My Barbados Blog

We made it through the night! More storms due tonight, but today is dry so far  . . .

Caribbean Small Hotels Rendezvous in Barbados

The Caribbean Hotel Association and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association will hold a Caribbean Small Hotels Retreat on September 26 - 28, 2007 at the Barbados Hilton located in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Many travelers to the Caribbean are attracted to the larger mega resort and hotels, but 65% of the regions hotels fall into the category of small hotels with 75 rooms or less.

Over the years, most of our repeat visitors to the Caribbean say they prefer the smaller hotels because they provide more privacy, the beach areas are less crowded, these properties provide longer - more affordable stays, and the owners take special pride in making guests comfortable. Obviously since less rooms are available, travelers need to make their vacation requests in advance - especially during the high winter season.

Many of the smaller properties tend to retain their staff for longer periods of time, and since they have to take care of less people, they have more opportunity to interact with visitors. While these properties do not have all the glitz and amenities of the large resorts, they give the visitor a true sense of Caribbean hospitality and service. 

The agenda for the Caribbean Small Hotel Retreat was developed by the small hotel property owners to come together and discuss topics on public relations, budget redecorating, niche marketing, advantages of "green" practices, management issues, food and beverage, insurance, hidden potential revenue streams, and new technology trends.

Having been in the online travel business for over eight years, I feel many of the smaller properties could benefit from forming additional relationships with worldwide travel suppliers, online travel partners, travel agents and industry associations. In this business, the properties and corporations with the larger ad dollars get their messages delivered first to the travel industry and online consumers.

Some of the smaller Barbados properties we recommend are:
Coral Lane Beach Apartments, Best E Villas, Yellow Bird Hotel, Healthy Horizons Beach Apartments, Karekath Beach Apartments, The New Edgewater Hotel, The Nook, Ocean Bliss Apartments, Peach and Quiet, Oleander Beach Apartments, Rainbow Beach Hotel, Rockley Club Apartments, Rostrevor Hotel, Round Rock Apartments, Sea Cruise Villa, Sea Symphony Villa, Seawind Luxury Condominums, South Gap Hotel, Island Inn Hotel, High Holdings Guest, Legend Garden Condos, Winchelsea Guest House, Bali Hai Country House, and Gemini House.

Also, see previous posting for Barbados Bed & Breakfast for more information on High Holdings, Bali Hai Country House, and Gemini House. Please e-mail for more info on the smaller properties listed above.

We will add more smaller properties to our recommendations on our next visit to Barbados in January, 2008.
 

The island of Barbados has numerous accommodations ranging from Guesthouses, Apartments, Hotels, Resorts and villas.

Barbados offers the most varied range of beachfront villas in all of the Caribbean islands.

A villa vacation is perfect for couples, families and a great way to spend a vacation with good friends. 

Unlike other Caribbean islands, the majority of Barbados villas are staffed with maid, cook, and grounds keepers.

You can choose from two to 10 bedroom villa accommodations to fit any budget. 

Azzurro (pictured above) is one of our featured 2 bedroom villas. Head over to our agency site for more information on this property, as well as other villa accommodations.

Barbados Villas

Trying to find accommodations in Barbados for Cricket World Cup - Good Luck!

The island of Barbados is being used by many cricket fans as a base for Cricket World Cup, which is taking place in eight Caribbean Islands.

This has resulted in unprecedented demand for property in Barbados both in rental and sales. Barbados is almost now at capacity with limited rental property available.

While cruise ships were to help meet the demand, over 80% of the Cruise ship accommodations have already been sold, with much of the remainder on hold by travel agencies. And Bajans are being encouraged to rent out their own homes to help with accommodating cricket fans.

The countdown begins . . .
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Venue Development Director, Donald Lockerbie, has reminded everyone working on the tournament that – despite the countdown to the Opening Ceremony on March 11 they have only to March 2nd when the 16 Participating Nations arrive in the Caribbean.

For Cricket, "There's no place like the Caribbean Isles" - read the full article at Financial Express

About the Cricket World Cup 2007
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will see 16 teams competing over a day period.
The tournament is divided into four stages, with matches taking place across eight participating countries, and will officially begin with an Opening Ceremony to be held in a newly built stadium in Trelawny, Jamaica.

The countries hosting the cricket events are Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts, Saint Lucia & Trinidad.

