FAQs

Have a question before you arrive at your Barbados villa rental?  See below our answers to some of the most popular questions we get.

Do you quote prices in US$ and GBP£?

Yes, we can send rental quotes and accept payments in US$ and GBP£.  All the rental rates are fixed in US$ so the GBP£ rates on the website will fluctuate. Please contact us for an accurate quote in GBP£.

Are there any taxes we have to pay on the rental price for a Barbados villa rental?

As indicated on each property page, all rental rates are subject to a ‘Government 10% Accommodation Levy’ plus a local service fee of 1/5%. We include this levy and service fee in all our quotes.

What do we have to do to confirm our booking?

We require a deposit of 25-30% (50% over the Christmas/New Year period) of the total rental plus our booking form to be filled in, signed and returned to us.  By paying the rental deposit you are agreeing to our booking conditions.

Do we have to pay a security deposit?

We take credit card details to act as security/damage deposit.  Depending on the property some require the local house managers to hold a security deposit and then return it 7 days after the end of your stay if there are no damages/breakages etc. Some owners require us just to hold your credit card details without actually charging your card unless there is a need to.

Is there a set number of people that can stay in each rental?

The general rule is that a maximum of two people per bedroom can stay at each Barbados holiday rental.  For example for a 3 bedroom property, the maximum number of people that can stay is six. In some instances, an extra (foldaway) bed can be rented so an additional person can stay at the property.  If this is possible or not, would depend on the property.

What time can you check in and check out?

Check-in is from 3pm onwards and check-out by 12 noon. We have many same-day turnovers so early check-ins or late check-outs cannot be offered.  The only way to guarantee a late check-out would be to pay a fee in advance.  Contact us for the price as it varies from rental to rental.

Is ‘fast track’ on arrival at the airport worth it?

It can get very busy at the airport in Barbados at certain times of the day so if you don’t like queues, fast track is definitely a quicker way through customs.  They will meet you before customs and will direct you to your own customs lane.  Take a look Five Star Fast Track for the latest prices. It is worth noting that you may still have to wait for your bags to appear!

How do we get to the Barbados villa rental from the airport?

We can book an airport transfer for you in advance to take you to your rental property.  This would be payable directly to the driver with cash or by card. Alternatively, you can get your own taxi from just outside the arrival terminal or if you know the island well you can rent a car directly from the airport.  We can arrange car rental quotes for you too. These options are all payable locally directly with the transfer or car rental company.

Do we need to take adaptors for electrical appliances?

The electricity voltage in Barbados is 110 volts and standard plugs are two flat blades.  You will require an adaptor if you are visiting from the UK but they are not required if you visiting from North America.

What hours do the staff work at the villa?

This does vary from villa to villa but generally all members of staff work 8 hours per day with one day off each week. As a guide cooks and maids work from approx 8.30am until 1.30pm and then 5.30pm until 8.30pm.  A laundress tends to work from 9am until 5pm with a break for lunch.  If you would like the staff to work different hours and have a different day off, we will try to accommodate that within reason.

How does the cook/chef service work?

If you have a cook/chef service included in the price for your Barbados villa then depending on the property they will prepare 2 or 3 meals per day for you.  We always suggest sitting down with them the morning after you arrive to discuss your likes and dislikes so they can come up with some menu ideas for you.  At some rentals, the cook is able to accompany you to the supermarket to purchase the groceries or even go and get them for you.  You would just need to provide the cash in advance and also the cost of a taxi to and from the supermarket.

Are groceries included in the price?

No, the cost of groceries are not included in the price. We can arrange for your initial groceries to be waiting for you at your property if you do not want to stop at a supermarket on the way from the airport.  This would be payable locally via the house managers.

Should we tip the staff at the property?

Tipping is completely at your discretion but if you did want to tip the staff, as a guideline;

Cook/Chef – US$175 to US$200
Housekeeper – US$175 to US$200
Maid/Laundress – US$150

Is there a dress code when eating out in Barbados?

Not so much for lunch although a few restaurants do enforce a dress code for the evenings.  We suggest men take at least one pair of trousers with them and a collared shirt and casually elegant clothing for the ladies. If unsure ask the restaurant when making the booking.  Please see our Barbados Essentials guide for some restaurant recommendations.  It is also worth noting that camouflage clothing is illegal in Barbados.  Clothing of this kind will be confiscated from anyone found wearing it at any location on the island.

Who do we contact in Barbados if we have a query?

Each Barbados villa rental has its own local house manager.  Before you arrive in Barbados, we will provide you with their contact details.  They will also be written down for you at the property you are staying at.  As soon as you arrive in Barbados, if you have any questions or queries you should contact them directly.

Do you offer a concierge service?

Yes, we do.  Whether it is before you arrive or whilst you are on the island via the local house managers we can arrange anything from catamaran trips, golf tee times, and tennis lessons to an in-house massage. We are also able to make restaurant booking reservations for you, which is needed, especially during busy times and for larger groups.

What happens if the property becomes unavailable after I reserve it?

In the unlikely event that your chosen property rental becomes unavailable due to a major issue that may affect your experience or a transfer of ownership, we will coordinate with the house managers to find an alternative property of equal or superior standard that is of course subject to your approval.  If it is not acceptable or there is no availability, you will receive a full refund.