‘Tis the season to be on the beach in Barbados! The Island Villas team is ready for a busy winter season with the holidays around the corner. The global luxury property market has seen interesting peaks and lows over the past two years, recovering from Covid-related lows to a buoyant market characterized by intense demand and limited supply. Looking ahead to 2023, despite global concerns about inflation, ongoing supply chain disruptions and other turbulence, the luxury real estate market is predicted to continue thriving. This is due to several different factors. According to a pwc report,
…aspects of the real estate industry are ‘normalizing’ (returning to pre-COVID patterns), while others appear to have permanently changed as the pandemic changes how and where we use different types of properties
In Barbados, the luxury property market forecast aligns with this prediction. Widespread adoption of remote work has continued to drive interest in acquiring holiday homes on island and, with the removal of most (if not all) worldwide travel restrictions, foreign investors are returning and actively seeking high quality properties. According to a representative at the Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport,
Many of the usual winter season flights will be back this year with heavy schedules and rotations. Airlines that service the island throughout the year have also added flights (Airport ready to cope with increased tourism arrivals – Barbados Today)
The boost in airlift has also been complemented by increased activity on island. The internationally acclaimed The Cliff Restaurant has reopened to much fanfare. The spectacular redesign features a glass sea facing kitchen and an extensive wine cellar with over 1500 varieties of carefully selected wines from around the world. Culinary Director, Chef Matt Worswick, has most recently worked at the Savoy Grill for Gordon Ramsay and has previously earned two Michelin stars.
Outside of the culinary scene, Barbados continues to stage year-round festivals and major events. The countdown is on to the popular Barbados Sailing Week 2023. Starting on Saturday, January 14th, this highly anticipated event kicks off with a weekend of Dinghy, Kiteboarding and Wing Foiling competitions. There are multiple days of offshore sailing races, culminating in the exciting Round Barbados Race on Monday, January 16th. It is truly a fun event for sailing enthusiasts as well as anyone looking for a good time!
Sail away to Barbados this season
There is nothing quite like the winter season in Barbados,” says Richard Eames Managing Director of Island Villas, “Not only is it a great time to escape the cold in other countries, there is also a buzz on island that starts in November and runs through to April. There is a reason why Barbados remains a preferred destination for holidaymakers, second-home owners and investors seeking low-risk assets with high yields. We are looking forward to a busy festive period, welcoming back our regular clients and introducing newcomers to the island to a Caribbean Christmas.
In celebration of the season, the Island Villas team has put together their top picks for their Christmas wish lists.
1) All I want for Christmas is…to be barefoot on the beach at The Beach Hut
Beachside views at The Beach Hut in Barbados
Enjoy breathtaking views from this 6500 sq ft, split-level beachfront property, elevated to overlook the Caribbean Sea. The Beach Hut is a stunning 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom villa designed to be the ultimate tropical getaway. Plan beachside parties with piped music to every room and sun terrace.
Relax by the beach in Barbados
Relax in two spacious bedroom suites in the north wing, which open directly out to the swimming pool. Four additional bedroom suites are located on the upper level, including the elegantly furnished master bedroom suite, featuring a sitting area, walk-in closet and luxurious marble bathroom with shower and spa tub. The master suite also leads onto a balcony enjoying views of the white sandy beach below.
The Beach Hut is the perfect venue for poolside cocktails and barbeques. A bottle-fridge can be found on the terrace which leads onto the sun deck where there is a gas barbecue with rotisserie for informal dining, and an infinity-edge swimming pool. A private stairway leads from the pool deck to an unspoilt beach below.
Poolside parties at The Beach Hut
The property is fully wired for internal and external alarm systems, features electric gates and also has a double car garage with electric doors. There are separate housekeeping quarters with private bathroom and the landscaped grounds and planters are all equipped with an auto irrigation system.
Take a virtual tour of The Beach Hut and speak to an Island Villas sales agent to learn more.
