Barbados resorts are renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, year round sunshine and warm white sandy beaches. Yet Barbados is also full of history that is far different from the world, as we know it. Barbados is a country filled with friendly people and a relaxed environment, however, history will reveal otherwise. Records have shown that this country has experienced many periods of ruling, conflict and colonization from different groups.

History

Evidence will show that the first indigenous settlers were the Arawaks, who lived seemingly peacefully on the island for many years. They were recorded to be particularly good at practising agricultural techniques that included growing corn and cotton. They had designed and created advanced tools of their own to aid them with the agricultural farming and for fishing.

The Arawaks were believed to have been the settlers of Barbados until 1200 AD, when the seemingly violent and aggressive Carib groups had almost wiped out the Arawak settlers. The Spanish and Portuguese had then entered into the country, with the Spanish deciding not to settle in Barbados. The Portuguese colonized the island in the 16th century, with these settlers cam the name of Los Barbados meaning ‘bearded one’ on account of the fig trees that would grow on the island.

The English would not follow suit in the colonization until 1625, in which they claimed the land as their own in the name of King Kames I. Two years later settlers were brought in to the land, with the worlds third parliamentary democracy formed. 80 settlers and 10 slaves were brought to the island, with many of the settlers being rich and wealthy.

It was not long before the Dutch had introduced the sugar cane, and very quickly, the crop became the main sources of making money. This also included cotton and tobacco crops. The island became the place, which would dominate the sugar industry until around 1720. This was also the period in which slaves from West Africa were introduced to the island to work along on the crops and fields.

The end of slavery came about around 1834 whereby some had decided to continue working on the crops. However, 1838 saw their freedom become imminent, and many of the Bajan (Barbadian) people began taking on high roles and filled high ranking jobs on the island.

The quality of life reduced dramatically on the island during the period of the Great Depression. Jobs were lost and rioting had developed amongst the people in the streets, the sugar industry was thriving up until this point and the English had stepping to fund the island keeping it as it was. However it was evident that the people of Barbados wanted to take control of their island, and so independence was granted in 1966.

Today

Tourism became a lucrative business in the Barbados resorts, with its diverse history and many different cultural influences this has become one of the most popular destinations to visit. The island exhibits a rich British culture, with cricket being its main sport. The people are religious and resemble an Anglican culture, and surrounded by Georgian and Victorian housing.

The African slave had helped in building the foundation for the sugar plantations, with many of the African people having built some of the first chattel houses to move from one plantation to another. Other lasting impressions of the African culture are in their art, crafts, food and music of Barbados.

Barbados is an ideal holiday destination with it’s laid-back style and people. The country possesses a beautiful, tropical climate with a drier season between December and May and a wet season from June to November. It has coastlines of beautiful white sand beaches, tax-free shopping, great resorts and restaurants. It also has a lively nightlife with a range of clubs and bars.

As well as being an oasis for tourists, it is also one for those seeking property in Barbados, as well as residents. Barbados houses, apartments and villas have a high quality design and there are a number luxury residential resorts around Barbados. Properties are popular for many stars from the US and the UK who have bought luxury Barbados villas here and have stayed in the country over many years.

Due to high demand for Barbados properties, since 2004 there have been many more built; Many more people want to live in Barbados from across the globe and in particular from countries such as Canada and the UK. Barbados holds a high quality perception with property buyers, and this has inevitably attracted new residents and buy-to-let investors to take advantage of the tourist demand.

In Barbados, properties can vary in price and size. Luxury Barbados villas can cost up to £5 million sterling, however a one-bedroom Barbados apartment can cost from as little as £50,000, so there is a wide range to suit potential buyers looking for property for sale in Barbados.

When thinking about buying property in Barbados, purchasers should consider that the cost to purchase property is about 2 percent of the value of the property.

Barbados has a solid reputation in the overseas property market and property in Barbados continues to sell, although the market has slowed somewhat with the global economic slowdown. This inevitably means there will also be good value Barbados property for sale, combined with the leverage in making deals when buying properties in Barbados. Barbados apartments, houses and villas have good quality design and finish and there are many resorts across the country.

Those buying properties in Barbados to let to tourists may be able to yield an average annual rental income of five percent. Investors, should also focus on achieving capital growth with their Barbados property in order to gain a maximum return on investment over time.