Welcome to the September 2021 issue of our Residence Barbados Property & Island Newsletter. This edition is once again packed with news from the island including the launch of a farm-to-table concept restaurant in Speightstown, a new flight service from Edinburgh to Barbados and the return of tourism to the island after the pandemic.
Looking for property here in Barbados? We have some amazing properties for sale at Royal Westmoreland, O2 Beach Club & Spa and The Crane Private Residences. There is also some exciting property news in May from Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club too. And don’t forget to check out our new website!
Have you browsed our new RB website?
The new Residence Barbados website is now live! After months of development and working closely with our partners, we are delighted the complete website is open and ready for visitors.
The website is divided into several distinct areas for those looking for property inspiration, information, and plenty of images.
First, you can find out what is available on the island’s various resort communities. Click on the community from the Homepage, and you’ll find all the property and land and build opportunities available on each.
Want to dig a little deeper and find out more about each community? Click on the LEARN MORE button in the top banner of each community page. You’ll find out what amenities and facilities are available, where the community is located, and a little background history as well.
Not sure about the community, but know you’re interested in resales? Then head to the menu, and click on Ownership Options – Whole Ownership – Property Resales for listings of all the fantastic private resales available.
Thinking about Shared Ownership, then head to our page about new shared ownership opportunities available at Royal Westmoreland, The Crane and Beach Houses by The Crane.
And if you are looking to buy or sell your timeshare or fractional, check out our listings or complete our registration form, and we’ll feature your ownership.
Finally, if you are looking for a great vacation rental, check out the listings from our partner ZenBreak. Don’t forget to use the code RBVacations for a special surprise when you arrive at your villa or apartment!
Our FAQ section has answered many of the questions we receive about buying and owning a property in Barbados. If we’ve missed anything out, then let us know at contact@residencebarbados.com. While, our service providers page lists some of the partners, including contractors, lawyers, interior designers and project managers. It’s your go-to resource for everything related to property on the island.
If you have been looking for a property on the island, you’ll know how many websites are not regularly updated which can be frustrating and disappointing. So we will make sure that the new Residence Barbados website is kept updated at all times so you know exactly what is for sale and the price. Promise!
Property News: Superb Royal Westmoreland bolthole
If you’re looking for a well-priced Barbados bolthole on exclusive Royal Westmoreland, then Royal Apartment 211 is the ideal choice.
On the market at GBP £495,000, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ground floor apartment offers light and spacious accommodation for up to six people with air-conditioning throughout.
There is a large living area, well-equipped kitchen and terrace for outdoor dining and lounging. The apartment looks out across manicured gardens and is being sold fully furnished.
The apartment also includes access to a large communal swimming pool and Club Initiation Fee.
Whether you choose to keep it all to yourself or rent it for additional income, this is a superb opportunity to join the exclusive Royal Westmoreland community.
You can find out more about the Royal Westmoreland community on our website.
Farm-to-table restaurant opens in Speightstown
Local & Co., a sustainable Farm-to-Table restaurant, opened this September in an early 1800’s Speightstown warehouse and directly on the beach.
The menu includes honest, approachable food showcasing ingredients sourced from local and regional farmers, producers and wild food foragers. The Rum Bar offers the best in pure rums and craft made cocktails in the golden glow of a mirrored alcove and the library living room.
The restaurant also has a Market Place for coffee, baked goods, honey, jams, house-made meals to take home and locally sourced artisan products.
In line with current restrictions, Local & Co. is open for lunch and dinner Sunday 11 am-4.30 pm, and Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 am-6.30 pm. Reservations are recommended. To book a table, call 421 3276.
Sandra Mason set for new president role
Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason is set to become the first president of Barbados when the country officially transitions to republic status from November 30 this year.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Dame Sandra had consented to be nominated as the first president, saying: “My Government would be proud to have her appointed as the first president of Barbados.
“We feel that this is the way we want to go, and we want to thank Her Excellency for so graciously consenting in this manner. The truth is that it will now be subject to the vote of the members of Parliament in the House of Assembly and the Senate, and I have every confidence just as we are pleased with Her Excellency’s performance, that those who sit in those Houses of Assembly on both sides – Independent or Opposition, will be pleased. And I trust that the people of Barbados through its Parliament will speak with one voice”.
She clarified that nothing will change regarding the current status quo, except for at least one line in the National Anthem written by Irvin Burgie – “The Lord has been the people’s guide for past 300 years”.
In two years, Barbados will be considered 400-years-old.
Mottley explained that amendments to the constitution would not be made before a consultation process had been completed and that the general public would be involved in the process.
Source: Barbados Today
Property News: New price for Crane Private Residence
Located on the exclusive Crane Resort, Private Residence #5252 is a two-bedroom penthouse apartment with private elevator access, a spacious open-plan living area and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and lounge area. The move-in ready apartment boasts panoramic views across the south coast of Barbados.