2) Caribbean Christmas under the Calabash tree at Waterfalls Villa
Caribbean Christmas at Waterfalls, Royal Westmoreland Resort
Described as a secluded oasis, the luxurious Waterfalls villa has numerous distinctive features, including picturesque fishponds with cascading waterfalls and a handcrafted bridge under the Calabash Tree (an ornamental plant grown in parts of Africa, Central and South America, the West Indies and extreme southern Florida).
Set within 1.9 acres of mature tropical gardens, this 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom villa is nestled in the heart of the Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort. Waterfalls is entirely fenced and accessed through electric gates. The main entrance gives a view through the property, leading to the expansive living area and spacious poolside terrace with endless panoramic views of the golf course and the ocean beyond.
Enjoy the plunge pool and other unique features of Waterfalls villa
Enjoy sunset soirees by the west-facing, large, heated infinity pool which cascades over a waterfall to a plunge pool and secret cave below. Invite friends for dinner on the deck with seating for 12 at the coral table under the poolside gazebo. Catch glimpses of Barbados’ famous green monkey at the other end of the 170ft hardwood, cantilevered deck, where there is a monkey spotting gazebo by the Bearded Fig and Cotton Trees.
Dine poolside in Barbados
There are two secluded and private master suites on the first floor which share a west facing balcony and four further guest suites on the ground floor each allowing guests to have their own private spaces. In addition to a formal dining area for 10 people, an open-plan office and comfortable TV lounge, there is a fully equipped, architect-designed, kitchen with a further outdoor dining area under the kitchen gazebo.
Welcome to Waterfalls, your new home in Barbados
Beyond the kitchen are the laundry and staff facilities and an integral double garage with plenty of storage. The entire villa has been completely renovated within the past few years and all the roofs replaced.
Looking to buy property in Barbados in 2023 but not quite sure what you want?
We get it, you need time to review your wish list and find your forever home. Well, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a stocking stuffer so we also asked the Island Villas team to share their top pick for a winter vacation.
1) Winter Getaway at Coral House
Holiday getaway at Coral House in Barbados
Whether you are planning a party-packed tropical getaway or a relaxed holiday with the intention of doing absolutely nothing but basking in the sun, Coral House is our top rental pick for your Barbados vacation.
Aptly named because of its many coral-stone features, this 6,000 sq ft, 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom villa has been recently refurbished. From the entrance hall, stairs lead up to the modern, fully equipped kitchen and adjoining large living area with sofas, a Samsung Frame television, portable Sonos entertainment system and a dining table. The kitchen area opens on to a covered terrace furnished for outdoor dining and overlooking the private pool deck and the communal grounds.
Bring friends and family to Barbados
A second spacious living area is also on this level, similarly equipped with a Sonos entertainment system and a 75” Samsung Frame Television. Great for nights in, there are numerous games of chance and skill in the drawers of the side table. There is access to another covered terrace with sea views and comfortable seating for quiet relaxation.
Relax this winter season at Coral House
The master bedroom and the second bedroom are situated on the ground floor of the east wing. Both are spacious suites with king size beds, large bathrooms with shower, free-standing bath and double vanity units. Each bedroom suite has a sitting area with French doors leading out to the pool deck. A third bedroom, situated on the ground floor of the west wing, has a king size bed with an ensuite bathroom housing shower, free-standing bath and double vanity units. The fourth and fifth bedrooms are situated off the entrance hall. Both bedrooms are roomy with two twin beds which can be made into a king size bed if necessary. The bedrooms have walk in closets and the ensuite bathrooms have rain showers and double vanity units. All Coral House’s bedrooms have their own televisions and the Master bedroom has a portable Sonos entertainment system.
A bar lounge in the west wing provides access to the 30’ private pool and deck, with numerous sunbeds, recliners, umbrellas and an outdoor barbeque. Guests of Coral House have access to the Royal Westmoreland spa, gym, renowned golf course and to the exclusive Royal Westmoreland Mullins Beach Bar.
Ready to book your Coral House vacation? Contact the Island Villas team today.
