Elegant Hotels Group PLC (LON:EHG) Chief Executive Officer Sunil Chatrani caught up with DirectorsTalk to discuss the opening of their recent acquisition ‘Waves Hotel and Spa’ in Barbados
Q1: Now you’ve just announced that your recent acquisition Waves Hotel and Spa is now open for business, how has the hotel been received by guests and travel agents since its opening last week?
A1: Actually the response has been very good, everyone is very pleased with the transformation of the hotel, new guests are impressed with the all-inclusive concept which is new to Barbados whilst our repeat guests and repeat guests to that particular property are amazed at the transformation and what we’ve achieved over the last 4 months.
Q2: How is the refurbishment and repositioning gone, can you tell us more about the process?
A2: We did a complete renovation over a 4 month period, we had 300 to 350 workmen on site on a daily basis, this is a record for even Elegant, to be able to do the kind of work that we’ve done over the last 4 months is not common for the Caribbean.
Q3: So what are the facilities and activities like that a Waves guest can expect?
A3: The hotel is really an affordable luxury with a focus on wellness and mindfulness, this eco-chic ocean front property offers a unique and a new all-inclusive concept for Barbados.
Q4: So how does that differ from other hotels in Elegant Hotels Group’s portfolio?
A4: Waves now offers a unique all-inclusive experience which goes beyond premium accommodation and versatile dining, the focus on mind and wellness, freshly prepared dishes, cultural, artistic and local activities provides an opportunity for our guests to unwind and reconnect also state of the art spa features 8 treatment rooms, sauna, a steam room and manicure and pedicure stations.
Q5: Can you tell us a bit more about its position on the island? What makes the location so special?
A5: Waves is located on the Platinum West Coast of Barbados along with 4 of our other hotels and Daphne’s restaurant, this makes it quite easy for our guests to benefit from our complimentary water taxi services and the ‘Taste of Elegance Dine Around Programme’ which provides guests with access to over 15 restaurants and bars at our sister hotels.
Q6: Now, could you give us a bit of insight into the acquisition strategy and what to look for in a potential acquisition opportunity?
A6: Well of course Elegant Hotel’s expansion strategy as it also includes management contracts but the expansion strategy remains the same as outlined in our admissions document. We are in the market for underperforming hotels which can be renovated, repositioned and then re-priced as a boutique luxury hotel in the Caribbean. We are looking for properties in the wider Caribbean now but that does not mean that if the right option presents itself that we wouldn’t look for something in Barbados as well.
