Our Favourite Romantic Places to Propose in Barbados

As one of the most idyllic destinations in the world, where better to pop the question to your significant other than the beautiful island of Barbados.

The white sands and aquamarine waters provide that perfect tropical setting for an ultimate romantic marriage proposal. 

Here are our Favourite Romantic Places to Propose in Barbados

Sandy Lane Beach

Imagine the calm Caribbean Sea lapping gently against the soft sand whilst the sun sets on the horizon. Sounds amazing, right?
Situated on the Platinum Coast, Sandy Lane beach provides exceptional views to inspire the greatest shows of romance. 

Catamaran Cruise

Bridgetown offers some incredible catamaran cruises  where you can spend the day swimming with the adorable sea turtles or the schools of colourful fish. A magical way to present your soul mate with a very special piece of jewellery!

Snorkelling

If a unique proposal is your goal, why not try an underwater theme? Snorkels are great in the calm and shallow waters or you could try scuba diving to create even more unforgettable memories. 

Bottom Bay

A scenic and secluded location fringed with palm trees and hidden away. Bottom Bay is on the south east coast of Barbados and can be that dream-like option for your proposal. Take a picnic, unwind and relax as the sun sets beyond the sea.

Our expert luxury villa and apartment consultants are available to help inspire you with breath taking properties in Barbados. Our bespoke and tailor made service is unrivalled with knowledge and experience in the area. 

Contact us today:

enquiries@elegant-barbados.com

+44 (0)1244 62 99 63

Top 10 Beachfront Villas

The West Coast of Barbados is the place to visit for a truly unforgettable tropical retreat. With its gorgeous sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and the happy-go-lucky lifestyle, people from all over the world flock to the island to soak up some of the most incredible experiences. 

So why not stay in a world-class luxurious villa on the beachfront so you can be close throughout your stay? 

We have handpicked some of our favourites to help inspire you! 

Top 10 Beachfront Villas

Villa Greensleeves, St James

Features:
- 9 En-Suite Bedrooms

- An additional villa; 'Blue Point' with 4 bedrooms

- Luxurious Swimming Pool with swim up bar

- Flood Lit Tennis Court

- In House Cinema

You can view Villa Greensleeves on our website for more details and images.

Villa Crystal Springs, St James

Features:

- 10 En-Suite Bedrooms

- 1.7 Acres of Landscaped Gardens

- Your Own Private Speedboat

- Panoramic Sea Views

- Beautiful Terraces with Outdoor Dining Areas

You can view Villa Crystal Springs on our website for more details and images.

Villa The Great House, St Peter

Features:

- 8 En-Suite Bedrooms

- 30ft Gray White Pleasure Boat with Array of Water Sports

- Elegant Traditional Colonial Style

- Landscaped Gardens

- Professional Staff

You can view Villa The Great House on our website for more details and images. 

Villa Mango Bay, St James

Features:

- 7 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Private Beach Terrace

- Tropical Gardens

- Open Dining Gazebo

- Panoramic Sea Views

You can view Villa Mango Bay on our website for more details and images. 

Villa The Dream, St James

Features:

- 5 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Luxurious Contemporary Design

- Two Bars including Pool Side Bar

- Close to Golf Courses, Shopping & Night Life

- Covered Terraces 

You can view Villa The Dream on our website for more details and images. 

Villa Footprints, St James

Features:

- 5 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Infinity Swimming Pool

- Unique Contemporary Architecture

- Gym

- Panoramic Sea Views

You can view Villa Footprints on our website for more details and images.

Villa Sandalo, St Peter 

Features:

- 5 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Direct Beach Access via Private Gate

- 30ft Swimming Pool

- Amazing Sea Views

- Traditional Style Caribbean Decor

You can view Villa Sandalo on our website for more details and images.

Villa Fustic House

Features:
- 7 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Colonial Style Property

- 11 Acres of Tropical Gardens

- Lagoon Swimming Pool

- Private Estate

You can view Villa Fustic House on our website for more details and images.

Villa Bonita

Features:

- 6 Bedrooms

- Swimming Pool

- Panoramic Sea Views

- Close to Golf Course, Holetown & Night Life

- Spacious Patio Terrace

You can view Villa Bonita on our website for more details and images

Villa Moon Reach

Features:

- 5 En-Suite Bedrooms

- Beautiful Swimming Pool

- Secluded Tropical Gardens

- Gym & Games Room

- Panoramic Sea Views

You can view Villa Moon Reach on our website for more details and images

With the perfect weather, gorgeous beaches and heavenly Caribbean Sea to enjoy, we hope we've inspired you to take a peek at this beautiful island for your next holiday!