Bali Hai Country House is like no other place to stay on Barbados.

Cooled by the Atlantic breeze, high on a hill above the little resort of Bathsheba on the unspoilt East Coast, it’s an oasis of peace and quiet surrounded by open countryside, flower-filled gardens and an orchard where bananas, mangoes and limes grow in profusion.

There are two spacious 2 bedroomed apartments, both on the ground floor sharing a private pool. Each has its own cool, shady verandah area with plenty of loungers and furniture for eating outdoors, and all the comforts of home.

For more information on this property, and for reservations, click here to visit the Bali Hai Country House website.

We've received so many inquiries for travelers trying to advance book Villas for Easter and Spring BreakBarbados, and throughout the Caribbean. Rates are sky high ( in when you can find them), and availability is limited in all categories, and that includes Villa Rentals.

Either you love it, hate it or just don’t know about it yet…it’s Cricket! 

A bat and ball team sport known all over the world – especially the Caribbean.  This game is for the most devout sports fanatic.

Fans from the four corners of the globe delight in watching this international contest.  Rivalries are created between cricketing nations and passionate entertainment is provided to all.
 

What does this have to do with renting a villa in the Caribbean, one may wonder? 

More than you think!  The West Indies are considered THE Cricketing Parlance, as they play host to the largest annual Cricket event in the world…The Cricket World Cup!  This is the World Series, World Cup and Super Bowl of the Cricket world.

Those looking for fun in the sun for Spring Break or Easter may find more than they bargained for during the months of March and April 2007. 

Booking a villa may prove a bit challenging to destinations such as Barbados, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua, Trinidad/Tobago and Nevis.

Most properties impose 14-night minimum stays and charge prices that rival Christmas rates. 

Plan ahead, check the CWC (Cricket World Cup) schedule and book early to ensure a great villa and a perfect spring vacation.

For more information on Cricket and World Cup schedules click onto www.cricketworldcup.com.

The Barbados Home Accommodation program is getting a boost as the island prepares for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 competition and a number of other sporting events over the next two years.

A company has opened the door for people interested in developing their properties and who want to advertise them around the world.

Executive director of Caribbean Frontdoor, Brian King in launching the online reservation system notes that the company has partnered with best at travel UK, one of the official travel agencies for the Cricket World Cup to provide marketing for the home accommodation sector.

He says for five hundred US dollars a year each homeowner can receive global marketing, a property website with online reservation and free property management software.

The effort is receiving major support from World Cup Barbados Inc.

Source:  Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation
 

I received this posting from the Barbados Hash Harriers. If you are interested in this property, please contact the owner directly.

Here's the posting . . .  

My 2-bedroom house is available for temporary monthly rental while I am away beginning May 20 through July and probably through October, depending if the house is rented.  All my personal possessions will be removed, so renters will have empty closets and dressers.

Photos are at http://www.barbadosvillas.biz/101 although furnishings have been upgraded since these photos were taken.

Montly price including utilities, phone, ADSL line: BB $1500/mo. for one month.  BB $1200/mo. for two or more months.

The house is located on the cliff overlooking the water and the north beach of Sam Lord's Castle. Enjoy the hot months on the cool Atlantic side with a constant breeze.

Amy Beam - (246) 423-6298 home - 824-4132 mobile - (e-mail owner - amybeam@yahoo.com)

Barbados Hash Harriers - there are two new runs scheduled:

Friday May 12, 2006
7:00 pm - 12:00 am
Event Location: Fat Boys @ Players
Phone: 266-0571
Hares: Nick P. and Ian "Haggis"
Just east of Club Exreme, Bring a torch light

Saturday May 13, 2006
4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Event Location: Upper Halcyon Heights, St. James
Phone: 266-0571
Hares: Lidia "RU" & Ralf "Half"
Ham cutters provided, BBQ pit available. Signposted from St. Thomas Church & Holetown
Fun Run Auction to be held after the run - bring your cheque books and cash - trips and vouchers to be auctioned.

The Barbados Hash House Harriers was founded in November of 1985. Although we are a group primarily focused on running and walking events, we also promote charitable projects for the less fortunate.

Boasting over 100 regulars, we meet every Saturday and Bank holiday at different locations throughout our beautiful island of Barbados.

All are welcome to join us, just show up to run or walk, and to socialise... On On!
http://www.barbadoshash.com/

Linda