Barbados Property News April-May 2026

Luxe Caribbean Properties

Investment Opportunity

Ideally situated on Rockley Golf & Country Club, this exclusive new development features luxurious 2 & 3 Bedroom open plan condominiums in a great location. Offering comfortable living and excellent rental potential.

Pendry Residences Barbados Introduces Marina Living to the Platinum Coast

Along Barbados’ celebrated Platinum Coast, where calm Caribbean waters meet some of the island’s most coveted stretches of beachfront, a new marina-front resort and residential destination is coming to life. Pendry Barbados, the first Caribbean property from Pendry Hotels & Resorts, will bring together a limited collection of branded waterfront residences, a full-service resort, and a private marina designed to place boating and coastal living at the center of the experience.

Set just moments from historic Speightstown, one of Barbados’ oldest port towns, the development occupies a rare position along the island’s northwest shoreline. Owners and guests will move seamlessly between the surrounding community and the resort’s expansive amenities, creating a natural connection between town and waterfront.

The resort will feature approximately 80 oceanfront guest rooms and suites alongside private Pendry Residences, complemented by a marina and a collection of distinctive amenities, including a variety of dining venues, Spa Pendry, a state-of-the-art fitness center, expansive event spaces, and signature family offerings such as Paintbox Children’s Club and Compass Sports.

Construction across the site continues to advance, with several early components already complete. The Marina Pool, Residential Owners’ Lounge, and Fitness Center for residence owners are finished, offering a first look at the design approach and lifestyle envisioned for the development. This Spring, the hotel is expected to reach another major milestone as the structure tops off, marking meaningful progress toward the arrival of Pendry’s signature hospitality experience in Barbados mid 2027.

Complementing the resort is Pendry Residences Barbados, a collection of 46 fully furnished private homes ranging from two to five bedrooms. Designed with bespoke interiors by RH, the residences reflect a contemporary approach to Caribbean living, with generous layouts, expansive terraces, and sweeping views of either the ocean or marina. The residences are designed to accommodate both entertaining and everyday living, balancing open gathering spaces with more private areas for retreat. Select groundfloor homes include private gardens and infinityedge pools, extending the sense of outdoor living that defines the island. Prices begin at $2.7 million USD, with select homes expected to begin delivering later this year.

Ownership is supported by Pendry’s dedicated residential liaison team, assisting with day-to-day needs and ensuring residences are professionally maintained when not in use.

Pendry Barbados represents an important step for Pendry Hotels & Resorts, the contemporary hospitality brand from the Montage Hotels & Resort lineage founded by

Alan J. Fuerstman. Known for combining thoughtful design with intuitive service and a strong sense of place, Pendry properties are created to feel both elevated and deeply connected to their surroundings. That philosophy shapes the vision for Pendry Barbados. Rather than functioning solely as a traditional residential building or resort, the destination has been conceived as a social and lifestyle hub where owners, guests, and locals can gather around dining, wellness, and time spent on the water.

At the heart of the development is the private, 110-berth marina, a feature that distinguishes the project along this stretch of coastline. Designed to accommodate vessels up to 80 feet, the marina will serve as a gathering point for boating enthusiasts. Those who secure a marina slip will have access to the Pendry Yacht Club, which will include a private Clubhouse, Marina Pool, and a poolside bar, along with a curated calendar of events intended to bring members together throughout the year.

Dining will play a defining role in that experience. Several venues are planned across the property, each designed to transition naturally from daytime to evening. A signature restaurant will anchor the culinary program, joined by more casual options including a market and café for lighter fare and a speakeasy-inspired bar offering a more intimate nightlife setting overlooking the marina. Reflecting the welcoming spirit of the property, the restaurants will be open to the public and available for reservations, encouraging both locals and travelers to make the destination part of their regular dining rotation.

Wellness will be another central element of the property. Spa Pendry, the brand’s signature spa concept, will offer a curated menu of restorative treatments tailored to the slower pace of island life. The spa will also welcome outside guests, extending the experience beyond those staying on property. A fitness center and Compass Sports programming will support an active lifestyle, while the pool, beach, and surrounding terraces offer space to unwind with open views toward the ocean.

As the project continues to take shape, Pendry Barbados signals a new addition to the island’s luxury hospitality landscape. With its waterfront setting, thoughtfully curated resort offerings, and limited collection of private homes, the destination introduces a lifestyle shaped by the sea, the surrounding community, and the easy pace of life that defines Barbados.

