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KEY FEATURES...
| Excellent range of Barbados rentals from modest 1 bedroom apartments to opulent 8 bedroom beachfront piles, always superbly presented, well-trained staff, consistent good service and property management |
CLIENT PROFILE...
| Across the range from regular holidaymakers to mega rich super stars; strong following of repeat clients and old Barbados hands |
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Review
Bajan Services is one of the top villa rental agencies in Barbados. They have been managing and renting out Barbados villas on the prestigious West Coast of the island for the past twenty-five years (and informally since before then) and have some of the island’s loveliest and most elegant villas on their books. Headed up by Sam Mahon, the company has a team of 22 on the villa rental and management side (they are also a very successful real estate agency) and they are known for their attention to detail and excellent levels of service, to villa owners as well as visiting guests.
Barbados has probably the most sophisticated villa rental businesses in the Caribbean and generally it looks after and presents its rental properties extremely well. Of course the Barbadians have had longer than other islands to develop the business. First because, as a holiday destination the island goes back 50 years, but also because they have always had to meet the demands of an extremely discerning client base. By clients, we mean house owners and well as rental clients.
Bajan Services Ltd was incorporated as a company in 1979, but it was founded on the back of a property management service that reached way back to 1970. It is in the top league of Caribbean property management and rental businesses. One of the authors of Definitive Caribbean has dealt with Bajan Services in a professional capacity and for private business for 25 years and can testify to the standards of excellence that the company has achieved.
The hallmarks of a good villa rental agency lie in how efficient it is at property management as much as whether the reservation department make the correct decisions in matching the needs of the client with the right property. Of course some villa agencies do not involve themselves in management. This can be risky for the traveller unless the agency has an extremely good working relationship with those in charge of the property and is prepared make its own checks prior to the arrival of guests. Even more risky is booking with an absentee owner who decides not to pay for professional management often leaving everything in the hands of their ‘trusty’ staff in order to save some money. Of course, the rental rates might be lower but there may be an unacceptable price to pay in terms of the quality of service and the standard of the property. Having travelled thousands of miles, are you prepared to take the risk?
The leading rental agencies market their properties globally on the internet and by more traditional means, particularly to the States and Canada, the UK and Europe. Their properties are featured by the best Caribbean specialist tour operators and wholesalers in those countries. As a visitor to the Caribbean you may prefer to book through a company in your country of origin, in order that they can incorporate travel arrangements for you and for better accountability. There is nothing wrong with that, and anyway the price should be the same. However, if you are looking to book direct, you need to know that you are dealing with a reliable company that is not going to let you down.
If you are an owner looking for a company that is going to look after your property well in your absence or a travel professional looking for great rental villas for your clients, or if you are a prospective villa guest, Bajan Services comes with an excellent track record and some of the best rental properties on Barbados. |
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Services
Villa management
Bajan Services have a team of eight experienced villa managers headed up by a department head with each one of the managers being allocated the responsibility of a certain number of properties. Their duty is not just to oversee the villa staff and the smooth running of the property but to meet guests, usually the day after arrival, to make sure all is and to ensure that everything is in place for a stress free and relaxing holiday. For those that have not booked through a tour operator or wholesaler with their own representatives on Barbados, the villa manager will also brief you on what there is to do and where to go on Barbados to make the best of your time on the island.
Reservations
The reservation department works closely with both direct clients and overseas operators/wholesalers and agents to ensure that the people end up in the right property to suit their particular needs. They will also make all the necessary arrangements prior to your (or your clients’) arrival. These include airport meet and greet, stocking the villa with groceries and attending to any special requests such as extra beds and baby equipment (see here for a price list). All are payable in advance (except groceries for villas with butlers) and should be made along with the final balance. In the event that Bajan Services can only provide an estimated cost for customised shopping lists, or where the final payment for the villa has been made prior to requests being made, you will be required to complete a credit card authorisation form.
Bajan Services has an on-line booking reservations system, and the company has entered into an agreement with Virgin Atlantic so that you can earn air miles when booking a villa. Be aware that for British and European clients a flight inclusive holiday booked through a tour operator specialising in the Caribbean may be more cost effective and will be bonded.
Grocery Supplies
Villa staff like to have the larder and fridge stocked for your arrival in order that they can welcome you with a drink, prepare an evening meal for your arrival and have everything to hand for your breakfast the following morning. This is normal procedure and unless you plan to do all your shopping upon arrival and go out for dinner that evening, you run the risk of starting your holiday experience off on the wrong foot if you choose not to conform!
