Antigua Sailing Week 24-30 April 2010

Sailing Week, taking place from 24-30 April 2010, hosts six challenging days of races with a lay day mid week when English Harbour is the setting for a day of fun races with music and parties open to everyone. This year, some of the world’s top skippers will be taking part in the racing, including round the world yachtsman Brian Thompson, Olympic competitor Sally Barkow and America’s Cup competitor Doogie Couvreux.

Barbados Real Estate

After a few days in Barbados, many visitor’s thoughts turn to the idea of staying here permanently.  Although covering an area of only 166 square miles Barbados real estate has some of the most magnificent properties to be found anywhere.  From a seventeenth century plantation house to brand new luxury villas and condominiums, from timeshares starting at about $12,500US to luxury villas running to millions of dollars, Barbados real estate has something for everyone.  Barbados is a safe place to invest in real estate as unlike other Caribbean islands it is relatively unaffected by hurricanes which usually pass well to the north. 

Barbados has been recognized by the United Nations as having the highest quality of life anywhere in the developing world.  A stable U.S. dollar based currency, social and political stability, a low crime rate, a growing economy, world class telecommunications, a well educated and skilled labour force, an excellent health care system, a good road network, dependable public utilities and great weather all year round make it a favourite destination for everyone from budget travellers to rock stars and royalty.

Buying Barbados real estate is not difficult but there are things you need to be aware of.  There are no restrictions on non-Barbadians owning property, but there are certain formalities including getting permission from the central bank.  Financing is available to non-Barbadians but you must register any money you’re bringing in with the Central Bank so you can repatriate the funds if you decide to sell your property later.

Title conveyance must pass, and deeds and certified survey plans must be registered.  Purchasers require a registered Barbadian to search the register and establish title to the property prior to the completion of the sale and it is essential that you use a reputable Barbados real estate agent and lawyer to handle these transactions. 

Vendors pay a transfer tax of 7.5% on any value over $125,000 plus a sales commission of 5%.  Legal fees for both the vendor and the purchaser usually run at about 1.5-2%.  Once an agreement is signed and a 10% deposit is paid, the deal must proceed or the deposit is forfeited.

Owners pay an annual property tax of:

On the first $125,000 = 0%

Next $350,000 = 0.10%

Next. $500,000 = 0.65%

Excess                     = 0.75%

(All prices Barbados Dollars)

As with real estate everywhere the three most important things are location, location, and location, which means properties on the west coast are usually the most expensive, the south coast is next and the east coast and inland properties last.

If you don’t plan to spend all your time in your villa, rentals can provide a good return and cover your regular maintenance and management costs.  Prices have risen steadily over the years, although with the financial crisis high-end properties have seen a drop in prices by as much as 30%.

There are always new developments being built and depending on your tastes you will probably be able to find something close to a beach, a golf course, a tennis facility, a marina, a polo field or just about anything else you can imagine.

If you are interested in purchasing Barbados real estate there are a number of well established local and international agencies who can provide information about available properties and purchase requirements.

Magnitude-5.6 Quake Strikes Near Guantanamo, Cuba

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Guantanamo city in eastern Cuba on Saturday.

State Radio Reloj reported, the quake caused cracks in some buildings and some pieces of masonry fell.
The quake was also felt in Cuba's second city, Santiago de Cuba.

Barbados Airport Best In The Caribbean

The Airport Council International, a global association with over 130 participants in over 45 countries declared Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados the best airport in the Caribbean for service excellence. In the Caribbean and Latin America category, Barbados was third behind Guayaqui (GYE), Ecuador and Cancun (CUN), Mexico, respectively.

Colonna Resort, Antigua Opening Under New Management

Sunsail Sailing Vacations announces Colonna Resort, its Caribbean sailing and watersports resort in Antigua, will be opening under new management on March 19, 2010

Located on the northern tip of Antigua in Hodges Bay, Colonna Resort offers guests beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and year-round dinghy sailing and windsurfing.  Guests dine in the open-air restaurant overlooking the beach or enjoy rum punch and cocktails at De Rum Shack.

Watersports Beach

Colonna's private watersports beach, with protected harbor for launch and return, is ideal for beginners, while the cross-shore trade winds make it a favorite locale for intermediate and advanced sailors and windsurfers. A range of courses and free clinics are available, and fully-qualified RYA Instructors are on hand to assist.

Children's Programs

For children 8 to 17 the Youth Sailing Club offers a structured combination of sailing and fun. The hotel can also arrange a nanny or local babysitters.

