Elegant Hotels’ prestigious Colony Club, situated on Barbados’ Platinum West Coast, opened the island’s first Rum Vault this November 2018 in celebration of the resort’s 70th Anniversary.
Internationally renowned rum expert Ian Burrell, The Global Ambassador for rum, has helped shape the Rum Vault menu, placing together a wide variety of rums from across the region. Shane McClean will expertly pair the Rum Vault’s rums as the hotel’s resident Rum Ambassador. Named ‘2018’s Barbados Bartender of the Year’, Shane delights rum connoisseurs with his extensive knowledge, mixology skills and vibrant personality.
The Rum Vault boasts the largest collection in Barbados, consisting of an impressive 150 varieties of rums sourced from across the world including, Japan, Seychelles, Mauritius, Australia and the Caribbean islands. Highlights from the menu include: Barbados’ award-winning Foursquare 2005 vintage titled ISC Supreme Champion 2018, Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend 25 Year Old, created to celebrate Joy Spence’s 20th anniversary as a master blender; Diplomatico Ambassador 12 Year Old, matured in ex-bourbon barrels before, the rum is finished with a couple years in Pedro Ximénez casks and Caroni 1996 21 Year Old, a complex, aged rum from one of Trinidad’s most famous distilleries.
A tempting and fun range of special events and activities are held in the Rum Vault for both guests and Barbados residents. The Rum Vault hosts rum themed mixology demonstrations, rum inspired cookery classes, rum and chocolate pairings, as well as a number of signature tasting flights including the Connoisseurs Club Flight, which comprises some of the most expensive rums in the Rum Vault. The Rum Ambassador hosts weekly Rum Dinner Storieswhich serve rum enthusiasts a tantalising four-course dinner with rum cocktail pairings and an overview on the history of Barbados’ oldest rum brand – Mount Gay. Guests and locals can also enjoy every Saturday, Kill Devil Vault Tapas, a six-course tapas menu with rum cocktails and every Monday a Tales from the Vault three-course dinner with rum cocktails.
The Rum Vault has a traditional members’ club design with dark woods, leather seats and local artwork. The elegant rum bottles will be displayed to create an atmospheric dining space, in which a locally-made eight-seater tasting table will be placed for intimate dining.
Gayle Talma, Group Operations Director commented: “Barbados is the birthplace of Rum and it is at the heart of the island’s culture and celebrations. It was befitting for Elegant Hotels to create the island’s only specialist Rum Vault to celebrate Colony Club’s 70th year. We are delighted to offer such a unique experience for our guests and envisage the Rum Vault becoming a great place of discovery for guests to learn more about the history of rum making, while savouring an incredible variety of tastes from around the world.”
Colony Club’s history
With its rich past, Colony Club has evolved over its 70 years of history, starting as a private home and stables back in 1930 before becoming Barbados’ first residential club and then transforming into the award-winning hotel it is today and an iconic landmark on Barbados’ legendary West Coast. Originally a plantation home, the property was purchased by shipping heiress Ann Embiricos, who developed it in 1948 into a residential club and has since been credited as a pioneer of West Coast luxury hotel development in Barbados. By 1960, it was known as Colony Club and the retreat has undergone numerous additions and refurbishments and now stands proud as a laid-back, chic resort with 96 rooms and suites.
Colony Club today
One of nine Caribbean properties in the Elegant Hotels Group, Colony Club sits on the finest stretch of beach on Barbados’ Platinum West Coast. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautifully tended gardens and lagoon-style pools, the resort is the ideal destination for those seeking a healthy lifestyle, laidback luxury and elegant dining. For seven decades Colony Club has provided discerning guests countless opportunities to feel the true warmth of Bajan hospitality and experience the golden touches that the property is famous for, from Jazz and Lobster evenings to ‘bait to plate’ fishing excursions where guests can catch and then cook their dinner with a Colony Club chef. A perennial favourite with couples, families and friends – November is set to be spectacular as the property invites guests to join them in the celebrations of this momentous milestone.
