Vacation Rentals by Owner

Another Wonderful Day at Hummingbird

Guest: Rita C.
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/01/12

What a complete joy it was to live in a beautiful and peaceful home for 9 days. John and the ladies that cleaned the house were so friendly and helpful to us it was like staying at a 5 star hotel. Being able to walk out to our sparkling pool and step into a cool and very clean pool every day made us feel like billionaires. We talked to many of the locals as they went about their daily lives including the farmer that would move his cow from pasture to pasture. Our daughter wanted to take "Cow" home with her. Our every need was met. Be sure to be home around 4:30pm for the ice cream truck that comes by each day. If we are ever lucky to come back to Barbados we will certainly rent the Hummingbird Villa again.

Recommended for:

Great Time!

Guest: Michael R.
Date of Stay: 02/23/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

We were there for two weeks spanning February and March 2012. I agree with all of the positive comments that folks have written about their experiences at the Hummingbird Villa. John (house caretaker) was very helpful and available whenever we had any questions and made sure that everything in the house was in tip top shape. He answered all of our questions – even the stupid ones! We enjoyed eating out on the patio by the pool and spent most of our time outside. There is a refreshing breeze from the ocean that keeps the patio cool and comfortable. The house is well maintained and all of the appliances worked without issue. The Internet connection and provided laptop kept us in touch with the outside world as did the cable flat screen TV. The Wi-Fi worked well and we used our computers out on the patio. The house is on a quiet street with lots of privacy. Things we liked: Internet Access, A/C (only needed the first night – you get used to the temperatures very quickly!), modern appliances including the ice maker in the fridge, cable TV, clean pool, tidy yard, quiet neighborhood, well-stocked supermarket relatively close by, clean and well kept bedrooms and baths, plenty of towels, etc. Things we didn’t like: It rained for most of two of the 14 days we were there! We’ve travelled a lot in the Caribbean since 1993 and have been to most of the islands, this is definitely one of the best places we’ve stayed! You won't be disappointed if you stay here - recommended.

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Dream Vacation

Guest: Adam D.
Date of Stay: 02/11/12 Review Submitted: 02/22/12

What a wonderful vacation we had at the Hummingbird House! Jan and John made the arrival a breeze; we even had our rental car waiting for us at the house before we got there. John’s advice on local spots really helped us enjoy the local flavor, and essence that Barbados brings. The home itself was exactly as it was described. The beaches were absolutely incredible! At times you almost feel like an explorer, as some of these spots are so remote, and appear to be the perfect location to film the next installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Was hoping to find some hidden treasure in the form of gold, but instead found it within the warm and friendly people. The wildlife was great, and we enjoyed seeing the monkey scamper across the wall of the neighboring villa. All of us, including Wilson, had the most adventure, relaxation, and fun that anyone could pack into one vacation. Every one of us said it was the best vacation we’ve had in years. I highly recommend this property to anyone whether it’s for a family, or for adults who want to savor the best beaches Barbados offers. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories! – Adam Dudgeon- Ohio, United States

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Hummingbird House **Paradise**

Guest: Billie Jo R. (Manawa, WI)
Date of Stay: 12/13/11 Review Submitted: 12/25/11

We just returned to Wisconsin from this beautiful place. We were VERY happy with our recent stay at the Hummingbird House. We arrived late on 12/13 and stayed with friends from New York and our two daughters, age 12 and 26, The house was just as it was described - everything was how we imagined it. The pool was great, the house was clean and the perfect size. The property manager, John, was awesome and very helpful with everything. We used the grocery store at Six Roads very frequently....they had the necessities as well as lots of rum. We spent lots of time at the pool and took a cooler to the beaches nearly every day. We went to all four beaches that were within walking distance. We went during the morning, during the afternoon and at night even (full moon)! Our favorite was Harrismith Beach and we usually had the beaches to ourselves. We drove around the island a few times, saw some monkeys, went to the Sunbury Plantation, the gardens and a few other beaches. The West side was very populated and had good restaurants and shops, but way too crowded and the beaches near us where the best. The weather was perfect every day! The owners and managers of this property were top notch. They answered all of our questions, took good care of us, had a great property that lived up to its description. Thank you!!

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Great house

Guest: Kim T.
Date of Stay: 11/15/11 Review Submitted: 12/01/11

The house is the perfect size for our family of 4, including 2 young children. It is close enough to Bottom Bay (and the area quiet enough) that you will hear the ocean surf crashing in the rocks below the cliff. While you will need a car to go to other parts of the island, we particularly like the location because it is in more natural surroundings and away from the active west side of the island.

