located in the prestigious Royal Westmoreland Resort was more than possible.

Group Holiday in Paradise

So, they went for it!

Not only that, they had a blast and are already planning to come back for more. One of the highlights of their trip was the Barbados Ole Time Excursion, an island bus tour that explores the history and culture of the island.

Each tour is preceded by a visit to the Barbados Museum, a fascinating venue filled with historical artifacts from days gone by. After that you hit the road in an open-sided bus, making stops at landmarks such as Gun Hill, Bathsheba, Codrington College and others.

The next Barbados Ole Time Excursion is this weekend, February 23rd, 2013. Contact theconcierge for more information.

Valentine’s Day and you are trying to figure out how to top last year and give a gift that will be unforgettable.

Answer…A getaway to a Barbados cottage for rent, complete with a mini moke car rental to tour the island and, a map (which will stay safely in the glove compartment folded for safe keeping, of course).

But, since you are a lover of Barbados (as most people are of course), you have been here before and you are looking for that extra something to make this trip even more memorable.

We’re not done! Hop in the rental car and away you go, whizzing past beaches, rum shops, duty-free boutiques and much more. All roads lead to St. Thomas and one of Barbados’ ‘seven wonders’, Harrison’s Cave.

This spectacular natural limestone cave has developed over thousands of years and features pools and waterfalls as well as incredible geological features such as stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceilings and coming up from the floor.

Even though it has been opened as a tourist attraction, Harrison’s Cave has worked hard to preserve the integrity of the cave. Visitors are carried down through the underground tunnels in specially designed transport and experienced tour guides share the history of the cave and its natural formations.

The experience is like no other in Barbados. A fully interactive information gallery and special presentation enhance each tour and many persons who have been always return.

An underground cave for Valentine’s – who can top that?

Contact theconcierge to arrange a tour or for more information.

It’s time for Friday Fun again,

What is your Sweet Dream? Ours is this lovely rental home in Barbados, aptly named Sweet Dream (no kidding)!

This beautiful luxury home available for rent can be found within the prestigious Sugar Hill resort on the West Coast of Barbados.

Boasting 5 bedrooms, Sweet Dream is also perfect for groups coming in for the renowned Holders Season. While you are here, why not continue to make your dreams come true. Visit the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre for a spot of shopping at one of the designer boutiques or pick up a piece of Barbados history while visiting the George Washington House, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After back to back nights of watching comedy, opera and everything else that Holders has to offer, we suggest organizing a rental car and enjoying a night on the town. From casual to chic, Barbados has an array of dining options. Somewhere we are LOVING at the moment: Fusion Restaurant & Lounge. Couches by the sand and a sleek dining area create the perfect ambience while enjoying a delectable combination of Thai, Cantonese and Japanese cuisine.

Amidst the 5 star Barbados hotels and the beaches that go on for miles, Barbados also boasts a vibrant music scene. From the days of slavery, music has been a unique form of expression in the Caribbean. Many of the first songs created in Barbados originated with the slaves and detailed historical milestones such as the Middle Passage and Crop Over.

As the years have gone by, music in Barbados has been influenced by British sounds as well as sounds from other islands such as Trinidad. Calypso is a dominant and extremely popular music genre and every year new Calypso songs are released. Music is extremely important to all Bajans and a traditional cultural event in Barbados is not complete without the inclusion of the traditional tuk band, a musical ensemble that resembles the regimental bands of the British military.

The sweet sounds of steelpan are also common around the island. Sitting on the patio of your Barbados holiday home or driving around in your car rental you are bound to see an impromptu practice or a local band trying some new tunes.

In recent years, Barbados has received global acclaim for its entertainers. Superstar Rihanna is a record-breaking, award-winning phenomenon and new band Cover Drive is making waves in the UK and beyond.

As we get ready to celebrate another Holder’s Season and as we continue to support local artists and entertainers, Barbados’ music industry continues to grow. With an infectious sound and exceptional quality, our music reflects our passion.

I recently worked with a lovely bride-to-be looking to create the ideal destination wedding and luxury honeymoon in Barbados. After careful selection, we found a stunning, beachside villa for the ceremony and even booked a well-known Barbados boutique hotel and restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. Everything was set, until of course, the bride to be called in a panic – the future in-laws were arriving early and she needed something to occupy their time.

What do you do in Barbados in March?

How does sitting under the stars, watching some of the best theatre acts in the world sound? Comedy, drama, opera…you name it, we have it.

This is the Holders Season, the premier performing arts festival in the Caribbean. Every year, Barbados welcomes an incredible array of artists to perform at Holders House, a traditional Plantation House minutes away from the Sandy Lane resort.

Once again, this year does not disappoint. Running from March 9-23, the season kicks off with a tribute to Old Hollywood, featuring music from Frank Sinatra and the ‘Rat Pack’. Other notable acts include the London Community Gospel Choir; Muntu Valdo from West Africa and the popular band, String Fever.

Tickets are on sale now. The bride-to-be has already booked, call us now to reserve yours and to organise a villa for rent. Barbados in March – it’s the place to be!

It’s time for some Friday Fun!

I have got some big news from Barbados! How many weekends have come and you wish you had a villa to rent, or a luxury property close to the beach in Barbados?

Island Villas is pleased to announce the addition of the exciting and absolutely stunning new development, Lantana, to our portfolio. This luxury resort will be opening in February, just in time for the Easter break and presents an attractive investment opportunity for both the sale and rental markets.

Located across the road from the picturesque Alleyne’s Bay and within walking distance of the world-renowned Lonestar restaurant, Lantana comprises two buildings overlooking a communal swimming pool and lush gardens. It is the ideal location, being close enough to the bustle of Holetown and the prestigious Limegrove Lifestyle Centre while also providing the perfect retreat and getaway.

Each unit has an open floor plan and elegant finishes and is spacious enough to attract visitors looking for a second home or a villa to rent while on the island. This is an excellent addition to the Barbados property market and we invite everyone to contact us for viewings and further information.