“I didn’t find Casablanca, Casablanca found me,” says Evlyn Mondo of the spectacular estate she came across in the heart of prestigious Sandy Lane, Barbados. “My husband and I travelled all over the Caribbean and we fell in love with Barbados. It has a wonderful vibe. And as soon as I stepped onto this property, I had one of those ‘a-ha!’ moments where I just knew that it was the right place for us. It wasn’t just the building; it was how I felt when I was here.”
Though initially bought as a private investment, such was Casablanca’s charm the couple decided to transform it into a tropical getaway that others could also enjoy. Two years of renovations followed, and top of the agenda was the curation of a luxurious, easy and comfortable place to stay. “I stayed in Casablanca while we were renovating,” says Mondo, “to help me ‘feel’ the property and experience what worked and what didn’t work, and what needed adjusting. Instead of focusing only on what needed renovating, I kept asking, ‘How can I make this a home away from home so that our guests feel instantly that they are on vacation?’”
Tucked away on a tranquil cul-de-sac, Casablanca Sandy Lane Barbados is a picturesque, two-acre estate on the west coast of the island. Overlooking the famed Old Nine Sandy Lane golf course, it is surrounded by fragrant, lush gardens and swaying palm trees, where green monkeys frolic among the branches. The accommodation comprises a beautiful 7,000-square-foot neo-classical-style villa with five guest rooms, each with king or queen beds, patio access, en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. The master suite has its own private patio, a walk-in wardrobe and a marble bathroom with soaking tub and rain shower. A separate 2,500-square-foot cottage within the grounds has two en-suite bedrooms and offers an extra touch of privacy. The interiors at both the villa and cottage reinforce the sense that the estate is very much a sanctuary: light, airy decor and minimalist styling emphasise Casablanca’s role as an oasis of calm.
Casablanca accommodates up to 14 guests, which makes it the perfect location for intimate gatherings, with visitors from the northern hemisphere enjoying the island’s year-round temperatures of around 30C. Every group can be catered for, from families that wish to celebrate an anniversary or milestone birthday, to co-workers who can bond over sunset cocktails, to friends who want a paradisical retreat with outdoor yoga sessions, or small wedding parties that seek a secluded, memorable venue.
Casablanca takes care of every detail from arrival to departure. An optional, exclusive VIP transfer service promises an effortless transit between the airport and villa. Guests are whisked through customs and away to the threshold of the estate within an hour of landing at the airport.
Once settled at the property, the fun and relaxation begin. The 58ft infinity pool is ideal for laps and has a sun deck, deluxe loungers and gazebo with barbecue area. There is also a state-of-the-art gym, a tennis court and a paddle court where guests can also play pickleball. Water sports enthusiasts will love the snorkelling, sailing, catamaran cruises, kayaking and windsurfing opportunities around the bay, all of which can be organised effortlessly through the villa’s concierge service. For a serene, more indulgent experience, therapeutic massages and yoga classes are available on request. In addition, guests have exclusive access to a private cabana at the prestigious Sandy Lane Estate Beach Club for the duration of their stay, a private members club that is just a five-minute walk away.
Shared spaces in the villa include a spacious living room, formal dining room and gourmet kitchen, perfect for foodies keen to rustle up their own creations with the produce grown by Casablanca’s personal gardener or enjoy the cuisine of a private chef. There is also a media room and games room that will keep younger guests entertained while adults enjoy a peaceful time in the property’s substantial private library with access to thousands of international newspapers and magazines on demand. For parties seeking retail therapy, nearby Holetown offers a selection of upmarket boutiques with unique items that will remind guests of their unforgettable Barbadian experience. Those who want to explore Barbados further can visit the capital city, Bridgetown, a 15-minute drive away from Casablanca, on the southwestern coastline. Here, an array of charming cultural and historical sites provides a taste of the history and pulse of the island.
Wherever guests roam, the famous Barbadian hospitality experience is guaranteed. Indeed, the local staff at Casablanca are its secret ingredient. For this family-style management team, nothing is too much trouble. A personal concierge, butler and private chef are all on hand, together with an array of friendly faces that ensure each stay is second to none. Laundry is quietly taken care of every evening, and the fridge freshly stocked in the morning with snacks, treats and drinks that the guests request. When Mondo chose her team, she made sure they were local residents. “They know the history of the island, they are a beautiful, gentle and proud people, and they are all part of the experience at Casablanca,” she says.
The key to Casablanca’s attraction is for every detail to be exactly to a guest’s taste, for them to have everything they want and not have to worry about a thing. In this way, people will have a feeling they are somewhere they belong, and somewhere they would want to come back to. “That was my vision,” says Mondo. “We always ask our guests, ‘What is your dream vacation?’ because it’s not about us, it’s all about them; and whatever it is they want to celebrate or experience, we can provide it.”
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