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Very good place within Barbados

Guest: Stephan H.
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

We have visited Hummingbird House end of Hurricane season (Oct. 2011) and enjoyed it. Many thanks to John (the local manager) for his kindness and support during the stay. You get many information around the location, what to do and what is going on in Barbados. The description of the house fits to what we have read on this site. The house is pretty good for two people like us and maybe for a family of 4 persons, maybe to narrow for four adults. We appreciated the two mobile phones, the WLAN access and the pre-filled fridge especially if you arrive very late at Barbados. The pool situation is already described in other reviews. We were already aware that there is no pool service. This is ok. In such cases without pool serice, I highly recommend to make pool cleaning tools available as well as a short explanation how to keep the pool clean (e.g. provide chlorine pallets and better cleaning tool beside a simple fishing net) in order to avoid a turnover of pool water during two weeks of our stay.But this is maybe the only point we have to mention around the pool.However, very bracing at the end of the day! We have also used the grill... good stuff but the warm rain and has unfortunately prevented us from using the grill more frequently :-). One note to the description of the location: it may work -- during daylight :-). But if you arrive very late, it is much better to take a taxi from the airport to the villa otherwise you are maybe lost :-). The car rentals are offering bring-in service. To all of you who are looking for villas in Barbados: put Hummingbird House in any case onto the short-list. You will enjoy the view and the short distance to our favorite beaches Bottom Bay and Crane.

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Excellent Accommodation

Guest: akalabb (Barbados)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 11/03/11

The property is exactly as the owners said it would be! We had an excellent time and absolutely loved our stay there. It is conveniently close to a beautiful beach, and not too far from the supermarket and gas station. The apartment was very clean and well stocked with all the amenities of home. It was wonderful having WiFi, and even though the cable didn't work while we were there, we didn't miss it because it gave us more time to spend in the pool. It was truly a relaxing vacation! Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. We will definitely be booking again next year.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Excellent Villa

Guest: Curt R. (Calgary, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/19/11

Quite an enjoyable experience we travelled to Barbados in the low season, which was still stunning. Villa keepers were easy to deal with and helped out in anyway. If you're looking for R&R I would recommend this Villa hands down. Usually I dont write reviews but WE LOVED IT! Short distance to anywhere on the island, Bottom Bay was AMAZING. We also LOVED Harrismith which is 5mins from the Villa. Beach all to ourselves.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Hummingbird House - The Perfect Beach Escape

Guest: Joe and Friends (New York, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

Our stay at Hummingbird House was great. We arrived 5 hours late, due to plane issues, and Jan was still waiting for us at the door with a warm welcome and tons of information about the house and the island. John, Jan’s husband and the other property manager, even brought us to the mechanic when we got a flat on our rental car. Jan and John were there for all of our needs and provided us with their phone numbers and two local cell phones with prepaid minutes. Renting a car is definitely a must for your stay at Hummingbird. Beware of the poorly marked roads and the potholes all over the island. The house was exactly as advertised and had everything we needed (a fully stocked kitchen, refrigerator, stove, beach towels, etc…). We spent most of our time sitting in the backyard under the covered deck in the perfect weather either eating around the outdoor table or lounging in the hammock. The pool was also a perfect refreshing break from the salt water after coming back from Bottom Bay or the many other beautiful east coast beaches, as were the air conditioned bedrooms. Jan and John also recommended a local cab driver named Buffy for us the days we did not have a car. Like all of the locals we met in Barbados he was extremely friendly and gave us additional advice on beaches, events and places to eat and even shared a few meals with us. I could not have imagined having a better stay at Hummingbird House and would highly recommend staying here on any trip to Barbados, as I hope to do again sometime not too far in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Amazing and relaxing

Guest: Edoardo P. (ITALY)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

The house it's amazing, really. We've stayed there for 2 weeks, and we have enjoyed every single minute. Youhave all you could want and need. Janet and John do whatever they can to help you in case of need. Bottom Bay it's the perfect place to stay and to travel around the island. For us it has been perfect. You should know, only, that the east coast is not good for swimming, so even if the beaches are stunning, you won't be able to swijm in the sea. But that has nothing to do with the house that is perfect!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Hummingbird, Private, Relaxing Vacation

Guest: Yvonne, Dale, Janet, Barrie & Louise (Brockville, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/12/11

