Bono, Prince Harry . . . and you. That’s the pitch from Sandy Lane Estate on Barbados’s west coast, where those boldface names have all checked in. Now, the community is showing off a fresh piece of celeb candy: what’s likely the island’s most expensive vacation villa.
Recently reopened following a renovation, the improbably named Villa Casablanca in Sandy Lane Estates hit the market asking $9,000 (RM43,000) per night, or $63,000 (RM301,000) a week.
That’s stratospheric for a Caribbean Island better known for family package holidays. So what do you get for your money? We checked in to find out.
The Location
The secluded two-acre garden property in Holetown, Saint James Parish, is situated on the prestigious South Road. This 9,500-square-foot estate is the largest villa on the block and stands within a gated community. It’s also home to the community’s longest infinity pool at 68 feet and a private tennis court overlooking the Old Nine Golf Course.
A 10-minute walk takes you to the Sandy Lane Estate Private Beach Club, located next to the Sandy Lane Hotel. Enjoy complimentary sun loungers and cabanas, a beach club bar-restaurant, and access to a range of water sports and beach spas.
The Villa
Constructed in the 1970s by local architect Ian Morrison, it mixes neoclassique Barbados heritage with British, Caribbean and West African influences.
Inside there’s an open floor plan topped by a timber roof with cedar shingles—a Caribbean tradition that adds warmth to the villa’s clean, minimalist design.
The interior’s relaxed colour palette of soft peaches, greens, and blues mirrors the hues of Barbados itself and natural fibre rugs crafted from jute and sisal add textures that evoke the feeling of walking on sand. Furniture is crafted from natural materials such as rattan and wicker and features tropical prints with lattice patterns and large palm leaves.
The main house has five bedrooms, while a 1,500-square-foot, single-story cottage separated from the main house has two bedrooms and a private terrace. The primary bedroom in that first abode is located on the second floor and accessed via a spiral staircase. It includes a king-sized bed, a chaise lounge, and tray ceilings, along with a spacious walk-in closet. A private balcony overlooking the garden and golf course lets guests start each day with a serene view. As for the bathroom, it offers a free-standing bathtub with discreet garden views—the perfect way to relax after a day in paradise.
All in, the villa can sleep 14 with enough space left over for large-scale entertaining in spaces, like in the grand, 480-square-foot dining gazebo. The space features a circular glass-topped table lit by an iron chandelier, overlooking the pool where a pair of oversized Doberman statues keeps watch. Even the gym comes with pool views.
Another highlight is the media room where the walls are adorned with sports memorabilia and autographs from the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Luciano Pavarotti. The bar here is stocked at all times.
The Vibe
Staying at Villa Casablanca is all about service. A private chef, a butler, a chauffeur, seasoned housekeepers, gardeners, and pool technicians are all included in the booking.
Experiences are orchestrated by Sarah Young Concierge Service of Young Estates. The offering takes a hands-on approach and can charter your yacht, find your kid a nanny, or source your favourite chocolate via a 24/7 WhatsApp service.
Villa Casablanca’s general manager Ms. Mondu practices what she calls “family-style management.” Unlike the standard practice of assigning specific roles of butlers, chefs, and housekeeping, she cross-trains each staff member in several roles. This allows them to support guests responsively and seamlessly at any hour.
“You don’t just rent a house,” Mondu tells Robb Report. “You experience the pleasure of staying in a villa where the people who work there are motivated to make your stay the best. The staff remains the same throughout your stay. The familiar faces and their constant attention create a safe and friendly environment. The composition of your vacation is up to you. True luxury is about the experience and the service, not just the price and the luxury brand of a place.”
