Sandals Royal taking shape

THE new Sandals Royal Barbados, which is under construction and scheduled to be opened at the end of the year, is already receiving bookings.

This was revealed by General Manager of Sandals Barbados, Ferry Zievenger, who was delivering brief remarks at the hotel’s annual Reunion Week, an event to show appreciation to repeat guests for their continued patronage of the brand.

Giving an update on the property which is just next door to the Christ Church luxury hotel, Zievenger noted that construction, which started around July last year, is progressing and has reached the fifth and sixth floors.

He said that there are approximately 900-1000 workmen on the site.

Stressing the significance of the Sandals expansion in St. Lawrence gap, he said: “Our Chairman Mr. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has all the faith in the destination Barbados and all the faith in us to make sure that Sandals Royal Barbados will also become a huge success. Besides the workmen, we will expand our family to almost 1 100 total team members working between both of the resorts.

“It is a huge opportunity to us working here at the resort and we are looking forward to welcoming our new team members towards the end of this year.”

It is against this backdrop that the general manager stressed the importance of the staff in making the resort a success. “Here at Sandals Barbados we are blessed with 570 team members, without their support, without their faith in the plans, without their everyday hustle and bustle to make sure that you have a fantastic experience on the island and on the resort this would not be possible.”

He told the guests that the new resort will include 222 rooms and feature beach-front infinity edge plunge pools or ‘sky pool’ suites directly facing the Caribbean Sea. It also includes stand-alone suites. The new property will also feature a state-of-the-art entertainment pavilion including a stage that can accommodate performances as well as new restaurants.

To this end, he acknowledging that guests have an option to go online and choose from several idyllic destinations, yet they still choose Sandals properties in the region. “We really appreciate that you travel all the way from home to the Caribbean islands to support us,” he said, urging them to remain loyal to the brand. (JH)