We left a cold winter behind to an island of sun, warmth, blue skies and friendly people. Upon our arrival our welcoming committee of Jan and John, property managers, familiarized us with the house and answered our questions, they were only a short walk or phone call away. They were truly a wonderful couple who loved the island and the area. The Hummingbird was a wonderful place to call home for two weeks for five adults. Two double French doors opened to a breath-taking view of the ocean, a short distance away, our outdoor patio with its patio chairs, hammock, and dining table suitable for six was a dream area out of the sun to relax, read, eat and socialize. The villa was clean, comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked with a refrigerator that made crushed ice, ice cubes, and dispensed cold water. The kitchen had a blender with which we made our banana daiquiris. The pool was a glorious place to cool off and socialize or you could take an easy walk to Bottom Bay Beach, a picturesque cove with white soft beautiful sand and rolling waves. We were told by the natives to not swim but our feet did get wet when walking too close to the water. Driving on the left side of the narrow not well marked roads can be a challenge at times; but we toured the different areas of the island every other day in our rented vehicle. It is helpful to have a very good map, compass, an excellent navigator and driver. We ate at a few restaurants - The Atlantis, Tapas, The Crane Beach Sunday Buffet, The Tamarind & Bert’s Sports Bar, the latter a favourite place of Canadians because it is owned by the owner of the Ottawa Senators Hockey team. The meals we ate at home were barbequed on the BBQ that we rented. We bought our groceries at Emerald City grocery store where we found the prices very comparable to home. There was a shopping morning in Bridgetown but were anxious to get home to our wonderful and peaceful villa away from the hustle of the island so that we could take in the solidarity of our place. All five of us would highly recommend the Hummingbird Villa and certainly will consider it again on another visit to the island. Amanda and Maurice, the owners, have been most helpful as well and very quick to answer any question we sent them by email. We would like to thank them and look forward to being in touch with them again soon for another vacation. Yvonne, Dale, Janet, Barrie & Louise – Brockville & Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Bottom Bay - what a great getaway.

Guest: winter,cold, snow (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/11

This was a fantastic spot. My husband and I have done a lot of travelling and this was one of our favourite spots. It is a great spot for children. Our children are age 6 and 8, the perfect age to enjoy the pool and the ocean. We explored many of the island beaches and each had it's own unique qualities. We spent several days at Crane beach ( only a 10 min drive). It had some of the best sand my toes have ever felt. It is rough but swimmable surf which the kids enjoyed immensily. My husband and my son boogy boarded for hours while my daughter and jumped and were carried in by the waves. Although they can both swim we did put them both in lifejackets. The waves provided hours of entertainment and the water was warm. We took several trips around the island and all were great adventures. The highways are tight and small but all part of the adventure. Roads are not always marked well but we always seemed to find our way with a few detours. The island is small but it takes a little longer to get somewhere than you think so just plan your timing. The island is safe and the people are extremely friendly so you can always ask if you get lost. The bungalow was beautiful with the ammenties you need. The view from the porch was breathtaking. We enjoyed coffee in the morning , a banks( the local beer) in the afternoon and dinner in the evening there. The wind, and it is wind, not a breeze was very welcome in the heat of the day and we found it to be one of the great things about that spot. The pool is clean and just the right size for children to play in or for a quick dip to cool off in. The kids enjoyed the frogs, grasshoppers and lizards that we saw on a daily basis in and around the property. We also took them snorkling with the sea turtles. It was a great experience. The turtles came right up to you. Emerald City had all your grocery needs and we brought along a few of the things we needed. We made most of our meals. I would recommend Mullins for lunch, up on the West coast. You sit right over the beach. The food was great and reasonable for Barbados. Some of the restaurants can be very pricey. We found this one to have great service and good food for the price. The surf is very different on the West and South coast so I definately recommend a day trip to each. All of the beaches are extremely beautiful with water so clear and blue. A car is a must; you can see and do more and you can enjoy the island living better.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay to enjoy the SE coast of Barbados

Guest: Jason (Parker CO)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/01/11

I went to Barbados as a 3rd grader back in 1985 and stayed at Ginger Bay Resort, which is just a few minutes' drive from the Hummingbird villa. I remember having a great time playing in the waves (which were sometimes quite big) and playing on the beach. Since then, I always wanted to return to Barbados. When planning the trip, I knew I wanted to stay on the SE coast because that is where the waves are large but you still have a sandy bottom. I searched and found this villa which appeared to have a great location and a great price. The villa turned out to be exactly as advertised -- located close to beach, clean and well-maintained, and comfortable. Our family of 5 stayed for 2 weeks and the kids loved playing in the small pool out back. We cooked about 2/3 the time and went out the other times. You will definitely want to rent a car if you stay here so that you can get around easily and not spend your vacation walking to the bus stop and waiting. We rented a large Suzuki APV van for $1000 US for two weeks from Jones Garage. If you are looking for a great place to stay to play on the beach and enjoy the waves, this is it. On the other hand, if you want to be closer to surfing, more restaurants, or nightlife, then look for the south or west coasts. It just depends what you are looking for -- this fit the bill perfectly for us. Be prepared for sticker shock at the grocery store and restaurants -- you will pay about double what we pay in Colorado.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Even more amazing than the pictures! More than we dreamed. Don't really want to share the place.

