IT’S ALL ABOUT...
M A R K E T I N G E XQ U I S I T E H O T E L S & T R AV E L
is a very personal hotel sales and marketing company run by Helen Edwards & Annette Quinn who, along with their small team, simply know their properties inside out.
W
elcome to ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE’ which celebrates what you can expect and more when staying in the Caribbean at one of our superb privately owned hotels. A holiday is of course all about the experiences which are created and remembered. From climbing the magnificent Pitons in St Lucia, tasting your first hot Jamaican patty, exploring the exquisite Grenadine islands or perhaps learning how to mix the best rum cocktail ever. Ultimately these are memories you will hold on to for many years to come. Essential Detail’s collection of gorgeous boutique hotels will inspire you to try not just one, but many of these unique gems in the Caribbean. Island hopping has to be the best holiday experience of them all … why stop at one hotel or one island, with such diversity on offer if you visit more? From our wealth of experience and knowledge, we bring you the very best in boutique luxury Caribbean hotels. Contact us to tell us about what experience you are seeking … whether it’s a drop-dead-gorgeous water’s edge suite, creative tasty cuisine or a private island escape … our team can provide an abundance of help and advice to make it a reality.
Helen & Annette
Anguilla St Kitts & Nevis
An tigua Curtain Bluff
ATLAN TIC OCEAN
Guadelope Dominica
Jamaica Jamaica Inn
Martinique St Lucia Cap Maison
St Vincent East Winds Barbados Bequia The Atlantis Hotel Bequia Beach Hotel Little Good Harbour Grenada Calabash Young Island
CA RIB B E AN SEA
Trinidad
4-5
It’s all about experiencing the Caribbean
18-19 It’s all about experiencing the island flavours
6-7
Little Good Harbour, Barbados
20-21 East Winds, St Lucia
8-9
The Atlantis Hotel, Barbados
22-23 Cap Maison, St Lucia
10-11 Calabash, Grenada
24-25 Curtain Bluff, Antigua
12-13 Bequia Beach Hotel, The Grenadines
26-27 Jamaica Inn, Jamaica
14-15 Young Island, St Vincent & The Grenadines
28-29 It’s all about experiencing the islands
16-17 It’s all about experiencing the cuisine
30-31 It all about different experiences
IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING...
There’s more to the Caribbean than flying and flopping on the beach … although there’s nothing wrong with that! The region takes pride in being one of the most dynamic holiday regions in the world, to encounter and enjoy a plethora of exciting experiences and activities. Take a taste of Caribbean life by joining the locals at carnivals and festivals throughout the year. The region is also rich in sporting activities and adrenaline-rush experiences such as cricket, horse-riding, hiking and zip-lining, to mention a few. Imagine these activities set against the backdrop of the warmth and charm of the Caribbean. Whatever your tastes, there’s bound to be something that hits the right spot as Caribbean cuisine is a mixture of styles and flavours. Don’t forget to try one of the many local Caribbean beers or sample the various and famous aged rums in a cocktail or two! There’s really never been a better time to visit the Caribbean.
caribbean.co.uk
Diversity
Every island is different and the stunning variety of scenery simply takes your breath away. Apart from the picture perfect beaches there are an abundance of lush rainforests, dramatic volcanoes and refreshing waterfalls to explore.
Winds&Inn Eastsports Diving Water
ing lookg, n Spa, over kayakin The KiY sea include at Ocea ncesara Experie ya enjo al; ption exce is n, sea deep ocea and the sailing snorkell ing, the allow t and ly tmen treais popular extreme besp oke Diving fishing. l loca ral natu of as le arom an has some of the best Caribbe thectab anddele he. soot to nts edie sites in the world. diveingr
Culture
Caribbean culture is widely influenced by its heritage be it African, Amerindian, Carib, Spanish, Dutch ing h, Spa, overlook The KiYara Ocean, Britis European, Indianexceptio , Chine se, Frenc a enjoy h nal; or is ocean, the even Danish, so the ensui ng allow culture the of bespoke treatment and each destination is hugel diverse. local delectable aromas ofynatural ingredients to soothe.
