Skip to main content

Working Remotely? Why Not Do It In Barbados


Families have turned lockdown into the experience of a lifetime, with a move to Barbados during COVID-19. 

For Ian Adam-Smith, a British architect in his fifties, lockdown meant almost exclusively working from home. But 'home' didn't have to be at his actual home in Surrey, UK, he realised.

Like many other people this year, Adam-Smith applied for and was granted the '12 Month Welcome Stamp', a new temporary work permit issued by the Caribbean island nation for those working remotely with an annual income of US$50,000 or more. 

"I have run my business from home for many years, working remotely. I find that quietly hiding myself away from distraction is where I have created some of my best designs, and I have a brilliant team in the UK to help me turn these into reality," said the father-of-five. "My dream is for my sons to gradually work their way into the family business enabling me to spend more time in the sun and start my days with exercise on the beach. Lockdown has proved how connected one can still be through zoom calls, even as far away as Barbados." 

Chris Parra, director and founder of estate agency One Caribbean Estates said that the new permit has generated "quite a bit of interest globally". Specifically there has been over 1,000 applications for the Welcome Stamp so far, with most enquiries coming out of the UK and Canada. 

“Generally speaking, the people who can afford the cost of travel and the rental of a holiday home, long term are affluent individuals, couples, families between the ages of 30 years and 60 years old," he points out.

The terrace of Caprice (c) One Caribbean Estates

"For some people who are semi-retired, the intention to work is secondary, and in these instances they are more focused on spending extended periods of time on the island soaking up the Barbados year round sun, with a view to reviewing real estate opportunities; the perfect try before you buy scenario”. 

Parra said that other recent families enquiring to move to Barbados through the permit include a British accountant and spouse from Birmingham, UK, a Canadian fund manager from Toronto with their family, and a Canadian cookbook author and Food Network personality, also with their family. Barbados is popular with families because of its high level of international schooling. For example The Codrington School is an International Baccalaureate World School which is authorized to offer all three of the IB’s ‘gold standard’ educational programmes. 

In terms of the right neighbourhood to choose, Parra advises the East Coast, Cattlewash and Bathsheba are quiet and natural perfect for those who really wish to work ‘remotely’. These areas are also popular with surfers, eco enthusiasts and those seeking absolute peace and quiet. Meanwhile Oistins and St Lawrence Gap are both more lively and fun areas on the island, and for golf lovers there is the Royal Westmoreland Estate - a world-class golf, beach and spa estate located on the prestigious West Coast of Barbados.  

The pool terrace of the Nelson Gay villa which rents for between $2,200/night (summer months)- $3,450/night (winter months) (c) One Caribbean Estates

Parra adds that there has also been a spike in demand for local properties, both rental and acquisitions. On the market for rental currently is a one-of-a-kind property built in the 1950's by British architect, Nelson Gay. It has hosted a roster of famous guests, Hollywood royalty and captains of industry including Sir Ronald Tree, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, Winston Churchill, Princess Margaret and the Countess of Snowdon. Another high profile guest at Nelson Gay was Douglas Urbanski, the producer of Oscar-winning film Darkest Hour.  He was quoted as saying…”I fell in love with Nelson Gay without any reservation, a complete love affair with the place”.

The property was inspired by a book on life in the Windward Islands, she moved from England to Barbados in 1958. Nelson Gay is considered by many to be her finest work, and one of Barbados’ most elegant homes, retaining the charm of a bygone era. The house is built of native coral stone in the grand Palladian style, with 14-foot-high ceilings. It was commissioned by US Ambassador Bob Scotten, who was a friend of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A bedroom at the Nelson Gay villa which rents for between $2,200/night (summer months)- $3,450/night (winter months) (c) One Caribbean Estates

Barbados made headlines this month after it announced it would return to a Republic, aiming to remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state by November 2021. In a speech, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbadians wanted a Barbadian head of state. "The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind," said the speech. "This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving." On of the more prosperous islands, Barbados, once reliant on sugar exports, has successfully diversified into tourism and finance and appears to have a bright future. 

And importantly in the current climate, Barbados has not been badly affected by COVID-19, with only approximately 165 cases and 7 deaths, and hopefully will keep its rate down. Any travellers arriving into Barbados from this month must present a valid COVID-19 negative test result taken no more than 72 hours in advance.

With the pandemic showing no signs of letting up, if you are going to be self-isolating, it may as well be in Paradise.