Guest: Amy K. (Georgetown, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/27/10 Review Submitted: 11/10/10

Everything about Hummingbird House was wonderful. Neighborhood & location by Bottom Bay Beach were perfect -exactly as described. We went pretty much all around the island, and would still choose to stay here again. I had obsessively looked where to spend our 10 pm trip, looked at lots of places online. Reserved 10 mos. ahead. This is the best, especially for the price. You can hear ocean from back of house -frogs were competing quite well with it at night. We were there during Hurricane Thomas and felt completely safe. The managers that live right down the street were awesome. Jan & Jon were perfect -there to greet us, show around, blow up air mattress (which my son loved). Jon cleaned the pool, was there to check things out -but never in the way. He made sure everything was fixed with storm, etc. TV, electric, internet only out about 2 days - which was great considering damage around the island. There were flash lights, gas stove/oven to cook on. The storm actually made us take a break from driving around the island, which was stressful at first, but got used to it. The people in Barbados are very friendly and helpful for the most part. We went to Bathsheba and Freights bay/Cotton bay to surf. Other side of island to snorkel and swim @ lots of beaches. Takes a while to drive around, need map!Our maid came once during stay & went way above call of duty! The house was clean, plenty of kitchen stuff (cooked a lot- only ate out once). Got groceries at Six Cross Roads (10 minute drive) Emerald City Grocery Store. You definitely want a car when you stay here. I don't mind riding buses, but the routing and time waiting, would not work out good at all. The owners were very good about advice and description before I had booked, helping me make good decisions. The air conditioning in bedrooms worked perfect. Bathrooms & hot water great. Kids especially enjoyed the pool. Hammock nice. They have lots of beach stuff to borrow, even a chair, but there were already chairs down on beach. Beaches there were beautiful - water color unbelievable. Waves very rough, but sandy bottom beach at Bottom Bay - so played in them. We've been to lots of beautiful beaches - this one really does top them. You need to read the entire website about house and beaches there, etc. (if you want to compare to others) - just believe the description -it really is that great! Just do NOT stay there when I want to reserve it again, because we plan on going back. Thanks to owners for sharing!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Bottom Bay

Guest: Anthony (Houston TX)
Date of Stay: 10/02/10 Review Submitted: 10/15/10

Just spent a week with my wife and two younger kids at the Hummingbird House. Absolutley fantastic. So clean and convenient, had everything you need in a fully stocked kitchen and pool area. We loved it. The beach is right nearby and it is very quiet and safe there. We would definitely return to Barbados and stay on the Eastern side of the island in Bottom Bay. The house is just as advertised. You must have a vehicle there, use the grocery store at Six Roads to stock up your fridge ans save $$ instead of eating out everyday. Great times.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

fantastic

Guest: rachel (reading, england)
Date of Stay: 07/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

just returned from a 30 night stay at this wonderful villa. what can i say a real home from home all we had to do was unpack the cases. there was something for all of us a swimming pool for my 7yr old, computer with free internet for my 16yr old, a hammock on the patio for my fiance to enjoy a few rums, shade for my dad and a great kitchen for me to cook meals. i still cant believe that everything we needed was available it was so much easier not having to worry about packing beach/pool towels, Jon & Jan were great they were there if we needed them & gave us plenty of tips about the local area which was also fantastic. I would recommend hiring a car but as the island is not that big nothing is too far away, from the time of enquiring about villa the whole process was just so easy and the communication with the owner maurice was great...I would definatley recommend this villa & we hope that when we return to barbados in 2 yrs time this villa is available..

Owner response:We're glad that Rachel & family had such a great vacation with us in Barbados!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Guest: Moira Burhoe MacDonnell (Dartmouth, NS, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/24/10

We had a wonderful time staying at Hummingbird House at Bottom Bay. The pool was a perfect size for cooling off and teaching our 3 yr old to swim. We brought home many beach combing treasures found at Harris Smith Bay at low tide. We were caught in a rain shower and were able to find shelter under a out-cropping of the coral cliffs. Although the tradewinds blew almost every day of our 10 stay, one day swimming was possible, as the surf decreased. I would only recommend that for strong swimmers though. At Bottom Bay, there is beautiful white sand and although it is a popular tourist stop, they often just drop by for a stroll and depart for the next stop on their journey. Very relaxing!Each evening we had a late supper on the patio and swam in the pool before bed. There is air conditioning in each bedroom, but not all members of our party even turned it on with the breeze off the water blowing through.We travelled with a 3 yr old and my parents; even so the villa had plenty of space for each of us to feel comfortable and to get some private time when needed.Barbados is a wonderful island, so much to see and although I had never driven on the "other" side before, it was easy to adapt. We travelled 9 out of 10 days and covered all coasts and the interior. We would recommend snorkelling at Payne's Bay (get a foot massage for $10 US from Mr. Fantastic), body surfing at Enterprise Beach (great for children and adults too), where as an added bonus you can watch the planes arriving at Grantley Adams airport. Shopping with the locals at Sheraton Centre (bought some fabulous fabrics) and getting fresh fish and produce at the Oistins Fish Market (try the Marlin). We attended the Oistins Fri night fish fry as well, it was delicious, but the Fri night fish fry at the Church of the Nazarene, just 5 min from the villa may have been even better. Be sure to tell them it's your first time. I paid $40 and asked for a variety of items, all of which were superb; the macaroni pie was the best I have ever had.I would recommend buying t-shirts, postcards, greeting cards, etc, at the airport in the duty-free shops, as the prices were $5-15 Barbados cheaper than I paid elsewhere. If you buy shoes at the store st Six Roads, be sure to have your passport and flight information, so you qualify for the duty free non-resident price. Recyclables can be returned to the bottle exchange in the same parking lot and the amount received is considerably more than we r