The Atlantis Hotel
People
There is no escaping the rhythm of the Caribbean, where vibrant music and dance is a passion of the islands’ people ‌ there is always a party going on somewhere.
Wildlife
The wildlife of the Caribbean is as varied as its landscape with jaguars, turtles, iguanas, monkeys, stingrays, dolphins and whales. And bird watching is truly rewarding at sanctuaries and national parks with birds endemic to the region.
Island hopping
The Caribbean has a unique style that sets it apart from any other holiday destination primarily due to the islandhopping opportunities presented to the discerning traveller seeking to maximize their holiday experience.
5
BARBADOS Something refreshingly different! A unique combination of mid-17th Century Bajan history with a twist of stylish modern day elegance situated on the water’s edge on the calm Caribbean west coast of Barbados. This is a place where you can guarantee every detail has already been thought of and the main aim is to ensure ultimate guest relaxation without any fuss.
The experiences
Tasty seafood pasta at one of Barbados’ most popular restaurants, The Fish Pot Feeling totally at home in the Caribbean in the spacious 3-bedroom Vineyard suites Lazing by the hotel fresh water pool, catching glimpses of the green monkeys Taking a trip to the rugged, romantic east coast to beach-chic sister hotel, The Atlantis
Find out more about this hotel by visiting LITTLEGOODHARBOUR BARBADOS.COM
Andrew Warden
HOTEL OWNE R
Guests stay at our hotel because of the laid-b ack atmos phere and being away from all the hustle and bustle the Barbados Gold Coast can sometimes bring.
7
BARBADOS Evoking fashionable seaside living on the wild and rugged east coast, there is something my stical about the Atlantic sur f and the feeling of total escapism that can only be found on this side of the island. As with its wes t coast sister hotel, this historic al building has been lovingly rest ored without losing any of its original charm; a perfect fit with the stunning coastline.
The experiences The contrasting scenery – Atlantic surfing waves and cool breezes set against a tropical background Romantic suites, with the views and sounds of the Atlantic waves from beautiful 4-poster beds Enid’s basket for lunch (pumpkin fritters and fishcakes with tomato jam) Tucking into freshly caught seafood at the hotel’s superb restaurant – come on Sunday or Wednesday and experience West Indian food at its best
Warden Andrew NE R HO TE L OW
ue both our boutiq to try a stay at is os ad rb Ba r ce fo ood Harbour. A new experien el and Little G e Atlantis Hot Th s, tie er op pr
Find out more about this hotel by visiting ATLANTISHOTEL BARBADOS.COM
9
GRENADA A superb all-suite hotel and spa, with outstanding food and pampered service, perfectly blended with Caribbean charm. There are delectable menus by Gary Rhodes – the Shrimp and Callaloo tart is a taste never to be forgotten – and mouth-watering tapas at lunchtime beachside at the Bash Restaurant by Mark B.
The experiences Getting to know the welcoming family owners and the Calabash team Freshly cooked breakfast on your own terrace – the best way to start the day! Delicious tapas for lunch on the beach at Bash Restaurant by Mark B Staying in a very private Pool Suite, with new chic, outdoor bathtub and showers
Find out more about this hotel by visiting CALABASHHOTEL.COM
Adele Garbutt
OWNE R
Our guests love the warm welcome they receive at Calabash and that nothing is ever too much trouble. I’m often told that the Grenadians are the friendliest people around, and of course I couldn’t agree more!
11
BEQUIA, THE GREN
ADINES
A retro boutique resort on the totally stress-free island of Beq uia, one which is increasingly sou ght-after as the perfect hideaw ay escape. Part of the guest exp erience is to discover local restaurants around the isla nd, meeting the friendliest of people and sampling delicious loca l food.
The experiences Staying in truly luxurious, yet unstuffy, surroundings All things quirky, like the rich décor and art evocative of yesteryear including eccentric yet stylish pieces of furniture such as a ‘suitcase’ chest of drawers and beach scene bedside lamps Soaking up the laid-back atmosphere and the genuine getting to know the friendly staff Enjoying superb, casual beachside dining – delicious meats and fish with wines to suit!
dt Bengt Mortste OW NE R
ing to sleep with ront Suites – go hf ac Be e th e and ve lo autiful sunris Guests all just ing up to the be ak w d an en the curtains op iendship Bay. sea views of Fr uninterrupted
Find out more about this hotel by visiting BEQUIABEACH.COM
13
ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES An understated resort on a totally private, stress-free island; the perfect barefoot hideaway escape. To experience more of the Grenadines simply sail away on one of the hotel’s private yachts and enjoy some of the best sailing waters in the Caribbean, before stopping for lunch on exotic Mustique.
