Sandals to chain with help from Team Barbados

Just over 20 of Barbados leading hospitality workers from Sandals Barbados are presently a part of the operations team assisting with the opening of the Luxury Included Resorts’ newest addition to the chain: Sandals Royal Curacao.

The young men and women left the island recently as part of the company’s Team Member Exchange Programme, to contribute to the grand official opening, as guests were welcomed under bright skies and with smiling faces.

General Manager of Sandals Barbados Nicholas Simmonds said it was a bittersweet moment for him as he wished his team members well, noting he was confident that they would give a good showing of themselves as Barbados and Sandals ambassadors.

“We will miss them of course, but knowing that they are going to be part of history and take the skills we have taught them here to benefit one of our sister properties is a tremendous plus and fills us with pride,” said Simmonds.

The company’s Team Member Exchange Programme is an initiative through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and allows new recruits to become immersed in the Sandals and Beaches resorts’ culture, while existing employees are seconded to other resorts, providing an opportunity to travel and become exposed to new working environments and cultures, widen their skills and insights, enhance their career development and positively impact their job performance on return to their home resort.

Sherri- Ann Charles, one of the Barbadian employees on assignment in Curacao called the experience life changing and valuable.

“This experience is so amazing. It feels great having this opportunity to meet new people, explore their culture and learn a new language. So far I am having an amazing time with my new team mates,” said Charles.

Nestled on 3,000 acres along the Spanish Water Bay, the all-new Sandals Royal Curaçao is a romantic paradise designed for lovers featuring 351 rooms and suites, including the first-ever Awa Seaside Bungalows with private pools, the first Kurason Island Suites overlooking a heart-shaped pool, and the unique Dos Awa 2-Level Infinity Pool.

With 11 all-new dining concepts, including three new food trucks, the resort also has exclusive MINI Coopers available for complimentary use for select room categories.

The team members will spend close to three months at the newest resort and will be deployed in most areas of the hotel including Food and Beverage, Bars, Engineering, Photoshop and Watersports.

Bar Supervisor Rodney Harris commented that he was keen to take in the opportunity presented to him.

“Sandals is a company that encourages growth. I see myself as an example of this, having been promoted from bartender last year. This has only made me eager to learn more and move up in the company as best I can. I’m truly happy to have been selected for this experience,”  said Harris. (PR)