Casablanca Sandy Lane Barbados
Evlyn Mondo, the visionary owner of Casablanca Sandy Lane Barbados, believes that true luxury goes beyond the villa’s exquisite decoration and prestigious Sandy Lane address. Instead, it lies in the thoughtful details that elevate each guest’s stay into an unforgettable experience.
“For me, making someone feel exceptional is the real definition of luxury,” says Evlyn. “It’s about making sure that you have something tailored for you in a place where all your senses are stimulated, and creating an atmosphere where you feel like a million dollars. It’s not just about where you are, it’s about how you feel while you’re there.” This philosophy is woven into every aspect of Casablanca, where guests are encouraged to personalise their stay, with their every desire met through a bespoke concierge service.
The service includes an exclusive VIP arrival and departure option that provides a seamless and stress-free travel experience. From the moment guests step onto Barbadian soil, they are whisked away to the private jet area of the airport, where all travel documents are handled with ease while they relax and enjoy their first taste of Barbadian hospitality with some refreshing drinks and light snacks. Luggage is taken care of, and within the hour, guests arrive at the doors of this private villa on the island’s west coast, ready to unwind. (The same immaculate service is offered on the way home, ensuring guests leave Barbados feeling as relaxed as during their stay.)
Once ensconced in the property, guests are treated to an unrivalled level of hospitality where even the smallest conveniences are anticipated. The staff ensure that each stay is the epitome of comfort. “Our staff make sure you feel at home and everything is organised, so your stay truly feels like a vacation,” says Evlyn. “You don’t need to bring 50 suitcases – your clothes will be laundered each night and ready for the next day. It’s these small details that make all the difference.” For those travelling with children, a dedicated nanny is on hand to create fun-filled games and supervise playtime in the pool while the adults enjoy some quiet time. If a birthday coincides with the stay, the staff pull out all the stops to craft a celebration to be remembered for years to come. And if adventure calls, a family catamaran tour that includes swimming with turtles is a must.
Adding to the villa’s unique charm is a children’s book set in the estate, with its resident green monkeys the star protagonists. Evlyn wanted to create something specifically for children to make sure they will always remember their time at Casablanca. “While they can’t bring back the green monkey in their luggage, they can bring back a little character that will stay with them for years as a keepsake,” she says. “The children can take a piece of Barbados home, and the illustrations will help to remind them of their wonderful time here.”
The neo-classical-style property typical of Barbados features a luxurious five-bedroom villa, with each room offering patio access, an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. A separate cottage within the grounds has two additional en-suite bedrooms and provides seclusion and tranquillity. Set in two acres of meticulously designed and lovingly maintained gardens, the estate showcases the Caribbean’s breathtaking natural beauty at its finest.
Although Casablanca is not far from Holetown and its array of restaurants, guests choosing to dine at home are treated to a unique experience. The personal chef not only cooks the island’s favourite delicacies but also caters to every culinary preference. Diners also benefit from Evlyn’s exclusive partnership with Alfred, a Canadian-based company renowned for its expertise in finding rare, high-end wines. It is a one-of-a-kind offering that Evlyn is particularly proud of. “We are able to locate private collections of rare wine and can exclusively offer Château Pétrus at the villa,” she says. “We can have a sommelier from France or Canada who can give a virtual presentation on the wine for the guests, creating a ceremonial experience, and the sommelier will work with our chef on-site to make sure the meal is the perfect complement.”
For rum connoisseurs, postprandial evenings at the villa offer the opportunity to indulge in expertly curated rum tasting sessions, and as night falls, an awe-inspiring stargazing experience awaits. Thanks to the celestial majesty of the Barbadian skies, guests look up at the night sky. “There are so many stars visible, it’s an exceptional experience,” says Evlyn. Taking time to appreciate such moments and observe nature in the peaceful surroundings is a key part of a stay at Casablanca. “We encourage our guests to slow down – to smell the hibiscus, to enjoy the sky, the sunset, the hummingbirds, the monkeys. It’s difficult these days to truly appreciate nature, but here we make it easy.”
Casablanca guests have use of an array of facilities, including a spacious infinity pool with sun deck, a state- of-the-art gym and a versatile paddle court that can serve as a pickleball court. The villa also has a tennis court and exclusive access to the prestigious Sandy Lane Estate Beach Club, with the option to unwind in a private cabana. Golf enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with three exceptional courses where they can indulge their passion. For those with a love of shopping, Holetown offers a selection of upmarket boutiques, perfect for finding unique pieces to cherish long after the trip ends.
Whether relaxing, indulging in curated experiences, or enjoying nature’s beauty, Casablanca is a sanctuary where guests feel cared for and can create memories that last a lifetime. It is no surprise that it won Best Luxury Boutique Villa, Barbados at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024. “When you walk into Casablanca, the first feeling you have is one of calm,” says Evlyn. “It smells good because there are flowers, because the chef is cooking something. You feel that you belong there and that’s a wonderful feeling. It’s what Casablanca is all about.”