The experiences Taking a cool dip in the lagoon pool at 6.00am, listening to the tropical dawn chorus Watch magnificent sunsets from hammocks or the treehouse environment of the guest cottages Breakfast! The finest French toast made with home-baked raisin bread, with homemade yogurt and freshly picked mangoes Discovering how vast and lush St Vincent is ... from botanical gardens to waterfalls
Find out more about this hotel by visiting YOUNGISLAND.COM
Bianca Porter
GENER AL MANAGER
Guests come to the island to switch off becau se it’s quiet, laid back and feels totally private – we offer escap ism in its purest, barefoot form!
15
Bagatelle, Bequia IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING...
We share a similar passion to our hotels when it comes to cuisine. We all feel that great quality locally sourced fresh food and fine wines are essential ingredients to a successful holiday! Each of our hotels offers superb restaurants which are renowned on the islands for their considerable knowledge of cuisine, innovative ideas and approach to eating and drinking, as well as being set in the most gorgeous locations. Some even have celebrity chefs and, in our eyes, offer award winning experiences for any discerning diner.
A cool beachside veranda on stunning Friendship Beach overlooking Mustique is the restaurant setting at Bequia Beach Hotel. Its inspired menu with classic and Caribbean influences is one of the most popular places to dine on the island!
The Fish Pot, Barbados
ados! This A reason in itsel f to visit Barb part of s form t uran resta well know n fort tury -cen 17th l orica hist ue a uniq h at Little which sits directly on the beac ood lover Goo d Harbour. If you are a seaf e. this is the plac
Young Island, St Vincent
An intimate beachfront and true al fresco style dining experience, with great food and lovely attentive staff. Choose from an eclectic menu from continental to authentic, deliciou s Caribbe an dishes.
Rhodes & Bash, Grenada
Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes mixes elegant cuisine with the spices and flavours of the island at Calabash to create a world class dining experience. On the beach, the Bash Restaurant by Mark B offers tasty lunchtime tapas.
The Terrace, Jamaica
At Jamaica Inn guests dine by candlelight under the stars with live music enjoying cuisine infused with local flavours. There’s a nightly changing menu where you can choose up to six expertly prepared courses.
The Cliff at Cap, St Lucia
The Cliff at Cap is arguably one of the finest dining venues in St Lucia, along with The Naked Fisherman on the beach. Both offer the same passion for fresh, well cooked food served with lots of panache!
Flamboyant, St Lucia
Sublime cuisine at East Winds with fresh local ingredients and classical French techniques, set in a beachfront veranda with live entertainment from a Steinway Grand Piano, superb Jazz or a local Shak Shak band.
The Sea Grape, Antigua
h, open Set on Curt ain Bluff ’s Bay Beac the from feet to the sea breeze, just ious delic s offer e Grap Sea , water’s edge as an ers dinn ate intim and hes lunc arind alter native to the gour met Tam Tree Rest aura nt.
17
IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING...
Each Caribbean destination has its own favourite dish which the islanders are passionate about, using locally sourced ingredients readily available from the soil or the sea! Set your taste buds ablaze with the vibrant cuisine of the West Indies, which is a fusion of traditions brought from many different countries. The island populations have created styles that are unique to the region. Ingredients which are common in most islands’ dishes are rice, plantains, beans, cassava, bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and coconut, plus various meats and fish that are locally available. A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb and oil based marinade which imparts a flavour profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character. Ingredients may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. This green seasoning is used for a variety of dishes like curries, stews and roasted meats.
To whet your appetite you’ll find opposite a selection of the delicious popular dishes from the islands.
Barbados
Flying fish and cou cou – traditionally served on Saturdays with lemon, shallots and spices and shallow fried in breadcrumbs, served with creole sauce and a local cornmeal and okra dish.
