Luxury hospitality is more than just five-star service—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, where every detail is seamlessly orchestrated to perfection. Few understand this better than Evelyn, the visionary founder and director of Villa Casablanca, an exclusive sanctuary nestled in the prestigious Sandy Lane Estate, Barbados.
Recently named one of the Most Inspiring Women Leaders of 2025, Evelyn has redefined luxury by blending personalized service with cultural authenticity, ensuring that every guest’s stay is an extraordinary journey. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights on leadership, the evolution of luxury travel, and the art of curating unparalleled experiences. From overcoming industry challenges to shaping the future of high-end hospitality, Evelyn’s story is one of vision, passion, and bold innovation.
Congratulations on being named one of the Most Inspiring Women Leaders 2025! Can you tell us about your incredible journey and what inspired the creation of Villa Casablanca?
Thank you—it’s an honor to be recognized. My journey to creating Villa Casablanca began long before its doors ever opened. Travel has always been one of my greatest passions, and through my experiences exploring the world, I came to know what luxury hospitality means—how it transforms an ordinary trip into something extraordinary. How it makes you feel. I wanted to build a destination where every moment is thoughtfully curated, where guests don’t just stay but experience and share it with others. Villa Casablanca was born out of this desire to create a sanctuary of elegance and it has given us a name in the industry. We are known for exclusive partnerships and white glove service.
How do you define luxury in the hospitality industry, and how do you ensure every guest at Villa Casablanca experiences it?
I get asked this question often, and luxury travel is deeply personal. Managing a high-end estate like Villa Casablanca comes with its set of challenges, from maintaining impeccable standards to adapting to the evolving demands of discerning travelers. At Villa Casablanca, luxury means intuitive service, seamless experiences, and an atmosphere where every detail is considered before the guest even thinks of it. We personalize every stay, from custom culinary journeys to curated itineraries and bespoke excursions, ensuring that our guests feel pampered, and cared for and that they need to think of nothing because we already have.
As a leader, how do you balance exclusivity with accessibility in the luxury travel market?
Exclusivity should feel VIP but not exclusionary. It’s about crafting an experience so bespoke that it feels like it was made just for you. At Villa Casablanca, we offer a haven of privacy and refinement, but we also create access to cultural authenticity. As luxury travel trends towards hyper-personalization, Villa Casablanca is poised to lead this evolution, offering unique journeys that cater to individual preferences.
What qualities do you believe define a successful leader in the luxury travel and hospitality industry? What leadership principles guide your decision-making and management style?
A leader in this industry must possess vision, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. My decision-making is always guided by three core principles: anticipating needs before they arise, fostering a team culture that prioritizes excellence, and constantly innovating to enhance the guest experience. Leading in luxury hospitality isn’t just about curating exquisite experiences—it demands sharp business acumen, financial savviness, and a certain kind of assertiveness that turns vision into reality. As a woman in this industry, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about grace and warmth; it’s about decisiveness, strategy, and the courage to make bold moves.
What challenges have you faced in managing a high-end estate like Villa Casablanca, and how have you overcome them?
Luxury hospitality demands perfection, but perfection is a moving target. One of the biggest challenges has been evolving with the ever-changing expectations of elite travelers. Sustainability is also a key focus—how do we maintain an eco-conscious approach without compromising the luxury experience? We’ve met these challenges by integrating sustainable practices, collaborating with locals and municipalities, and continuously refining our personalized offerings to exceed expectations.
How has guest demand changed in recent years, and how have you adapted to meet those evolving expectations?
Luxury travelers today crave authenticity. It’s no longer just about the thread count of the sheets; In the world of high-end hospitality, expectations aren’t just high—they’re sky-high. Catering to discerning guests means anticipating requests that range from the meticulous to the seemingly impossible. But at Villa Casablanca, we don’t see challenges; we see opportunities to elevate the experience. Whether it’s fitting a craving for the extraordinary—a rare vintage flown in on-demand, hand-delivered by a world-class sommelier, or, private last-minute, white-glove shopping experiences, exclusive yacht charters, or a seamless fusion of luxury and spontaneity. We create signature experiences.
Have you had any mentors or role models who influenced your leadership style? If so, what lessons did you learn from them?
Absolutely. My journey into luxury hospitality wasn’t a straight path—and it was shaped by mentors from across industries. Some of my greatest lessons didn’t come from five-star resorts or private estates but from engineering minds who taught me precision, logistics experts who ingrained efficiency, and business leaders who emphasized the power of bold, decisive action. By pairing this, with my background in management and my love of elevated experiences, I’m able to create a unique perspective at Villa Casablanca.
What does the future hold for Villa Casablanca and the Sandy Lane Estate?
We will continue to seek unique partnerships and progression to remain at the forefront. The rise of eco-conscious luxury, wellness-driven retreats, and experiential travel—signals a new era where hospitality blends adventure with refinement. I believe technology will continue to grow and play a key role, while “bleisure” travel will redefine work-life balance in high-end settings. From the exclusive to the unconventional we hope to keep piquing guests’ curiosity.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in the hospitality and travel industry?
Lead with confidence and authenticity. This industry thrives on innovation, and women bring a unique perspective to the table. Build strong relationships, trust your instincts, and never compromise on your standards. We have a knack for creating emotional connection in our experience and that is where true leadership lies.