Speak to one of our experienced and expert luxury Barbados villa specialists today:

+44 (0)1244 629 963
enquiries@elegant-barbados.com

Crop Over Festival 2017

As a forever sunny and happy place to be, Barbados spreads the joy even more during their Crop Over Festival. Taking place from May until August, this incredible celebration has something for everyone and really emphasises the Barbadian way of life; full of colour, sun and smiles!

Crop Over Festival 2017

The Crop Over Festival is the most colourful and popular in the Caribbean and attracts thousands of people from all over the globe, including Barbadians who no longer live on the island. 

With origins dating back to the 1780's, the festival has deep set roots and is an important celebration to the people who live here. 

Barbados was the largest producer of sugar in the world, way back in the 18th century. The festival marked the end of a successful sugar cane harvest and became a huge tradition.

In the 1940's, the sugar industry declined sharply along with the success rate of the harvests produced. The Crop Over Festival eventually stopped altogether.

In 1974, the festival was revived and incorporated other Bajan cultural elements, really bringing the island together and showing the world what it was all about. 

Opening Ceremony & Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes

Being the very beginning of the celebrations, this is where the King & Queen of the Festival are crowned. This is judged by which male and which female has been the most productive cane cutters of the season.

Bridgetown Market

Running right the way through the festival, this incredible market features local food and beverages as well as arts and crafts to show off the unique Barbadian artistic flair. Calypso and Soca music is a major part of the celebrations and can be heard the whole time. 

Cohobblopot

A huge carnival like show where members of Kadooment bands display their amazing costumes and perform to packed audiences down the coast. 

Kiddies Kadooment

Children will never feel left out of the festivities and have their own mini version where they can show off their costumes and bands and parade for judges.

Calypso

Calypso is a major feature of Barbadian life and the Crop Over Festival.

Organised into tents, the groups are sponsored by Barbados businesses and compete for awards, prizes and coveted titles including 'Party Monarch', 'Sweet Soca Monarch' and 'Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch'.
The Pic-O-De-Crop is held at the Kensington Oval and is followed by the Fore Day Morning Jump Up.

Grand Kadooment

The finale of the festival features an incredible carnival parade featuring large bands in elaborate and often themed costumes. Designers can compete for the 'Designer of the Year' award and audiences are thrilled by the wild music, delicious food and drink and of course, the beach is always close by!

Have we tempted you to visit this Caribbean paradise yet?
Why not talk to one of our specialist Barbados villa & apartment experts today:

+44 (0)1244 62 99 63
enquiries@elegant-barbados.com

The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Barbados

It goes without saying that Barbados is our favourite Caribbean Island, but here are just a handful of reasons why....

The People 

Its a known fact that Bajan people are some of the friendliest in the world! With a welcoming and laid back culture you'll be sure to see plenty of smiles & lots of laughter. Its part of the islands charm, and makes it a definite favourite tourist destination. 

The Beaches 

Crisp blue waters, soft white sand, blaring sunshine, is the ideal image of a relaxing beach, Barbados beaches are truly beautiful whether you want a peaceful day sunbathing, or a day of water sports you can do both! What more could you want? Well, actually this leads on to our next reason.....

The Best Rum Punch! 

Now, you'd be mad to go to Barbados without trying their famous rum punch! Fruity deliciousness, with a good kick! Once you've had one, you'll be hooked and happily sipping the night away.

(warning - take it easy, they are stronger than you think!)

The Turtles 

A popular one for the bucket list!

 Turtle spotting, & swimming with turtles are the most wonderful experiences for the whole family, creating fantastic memories. A chance to visit these fascinating creatures in their own environment, not one to be missed! 

The Sunsets 

Whether you're on a romantic trip, or a family holiday make sure you watch the sunset! 

Take a stroll along the beach, or find a beach front restaurant (better still, from one of our beachfront villas!) and take in the array of colours and beauty, its a perfect Instagram opportunity! 

If you're looking for your perfect villa to experience this beautiful island visit our website and contact our experts: 

www.elegant-barbados.com

Visit our social media sites for more inspiring images: 

Elegant Address Barbados Twitter 

Elegant Address Barbados Facebook 

Elegant Address Luxury Property Group Instagram

*Images provided by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. 