Grenada
Nutmeg ice-cream – heaped spoon fuls of grated fresh nutmeg combined with thick cream, sugar, milk and vanil la and frozen for a few hours … heavenly!
Antigua
St Lucia
Shrimp creole – large shrimp are marinated in habanero pepper, garlic, onion, lime juice, herbs and a dash of the best St Lucian dark rum, and served
Ducana and Saltfish – ducana are sweet potato dumplings sweetened with coconut flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins, and served with saltfish combined with onion, peppers, tomato and cider vinegar.
St Vincent & The Grenadines
Roast breadfruit and fried jack fish – the breadfruit itself is tied to St Vincent’s culture and heritage and its unique shaped leaf can be seen engraved into flower pots everywhere.
Jamaica
Jerk chicken – a real island favourite, this spicy chicken dish is baked with garlic, jerk seasoning, onion and a can of beer and served, of course, with rice and peas.
with tomato sauce rice and salad.
19
ST LUCIA Unstuffy yet impeccable in every way, East Winds is wha t a boutique hotel really should be ‌ an intimate, exclusiveinclusive hotel of true quality and charm; very low-key wit h private guest rooms and the friendliest of staff. It’s all abo ut relaxation and experiencing some of the finest cuisine wit h superb wines, not forgetting delicious Lobster night on Fri days!
The experiences Superb breakfasts and lunches, plus an allday light-bite menu by the beach or the pool, all served with gorgeous smiles Very private cottage accommodation in stunningly beautiful gardens Socialising with fellow guests over a glass of Champagne at the bar or maybe some rum cocktail tasting Spa treatments and yoga or Pilates in the pretty garden pavilion
milton Jesse LHMAaNA GE R GE NE RA
boat and ed tours, by e hand- pick at iv well as pr r as ‌ ou taking St Lucia Guests love ic beauty of en really is a sc e ch th hi w er scov East Winds at s by road, to di en rd ga e beach and enjoying th ed . l place inde very specia
Find out more about this hotel by visiting EASTWINDS.COM
21
ST LUCIA
stylish top –of-the-range ue resort and spa; iq ut bo nt sea ga ng ki ele ta An with breath on an ocean bluff ry xu lu teriors an in be h rib lis Ca spacious, sty villa suites have ue iq un e … the Th ols s. po ew ge vi op with plun races, some rooft ter ed sort’s ish re rn e fu Th d e. an of champagn celebratory glass a for it ot en sp ct wh rfe ng pe way of thinki ue out-of-the-box iq un a ve ha efs ch lous. which is just fabu comes to the food
The experiences The most comfortable beds anywhere in the Caribbean Sitting down to dinner at the Cliff at Cap restaurant, anticipating every mouthwatering morsel The Naked Fisherman beach restaurant and the surprise location of the hotel’s pop up restaurants are a hit with guests The best selection of rum and the best mixologist to create the cocktails
Find out more about this hotel by visiting CAPMAISON.COM
Ross Stevenson
GENER AL MANAGER
We have had over 50 proposals at the hotel – all of them have said yes so far, I’d say our Proposal Concierge team are really doing a great job!
23
ANTIGUA A fully inclusive, world-class resort with luxury beachfront suites and gourmet cuisine. Take time to experience some of the superb and numerous sports activities available (including scuba diving), or simply sample the variety of therapeutic treatments at the ocean-side spa – one is just not enough!
The experiences
The spa for a chill-out massage to the sounds of the waves from the ocean below The attentive and oh so friendly beach service … cocktails delivered to your hammock on demand! Dining at the Sea Grape Restaurant right on the water’s edge The picture perfect view of the ocean from each and every guestroom – every one is beachfront
Christopher Eastmond
GENER AL MANAGER
Our guests loved the beach BBQs so much that we made it a regaular thing. The atmosphere is relaxed but fun, with fire lanterns in the sand and chefs cooking on the beach. We certainly pull out all the stops!