To learn more about Pendry Residences Barbados and ownership opportunities, visit: www.pendry.com/residences/barbados

Editor’s Comments

It’s our annual green edition and spring time in this part of the world! Long past are the days when we hide our heads in the sand and pretend that climate change doesn’t exist. Evidence is all around us – glaciers melting and strange and often intense weather patterns worldwide. It’s up to every one of us to be responsible – reuse, recycle and be accountable.

Thank you to the team at Blue Print Management for their extremely insightful article. Eco luxury living is here – homes are more valuable when built with strong sustainability credentials. We may not be able to afford everything but we can certainly buy more energy efficient appliances like fridges, washing machines and dryers. We can build our homes in such a way that allows for cool breezes to ventilate the property using less air conditioning and electricity.

Exciting things are happening at Pendry in St Peter and we thank them for the update! I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy and the team at Polo recently and this project is breathing wonderful life into the north of the island and when finished in 2027, promises to be spectacular.

Walkers World have moved to Lears Industrial Park – check them out as their new space, all on one floor, is filled with quality, affordable and tempting things for the home! Their new bedding section is extremely impressive with their own special brand of sheets and towels!

Remember, BPN is on line www.barbadospropertynews.com and on social media. Take shopping bags with you and never litter this beautiful paradise many of us call home. It can be your home too… read on…

Pamela x

if you would like to advertise in

Credits

Publisher – Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Gunsite Townhouses

Brittons Hill, St Michael Barbados

Tel (246) 232 0692

Email: sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com

Editor/Advertising – Pamela L Hiles

Design and Art Direction – 809

Distribution – Hiltop Publications Ltd, Brian’s Print Brokerage Printing – COT Printery

The Material and editorial contained in this publication have been deemed accurate at the time of going to print. The views expressed as editorial are those of the Editor unless stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the permission of Hiltop Publications Ltd.

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US $650,000 (furnished)

El Sol Sureno, Penthouse 30 - Christ Church 2 bed, 2 bath penthouse apartment in gated community adjacent to Barbados Golf Club. US $495,000 (furnished)

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The Mount 5A - St.

4 bed, 4 bath charming multi-level home in quiet neighborhood, with panoramic island views. US $850,000 (semi-furnished)

Durants Fairways 136, Tisbliss - Christ Church 4 bed, 4 bath stunning Mediterranean-style home in highly sought-after Durants Fairways. US $1,425,000 (unfurnished)

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Shermans, One Shermans - St. Peter 3 bed, 3.5 bath brand new two-storey home o ering modern coastal living with sea views. US $1,950,000 (furnished)

and US $181,416

DESIGN

Luxury Meets Sustainability

The Growing Trend of Eco-Luxury Living

Not long ago, luxury and sustainability seemed to occupy entirely different worlds, one defined by opulence, excess and indulgence, while the other defined by awareness, responsibility and more conscious choices. Today, that divide has all but disappeared. Across the globe, and increasingly throughout the Caribbean, project managers, developers, architects and everyday buyers are collectively rewriting the definition of what it means to “live well”. Eco-luxury living is no longer a niche concept reserved for eco-warriors with deeper pockets — it has become the new benchmark of smart, sophisticated living - and for very good reason!

Leading the Charge

The world’s most prestigious real estate developments are embracing sustainability, not as a concession, but as a centrepiece. New builds and renovation projects are being designed and redesigned from the ground up with environmental stewardship at their core. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, once a corporate office achievement, is now a coveted hallmark of responsible project management. High-end developers are discovering that their buyers are not just asking about square footage and finishes, they want to know about carbon footprints, healthier building materials and energy systems.

In the Caribbean, where the natural environment is both our greatest asset and our most vulnerable resource, this shift carries significant weight. Newer homes are being designed to work with the landscape rather than against it, incorporating passive cooling strategies, natural ventilation and site planning that preserves existing vegetation. The homes attracting the most attention and the strongest market performance are those where environmental consciousness meets aesthetic excellence in an inseparable fusion.

Solar Energy and the Rise of the Smart Eco Home

As the smart home revolution took hold, it has merged seamlessly with the clean energy movement, producing a new generation of residences that are as intelligent as they are beautiful. Solar photovoltaic systems, once an afterthought bolted onto a rooftop, are now architecturally integrated into the very design of homes - featuring sleek solar roof tiles, aesthetic panelling and solar carports that double as striking design features.

Beyond energy generation, smart home technology allows residents to monitor and manage every aspect of their home’s energy consumption in real time. Automated climate control, smart lighting systems and energy storage solutions work together to create homes that can operate entirely off-grid whenever necessary. For island residents and second-home owners in hurricane-prone regions, this energy independence is not merely a lifestyle luxury, it is a fundamental form of resilience. When the grid goes down, these eco-smart homes simply do not.