Crop Over Festival Guide

As the weather heats up, its time for Crop over Festival, one of the biggest and brightest celebrations in Barbados! This colourful festival spans over the month of July, ending in early August with the incredible 'Grand Kadooment' parade which is filled with elaborately dressed dancers, bright carnival costumes and lively calypso bands. This is definitely one of the most exciting times of year to visit the island with thousands of visitors from around the World coming to join in the famous Bajan celebrations! 

Brief history of Crop Over Festival

Crop Over Festival dates back to the 1780's,when Barbados was the World's largest producer of sugar. At the end over every sugar crop season, the hard working harvesters would have a big celebration to mark another successful sugar cane harvest. 

As the sugar industry declined on the island, so did the celebrations and in the 1940's the festival was completely stopped for nearly 30 years. In 1974, Crop Over Festival was brought back to life by the Barbados Tourism Authority to become a celebration of Bajan culture and its rich history. 

What on during the festival?

The Crop Over Festival runs for 24 days every summer, starting on the second Saturday in July with a colourful parade through Bridgetown. Giant colourful floats, carnival bands and decorated carts ride through the town to the National Stadium where the opening gala is held. Here a sugarcane king and queen are crowned, who used to be chose as the most productive sugar crop workers of the season.

Throughout the 3 weeks, there are various parties, concerts, food festivals and other fun events to be enjoyed. Music is always a central point of the festival with the sound of calypso, soca and steel drums filling the air. 

The last week of the festival is when the more popular events take place. Bridgetown Market Street Fair is a food and music festival with plenty of food stalls, an arts fair (great for souvenirs!), Barbadian cooking contests and calypso music. 


The Big Finale

The finale weekend is the biggest party weekend of the year in Barbados! It starts with the wild Pic-o-de-crop calypso competition finals with extraordinary costumes, body paint and livebands which finishes with a spontaneous street party!  The next morning the Foreday Morning Jam takes place with 3.5km of dancing through the streets. On Sunday you can enjoy the Cohobblopot calypso show from the winners of the Party monarch. 

The Grand Kadooment, which is Bajan for “Big Deal” or “Big Fuss,”where various groups and individuals compete with themed costumes and song for titles including the Calypso Monarch, Road March Monarch, and Sweet Soca Monarch. Here is where you will see the famous pictures of people in headdresses, feather crowns and carnival outfits for the epic parade of live music, fireworks and partying through the night. There's no standing and watching here, so be prepared to dance til dawn!

Top 5 beaches in Barbados

Bottoms Bay

Bottoms Bay Beach is situated on the South Coast and is one of the islands most beautiful beaches. A serene, expansive white beach lined with coral cliffs and panoramic views of the south shore, this is always a popular picnic spot and place to relax and unwind for the afternoon until the sun goes down.

Crane Beach

Crane beach, named after the crane that used to be situated on top of the cliff to unload ships when it was originally used as a harbour, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Barbados and was rated ‘One of the ten best beaches in the World’ by Destinology and ‘Best Caribbean Beach’ by USA Today.

For centuries Crane beach has been a popular spot with both visitors and locals due to the natural beauty of the sparkling blue waters and soft sand surrounded by a coconut grove. Here you will find playfully powerful waves that are a haven for boogie boarders and surfers.  

Sandy Lane beach

The most famous beach in Barbados, the magnificent Sandy Lane Beach is situated on the West Coast also known as the ‘Platinum Coast’. A popular destination for celebrities, who stay in the Sandy Lane Hotel where the beach takes its name, this luxurious stretch of pristine sand is lapped gently by the perfectly calm Caribbean waters is one of the best swimming spots on the island as well as turtle spotting and water-sports.

Mullins Bay

Mullin Bay is located in the Parish of St Peter and is one of the most popular beaches on the West coast. This beach is the perfect place to relax in the Caribbean sunshine on a lounge chair under an umbrella or in the shade of the palm trees. With a safely roped off area, this beach is perfect for nervous swimmers or families and is a great place to watch the sunset with a rum punch from the beach bar.

Miami Beach

Miami beach, also known as Enterprise beach is located near the famous Oistin's fish market and is the perfect place to get some space during the week as it is rarely crowded but popular among locals on the weekends. On the west side of Miami beach the water is calm which is ideal for a family trip to swim with the children. On the eastern side the water can be great for a bit of body-boarding for the older children (or kids at heart!). Also don’t forget to visit the ‘Mr Delicious’ food truck which is located in the shade; it has some of the best fishcakes on the island!

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.