FAQS: things you might want to know

  • What is your check-in/out time?

    We do not book guests back-to-back as most of our guests arrive from another country. When you arrive on the island, you can proceed to Coville. Check-out is as per your flight. 


  • How do I get to Coville?

    Uber now operates in Barbados. Uber is available throughout the island so you can book that upon arrival. At the airport exit, you will see a taxi stand which you can use too. Negotiate fares upfront with taxis including your bags as they will charge you more if you don't. From airport to the Coville: should be $40 BBD + bags. 


    You will be given the Google link to Coville upon arrival. You can also source the locaton on the map on the Things to Do page.

  • Where are you located?

    We are located at 1st Avenue Lower Carters Gap in the Enterprise neighbourhood that borders the town of Oistins. The parish is Christ Church.


  • How do I check-in or check-out?

    Arrival: There is a lockbox with keys on the front door. Upon booking, we will provide you the code. 


    Checkout: simply turn off the TV and AC, lock the house up and place the keys in the lockbox and hang on the door. Super simple!


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Coville was nice and cozy, it felt like a home away from home. It was well equipped with everything you needed and the modern gadgets was a nice touch. The air conditioning worked nicely and kept the whole house cold. The backyard was spacious and breezy, it was a good place to relax and hang out with friends. Kathryn was a lovely host, it was very easy to get in contact with her and she responded in a timely manner. Overall, my stay at Coville was great and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an affordable homely place to stay.                             

Femi, United Kingdom

Living

  • Emergency info?

    Reach out to Aunt Sheilah next door, if it's not a medical emergency.


    Police: 211

    Ambulance: 511

    Fire and rescue: 311

  • How do I access WIFI and other information?

    The Wi-Fi modem is in the dining room. The network name and password are located above the washing machine. Wi-Fi extends to the front porch and backyard, it's very strong as the owner works there when she lives there. For longer stays, consider purchasing a Digicel mobile plan for island-wide service.

  • How do I work things?

    We have created a YouTube playlist to help you understand the house systems and get oriented.


    Click here to access: House systems (Wi-Fi, AC, fans, stove, appliances) 

  • What’s the laundry situation?

    There is a Whirlpool washing machine which you can use. Hang clothes under the car park to dry as we don’t use a dryer to help the environment. Do NOT overload the washing machine with towels. Try to wash smaller loads, more often.

  • Garbage day and other info?

    Garbage bags and other suppliers are located in the kitchen in the cupboards (hutch and under the sink).  Garbage day is supposed to be Thursday. Please put the bin and recycling out. on Wednesday night in front of the gates. They may show up, they may not, we never know as it’s the island...

  • How do I get more supplies?

    This is a home, not a hotel. We try to keep toiletries, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies fully stocked up, but if you run out of something, simply go buy more, just like you would do at your own home. 

  • What happens if a small repair is needed?

    For small repairs, message Aunt Sheilah and she will arrange for one of our local handyman to come by at a time that is convenient for you. 

  • How do I stay cool?

    Air conditioning

    Located in the dining room. Close all windows and bedroom doors when you first turn it on to cool the house efficiently. Most guests use it during the day (turn on in the morning, off by 3-4 pm) and rely on natural ocean breezes at night.


    Please turn off the AC when you leave the house to save on electricity costs.


    Ceiling fans

    All three bedrooms have new ceiling fans with remotes. The remotes are programmed to the room they are in. If you mix them up, they will not work. Turn on the main power switch on the wall, then use the remote to control the fan and lights.


    The living room has a large fan without a remote.


    Please turn off the fans when you leave the house to save on electricity costs.


    Windows and airflow

    Open all windows and the back door to create airflow through the house. Close the windows without bars when you leave, and consider keeping front windows closed at night if you are alone.


    The window next to the kitchen in the back room sometimes gets rain on the small bed, so keep it closed during rain.


    Hooks on the front door and a cord on the back door allow you to control how the doors stay open.

  • What’s the cooking situation like?

    The kitchen has a gas stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, and full cookware. 