Eco-Friendly Pools, Landscaping and Materials

Perhaps no transformation is quite as striking as the one found in the finer details of how we live - pools, gardens and the materials that bring it all together. Traditional swimming pools are notorious for their energy and chemical consumption, but today’s eco-conscious pools tell an entirely different story. Natural swimming pools, using aquatic plants and biological filters to maintain water quality without chlorine, are becoming a signature feature of well-designed properties. For those who prefer a

more conventional pool experience, energy-efficient variablespeed pumps, solar heating systems and saltwater conversions dramatically reduce both environmental impact and operating costs.

Landscaping too has made significant progress, having moved well beyond just manicured lawns and imported ornamentals. Designers are now turning to native and drought-resistant plantings that require minimal irrigation, support local biodiversity and create stunning, authentic connections to your surroundings. In tropical settings, thoughtfully planted gardens provide natural shading, reduce ambient temperatures and channel breezes through outdoor living spaces, delivering a kind of effortless comfort that no air conditioning system can replicate.

The materials used in construction and interior design are equally telling. Reclaimed hardwoods, recycled stone, lowVOC paints, sustainably sourced bamboo and other greener alternatives are replacing the carbon-heavy imports that once defined high-end construction. These intentional choices do not compromise quality or beauty but rather, they add layers of character, craftsmanship and a more meaningful story than massproduced materials ever could.

Eco-Luxury, by Design

The convergence of luxury and sustainability is not accidental, it is the result of a fundamental shift in what today’s consumer values. Research consistently shows that today’s property owners and renters rank environmental responsibility among their top considerations when making significant investments in how and

where they live. For this market, sustainability is not a checkmark but an extension of identity, values and legacy.

Forward-thinking developers and design-led brands have recognised this reality and responded accordingly. Sustainability credentials have become a compelling signal to buyers, not because they are fashionable, but because they communicate something deeper in shared values and spaces built with intention, quality and an understanding of the need to preserve the future. A well-designed, eco-conscious home signals more than investment; it signals mindfulness.

Properties with strong sustainability credentials tend to command premium valuations, attract higher rental yields and hold their value more reliably over time. Energy-efficient, resilient homes cost less to operate, require less maintenance and are better positioned to meet future regulatory requirements. In markets where sustainability legislation is tightening, being ahead of the curve is not just good ethics; it’s good investment.

The era of choosing between living beautifully and living responsibly is over. Eco-luxury living has made one thing unmistakably clear, beauty and responsibility are not only compatible, they are also naturally aligned. The most breathtaking homes being built today are those designed with genuine respect for the world they inhabit. As this movement continues to gather momentum across the Caribbean and beyond, one truth is increasingly evident - true luxury is sustainable.

A Smarter Drive for a Changing Island: The BYD Dolphin Mini

The conversation around vehicles in Barbados is changing, and it goes beyond rising fuel prices. There is a growing focus on technology, efficiency, and how well a vehicle fits into a more modern way of living. The BYD Dolphin Mini stands out in this space, not as an entry level option, but as a clear example of how far automotive design has evolved.

At the heart of the Dolphin Mini is BYD’s electric platform, developed entirely in house. Unlike many manufacturers that rely on outside suppliers, BYD produces its own batteries, motors, and control systems. That level of integration shows in the overall experience. The car feels cohesive, responsive, and thoughtfully engineered rather than pieced together.

A key part of that experience is the Blade Battery. This is one of BYD’s most important innovations, designed with safety, durability, and stability in mind. In a climate like Barbados, where heat and humidity are constant factors, that kind of engineering

is not a luxury, it is essential. The Blade Battery is built to perform consistently over time, offering peace of mind for drivers thinking long term.

Inside the vehicle, the Dolphin Mini reflects a broader shift toward smarter interiors. The digital display is clean and easy to use, with intuitive controls and seamless smartphone connectivity. Navigation, media, and vehicle information are all accessible without unnecessary complexity. It feels closer to interacting with a smart device than operating a traditional car.

On the road, the difference is immediate. Electric driving delivers smooth, quiet acceleration without the noise and vibration of a combustion engine. The result is a calmer, more refined experience that suits both everyday driving and longer trips across the island.

There is also a practical side that cannot be ignored. Barbados remains exposed to fluctuations in global oil prices, and that uncertainty affects everyone. Electric vehicles offer a level of stability. Charging costs are more predictable, and for those with access to solar energy, the savings can be significant over time.