Most of Colonna's guest rooms feature views of the Caribbean Sea, pool or gardens. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite baths.  Accommodations range from single rooms to three-bedroom villas that accommodate 6 or more people.

Special offers include a 10% Early Booking discount with bookings made 6 months or more in advance. Colonna Resort's week-long packages include all watersports equipment, two lunches, five dinners and dinner drinks.

To book a vacation at Colonna Resort, call a Sunsail team member at 800-772-3500 or, visit www.sunsail.com.

Shopping In Barbados

If you want to take a break from the beach, there are lots of great places to go shopping in Barbados! Barbados has a wide variety of shops, everything from small privately owned craft stores to large multi-national duty free retailers, casual open-air markets to elegant air-conditioned plazas.

Jewellery, watches, crystal, cameras, audio and video equipment, and fine fragrances are available duty-free with prices up to 50% off.  When making a duty free purchase you must present your passport or travel documents then take your purchase with you or have it delivered to the airport for pick-up when you leave the country.  Visitors to Barbados can also shop tax-free for up to one year after their visit if shopping by mail order.

Harrison’s and Cave Shepherd are the two biggest department store destinations when shopping in Barbados.  Harrison’s has nine locations, including Broad Street, Hastings Plaza, the airport and various hotels.  Cave Shepherd has locations in Bridgetown, DaCostas Mall, Sunset Crest, the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal, and the airport. 

Duty-free shopping for jewelry and gemstones is also available at Columbian Emeralds, Columbian Jewel, The Royal Shop, Correia’s Jewellery, Jewellers Warehouse, Diamonds International, and Little Switzerland.

Columbian Emeralds has locations in Bridgetown, the airport, and the Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal.  They provide a full guarantee on all their products, plus free 90-day insurance for damage, loss or theft, and certified appraisals on jewelry and gemstones.

Visit the Royal Shop for watches; manufacturers include Rolex, Omega, Cartier, etc. they also stock a selection of jewelry, silver and gemstones.

Correira’s Jewellery specializes in loose diamonds, gemstones, and gold and every stone comes with an appraisal certificate from one of the certified gemologists on staff.

Jewellers Warehouse is a unique store with a traditional atmosphere and friendly service.  Purchases are all guaranteed and certified.

When shopping in Barbados for fashion and accessories visit Colours of De Caribbean in Bridgetown, while Gatsby with nine boutiques along the west coast and in Bridgetown is the place to shop for designer clothing, shoes, swimwear, jewelry and accessories.

One of the joys of shopping in Barbados is finding unique objects hand crafted by island artisans. Island artisans sell fine arts and collectibles at craft fairs held throughout the year and at Daphne’s Sea Shell Studio, Earthworks Pottery, Fairfield Pottery and Gallery, Iron Gardens, and Pelican Village.

Many hotels are also home to small stores carrying a wide array of local crafts and designer fashions, and many villages and towns have stores carrying unique island crafts, as well as cigars, liquor, and collectibles.

Shopping in Barbados is not limited to Bridgetown.  Several smaller towns like Holetown in St. James and Speightstown in St. Peter feature craft shops and gift shops.  Several shopping malls and plazas are also located outside of Bridgetown.  Chattel Village shopping areas are becoming increasingly popular in Barbados.  They feature shops in housed in traditional chattel house style, and sell souvenirs, gift items, clothing and local arts and crafts. You can find these chattel house villages at Holetown, St. James and St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church.

Shopping Hours

When shopping in Barbados stores are generally open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., or 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 or 2.00 p.m. on Saturday.  Most stores are closed on Sunday.

The beaches are beautiful but shopping in Barbados provides a unique and interesting alternative.

Travelers To Cuba Require Medical Insurance

The Cuban government said that as of May 1 foreigners and Cubans living in other countries may enter Cuba only if they carry a travel insurance policy with medical coverage.

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Temporary residents will also need a health insurance policy during their stay, according to an agreement of the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers.

For information on traveling to Cuba, visit Island Guide Cuba

Direct Flights Between Barbados and Brazil Starting June 2010

Barbados signed an agreement with GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (GOL Intelligent Airlines) to commence direct flights from Brazil starting June 26, 2010.

The contract was signed by Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) President and CEO, David M Rice, and GOL’s CEO, Constantino de Oliveira Jr on Tuesday February 22 at the GOL headquarters at the Sao Paulo airport.

