Page 133 - Powerlist 2020

WE ARE GATHERIN’ STAR RESTAURATEUR
CHERYL NEWMAN
2020 has been designated as the year for Barbadians and those who love Owner of Champers
Barbados to come home and contribute to rebuilding and developing the in Christ Church
island. It is a homecoming that is hoped will reunite friends and family,
and reconnect native Bajans with traditional values and an opportunity to Cheryl claims she got into the
redefine who they are. business by accident having
The initiative will commence in January 2020 in St Lucy and move worked previously for a travel
southwards every month when each parish will showcase its icons, agency and then managing a bar,
heritage, social life and food. The aim is to: but that experience only served
Celebrate traditional Barbadian ways of life to sharpen her hospitality skills
Showcase the diversity of Barbadian talent and excellence and business acumen. She is now
Capitalise on economic opportunities in enterprise and investment the owner of the hugely popular
Craft a collective vision for the future Champers Restaurant on the
island’s south coast.
Fresh and modern while
island’s multi-award-winning superstar maintaining a strong Caribbean
homegirl, Rihanna. identity, this premier venue offers
As one of the best-selling music the romance of waterside dining
artists worldwide with a ton of in its gazebo or on the open air
Instagram followers, ‘badgirlriri’ has terrace. Renowned for its high-
proved as much a selling point as the quality food, its owner epitomises
sandy beaches and quality rum. the vibe of her famous site – classy
The global superstar was born in and cool. So what does she
the parish of St Michael and has been personally regard as the USP of
a Cultural Ambassador since 2008. her dream come true?
Her role has recently been expanded “My main focus was to cater for
to ‘Ambassador Extraordinary and Barbadians,” she says. “Too often
Plenipotentiary’ by the government of the tourism sector neglects locals
Home to fine rum, world education, tourism and investment. The Crane, founded in 1887, is the looking after our local clientele as
Barbados, and now involves promoting
but we saw the importance of
the tourism season is limited and
According to Prime Minister Mia
oldest resort in Barbados
Mottley: “Rihanna has a deep love for
we are a business that wishes to
class hotels...and Rihanna this country and this is reflected in her overlooking a 1,000ft crescent of white be profitable throughout the year.”
philanthropy, especially in the areas
It was this loyalty to Barbadian
of health and education. She has also
natives that proved to be the
sandy beach, the hotel prides itself
demonstrated, beyond her success
Midas touch. Word of mouth and
on catering for your every need. The
as a pop icon, significant creative
key, and by winning over the
with guests arriving in a chauffeur-
acumen and shrewdness in business. It personalised service is second to none a formidable reputation proved
is therefore fitting that we engage and driven car. Whether it is golf, spas or hearts of those who lived on the
empower her to play a more definitive state of the art technology that floats island, Cheryl and her staff proved
role as we work to transform Barbados.” your boat, this exclusive resort will a popular attraction to visitors
prove the ultimate escape from the curious to sample their hospitality.
A UNIQUE LUXURY boardroom. There is a special vibe of warm
DESTINATION hospitality that welcomes you to
Barbados is a quintessential destination Fairmont Royal Pavilion Champers. An added bonus for
with a diverse product offering and The Pavilion is a secluded hideaway art lovers is the range of work by
as a result is ideal for the luxury travel with an unrivalled beach presence local artists that line the walls, but
market. where all 72 rooms have breathtaking don’t leave without trying one of
It is home to a number of luxury views of the Caribbean. As one of the their signature dishes: Shrimp and
hotels including Sandy Lane, the only most intimate resorts on the island, the mango salad, parmesan-crusted
five-diamond resort on the island. site captures the warmth and elegance barracuda or coconut pie.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Coral Reef Club of a country estate.
and for those who may own a yacht –
Port St Charles and Port Ferdinand – are The Crane Resort
perfect destinations. This unique venue was founded as the
first resort on the island, opening in
Sandy Lane in 1887. It has retained its reputation
Sandy Lane is no ordinary hotel. as a place of stunning beauty with
Regarded as the premier address on spectacular vistas and an unspoiled
the island, Rihanna calls it home when coast. The resort combines olde-worlde
she returns, having bought a home on charm and incredible beauty with
site. Set in an ancient mahoganygrove award-winning restaurants.

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