Welcome to the March issue of our Barbados Newsletter. In this edition, we look at the new flight services into Barbados, the return to a new normal as popular restaurants re-open, the success of fast COVID-19 testing and the latest news from Apes Hill Club.
New flight services announced
Aer Lingus has announced that its first-ever direct, non-stop transatlantic service from Manchester to Barbados will start on October 20, 202. Flying its Airbus A330-300 aircraft,
Caribbean Airlines is set to launch non-stop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport from April 1. Flights will depart Thursdays from Barbados and Saturdays from New York, said company officials. They are running an offer at the moment so check out their website for further details.
Air Canada has announced that it is planning to resume flights from Pearson Airport, Toronto, to Barbados starting on May 9. They will run one flight per week.
Popular restaurants re-open after National Pause
After the National Pause, which ran from February 3 through to February 28, it is great news that many of Barbados’ restaurants have re-opened. Adapting to the new normal, many of these restaurants are offering delivery, curbside pickup and in-house dining (with some restrictions). At the time of writing, the 9 pm curfew is still in place, so you’ll need to have an early dinner if you want to visit your favourite restaurant.
The Tides Restaurant – Open for dine-in and takeaway Wednesday-Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
The Lonestar – Open Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm.
Champers – Open 11:30 am – 3 pm every day except Mondays and Saturdays. Dinner served from 4:30 pm – 8:15 pm (last seating is 6:15 pm)
Primo – Curbside and deliver Monday to Saturday from 11.30 am to 7 pm. In-house dining from 4 pm.
Animal Flower Cave – Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am.
Fast COVID testing approved
Sky News has reported some good news for those desperate to travel again (isn’t that all of us?). The UK regulator has approved a 20-second coronavirus test that could be used in airports and sports venues.
In the latest technological step forward, a COVID-19 test that takes just seconds has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Virolens test made by British start-up iAbra and TT Electronics uses swabs of saliva and trials have shown it is highly accurate. Trials indicated the test has 98.1 percent sensitivity meaning it returns few false negatives and 99.7 percent specificity meaning few false positives.
It was trialed at Heathrow Airport and will now be launching with immediate effect, rolling out further in the coming months.
Increased interest in golf community living
One of the most surprising real estate trends of 2020 was the increased demand for second homes which skyrocketed over 100 percent year on year in the US alone.
And golf communities across the US have seen increasing demand and rising prices for both homes and memberships. Indeed, Golf Week reported that golf real estate is on fire and there are no signs of this stopping or slowing down.
Why the increase in this market? Well, Covid19 has played its part. The industry has promoted its value to members including the safety and security that comes with living in a contained community. Clubs have also adapted their services so residents can get what they need without leaving the community.
And the ability to work remotely has changed the perspective of those considering golf real estate – and as a result, the demographic is getting younger.
Will this boom make its way to the Caribbean?
Well if it does, Barbados is ready with two gated golf course communities offering luxury homes and superior golf and leisure facilities. Royal Westmoreland is an established community on the west coast of the island and Apes Hill Club, set to relaunch later this year, offers a more relaxed approach to golf community living. You can find more details on this below.
Apes Hill Club details released
Further information about the facilities at Apes Hill Club has been released. Scheduled to open in January 2022, the entire estate is going to be cashless allowing owners to book tee times, schedule classes and order food deliveries through their mobile devices.
The new Fitness and Sport centre will have a lap pool, yoga garden, gym with cardio equipment, floodlit tennis and paddle tennis courts.
While the estate’s green credentials are enhanced with the renovated 18-hole championship golf courses re-designed for low water consumption and reduced chemical usage. There is also nature walking, biking trails, a fishing reservoir, a community garden, 17 acres of pocket farming, and a farm shop.
The Apes Hill team has released further details of its leaseback program which is a great opportunity for clients who plan to spend a lot of their time here in Barbados in the future, but in the next few years because of work/family commitments, are more restricted on time.
With the Four-Year Leaseback Option, the Initial Purchase price is considerably discounted and running costs are covered by the Developer, who will recoup the discount through rentals over the four years. Owners have 10 weeks usage per year – with no restrictions on time of year.
Property sales are well underway with Courtyard Villas available from $1.7million US and Grand Fairway Villas from $2.7 million US.
You can contact the Residence Barbados team for further information on these properties and to arrange a personal or virtual viewing.
Leatherback Turtles return to Barbados
The Leatherback Turtles have returned to Barbados. The island’s Sea Turtle Project completed their first official Leatherback nest count in mid-March. They have reported that the season has begun with four nests identified and two attempts recorded.
Leatherbacks are the world’s largest species of sea turtle and nest primarily on the east coast of Barbados from March to July. They are in danger of extinction, so they are deeply cherished by Bajans.
Buying Bajan with Michelle R Bowe
Buying Bajan products and supporting local businesses is important to the team at Residence Barbados.
And if you want to return home with a keepsake of your time spent in Barbados, or are buying gifts for friends and family, then check out the collection by local artist and entrepreneur Michelle R Bowe.
A self-taught artist, Michelle’s style is bright and bold inspired by all things Bajan. Using her favourite art designs, she has created a range of products from facemasks beach bags and wristlets to jewellery, cushion covers, beach wraps – and even dog coats.
Her most famous designs to date include the Bus Stop and Bajan Lingo followed by Carlisle Bay and Colourful Trident.
You can purchase Michelle’s work at My Collection Barbados in Hastings (opposite Lanterns Mall) or visit her website, Facebook or Instagram for national and international delivery options.
Holiday at Sir Cliff Richard’s Barbados villa
Finally, the British press is reporting that music legend Sir Cliff Richard is renting out his breath-taking Barbados six-bedroom home, Coral Sundown, on Airbnb.
But if you want to visit, it’ll cost you – a two-week stay at Coral Sundown will set you back well over £40,000 and Sir Cliff has some house rules guests must follow.
Anyone renting his home must have no pets and no parties – and smoking in his home is a total no-no.
For those who can afford it, and agree to the rules, you are getting quite a holiday destination.
The 2.6 acres pad can house 10 people, has an incredible swimming pool, a tennis court and boasts its own full stocked bar. Every bedroom faces the Caribbean Sea and all vantage points are blessed with beautiful views.
Guests are ensured of privacy as the property is privately tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of the exclusive Sugar Hill Tennis resort in West Moreland St. James.
And they’ll have access to Sugar Hill Estates wonderful amenities including flood-lit tennis courts, clubhouse with on-site restaurants, communal pool as well as 24-hour security.
Content Disclaimer
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this newsletter are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this newsletter. Residence Barbados disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this newsletter.
