The holidays in Barbados are all about sunshine, sea breezes, and spending quality time with the people we love. But if you’re hosting guests this season—whether family flying in from abroad or local loved ones staying over—preparing your home is key to creating those memorable moments.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to get your Barbados home perfectly guest-ready, without the stress!

Before Guests Arrive: Set the Stage for a Relaxing Visit

Declutter + Deep Clean
Tidy high-traffic spaces like the living room, dining area, and guest room. A fresh, clutter-free environment instantly feels more welcoming.
Stock the Essentials
Ensure you have ample toilet paper, hand soap, towels, and basic toiletries. Refresh the pantry with snacks and beverages, and leave room in the fridge for your guests’ favourites.
Prepare a Comfortable Guest Space
Decide which room your guests will be given and clear out all miscellaneous items that just take up space and they will not need.
Create a Cozy, Festive Atmosphere
Bring in seasonal décor, soft throw blankets, and warm lighting. A lightly scented candle or simmer pot can make the whole home feel holiday-ready.
Check Your Home Systems
Confirm that AC, fans, or heating systems are functioning properly, along with hot water and lighting—no one wants a surprise repair mid-visit!

Refresh the Welcome Areas

First impressions matter—even with family!

Sweep and freshen up the entryway and patio
Add a welcoming doormat or festive décor
Ensure outdoor lighting is functioning
Style a small welcome tray with rum punch, fresh limes, or local treats

✨ Tip: Fresh tropical flowers like bougainvillea or heliconia instantly say “vacation mode.”

Prepare a Comfortable and Thoughtful Guest Room

Your guests will spend a good amount of time in their room—resting, getting ready, or recovering from travel. Create a calm, welcoming space where they can truly unwind:

Fresh, soft bedding with extra pillows and blankets
Check for allergies to down pillows or comforters
Nightstand essentials: water bottles, light snacks, flowers (if no allergies), pens + notepad, a few magazines or a devotional/bible
Wi-Fi password clearly displayed—framed, on a card, or in a welcome card or booklet. If you have security alarms, passcodes should also be included along with an entry door key.
Nightlights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom for easy nighttime movement
Phone charger or universal plug adapters ready to use
Bedside lamp and easy access to outlets for devices
Closet or drawer space so guests can unpack comfortably, include hangers
Cooling options visible and working — fan or AC remote
Entertainment options: a small TV if possible, or a basket with books, puzzles, or kids’ activities
Welcome touches for island living: reusable beach bags, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, beach towels

If kids are visiting, consider fun touches like puzzles, books, or beach toys.

✨ When guests feel like their needs have been anticipated, they instantly feel at home.

Upgrade the Bathroom Experience

A well-prepared bathroom instantly elevates your guests’ stay—especially when they’re traveling with limited luggage space. Make the space feel fresh, functional, and a little bit spa-like:

Soft, plush towels and washcloths (consider makeup towels too!)
Essential toiletries stocked: soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant
Extra comfort items like slippers, loofahs, aloe gel, or a soothing eye mask
Luxury self-care touches using local Barbados products like candles or favourite skincare items. (Visit Hayman’s market, https://handmadebykae.com/ , https://nativecaribbean.com/ or https://stlucybotanists.com
Hair and personal care basics: blow dryer, nail kit, lotion, face wash, tampons, razors
Family-friendly additions if little ones are visiting—baby soap, gentle shampoo
Functional checks: drains flowing, hot water consistent, and plenty of toilet paper
Ambience enhancers: a candle with matches or a small plant for a calming vibe

Pro-Tip: Create a labelled basket — “Oops, I Forgot!” — with easy-to-miss travel items like sunscreen, pain relievers, and extra dental care. It’s thoughtful and always appreciated.

Prepare the Kitchen

Barbados gatherings usually centre around great food, big laughs, and long meals together — so a well-prepared kitchen is a must!

Make it easy for guests to snack, sip, and serve themselves:

Check that all appliances are working
Have enough plates, glasses, and ice for a crowd
Purchase or order Propane Gas if applicable.
Ask ahead about food allergies or preferences so you have favourites ready and avoid dietary surprises
Schedule grocery pickup or delivery right before arrival to save time and stress
Stock the fridge with easy breakfasts, fresh fruit, local beverages, and kid-friendly options if applicable
Plan menus for celebratory meals and order or purchase groceries ahead of time. Remember the groceries will be very busy before and after the bank holidays.
Where you are hosting a large number of people, consider borrowing a 2^nd fridge or freezer.
Set snacks out visibly so guests (especially hungry children!) can help themselves anytime
Make sure appliances work well — kettle, blender, coffee maker, microwave
Use your best dinnerware for a festive touch for celebratory meals — skip disposable plates when possible
Provide a variety of drinks — Beer, Rum for adults, sorrel,+ fun mocktails for kids
Check supplies — plates, cutlery, serving platters, glasses, and plenty of ice for warm island days

✨ A simple self-serve beverage station with coffee, tea, or cocoa makes mornings smooth for everyone.

Consider a welcome dinner with flying fish sliders, macaroni pie, or a rum cake dessert.

Prepare for Island Fun

Help visitors get the most out of Barbados:

Beach towels and portable cooler
List of favourite beaches and local eateries
Snorkel gear or beach chairs if available
A flexible “house rules” card for clarity

If they’re renting a car, highlight parking instructions or safe spots.

Keep Safety in Check

A safe home is a relaxed home.

✔ Fire extinguisher present and visible
✔ First-aid kit stocked
✔ Slip-free mats near wet areas
✔ GFCI outlets working in kitchen and bathrooms
✔ If you have a pool—ensure rules are clear and gates secure. Especially important if little ones are visiting!

Create Zones for Relaxation

Even during big family gatherings, people need personal space.

Reading corner with magazines
Board-game station for rainy evenings
Shaded outdoor seating for sunset chats

️ The goal: effortless vacation living.

Hosting Shouldn’t Be Hard

With just a bit of preparation, your Barbados home can feel like a private mini-resort — where family can reconnect, unwind, and embrace island life.

Whether you need help with housekeeping, pre-arrival checks, or full guest-management services, our team at Coombes & Co. is here to support you this season and beyond.