There's No Such Thing As Monday Blues In Barbados!

Is Blue Monday taking it's toll? This time of year can be tough whilst living in the dark, drizzly never ending Winter months. It’s time to get away, warm up and get your smile back. That’s where we come in!

There is no such thing as Blue Monday in Barbados. The only ‘blues’ you will find on this incredible island are the clear emerald waters and the bright, cloudless skies filled with sunshine!

Make this year the year you treat yourself or family to the trip of a lifetime filled with unforgettable happy memories. Let us start planning your trip to the happiest place in the Caribbean, famous for being laid-back and carefree!

This post is to help cheer up, feel inspired and get excited about your holiday as you take a look at all the beautiful sights and amazing activities that are guaranteed melt away all the stress and worries of everyday life. 

Ten Ways Barbados Will Put A Smile On Your Face

1. The Beaches

Barbados beaches are truly legendary. With pure white sand, palm trees and a welcoming gentle sea breeze, there is no better place to lie back and relax whilst getting some well earned rest and vitamin C. It's also perfect for building epic sandcastles and playing a spot of beach cricket with the locals!

2. The Sea

No-one can resist falling in love with the emerald clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The perfect temperature - not too warm, not too cold - it's the perfect place to cool off

and have some fun! Enjoy a range of activities such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and the world class surfing at the Soup Bowl on the East coast.

3. The People

Bajan people some are of the friendliest and most welcoming people you will ever meet, they never fail to put a smile on your face and will make your holiday truly memorable. Whether they teach you their famously relaxed, laid back way of life or are partying with you till the early hours - island style, you will meet some of the most incredible people and make friends for life.

4. The Food

Fresh, creative and full of flavour - Barbados has fast become a foodie paradise. 
Whether you enjoy cultural treats such as flying fish cutters with macaroni pie or prefer
michelin style food served by some of the best chefs in the World, Barbados has it all. For those who love keeping it local we recommend Oistin's Fish Fry and for a special occasion there's no better place than the famous Cliff. 

5. The Wildlife

Barbados is an island that is full of life in more ways than one! Make lasting memories as you explore the rainforests, visit the monkey reserve and watch turtles hatching on the beach. Why not experience diving for the first time over the ship wrecks or simply snorkle on the reef surrounded by colourful fish - There are so many beautiful animals to see in their natural habitats.

6. The Colours

One observation you will see all over the Caribbean island is the amazing colours day and night. As you drive around and explore you will see homes painted every colour of the rainbow, stunning tropical flowers amongst the green filled landscape and of course the painted sky at night with breathe-taking sunsets. Always have your camera ready!

7. The Scenery

The island is home to both beautiful and dramatic landscape with the changing scenery across the island. On the West Coast you will find calm, clear waters, groomed beaches and busy towns and villages and on the East coast the wavy pacific ocean, lush rain-forests and grassy hillsides. There is definitely plenty of exploring to be done!

8. The Way of Life

One of the many reasons to visit Barbados is to slow down, rejuvenate and let the stress of everyday life melt away. You will soon learn the famously laid back way of life, becoming almost horizontal as you enjoy relaxing by the sea, amazing food, drinks and great company...what else could you ask for?!

9. The Rum

Oh how we love Barbados rum...and you will too! Barbados is home to the oldest and some of the most famous rum in the World. Happy hour is everyone's favourite hour of the day with perfectly blended rum punches, mojitos and other delights. There is no better way to celebrate a holiday than enjoying (fairly responsibly!) the local delights as you lay on the beach or watching the sun setting from your balcony. 

10. The Places To Stay

Of course, we couldn't make a list of our favourite things about Barbados without talking about our true passion...Amazing properties! There are so many breathetaking places to stay, from the the traditional colonial style houses to the modern, beachfront villas - We will find your perfect holiday property.

Whether you prefer staying at a prestigious golf and spa resort or a luxury private villa with sea views and staff - Elegant Address Barbados have over 26 years experience on the island and can offer our clients the largest and most exclusive portfolio of luxury villas and apartments to rent and buy.

To start your search today, send us a message at enquiries@elegant-barbados.com

 or call 01244 629963 (UK) where you will be assigned your very own personal Barbados Specialist who is dedicated to planning the perfect, unforgettable, tailor made holiday rental experience for you.

We look forward to hearing from you and creating your dream Caribbean holiday. 

Barbados Wins Best Caribbean Destination 2015

It’s been a brilliant year for the beautiful island of Barbados, which has reported the region’s fastest-growing tourism arrivals in large part due to a creative, digital-friendly push in the US market and the results of a restructured tourism marketing entity. 

Barbados has seen a 14.5 percent improvement in tourist arrivals so far this year, buoyed by a whopping 27.9 percent improvement in arrivals from the US. That success, coupled with a wave of new hotel and resort developments such as Port Ferdinand, puts the island at the forefront of the region’s tourism sector. We’re proud to announce that  Caribbean Travel Awards have crowned Barbados the Caribbean Destination of the Year for 2015...We couldn't agree more - Take a look for yourself!

Talk to one of our Barbados experts today to receive unrivaled knowledge of this beautiful island and to book an unforgettable trip to friends or loved ones.

Elegant Address Barbados - Finding you THE Address

Call: 01244 629963 (UK)

or

Email: enquiries@elegant-barbados.com

Guide to the Barbados Food, Wine & Rum Festival 2015

Barbados is fast becoming not only a traveller’s paradise but also a foodie hotspot! Being known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean there are so many local dishes and experimental delights to try on your visit, you could eat somewhere deliciously different for every meal!

