Luxury Villas
dry, you will be happy with a world unique courtesy. Breakfast is served on your balcony or patio every morning and cooked by your room maid in a maids’ pantry which all suites have, to ensure your morning starts the right way. The suites vary and one only has to go to the website to see the floor plans and pricing that is suited to all needs, certain suites can be combined to create 2 bedroom villas. The most coveted suites come with whirlpool bath and private pool. Bathrooms are oversized, with plush robes, towels and complimentary Elemis skin care products. “I like the hotel the size that it is, because it’s manageable and personal, also it’s a better experience for our guests, it’s more intimate really with just 30 suites, “Mr. Garbutt explained preferring to know their guests by name rather than by room number.” 2012 marks the 25th anniversary for the Garbutt family owning the luxury resort, and they are proud of the fact that over the years they have had a low turnover of their 100% Grenadian staff of 80+, and are impressed by the abilities of the local craftsmen, farmers, and landscapers. The family feels there is a philosophy to people taking holidays, and part of that is the responsibility of promoting good quality organic food that they serve to the guests. Mr. Garbutt explains “ I feel healthier here, than I do when in the U.K. Abroad the organic product can be more expensive, and I don’t even know if I’m eating is organic or not, here in Grenada I know it is.” If one were to say that all 5 star hotel rooms are the same, you have not seen what the Calabash has in the wow factor; all suites benefit from the usual amenities, air conditioning, fully stocked mini bar, IPod docking stations, flat screen TV & DVD player, complimentary wireless internet etc. What differentiates Calabash from other hotels of its caliber is they understand what makes a perfect holiday. If you’re not one to wake up and trudge down for your morning meal in the restaurant before your hair is Garbutt asserts that people choose the country first and then they choose the property. The number one concern for tourists is safety. “If you come here, it’s a really safe destination with charming people, a natural beauty and a fantastic climate. I think that those of us that are living in Grenada are very lucky to be here.” The Expansion into Luxury Villas In 1994 the Garbutt family expanded www.businessgrenada.com
the Calabash holdings by purchasing an additional 19 acres adjacent to the hotel on the bluff overlooking Prickly Bay’s west side. “We expanded into the villas side of things A/ because we’ve got the land and B/ because it’s a good add on to the facilities that we already have. We cater to the independent traveller who likes to have their own area, but enjoys the amenities of the hotel.” Mr. Garbutt shared. Teaming up with the late great architect Arnie Hasselqvist of Mustique notoriety they designed the Villa development to comfortably fit up to 17 luxury 10,000 sq ft villas. To date 6 have been built and ownership here is not about just having the money, “The people who have invested here, are extremely wealthy, for them it’s a lifestyle decision and not a financial one.” Leo Garbutt describes “to be an owner they’ve got to love Grenada, they must be committed to it, rather than think ‘Oh that’s a property I’ll buy and turn it over,’ I wouldn’t sell on that basis.” Villa pricing is a confidential area Mr. Garbutt explains “I don’t think the homeowners would like me to tell you that. But it’s several million U.S dollars, because you’re talking about 10,000 sq ft buildings, which are large, and extremely well built, earthquake and hurricane proof. It’s a substantial investment. The advantage from Grenada’s point of view is that you’ve got people who are investing in Grenada, creating value because they’ve got the property here.” Once into the private neighborhood where
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