Upon request therefore, whether you book direct or through your preferred travel organiser, Bajan Services will ensure that the villa is stocked with food and drink supplies. There are standard lists but you can order whatever you wish. The service is subject to a delivery charge, 15% service charge and then VAT on top, which will add to the cost of your shopping, but our feeling is that it is worth it for the sake of a hassle-free start to your holiday. Prepayment is required for provisional groceries (unless you are staying in a villa which has a butler) and should be made when sending the final balance for the villa. Please see here for Bajan Services general grocery pack list with approximate prices. In the event that Bajan Services can only provide an estimated cost for customised shopping lists, or where the final payment for the villa has been made prior to requests being made, you will be required to complete a credit card authorisation form. |
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Staff
Bajan Services employs a team of more than 50 administrative staff in the property management and reservation department. Some members of staff have been with the company for many years and are very good at what they do. Most importantly, every member of staff knows the houses personally and the reservation team can advise you whether a property is right for you or, if you are a travel professional, your clients’ needs.
Of course each villa has its own staff employed by the owner. At the top end, some properties come with a dedicated house manager as well as a butler and a chef, in addition to housekeepers and gardeners, but more commonly properties simply have a cook/housekeeper and maid/laundress who are overseen by a Bajan Services villa manager.
The Reservations staff is headed by Sherry Marshall, Reservations Manager. Other members of the Reservations team include Senior Villa Specialist Kirk Graham and Villa Specialists Asha Griffith, Shonnell Springer and Sandra Hull-Clarke. Tracia Burrowes is responsible for Concierge, Karen Hall is the Reservations Accounts Assistant and Allison Pollard is the Reservations Assistant. The Marketing department works closely with Reservations and its Marketing Coordinator is Ayanna Maynard.
The Villa Specialists are the people that know all the properties including those managed by other agencies but rented by Bajan Services. |
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Meet & Greet
If you are booking direct or through an agent that does not have its own representatives on the island, Bajan Services will send one of their company representatives to meet you at the airport and see you to your taxi, which they will also arrange for you on request. You will need to prepay this service when making payment for your final balance.
Unless you are a seasoned visitor and know your way around, we do not recommend that you collect your car hire at the airport or take an airport taxi to villa accommodation because the driver may not know how to get to the property itself. Also, taxi drivers arranged by your travel organiser or Bajan Services will keep in telephone contact with the villa staff in case of late arrivals and will tell them when to take your welcoming drink out of the refrigerator! |
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Check In/Check Out
The check in and check out regime is necessarily strict for villa properties because the priority is always given to preparing the villa for incoming guests.
Unless you make specific alternative arrangements at the time of booking, the check out time is at noon. The earliest check-in time for arrivals is 3 pm.
If your arrival on Barbados is earlier, please make sure that you tell your travel organiser or Bajan Services so that suitable arrangements can be put in place. You will find that everyone will be as accommodating as possible providing they have the relevant information well in advance. |
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Departures
If you have a hire car, you can choose to return it at the airport (making sure the luggage will fit, or order a taxi to help you out) or have it collected from the villa prior to your departure. If your travel organiser hasn’t already made the appropriate transport arrangements to take you back to the airport, you can book a taxi, minibus or limousine through Bajan Services. |
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Booking Conditions
Deposits and Payments
If you book direct, you will need to send a deposit of 25% of the total rental fee to confirm a reservation. Payment of the remaining 75% is required 30 days prior to your arrival, along with payment for groceries (unless your villa has a butler), transfers and baby equipment. However, Bajan Services reserves the right to request a deposit of 50% of the total rental fee before accepting any booking. Payment may be made by telegraphic transfer or International money order. If you are booking within 30 days of your arrival, full payment must be made to secure the booking. If your payment is late, the company reserves the right to cancel the booking and you will forfeit the deposit paid.
Cancellation Policy
You will need to cancel at least 60 days prior to your proposed arrival in order to receive a refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 30 days, you will be liable for the total cost of the rental. Similarly if you book within 30 days of arrival and cancel during that time, you will also forfeit the total cost of the rental. Again, if your payment is late, the company reserves the right to cancel the booking and you will forfeit the deposit paid.
It is worth noting that rates, length of stay, payment and cancellation policies vary for Christmas bookings.