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Guest: aerosunbury (Sunbury, Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

We have just returned from a wonderful spring break at your lovely house. Your house was exactly as depicted in the photos and on your website. It was complete with everything required for a perfect getaway all the way down to the beach towels. Your house is tucked away in the perfect spot to get away from the hustle of Bridgetown. We were amazed at how breathtaking the beaches were and also how deserted. There were many times that we had the beaches to ourselves and when we did run into people, it was amazing how friendly they all were. I have never been to a place that I have felt so welcome. Your quick recommendations made it an easy vacation to plan, and it felt like we only came home to sleep. I would defiantly recommend this island to visit, and your house to stay at. We hope to return again, and when we do, we will be sure to look up your site for reservations!

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Guest: Rob and Kara (Newfoundland, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/05/10 Review Submitted: 04/05/10

March 14th, 2010 Recently returned from a wonderful 10 day getaway to Barbados. Feel very fortunate to have had an opportunity to stay at Hummingbird house.For starters, Maurice, the owner, made it quite easyto organize. He provided us with all the informationwe required, and was readily available online forany questions or concerns we had.Hummingbird House is located in an amazing partof the island, one of the nicest areas as far as wewere concerned. We decided not to rent a vehiclewhile there and used the buses which were fine,however, next time I believe we'll hire a jeep.The house itself was very clean, and the beds werequite comfortable. A/C in the bedrooms was a nicetouch. The furnishings were modern and thekitchen was excellent, fully equipped with modernappliances and quality cookware/utensils. We usedit quite a bit as we preferred to eat at the villa. Thenearby Emerald City Grocery Store had everythingwe needed and more.The deck and pool were very pleasant, and i thinkwe could have spent the entire holiday sitting out there relaxing.Lots of other nice touches that I just don't haveroom to mention! Almost hard to write this reviewas we'd like to keep the place a secret....Rob and Kara

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Americans on Spring Break

Guest: aerosunbury (Sunbury, Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

We have just returned from a wonderful spring break at your lovely house. Your house was exactly as depicted in the photos and on your website. It was complete with everything required for a perfect getaway all the way down to the beach towels. Your house is tucked away in the perfect spot to get away from the hustle of Bridgetown. We were amazed at how breathtaking the beaches were and also how deserted. There were many times that we had the beaches to ourselves and when we did run into people, it was amazing how friendly they all were. I have never been to a place that I have felt so welcome. Your quick recommendations made it an easy vacation to plan, and it felt like we only came home to sleep. I would defiantly recommend this island to visit, and your house to stay at. We hope to return again, and when we do, we will be sure to look up your site for reservations!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Tim the Teacher (Celina Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

We just finished a wonderful visit to Hummingbird House in the southeast corner of Barbados. The home was very well stocked with everything we needed. There was an ample supply of cooking gear and dishware along with plenty of linens including beach towels. If you need some kind of beach gear it was available as well within the home. There was even a small ice chest we used on the beach. When we wanted to visit the west coast where there are many places to eat we drove a short 15 miles.If you are looking for a comfortable place to stay away from the the hustle of the city with a world class beach literally 3 minutes from your front door then this is the rental for you and your family.

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Guest: The Owen family (Hampshire, United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 03/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/10

We had a wonderful holiday in Hummingbird House. The villa is clean and well-equipped. This side of Barbados is very unspoilt and less built-up than the west coast. It has the added benefit of being more breezy but you really need a car as there aren't as many restaurants. There is a very well-stocked supermarket though so it is easy to self-cater. The swimming pool was perfect and we spent most of the holiday in it. We would highly recommend this villa and Bottom Bay as a location.

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Wonderful stay just completed

Guest: Tim the Teacher (Celina Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

We just finished a wonderful visit to Hummingbird House in the southeast corner of Barbados. The home was very well stocked with everything we needed. We shopped at a large local grocery that was 4 miles from the house. If you want to buy fresh fish like we did, you can drive to the Oistens Fish market and purchase fresh fish to prepare at home. There was an ample supply of cooking gear and dishware along with plenty of linens including beach towels. If you need some kind of beach gear it was available as well within the home. There was even a small ice chest we used on the beach. When we wanted to visit the west coast where there are many places to eat we drove a short 15 miles.The pool was clean and a welcome relief after a day shopping or sunning on the beach. The cable television worked well and there was an internet connection to send pictures back if you want to make someone really jealous. If you are looking for a comfortable place to stay away from the the hustle of the city with a world class beach literally 3 minutes from your front door then this is the rental for you and your family.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kathy164 (East Quogue, NY 11942)
Date of Stay: 01/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/18/10

I spent a week at the Hummingbird House with two STRESSED out college sophomores. We had a wonderful week of sun and relaxation. Hummingbird is in a beautiful area of Bottom Bay. It really is only a two minute walk from the most beautiful beach in Barbados. Wonderful warm breezes and turquoise blue water. I highly recommend packing up your family and vacationing at Hummingbird House to relax and reconnect.