For homeowners and developers, this shift is already creating new expectations. Properties that support electric vehicles, whether through charging points or solar integration, are becoming more attractive. The Dolphin Mini fits naturally into that environment, connecting transportation with a more energy conscious lifestyle.

This is not simply a change in fuel type. It is a shift in how driving feels, how it functions, and how it fits into daily life. The Dolphin Mini represents that shift clearly, combining advanced technology with practical benefits in a way that makes sense for Barbados today.

Where better living begins

Your home should reflect more than style - it should reflect the way you choose to live.

With quality materials, modern finishes and solutions for more efficient living, Kooyman supports the creation of homes designed for today and built for tomorrow. Let’s build together.

Understanding the Real Estate Process in Barbados: A Friendly Guide for

By Janet Bailey

Buyers and Sellers

Understanding the Real Estate Process in Barbados: A Friendly Guide for Buyers and Sellers

The Barbados real estate market has a charm all its own—sun kissed coastlines, vibrant communities, and a stable property system that welcomes both locals and international buyers. But whether you’re dreaming of a seaside villa, purchasing your forever home or an income generating property or preparing to sell your home, understanding the process can make the journey smoother and less stressful. Here’s a simplified, engaging walk through of how real estate really works on the island.

1. Have a Clear Vision

Every successful property journey begins with clarity. Buyers should outline their budget, preferred location, and must have features—whether that’s ocean views, proximity to schools, or investment potential. Sellers, on the other hand, should assess their home’s condition and gather key documents such as land tax bills and title deeds. A Barbados Plan of the land is also necessary and must be less than 20 years old. Losing title deeds can severely hamper the sales process. A clear starting point saves time and unnecessary delays.

2. Partner With a Licensed Real Estate Agent

In Barbados, agents play a central role. They help buyers find suitable properties and guide sellers in pricing, marketing, and negotiating. The Barbados Estate Agents and Valuers Association (BEAVA) maintains professional standards and has a list of knowledgeable and trustworthy and licensed agents from which you can choose. A good agent becomes your navigator throughout the entire process and quite often becomes your friend.

3. Viewing, Valuing, and Making an Offer

Once a buyer finds a property they love, they submit an offer. Negotiations may follow—sometimes quick, sometimes not —

but once the offer is accepted, the next step is valuation. This ensures that the price reflects market conditions and helps to determine a final sale price. Once the sale price and all logistics are agreed upon, the process moves to the legal stage.

4. The Legal Process: Attorneys Take the Lead

In Barbados, attorneys handle all property transfers. Buyers’ attorneys conduct title searches to confirm ownership, check for encumbrances, and ensure the land is free of disputes. Sellers’ attorneys prepare the conveyance documents. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a 10% deposit, which is held in escrow until closing. This legal due diligence protects both parties and keeps the transaction secure.

5. Financing and Closing the Deal

Buyers needing a mortgage will work with a local bank to finalize financing. Banks may require their own valuation and supporting documents. Once everything is approved, the attorneys complete the transfer, the remaining balance is paid, and the keys (if a structure is involved) officially change hands. Congratulations—you’ve just bought or sold property in Barbados.

6. Taxes and Fees to Keep in Mind

Sellers pay the Property Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty, along with their attorney fees and commissions due to agents; while buyers cover their legal fees and any bank charges. Foreign buyers face no restrictions on property ownership, but funds must be registered with the Central Bank of Barbados to ensure smooth repatriation later.

The real estate process in Barbados is structured, transparent, and designed to protect everyone involved. With the right guidance and a little island patience, buying or selling property here can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Janet Bailey is a Real Estate Practitioner for the past 24 years and is currently lead broker at Star Brook Realty, and Secretary of the Barbados Estate Agents and Valuers Association - BEAVA

Northern Ireland-based Cinemagic expands globally with first Barbados film academy

• The film charity expands international impact into the Caribbean for first time

• Northern Ireland–Barbados business link emerged from an Invest Barbados business forum in Belfast last year

• Twenty Barbadian young people will be mentored by a professional film crew, earning official film credits and contributing to long-term creative industry pipeline growth

Northern Ireland-headquartered Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People is set to expand its international reach, with the launch of its first Caribbean short film academy in Barbados this month in association with the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.

Filming is currently taking place, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the award-winning youth film charity, a professional Barbadian film crew and 20 young people from across the island.

Founded in Belfast 37 years ago during the conflict in Northern Ireland—often referred to as the Troubles—Cinemagic has grown into the largest film and television festival for young people in the UK and Ireland.

What began as a cross-community initiative to bring Catholic and Protestant young people together through film has evolved into a globally recognised model of youth engagement and creative skills development, delivering projects in Los Angeles, across the Middle East and throughout Ireland and the UK.