Find out more about this hotel by visiting CURTAINBLUFF.COM
25
JAMAICA An intimate all-suite hideaway on a stunning private cove beach, where peace and relaxation are the main focus. Attention to detail sets this small luxury hotel apart. It’s all about the guest rooms with their spacious furnished verandahs and gorgeous views, but the impeccable Cottage 7 has to be the suite experience-of-a-lifetime, with an infinity pool cantilevered on the cliff edge with stunning ocean vistas.
The experiences
The superb suites with huge outdoorfurnished living spaces Truly the atmosphere of a bygone era due to the fascinating history of The Inn Patties and beer for lunch on the private beach before a round of croquet Enjoying an open-air signature treatment at the serene Ocean Spa
Find out more about this hotel by visiting JAMAICAINN.COM
Kyle Mais
GENER AL MANAGER
Our guests so often tell us at our weekly cockta il party how much they love Teddy’s stories down at the beach bar ... he has been with us for simply decades!
27
IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING...
The boutique collection of very special hotels featured in this brochure all enjoy dropdead-gorgeous Caribbean locations, on islands which offer incredible and exciting diversity. Everyone has a different concept of their ideal holiday experience, and we truly believe there’s something for everyone.
Experience Barbados … • Bajan dining offers unique tropical flavours and an array of fabulous restaurants • Bajans are globally renowned for their warm and welcoming hospitable nature • Perfect year-round conditions and blossoming marine life make Barbados a diver’s paradise Find out more visitbarbados.co.uk
Experience Grenada … • The spice isle of the Caribbean, from rainforest to silky white beaches • Sophisticated boutique hotels with exemplary service standards • Culinary experiences be they gourmet or street food
Find out more grenadagrenadines.com
Experience St Vincent & The Grenadines … • Over 32 beautiful islands and cays, with just 9 inhabited • 2015 sees the launch of the country’s first International Airport • Green turtles thrive in this protected environment
Find out more discoversvg.com
Experience Antigua … • Discover 365 beautiful pink and white sand beaches • Unassumingly luxurious, this sought after island is ideal for romance • Antigua is renowned as a sailing and yachting haven
Find out more visitantiguabarbuda.com
Experience St Lucia … • The most picturesque of islands with its famous Piton Mountains, lush rainforests, and idyllic beaches • An abundance of activities include zip-lining, diving, yachting and riding • Twin centre appeal as the north and south offer distinct experiences Find out more saintluciauk.org
Experience Jamaica … • Warm waters and white sands, perfect beaches for all ages • Rum, reggae and relaxation, Jamaica offers perfect cultural and musical experience • Affordable and diverse – Jamaica epitomises Caribbean luxury and styled barefoot elegance
Find out more visitjamaica.com
29
I T ’ S A L L A B O U T D I F F E R E N T. . .
As you will have read there are so many different experiences available within the Caribbean and at our delicious resorts, it is hard to make a choice of which experience to try first! So we have designed the following page to make your selection easier, by simply highlighting six ‘experiences’ to which our hotels are particularly suited. Each of us at Essential Detail has been lucky enough to have visited our hotels on many occasions and are available to chat to you personally about them ... so please do call us.
We love
experiencing. . . Helen Edwards
THE BEACH Jamaica Inn Curtain Bluff Bequia Beach Hotel Cap Maison
Annette Quinn
Francesca D’Marco
THE SPA Curtain Bluff Jamaica Inn Calabash East Winds
THE FAMILY Curtain Bluff Bequia Beach Hotel Cap Maison Little Good Harbour
Helen Edwards Francesca D’Marco
THE SuITEs Jamaica Inn Bequia Beach Hotel Cap Maison Little Good Harbour
ls Jacquie Nicho
THE ROMANCE otel T he Atla nt is H nd la Is Young East Winds Calabash
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE East Winds Curtain Bluff Calabash Young Island
31
Essential Detail 7 Hampton Court Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 4AE T. 020 8977 6099 E. office@essentialdetail.co.uk W. essentialdetail.co.uk
Incorporating Essential Hotel Collection
With thanks to the following organisations for supplying information and photography for this publication: Caribbean Tourism Organization; Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc; Grenada Tourism Authority; St Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Office; Saint Lucia Tourist Board; Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority; Jamaica Tourist Board; St Maarten Tourism Bureau; Belize Tourism Board; USVI Department of Tourism; Turks & Caicos Islands Tourism Board.