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Guest: canadianfamilyoffour (ontario, canada)
Date of Stay: 12/11/09 Review Submitted: 12/11/09

We had a lovely time at Hummingbird house. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, the house is fully equipped and the location is close to the beach. The host and his caretakers are very helpful. Would recommend highly.

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A great family spot in Barbados

Guest: canadianfamilyoffour (ontario, canada)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/11/09

We had a lovely time at Hummingbird house. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, the house is fully equipped and the location is close to the beach. The host and his caretakers are very helpful. Would recommend highly.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Brian & Helen Cain (Cary, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/09 Review Submitted: 09/17/09

Hummingbird Villa, Atlantic Rising, St. Philip, BarbadosJune 18 – July 2, 2009 Our two weeks in the villa proved to be the most relaxing vacation we have ever taken. The villa is located away from the main tourist centers of the island but, given the small size of the island, is within easy driving distance of everywhere The villa is spacious, very clean, well appointed and the kitchen well equipped. We found basic supplies in the kitchen as well as two prepaid cell phones, which we were required to reload before we left. There is a house phone and a PC with internet connection, although service to the island is somewhat unpredictable.The villa is very comfortable for four people. The covered patio really helped define our vacation as we spent a great deal of time relaxing and dining there. Sun beds and a hammock, as well as a dining table and four chairs, are provided on the patio, which looks directly onto the pool that is perfect for cooling off.There was a constant breeze from the Atlantic so we enjoyed having all the windows in the villa at least part open to allow the breeze to cool the rooms and only found need to use the very quiet A/C units while sleeping. We utilized the full kitchen most evenings to prepare a range of 2 & 3-course meals. The view from the villa to the east is unobstructed to the Atlantic Ocean, which is a couple of hundred yards easy walk away. We spent several days on Bottom Bay, where much of the time we were the only people on the beach. The water should only be used by very competent swimmers as it is too rough for most people with strong waves and undertow. But there is plenty of shade provided by coconut and other palms, and a cave (with bats) at one end of the beach. The shade and the constant breeze help you to avoid gettng too hot. Don’t forget your sunscreen though, even when it’s cloudy. We were able to shelter in the cave when a couple of rain storms passed over. They don’t last long and are inevitably followed by blue skies and sun. From the villa there are cliff top walks to the east and west that take you to other coves and beaches. Some have pools that you can cool-off in, although they’re too small for swimming. Be prepared for the concrete steps from the cliff top to the beaches as some do not have railings. However, every cove and beach is an outstanding photo opportunity. We shall be returning.

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Guest: St. Maarten (Amherst, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

We found Hummingbird House to be a great vacation rental. Jon and Jan, the property managers, were available upon arrivals and anytime that we needed anything. The house was spacious for our party of 4 and the outside dining area on the patio next to the pool was where we eat every meal. The French doors opened right up to it and as long as we were at home, the doors were open and it felt like we had doubled the size of the living space. The view out to the water was great and you could hear the ocean. The short walk down the road to the beach was easy and the scenery headed down the stairs to the sand was really nice. We found the island as a whole so friendly and helpful, especially to our group of first timers who were easily lost on the roads! I would recommend Barbados, and HUmmingbird House, to anyone seeking peace and quiet and a great, relaxing vacation.

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Guest: Gary & Donna (Markham, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/17/09 Review Submitted: 06/17/09