Over the years, its work has attracted the advocacy of leading figures from the global film industry, including Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan, Paula Malcomson and Oscar-winning writer and producer Julian Fellowes.

The Barbados initiative represents the next stage in Cinemagic’s global growth. The project was initiated following Invest Barbados’ inaugural business and investment forum

in Northern Ireland last April, where film and location development were identified as priority growth sectors. After attending the event, Cinemagic Chief Executive Joan Burney Keatings MBE began discussions with senior representatives from Invest Barbados, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) of Barbados, and Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.

Over the past six months, Cinemagic has been developing the script in collaboration with participants, mentored throughout the process by internationally acclaimed, award-winning screenwriter Maire Campbell. The story is close to the charity’s heart, tackling a challenge identified by the young people themselves. In this case, they chose to explore the impact of drugs on youth, drawing inspiration from many real-life stories.

Central to the production is Verdun House, a project of The Substance Abuse Foundation Inc. (SAF), a registered Barbados charity established in 1996 to address the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Rooted in a message of hope and healing, Verdun House reflects the belief that even in the darkest moments, recovery and renewal are possible. Verdun House, together with Bath Beach on the island’s east coast, will serve as the film’s two principal shooting locations.

The completed film will serve as an educational resource in schools across the island and is set to premiere in Barbados in summer 2026

A distinctive element of Cinemagic’s internationally recognised model is its partnership with local professional crews. In Barbados, industry professionals including a scriptwriter, director, producer and heads of department across costume, production and technical disciplines will mentor and work directly alongside the young participants. Each participant will receive an official film

credit, providing tangible production experience and professional accreditation for their CV.

Joan Burney Keatings MBE, Chief Executive of Cinemagic, said: “Cinemagic was founded in Belfast to create opportunity and connection through film. Thirty-seven years later, that same ethos continues to shape our international work.

“Barbados represents an exciting and strategic new chapter. This is not simply about producing a short film. It is about working in partnership to build skills, capacity and a sustainable creative pipeline for young people.

“We have seen in Northern Ireland how investing in young creative talent can contribute to long-term sectoral growth. By collaborating with experienced Barbadian industry professionals and local partners, we are supporting the development of practical skills and real-world production experience that can open doors for the next generation.”

All funding for the Barbados project has been secured locally, thanks to support from the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados and Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.

This funding will enable the charity to engage 20 young people: 10 students from Barbados Community College studying film and media through the institution’s Mass Communication programme and 10 students from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment’s Digital Media Programme.

Carol Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, said “The National Cultural Foundation is delighted to partner with Cinemagic on this project, as it fits quite seamlessly with our developmental programming in Film. It is a great example of cultural diplomacy at work and will provide yet another creative conduit for the dissemination of Barbadian storytelling seen through the imaginative lens of our young people.”

Mrs Phillipa Challis, Trustee, Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, a philanthropic foundation based in Barbados dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children across the island, added:

“The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust is indeed delighted to support

this initiative, which provides young people in Barbados with meaningful opportunities to develop their creativity, confidence and practical skills. Programmes such as this are particularly valuable as they open doors for young people, especially those from more disadvantaged communities, to explore new pathways and realise their potential. We are proud to partner with organisations such as Cinemagic and the National Cultural Foundation to support initiatives that inspire, empower and invest in the future of our children.”

Cinemagic’s CEO Joan Burney Keatings said the initiative also reflects the growing cultural and business links between Northern Ireland and Barbados.

Barbados has increasingly positioned itself as an attractive filming location, with recent international productions including Outer Banks and Succession.

The initiative also aligns with strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties between Northern Ireland, Ireland, Great Britain and Barbados. In recent years, Barbados has increased engagement with businesses across the island of Ireland, hosted trade missions and appointed representation in Dublin, while tourism links between the regions continue to grow.

If successful, Cinemagic intends to explore rolling out its film academy model to other islands within CARICOM, positioning Barbados as the first Caribbean partner in a wider regional programme.

For Cinemagic, the expansion illustrates how a Belfastborn organisation continues to translate local experience into international impact, using film as a platform for skills development, collaboration and long-term creative growth.

From Belfast and Dublin to Los Angeles and Amman, Cinemagic has consistently demonstrated that such collaborative models create pathways into employment, further training and industry placements for young people. In Los Angeles, the organisation has built a 17-year bridge with major studios and media organisations, culminating annually in an annual high-profile Gala Showcase attended by more than 600 invited industry guests. https://cinemagic.org.uk/