Security Deposit
In addition to villa rental fees, a security deposit will be collected against any accidental damage that may occur during your stay or for miscellaneous charges that remain outstanding after your departure. This deposit is refunded seven days after departure less any charges. The security deposit may be included with your final rental payment or on island via MasterCard or Visa credit card.
Travel Insurance
Since accidents can happen, we recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy that gives you full protection for damage to Third Party property. For further advice, please see here.
Security Deposits are as follows:
1 & 2 bedroom villa/condominium: US$500
3, 4 & 5 bedroom villas (including Belair, Senderlea and Nelson Gay): US$1,000.
6, 7 & 8 bedroom villas (including Leamington Pavilion, Cockade House, Bohemia – Sandy Lane): US$2,500 |
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How to book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Bajan Services in Barbados, or if you wish to telephone them, their telephone number will be revealed if you click on the CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER link. |
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Weddings
A villa wedding is a lovely option and offers you the sort of privacy and ‘made to order’ experience that you would not be able to achieve at a hotel. A number of properties make excellent venues for villa weddings and give stunning backdrops for wedding photographs so if you like this idea, Bajan Services will happily liaise with your travel organiser and a professional local wedding organiser to ensure that everything goes smoothly on your wedding day. You may choose to wed at your villa or if you wish to marry in a church or at another location, you can have your reception at the villa.
There are usually restrictions on the number of guests you may have at any particular property, but a few villas will accommodate a very large number of guests, subject to you or your travel organiser working through a local wedding specialist, and all the arrangements being vetted and approved by Bajan Services and the property owner. |
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Portfolio Listing of Villas
DefinitiveCaribbean features a representative selection of the Barbados villa rentals that are available for rent through Bajan Services, which you may book directly, or through tour operators/travel organisers that have an agreement with the company.
See here for a complete listing of the Barbados rentals that we feature. For a full property review together with photographs and rates, please click on the name:
| Mullins Mill, Barbados
There’s a real sense of sampling a piece of Barbados history when staying at this wonderful eight acre tropical hideaway - its romantic 17th Century sugar mill provides a focal point and houses 2 of the 6 bedrooms. Splendid ‘botanical’ garden with tennis court, large swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Excellent spot for weddings and entertaining. Indoor and outdoor dining options. Private beach cabana on Gibbs Beach. | | Nirvana, Barbados
A comfortable 4 bedroom villa offering easy going living on the beach, with small colourful garden and direct access to a wonderful white sand Caribbean beach at Fitts Village, Barbados. Excellent sea swimming. Private plunge pool. Good all-rounder, which is ideal for families. | | Aquamarine, Barbados
A tremendously popular 3 bed/2 bath beachfront home set directly on Mullins, one of the finest beaches on the West Coast of Barbados. Excellent swimming. Perfect for families and barefoot living. | | Senderlea, Barbados
An elegant 2 bedroom beachfront villa retreat that should have you reaching for the bubbly, with jasmine scented gardens and glorious views to the Caribbean Sea. Picture perfect beach – a honeymoon idyll and a truly magical setting for an intimate wedding or anniversary treat. | | Harmony House, Barbados
Ever popular 3 bed/3 bath villa offering swish beachfront living, open plan living areas merge into outdoor terrace and delightful garden straight onto fabulous Gibbs Beach. Good for alfresco entertaining and small weddings. | | Casa Bella, Barbados
A comfortable and affordable 4 bed/3 bath villa with swimming pool, a beautiful private garden with views to the Caribbean Sea – 5 minutes drive to beach. | | Dudley Wood, Barbados
A romantic and charming 3-bed/3 bath split-level timber villa on Gibbs Beach – one of island's finest. | | Belair, Barbados
A stylish, 6 bedroom Barbados villa home on Mullins Beach - one of the best locations on the West Coast of the island – with a wide beachfront terrace for outdoor living. Excellent for small Caribbean weddings. | | Milord, Barbados