Our wonderful experience started with Jan and John, the couple that manage the property. They had asked for our flight information and were expecting us when we showed up in the driveway. Jan and John made sure that we knew everything about the property, the area and gave us great tips on what to see and do during our stay. Their welcome was the prelude to the warm and friendly hospitality that is prevalent on this island. The property is very well maintained. Even though there is an indoor dining area, we ate, sat and gathered exclusively at the outdoor dining room table in the covered area by the pool. The kitchen was well stocked and we especially enjoyed the fridge that spit out plenty of crushed ice that made a great base for our ``Hummingbird Rum Punch``. Although there is air conditioning, after the first couple of nights, we acclimatized and just let the ocean breeze that blew through the open windows cool us down.Stepping outside through the double French doors each morning, we were greeted by the sunrise, a magnificent view of the ocean breaking over the offshore reef in the distance and the sounds of the surf. We often heard comments from the locals that Bottom Bay was the best beach on the island; and we can attest to that. The cove is picturesque; the sand is beautiful, the water clear blue and the beach extremely clean. The ocean is a little rougher on the south eastern coast but our group enjoyed playing in the surf.A rental car is a must. While it took a little getting used to driving on the “wrong side” of the road, the drivers are very courteous and make allowances for tourists. You will get lost! But who cares, the island is small and even a series of wrong turns won’t get you too far off track. So much to do – not enough time. The two things you should not miss are Oistins for the Friday night fish fry party and the BBQ fish fry just down the road from the villa at the Church of the Nazarene (Friday and Saturday nights only). Also be sure to check out the St. Lawrence Gap during the day as well as in the evening for the night life and numerous restaurants. Drive the island. We drove around quite a bit but especially enjoyed the coastal trip around the entire island. The view looking down from the northern cliffs around Cluffs Bay is breathtaking and stopping off at Round House on the east coast near Bathshiba (our second time there) for some beer and fresh Coconut pie rounded out the day as the sun set on the surfer

Owner response:Gary & Donna were wonderful guests. We hope they can return in the near future.

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Guest: mike108 (westland, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

My wife and I stayed a week at hummingbird house in May 2009. It is a very nice comfortable house. The online description was very accurate. The beach is nice with no crowds at all. We would highly recommend hummingbird house and plan to return in the future.

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Hummingbird House, Private Paradise In Barbados

Guest: Donna & Gary (Markham, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/15/09 Review Submitted: 06/17/09

Our wonderful experience started with Jan and John, the couple that manage the property. They had asked for our flight information and were expecting us when we showed up in the driveway. Jan and John made sure that we knew everything about the property, the area and gave us great tips on what to see and do during our stay. Their welcome was the prelude to the warm and friendly hospitality that is prevalent on this island. The property is very well maintained. Even though there is an indoor dining area, we ate, sat and gathered exclusively at the outdoor dining room table in the covered area by the pool. The kitchen was well stocked and we especially enjoyed the fridge that spit out plenty of crushed ice that made a great base for our ``Hummingbird Rum Punch``. Although there is air conditioning, after the first couple of nights, we acclimatized and just let the ocean breeze that blew through the open windows cool us down. Stepping outside through the double French doors each morning, we were greeted by the sunrise, a magnificent view of the ocean breaking over the offshore reef in the distance and the sounds of the surf. We often heard comments from the locals that Bottom Bay was the best beach on the island; and we can attest to that. The cove is picturesque; the sand is beautiful, the water clear blue and the beach extremely clean. The ocean is a little rougher on the south eastern coast but our group enjoyed playing in the surf. A rental car is a must. While it took a little getting used to driving on the “wrong side” of the road, the drivers are very courteous and make allowances for tourists. You will get lost! But who cares, the island is small and even a series of wrong turns won’t get you too far off track. So much to do – not enough time. Don’t miss: Oistins Friday night party, the BBQ fish fry near the villa at the Church, St. Lawrence Gap (night life and restaurants). Drive the island. We especially enjoyed our coastal trip around the entire island. The view from the northern cliffs around Cluffs Bay is breathtaking and stopping off at Round House on the east coast for Coconut pie rounded out the day as the sun set on the surfers riding the waves below. Our favorite restaurants were L’Azure at the Crane (it was our anniversary), Pisces in the St Lawrence Gap, Round House and hanging out on Cutters’ patio. We had a great time and look forward to returning to Hummingbird House.

Owner response:Donna & Gary were Ideal guests. We're glad they had a wonderful anniversary & vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Perfect Holiday

Guest: Moira and Jimmy (West Yorkshire England)
Date of Stay: 03/15/09 Review Submitted: 04/29/09

We recently returned from a months stay at Hummingbird House. The villa is in a perfect location for peace quiet and tranquility.The desription of the villa is very accurate. It is very clean and well-maintained. The villa has everything and more you could possibly want to make you feel at home. Jan and John the property managers are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Nightlife and restaurants are just a short car journey away. This was our 4th visit to Barbados and this has been the best accomodation we have stayed in. We look forward to returning to Barbados again and hope Hummingbird House is available.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Fabulous Place to Stay!