CUBA announced sales of US $360 million in international Cigar sales in 2009.

Habanos Group S.A commercial vice-president Manuel Garcia, prior to the inauguration of the 2010 Habanos Festival stated, "Cuban cigars enjoy an 80 per cent market value worldwide". 

The 12th edition of the Habanos Festival is focused on launching new cigars.

Antigua Resort Specials

Galley Bay Resort & Spa, St. James’s Club & Villas and The Verandah Resort & Spa are all offering an ‘Instant Savings’ promotion with up to 30% off for bookings through April 20, 2010  with travel now through December 20, 2010.

All Inclusive rates based on double occupancy per person per night at the St. James’ Club & Villas start at $182.00, the Verandah Resort & Spa from $182.00, and the Galley Bay Resort & Spa as low as $294.00.

I stayed at the Verandah Resort last year and can definitely recommend it!

Check out my website Island Guide Antigua for more info on the island.

Top 5 Barbados Beaches

Picking the best beaches in Barbados is obviously somewhat subjective, and the island has so many great beaches that picking the best is not an easy task. But I have been visiting Barbados for more than 20 years and wrote the book “Adventure Guide Barbados” so I think I’m fairly well qualified.

The following are in no particular order except that Crane Beach was the first place I ever stayed in Barbados so I put it first.

1 Crane Beach

Crane Beach is probably the most famous of all the Barbados beaches. Rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world it sits on the southern end of the east coast below the Crane Beach Hotel. The waves are quite strong so if you’re not a strong swimmer you may want to just lay on the beach and watch. Alternatively stop in for lunch at the Crane Beach and sit on the deck overlooking this magnificent beach. One thing to be aware of is the wind coming off the ocean makes it feel cooler than it really is and it’s very easy to get a sunburn if you’re not careful! But I think it’s fair to say if you go to Barbados then you must spend at least one day at Crane Beach!

2 Bottom Bay

Bottom Bay is just up the road from Crane Beach but it’s not easy to find, which means it’s usually quite deserted. Pack a picnic and some drinks and if you can get someone to take you and drop you off that’s probably the best way to find it. The first time I went I asked directions and I thought I followed them but I still couldn’t find it!

Once you do find it you won’t be disappointed. Again the waves are strong and there is no lifeguard, or most of the time anyone else, so it’s probably not a good idea to go swimming, and it’s not great for kids. But if you’re there with the one you love it can’t be beat!

3 Needham’s Point

There are two beaches at Needham’s Point on the south west coast. One has waves and is great for boogie boarding or body surfing. The other is completely calm and perfect for floating face up and thinking how perfect life is. It’s also great if you’ve got young kids.

The Hilton Hotel sits right on the beach and is a great place, if not exactly inexpensive, to stop in for lunch.

4 Brownes Beach

Brownes Beach is one of the largest beaches in Barbados, stretching all the way from Needham’s Point in the south to Bay Street on the outskirts of Bridgetown, the capital, in the north. There is a lifeguard on duty but no beach chairs, and not much shade. So bring a towel to sit on and a hat and sunscreen! The water is calm so great for swimming and kids.

5 Bougainvillea Beach

The Bougainvillea Beach Resort sits on this beach. If you’re looking for a great place to stay I can definitely recommend this hotel. A smaller, more intimate beach than the others, but just as beautiful. The only draw back with this beach is that some years it is smaller than others because the sea is higher some years. But nevertheless one of my favorites, with plenty of shade and with the Bougainvillea Beach Resort right there you can stop in for lunch, drinks or dinner.

Everyone who visits has, no doubt, a favorite Barbados beach, and if you go you’re never very far from one, and I encourage you to explore. But visit any of these five and you’ll definitely feel that you’ve finally found paradise. The only downside is that at some point you have to leave!

Fireball Barbados Set For April

The Barbados Tourism Authority Fireball Barbados Worlds 2010 will be held in Barbados from April 24th to may 7th.

150 teams from 17 countries including, South Africa, the Shetland Island and Ireland, will compete to beat last year’s winning team of Chips Howarth and Vyv Townend of Australia.

The fireball class of dinghy is a 16 foot, two person vessel.

The Barbados Sailing Association is the governing body for sailing in Barbados.

Cuba Video Postcard

Antigua Video Postcard

Barbados Video Postcard

Island Guide Cuba

Check out the Island Guide Cuba Website

Island Guide Antigua

Check out the Island Guide Antigua Website

Island Guide Barbados

Check out the Island Guide Barbados Website