An extremely stylish and popular 3 bedroom Spanish-style beachfront villa on a stunning white sand beach with good swimming on the West Coast of Barbados. Elegantly furnished with a sophisticated yet charming ambiance. Great for couples, especially honeymooners or a family with older children wanting direct beach access. | | Fustic House Private Estate, Barbados
A captivating 6 bedroom/5 bathroom hideaway, heavily accented with Oliver Messel’s flair, set in 10 acres, part Garden of Eden botanical gardens, surrounded by cane fields and farmland overlooking the NW Coast. An exotic setting amongst nature and magical for weddings. | | Reeds House, Barbados
Contemporary, luxurious beachfront living, typical of Barbados, in well appointed 1-4 bedroom apartments at Reeds Bay with private spa pools and direct views to the Caribbean Sea. Best for professional singles, honeymooners and discerning couples. | | Mahogany Pod, Barbados
Six extremely well-proportioned 3 offering contemporary and stylish beachfront living, each a with its own plunge pool at Paynes Bay on the West Coast of Barbados, steps away from the Caribbean Sea. Close to top restaurants. | | Crystal Springs, Barbados
A magical 8-bedroom seafront home bearing the hallmarks of Oliver Messel who transformed it from a beach house in the 60s. Highly sought after for family get-togethers, celebrations and weddings. | | Oyster Bay, Barbados
A comfortable family Barbados villa for sun worshippers, on a fabulous beach with 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms, a swimming pool and good outdoor living space. | | Bohemia, Barbados
A must have villa for the VIP Caribbean traveller – 5 en suite bedrooms, opulent, custom made luxury with Versace trimmings, impressive entertainment areas, lots of toys including a Weinbach piano, set in 1.5 acres on Sandy Lane Estate. Perfect for corporate entertaining or a special wedding. | | Leamington Pavilion, Barbados
One of the finest properties available for rental in the Caribbean; 4 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Impressive without being over-formal, with excellent staff. Befits those with a taste for the finer things in life. | | Leamington Pavilion & Cottage, Barbados
Simply one of the best Barbados villas and probably one of the finest properties available for rental in the Caribbean with 4 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms plus separate 1 bedroom/1 bathroom seafront cottage . Glorious swimming pool. Impressive without being over-formal, with excellent staff. Befits those with a taste for the finer things in life. | | Nelson Gay, Barbados
A 6/7 bedroom gracious Barbados villa with a timeless quality and bags of old world charm and a massive shady garden fronting a lovely stretch of beach on the Barbados West Coast. Superb for entertaining, weddings, adult groups and families. | | MantaRay Bay No. 2, Barbados
A well appointed and exceptionally spacious 4 bedroom apartment set on a sea cliff and lovely sand in lower St James on the West Coast of Barbados - one of five high end apartments in a gated development. Set over two storeys, MantaRay Bay has delightful sea views and contemporary, beachfront style. Well suited for entertaining. | | Croeso, Barbados
A 4 bed/3 bath villa giving an elegant mix of English country manor and plantation great house opposite the Barbados Polo Club, wonderful swimming pool setting, views to the Caribbean Sea. Perfect for weddings and more mature guests seeking some refinement and formality. | | Merlin Bay Villas, Barbados
A tropical haven of eight blazing white 3 bedroom/3 bathroom villas with private plunge pools cleverly set around a glorious lagoon like swimming pool, with a picture perfect Barbados beach below. Perfect for resort style living without hustle and bustle. | |
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Portfolio listing of Cottages, Apts & Condos
| Little Seascape, Barbados
A charming one-bedroom apartment set upstairs in a cottage on Gibbs Beach on Barbados’s prestigious West Coast. Little Seascape is stylishly decorated and has an open plan living/dining area, a furnished sun terrace and a private path to the beach. It is ideal for honeymooners or for a couple looking for an intimate beach retreat. | | Leamington Cottage, Barbados
A very private, prettily furnished one bedroom Barbados villa - a seafront retreat with a large sun terrace, tucked away behind clever planting on the Leamington Estate. | |
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-Sherry-Marshall---Reser_normal.jpg "Sherry smiling for the camera, Bajan Services, Barbados Rentals")
-Shonnell-Springer---Vil_normal.jpg "Shonnell Springer of Bajan Services, real estate in barbados")
-Tracia-Burrowes---Conci_normal.jpg "Tracia Burrowes of Bajan Services, barbados properties")
-Kirk-Graham---Senior-Vi_normal.jpg "Kirk Graham of Bajan Services, Barbados villa rentals")
-Asha-Griffith---Villa-S_normal.jpg "Asha Griffith of Bajan Services, Villas in Barbados")
-Sandra-Hull-Clarke---Vi_normal.jpg "Sandra Hull-Clarke of Bajan services, Carribean villa rentals")