Residence #5252 is being sold fully furnished and offers great rental income potential if you can bear to share!
The property is on the market for $1,450,000.
Key points:
- 2,773 sq. ft.
- Two bedrooms
- Two en suite bathrooms
- Sold fully furnished
- Kitchen with granite countertops, peninsula, bar seating and appliances
- Underground parking space
- Private elevator
- Large patio and terrace
- Private rooftop swimming pool
- Air conditioning and ceiling fans
To discover more about this property, visit our website for our detailed listing.
Barbados welcomes Virgin Atlantic Edinburgh route
On December 5, 2021, Barbados will become Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, as Virgin Atlantic launches its direct route from Edinburgh to Bridgetown.
Virgin Atlantic’s new flight will operate twice weekly, Wednesday and Sunday, on an Airbus A330. Customers can choose from three cabins, including Upper Class or Premium. Fares will start from as little as £419 per person.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, welcomed the announcement saying: “The fact that this new route is Scotland’s only direct flight to the Caribbean is something that fills everyone in Barbados with great pride. This will also be the first time Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from Edinburgh, so it is a very important moment in history for both Scotland and Barbados. We look forward to showing Scottish travellers that Barbados is a safe destination, which is ready and waiting for them to enjoy.”
Head of Caribbean at Virgin Atlantic, Nikki Goldsmith, commented: “Barbados is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland in the Caribbean. Not only have we significantly increased capacity to the island with the introduction of our newest plane, the A350, but we’re delighted to be flying from three regional gateways, of London, Manchester and our new home in Scotland, Edinburgh”.
Property News: O2 Beach Club & Spa on schedule
The South Coast will be the place to be later this year with the launch of O2 Beach Club & Spa, “an exclusive yet inviting haven of chic accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and upscale experiences”.
The first of its kind in Barbados, O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive escape in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful locations. Guests are invited to unwind and renew with restorative amenities – or rev up and have some fun with entertaining experiences.
And if you’re in the market for excellent property investment, ownership at the relaunched O2 Beach Club & Spa is available now. There are three options:
- One-bedroom Ocean-front condo
- Two-bedroom Ocean-front condo
- Two-bedroom Bay View condo
As an owner, you can join O2’s rental programme that provides you with up to 12 weeks of personal access and a share of the revenue for the remaining nine months.
To find out more about the properties available for sale, contact the Residence Barbados team today or visit the website.
Barbados seeing a slow return of tourists
After a challenging 18 months, Barbados is reporting a slow recovery in tourism.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins said for the first nine months of this year, Barbados welcomed close to 50,000 visitors. This represented 10,000 fewer than would typically be expected per month.
“Since January up until this month, we have had just under 50,000 arrivals. That is considerably less than what we are used to having…Just to put that into perspective, this time around 2019, we had just around 60,000 visitors for the month,” said Cummins.
For the first nine months of 2019, the country welcomed a record 522,583 tourists.
Cummins said the figures reflected the over 90 per cent decline in visitor arrivals from Barbados’ main international source markets for the year so far, adding that there were also significant declines from regional source markets.
However, the industry has a bright spark with solid bookings for the upcoming winter season and an increased airlift to Bridgetown.
Senator Cummins also added the Welcome Stamp Initiative, which allows individuals and families worldwide to live and work in Barbados for up to a year initially, has filled some of the gaps created by the falloff in short-term visitor arrivals and spending.
Source: Barbados today
Property News: Apes Hill adds ownership options
Set to launch in November 2022, Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club has released further information about its real estate options.
Courtyard Villas – USD $1,850,000
The redesigned Courtyard Villas are located in the Garden Wall community of Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club, one of the best overall locations, with easy access to the Club Facilities.
Offering south-west views of the Caribbean Sea and beautiful sunsets over the 18th Fairway.
These extraordinary open-plan homes flow from the front door right through to the covered patio and pool deck. The outdoor area offers covered and uncovered verandas with golf and sea views over the 15′ long private infinity pool with a water deck – the perfect place to sit in the water and read a book.
The open plan living room and kitchen boast large sliding and folding glass doors to let the outside in and allow easy flow between indoor and outdoor dining/lounge areas, all affording unforgettable sunset views of the Caribbean Sea over the 18th Fairway.
The property offers three air-conditioned bedrooms – all en-suite. On the ground floor, the large en-suite bedroom is in its own self-contained wing with glass sliding doors opening out to a private patio. The upper level comprises two bedrooms, which are easily accessed from the landing affording complete privacy.
The master bedroom flows through to a private veranda with stunning unobstructed sea and golf views. There is space for work at the home desk, a large wardrobe and the master bathroom provides a double vanity, bathtub and shower. The property features luxury finishes and appliances throughout. Courtyard Villas include 24 Hour security, a private golf cart/carport and the owner’s storage room. Turnkey, duty-free interior design packages are available.