Guest: Contented Canadian (Ottawa, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/28/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

March 24, 2009 What a delightful place Hummingbird is to stay at. The villa is clean, well-equipped with furnishings that are in excellent condition, which is not always the case with some places, and a very good place for four adults and one 2 year old boy. Having the pool was fabulous so that we could have a quick dip and be able to cool off. Having the shower area outside was a great benefit for keeping the pool clean so that we could remove sand from our feet before entering the pool. The washer and drier were a real asset for doing the laundry. The villa was well equipped with dishes, cutlery and pots and pans etc. The internet worked well and the TV had a large variety of stations to watch and be able to get a variety of news stations from US, British and Canadian news. It gives one a better balance of what is happening on the world scene. Jan and John, the local couple responsible for the property and greeting those who stay at the villa, are a delightful couple. They were non intrusive while at the same time available when needed. They had good suggestions and gave a good introduction to the villa. They certainly look after the villa well and supervise the gardener etc. The location on the island is far more private and hence less busy than the Bridgetown side. Bottom Bay beach a short walk away was a lovely quiet and almost private beach which helped to heighten the experience. The ocean at that point is not easy to swim in because of the strength of the waves but none of us were avid swimmers but had fun walking in the waves and "battling" their strength!! It is a lovely beach to sunbathe on. Your suggestion of renting a car at the airport for the time we were there was a good one. It allowed us to tour the island for the scenic beauty especially on the Atlantic side and to visit Nicholas Abby and other such places such as the wildlife zoo and Ocean Park with the grandson. Maurice, the owner was a very helpful person to work with to make our stay comfortable and went out of his way to accomodate the fact that we had a two year old child with us. Thanks to Maurice from five contended occupants from Canada

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

great holiday villa

Guest: CW1974 (New York City)
Date of Stay: 12/20/08 Review Submitted: 04/10/09

My family spent the Christmas and New Year here and had a great time. We had a 4 year old with us and the house was ideal, plenty of enclosed space for her to run around and plenty of shade when it got too hot. It's a very short walk to a very quiet beach and because of the breeze from the ocean there's no mosquitoes! (Something we were all delighted about!) The house is very clean and extremely well kept and practical. The kitchen is fully equipped so we were able to do a lot of cooking at home, the supermarket is about a 10 minute drive away. It's very peaceful at night which we much preferred to the rowdiness of the west coast, and it's a short drive - about 20 minutes or so - to the restaurants and bars on the south coast. Maurice made the whole experience very easy and we would highly recommend it to people seeking a relaxing holiday destination.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Hummingbird House

Guest: EdnSuze (Worcestershire, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/26/08 Review Submitted: 12/03/08

On entering the quite street we were greeted by John, our property manager. He was extremely friendly and helpful, making us feel right at home immediately.He started by giving us a quick tour of the house. It more than lived up to the description we were given before we went and was very clean and tidy. Two Good sized bathrooms with showers, Three large bedrooms, all air conditioned and a large lounge with comfortable seating, cable television and DVD player. and the kitchen was full of all of the amenities you would expect to find at home including a large fridge freezer with ice and water which is essential with the temperature in Barbados. Outside the property in the back garden there is a small pool, sun loungers and a table and chairs where we ate breakfast every day. The ocean view from the garden is really beautiful and made for a fabulous way to start each day.Early on our first morning in the villa we walked down to Bottom Bay beach which was just a couple of hundred yards away. The beach was absolutely stunning and we were the only visitors so we had it all to ourselves. After some exploring we found a coconut beneath one of the many palm trees and took it back to the villa and ate it for breakfast. After a quiet first evening in on the first night and a fresh coconut breakfast we rang a rental company and they dropped a rental Jeep off at the villa at lunchtime. Due to the location of the villa we definitely suggest hiring a car of some description to ferry you about the island to the hundreds of sights and fabulous restaurants you will need to go to during your stay. We would especially recommend paying a visit to Lobster Alive, David's Place and L'Azure at the Crane which were our personal favourite restaurants although we ate out at least once and usually twice every day and literally every single meal was fabulous. We should also mention that the main reason we enjoyed the whole experience was the people we met whilst we were there. John who greeted us when we arrived and made sure we had anything we needed all week was the benchmark for the people in Barbados as a whole. Everyone we met would offer to help you out to get where you were going or to find what you were looking for. We have never been anywhere in the world where the people are so accommodating and for this reason we absolutely have to go back. When we do, this is the place will be staying, providing it isn't fully booked as I absolutely expect it will! Ed and Susie

Owner response:Ed & Susie, Were wonderful guests. We're glad they had such a wonderful stay. -Maurice

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The perfect island villa

Guest: Wilsaan (Bethesda, MD, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/09/08 Review Submitted: 03/07/09

This was our first trip to Barbados and our first island vacation, and Hummingbird House provided the perfect setting for our trip. We went in late September and the weather was fantastic. The villa is modern, clean and beautiful, and the property managers are friendly and accessible. The private pool is a wonderful addition to the house, so much so that we spent the majority of our time in or near the water. The kitchen was perfect for preparing the bulk of our meals (there is a large grocery a short drive from the villa), but a variety of nice restaurants are within driving range. All of these amenities make Hummingbird House an ideal hide-away, but we also enjoyed several day trips around the island. Bottom bay is a very nice beach and only a five-minute walk from the villa. In fact, you can see the coast from the back patio. We look forward to many more vacations in Barbados and Hummingbird House is our only choice for accommodations.

Owner response:Wil & Jenny were ideal guests. We hope they're able to come back soon... -Maurice

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.