As November approaches, excitement in Barbados builds. Not only is it the month in which the island celebrates independence, it's also when they welcome top international chefs to our shores for the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival! Last weekend visitors to the festival were treated to several days of the very best international cuisine and cooking demonstrations.

 

The festival is designed to tantalize the taste buds, while offering a variety of other colourful and flavourful experiences to stimulate the other senses as well. Experience a sophisticated, high-quality and upscale celebration of gastronomic art, featuring acclaimed international & local chefs, wine experts and mixologists.

Of course with Barbados being the birthplace of rum, no epicurean festival would be complete without this local spirit. See what goes into making the perfect Barbados Rum Punch and explore where we've been creating some of the world's finest rums for over 350 years!

Here are some pictures to tantalize your tastebuds and give you a flavour of the festival (sorry for the pun)!

Oliver Messel - Barbados Properties

A 'Messel' Property

Oliver Messel was an English born artist who originally specialised in stage design, but went on to transform luxurious properties in Barbados into masterpieces without formal architectural training.

Spending the last 12 years of his life on the island, the warmth and vibrancy seemed to encourage his imagination. Establishing his new career he designed and created nine signature houses in Barbados.

He first visited Barbados with friends in 1959 when Fustic House was his favourite property, which he re-designed in his distinctive style to create an elegant family home, and is now said to be 'one of the jewels of the Caribbean'.

The properties that he transformed, use all the trademarks of his theatrical design, such as white on white interior splashed with bright spots of colour. Another architect has described his work as 'converting ordinary houses into wonderlands'.

His creative ingenuity was evident throughout his career, and he is remembered as one of Britain's most talented stage designers.

Leamington Pavilion and Fustic house, both designed by Oliver Messel are just two beautiful properties amongst our vast luxury property portfolio!
Take a look....
http://www.elegant-barbados.com/

Elegant Address Luxury Property Group Wins Another Prestigious Award!

On Friday, 23rd October, Elegant Address Luxury Property Group were shortlisted as regional finalists to the Forward Ladies Women In Business Awards 2015 for the North West of England and the Isle of Man in the 'SME Emerging Business Of The Year’ category.

We were incredibly to win the title of 'SME Emerging Business Of The Year 2015' which is a fantastic accolade in this highly competitive category, against such an inspiring collection of women. The team had a wonderful time at the awards in Manchester and have now qualified into the National Finals which are in Leeds next month.

Last year, at the prestigious ceremony, our Managing Director Suzan Thompson, won two outstanding awards at the ceremony including Property Business Woman of the Year and the overall Business Woman Of the Year 2014 for the whole of the North West. 

The WIBAs, now in its sixth year, has become one of the most high profile and respected accolades for women recognising their enormous contribution to the economy and acknowledges start-ups to multi-million pound companies.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Forward Ladies judges and organisers of the event, we had a fabulous time! We would also like to take a moment to say we are hugely proud of our dedicated, professional team of ladies who deliver the highest level of personal service and knowledge to every client, and have a true passion for their work and areas we offer. Congratulations to the team and bring on the nationals!

We made a short celebratory video of our MD collecting the award at the Forward Ladies Awards.

If you would like our award winning team to find you THE address in Barbados, European Alps or The South Of France we can offer the very best, luxury villa rentals and hotels in the region. With exclusive, VIP access and concierge services, we offer our clients a tailor-made luxury holiday rental experience.

Call your dedicated, luxury regional specialists today: +44 (0)1244 629963

Barbados Chocolate Festival

January 29 - 30  2016

Who doesn't love chocolate? 

Having a whole festival dedicated to it is genius. 

 Sampling chocolates, pastries and sweets appeals to the whole family. 

What a perfect excuse to indulge in deliciousness.

Dedicating activities for children, and an evening with chocolate and wine for the adults,

this festival is only in it's second year yet it's already an extremely a popular event!

Over the dates they cover workshops, seminars, competitions and demonstrations and more importantly a lot of CHOCOLATE! 

The festival is for chocolatiers, bakers, pastry chefs and confectioners in Barbados, the Caribbean, or around the world. 

The two days are packed with culinary delights, and is perfect to taste, learn and appreciate the passion these professionals all share.

A chocolate lovers dream and heaven.

Find Out More....
http://www.barbadoschocolatefestival.com/#!about/cjg9

Elegant Address Barbados Guide: The Perfect Rum Punch

This week we have been perfecting our Barbados Rum Punch recipe (hard life eh?) so that you can enjoy a little taste of the Caribbean in the comfort of your own home or to impress your friends this weekend. Below is a very easy, quick and fool proof recipe, enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup White Rum (Barcadi)
1/2 cup Mount Gay Rum (the older the better!)
1/4 cup Malibu rum
2 1/2 cups Pinapple juice
2 1/2 cups Orange juice
1 Freshly squeezed lime
3 tbsp grenadine syrup

Optional extras:

Dash of Bitters

Grated Nutmeg

Method

- Combine all the ingredients in a large jug and fill up with ice cubes.
- Stir well and top with soda water if you don’t want it to be too strong.
- Garnish with pineapple slices or a glazed cherry

Simple and delicious!

Now sit back, relax, take a sip and imagine yourself on the white sandy beaches of Barbados....Or if you want to make that dream come true our dedicated Barbados specialists today would be delighted to help! Call today on +44 (0)1244 629963 or take a look at our incredible villas and hotels here: http://elegant-barbados.com/