Hilltop Villas – USD $2,775,000 with six-year leaseback
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom Hilltop Villas are located on 16,000 sq. ft., with views over the par-3 nine-hole golf course.
The villas have westerly sea views and are located next to the clubhouse, making them ideal for families who want to make the most of their membership. Just 17 residences are being built, of which eight are already reserved.
Breaking ground in November 2021 and completing in 12-18 months, the Hilltop Villas offers 3,775 sq. ft. of light, airy and modern living space with amazing views of the flood-lit par-3 golf course.
The price for the property includes a furniture pack and a four-seat golf buggy.
Seaview Ridge – USD $3,650,000
Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club offers one master-planned community, Seaview Ridge, with 3,780 sq. ft. homes on 18,000 sq. ft. lots. The properties have panoramic sea views over the first green and Fairway.
Each home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a powder room and a private swimming pool. In addition, owners have the option to add a gazebo and car part with owner storage.
You can find further information about this property and other opportunities at Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club and register your interest on our website.
Tiny lizard travels 4,000 miles in lingerie
Lisa Russel from Rotherham in the UK found a living lizard in her lingerie after returning from her holiday in Barbados.
As she started unpacking her luggage, Ms Russel spotted a tiny speck on one of her bras and shook her lingerie to discover that it was a female lizard lounging in her backpack. “I thought it was a tiny dead creature, and then when it moved, I started screaming. It is not what you expect to find your bra after a 4,000-mile journey,” said Lisa.
Having realised that it must have been in her case for nearly 24 hours, Ms Russell was surprised that the tiny gecko had survived the journey. “It must have been happy in its new pad. I am just so shocked! Not only did it survive the journey but also the fact it didn’t get squashed as my suitcase was so full when we were returning I had to sit on it to get it zipped up,” revealed Lisa.
Lisa called the RSPCA for assistance, and Inspector Sandra Dransfield arrived to take the lizard, now named ‘Barbie’, to a safer and healthy environment. “Lisa was quite relaxed about the whole thing and thought it was funny that the gecko had safely made the trans-Atlantic crossing in her bra. Unlike a lot of women, the lizard must have found it comfy,” said Sandra.
Barbie, the lizard, cannot be released in the UK because of its non-native identity. However, the RSPCA claimed that as the reptile won’t relocate, it will be taken to a zoo or a wildlife park to reside safely with other animals.
Source: Caribbean News
West Indies Rum joins with BIM coconut industry
Barbados’ leading rum producer, West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), is to partner with local farmers to source Barbados coconuts for rum production.
WIRD, through a project funded by the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM, will source the coconuts from A.T Nicholls coconut farm to use in the production of premium coconut products.
Managing Director of WIRD, Andrew Hassell, said this is a fascinating project as the distillery focuses on making the very best rum and supporting the Barbadian community by promoting and developing synergies with local farmers.
“The distillery has been the backbone of the local rum industry for over 100 years, and as we continue to invest in our communities and businesses, we are proud to be able to source local molasses and coconuts from Barbados to create unique Barbadian crafted products,” he said.
Hassell also announced that one of the first products will be a new coconut infused aged rum, Plantation Cut & Dry, released this November as a Barbados exclusive.
The coconuts for this special edition will be sourced from A.T. Nicholls, who has been working in agriculture for decades, growing various crops including sugar cane, golden apples and of course, coconuts.
Plantation Cut & Dry is a 100 per cent Barbadian Rum using an infusion with natural coconut flesh sourced locally. It took WIRD’s expert team four years to achieve the perfect recipe with a balanced ratio that is pleasing to the taste while maintaining the highest standards of rum making.
One coconut is required to produce one litre of coconut-infused rum
Hassell added: “We are hoping to highlight the unique flavour of our rum and its connection with the island, by promoting the rich heritage of our products derived from local agriculture, to the world while positioning them as the premium craft brand.”
Source: Barbados Today
Image: Intracen
Barbados to pursue ‘Norwegian model’
Barbados is to pursue the “Norwegian model” by exporting oil and gas while cleaning up its own cars and electricity production.
The government has submitted plans to the UN to make 100 per cent of its cars run on electricity or alternative fuels and get 95 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
“Our vision is that by 2030 most Barbadian homes will have solar PV panels on their roofs and an electric vehicle in their garage,” Mia Mottley said last year.
At the same time, the government is supporting two oil and gas exploration schemes in its Caribbean waters. One is with Australian company BHP, and the other is with the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Barbados’s updated climate plan aims to reduce the island state’s emissions, relative to a business as usual projection, 35 per cent by 2030. This rises to 70 per cent if it gets financial support from other countries.
Source: Climate Change News
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.
