TORONTO — As the number of Canadians heading to Barbados continues to climb – the latest stats show a 10% jump – the number of hotel options is on the rise too, with several new luxury-focused hotel openings coming in 2018 as well as renovations within the Elegant Hotels chain.
Here’s a look at the most recent hotel development updates from the island:
Sandals Royal Barbados
Sandals Resorts International’s second hotel on the island is getting ready for its Dec. 20 debut, right on time for the winter season. All 222 rooms will be butler and concierge serviced and select top category suites will include the additional pampering of chauffeured Rolls-Royce airport transfers. The hotel also features several Sandals firsts, including the first rooftop pool and bar, the first four-lane bowling alley, the first men’s-only barbershop and new restaurant concepts.
Sea Breeze Beach Hotel
The Sea Breeze Beach Hotel is re-opening in December 2017 following a multi-million-dollar transformation. This premium-branded all-inclusive resort has four bars and six dining experiences including everything from traditional Bajan fare at Mahogany Lounge and De Rum Shop Cafe, to delicious steak and sushi in Aqua Terra, to internationally focused beachfront fine-dining at Cerulean. Sea Breeze includes 44 new luxury Suites built in contemporary Caribbean style, and the property sits on a 1000 ft. stretch of white sand beach on the stunning South Coast of Barbados.
Nikki Beach Barbados
Global luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand Nikki Beach Worldwide is set to open its 13th location, Nikki Beach Barbados in Barbados’ extravagant Port Ferdinand. Situated on 1.4 acres of beachfront, it’s billed as the first luxury beach club property on the island. Highlights include a swim-up octagon wet bar, seven catamaran-style lounges along the ocean, beach access with oceanfront seating for up to 200 guests and more. The beach club will run along the shores of the ocean and will be elevated to ensure spectacular water views throughout the entire property. Yachts will be able to dock directly at the location and water shuttle service will be offered.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Fairmont Royal Pavilion recently completed a renovation project designed to significantly enhance the facilities of this West Coast hotel. The hotel lobby and its 72 guest rooms and suites have been transformed and offer stunning water views, according to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). A visitor favourite includes the recently renovated three-bedroom Sea View villa which offers a dedicated butler and complimentary evening canapés. This project will be followed by a restaurant renovation in summer 2018.
Elegant Hotels
After acquiring Treasure Beach Hotel, a four-star, 35-room property on Paynes Bay, Elegant Hotels refurbished, repositioned, repriced and recently rebranded the property as Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels. Elegant Hotels has also carried out extensive refurbishment on the Tamarind, featuring 104 redesigned guestrooms, the addition of a spa and relaxation space offering a range of body treatments as well as new restaurant options: the 246 Bar & Restaurant and Rilaks Deck. The House, a luxury adults-only boutique property and another addition to the Elegant Hotels’ collection, also received a full makeover.
Barbados is also heading into 2018 with a sharp focus on culinary tourism. “As Barbados remains the culinary capital of the Caribbean, we are committed to providing an elevated and extensive experience that satisfies all tastes,” says Peter Mayers, Director of Canada for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). “We are delighted to move forward into the new year with our culinary scene being top of mind along with a diverse mix of hotel properties, entertaining festivals and exciting elements of adventure. Barbados is the island to visit in 2018.”
As part of ‘The Season of Sugar and Rum’, from January to April 2018 Barbados will host several experiences to showcase the island’s rich sugar and rum heritage.
The 2018 season will include tours of distilleries, dinners at plantation great houses, mixology road shows, cooking classes, chocolate-making classes and educational talks, says Mayers.