    Refer to the YouTube playlist for instructions on lighting the burners and oven. Here's that video


    Water

    We have our own well. Tap water is fresh, clean, and safe to drink. No need for bottled water. We keep cold water in the fridge. Water outages are rare and brief but they do happen so we reccommend you keep water around in case you need it. This is an island...

  • How do you handle bugs?

    This is a tropical island. Clean up the kitchen after cooking, especially surfaces, and keep food wrapped and stored. Bugs love crumbs and open containers. 

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We had a great time here. Coville is located in a good safe neighbourhood within walking distance to Miami beach and Oistins fish fry. You don't need to rent a car. The ZR vans run just outside the door if you need to get to Oistins, Bridgetown or St. Lawrence Gap or anywhere else. Lovely location, environment and a comfortable stay – a convenience store is nearby and also restaurants, beach, and supermarket.                             

Norma, Croydon, United Kingdom

Tips

  • What’s the electricity voltage?

    Barbados operates on a 115V supply voltage and 50Hz the same as most North American countries. For EU and UK currencies, you will need an adaptor. 


    Note: Electricity is VERY expensive on the island, so please TURN OFF the air conditioning and the lights when you are not home. The house cools down fast, the electricity bill does not.

  • What should we bring?

    We provide bath towels, bedding, and basic items. You should bring:

    • Beach towels
    • Hair dryer
    • Personal toiletries
    • Beach bags, snorkel gear etc.
    • Coffee (expensive on the island)
    • Bug repellent (this is the tropics)

    The kitchen is fully loaded with appliances, cookware, and spices. Our rule is use a spice, replace a spice. Use what you need and share with those who come behind you. 


    We do not share our beach chairs, snorkelling gear and other personal items with guests. 

  • Is this area safe?

    The neighbourhood is very safe. The community knows Coville hosts guests and looks out for you. Be friendly but cautious about engaging too much with people passing by. Some may ask to pick fruit from the backyard (we have mango, Jamaican ackee, and breadfruit trees). If in doubt, ask Aunt Sheilah. She knows who is allowed.


    Note, the owner lives here on her own 3-5 months a year and has no safety issues.


    Do NOT buy anything from people near the house. They will return repeatedly if you do.

  • What transportation options are available?

    • The #11 ZR bus stops directly outside the gate Open the gate, flag down the #11 ZR bus, and ride anywhere on the island for $3.50 BDS one way. Fast, affordable, and the way locals travel. Buses run until approximately 11 pm, after which you will need a taxi or Uber.
    • Uber now operates in Barbados Uber is available throughout the island and is the easiest way to get around after ZR hours or when you prefer direct transport. Private taxis are also easy to arrange. Negotiate fares upfront with taxis. From Coville to the airport: $40 BBD. From Coville to Oistins: $15 BBD. From Coville to St Lawrence Gap: $30-40 BBD.
    • Parking for up to two vehicles If you prefer to drive, the fully gated property has secure parking for two cars. Reach out to us directly for car rental recommendations. We work with three reliable local rental companies. Remember, Barbados drives on the left side of the road.
    • Walk or drive to Miami Beach 5 minutes by car, 20 minutes on foot. Your home beach is close enough to visit multiple times a day.
    • Oistins is 1.5 km away A 5-minute bus ride, a 20-minute walk, or a quick drive. This is your neighbourhood hub for daily life.
  • Got any tips on the hood?

    Click here to access our Youtube playlists of Location tips and neighbourhood info. 

  • Car rentals

    If you want to rent a car, reach out to us directly. We work with three reliable local car rental companies and can connect you. Remember, Bajans drives on the left side of the road.

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Staying at Coville Cottage felt like being handed the keys to Barbados. We swam every day, ate our way through the best local spots, and explored the island with total ease. Coming from Toronto with my sister and best friend, we loved how safe and seamless everything felt, from the neighbourhood to using the PickUp app, and the recommendations made us feel like locals, not tourists.                             

Natasha Totonchian, Toronto, Canada