“Calabash has always been more than a business for our family; it’s a legacy built on values, care, and genuine hospitality,” says the Garbutt sisters, Adele, Bobbie, and Beth. The sisters, who are in their 20s and 30s, grew up on the island of Grenada, in the boutique Relais & Châteaux hotel their parents owned, Calabash.
Now, they’ve been handed over the reins to welcome a new era of luxury hospitality and the sisters are confident that they will bring a fresh perspective to the guest experience, whilst still keeping with the unique qualities that have brought them loyal customers for decades.
“We all agree that we couldn’t have had a better childhood,” they share. “Grenada is a wonderful place to grow up. You feel so free and surrounded by community and love. Growing up in a hotel gave us unique experiences, and one of our favourite things to do was to sneak into the main bar and help ourselves to afternoon tea with our friends after our tennis lesson.”
Keeping with the family feel, the hotel doesn’t have a general manager, and it’s Adele’s job to run all operations whilst Beth handles Food and Beverage, and Bobbie takes on Marketing and PR with their cousin Hannah. The sisters left Grenada to study in the UK, which they say really helped to immerse themselves in the culture and environment that many of their guests come from, allowing them to craft a holiday that truly fits their guests’ needs.
Their father Leo first stepped foot on Grenada in 1985. It was then that he met their mother Lilian, and when a delayed flight back to the UK meant Leo had to check in to The Calabash Hotel, he found himself falling in love with the property and eventually becoming its new owner. The couple have since transformed the hotel into an award-winning all-suite property with 130 staff members hired from the local community. They operate three restaurants, a 24-hour fitness centre, a spa, island tours, and have access to an on-site Dive and Watersports Centre.
Ina Yulo Stuve speaks to the Garbutt sisters about the island they call home and how they continue to instil core family values into the guest experience.
Did you ever consider a career outside of hospitality?
We all did at some points but the allure of Calabash had a hold of us and pulled us in. As it turns out, there is nothing more appealing to us that sharing our slice of sun, sand and happiness with the world.
What are the most important things you’ve learned from your parents?
One of the most important things we have learned from our parents is the value of hard work and dedication. They taught us that success doesn’t come overnight, it requires perseverance, commitment, and often, going the extra mile. Watching them build and nurture Calabash over the years, we have learned the significance of showing up every day with passion and resilience, even when things get tough.
They also instilled in us the importance of integrity and treating everyone with respect, whether it’s a guest, a team member, or a partner.
Are there any business skills you’re currently trying to master?
We are always working on refining our leadership skills, particularly in adapting to different personalities and motivating our team to bring their best every day. Calabash’s family atmosphere is one of our strengths, and we want to ensure that everyone feels valued and inspired while we continue to grow and innovate. Balancing tradition with modern business practices is an ongoing learning journey, but it’s one we are passionate about.
What makes Grenada such a unique place to visit?
To us, Grenada has the best parts of the Caribbean in one place. We are unique in the sense that we have beautiful beaches and stunning rainforest all on one island. Usually you have to sacrifice one for the other. But certainly it is the people that make the place so special. Grenada is such a safe destination and Grenadians are so proud, warm, and welcoming by nature.
Finding new ways to innovate to attract new customers whilst staying true to what makes your loyal guests come back year after year can be a difficult thing to balance. How do you manage this?
Our success has been built on reputation and we really focus on doing what we do well and allowing it to speak for itself. We gather and genuinely consider guest feedback, using it to refine our offerings. Loyal guests feel valued because their voices help shape our direction, while new guests find something fresh and relevant.
In the end, it’s about staying authentic. Our loyal guests return because they feel a sense of belonging, and our innovations aim to enhance that feeling while inviting new guests to discover it.
If you were to plan a one-day itinerary for your guests, where would you send them?
Grenada has so much to offer, but if you only have one day, we would suggest starting your day with breakfast served on the balcony of your suite, which would be a unique and elegant way to start the day. Following that, we recommend a bespoke island tour with a private guide who will take you to the best spots in town and into the rainforest to explore the waterfalls, rivers, and to see the Mona monkeys. Then, its back to the hotel for a late lunch at our Beach Club before heading off on a sunset sail, which is a beautiful and relaxing experience, accompanied by champagne and canapes. Dinner at Rhodes is always a special event to round off your day in Grenada.
How do you ensure Calabash’s family-owned vibe shines through and is felt by your guests?
With our team, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment that feels like home from the moment guests arrive. We focus on remembering guest names, understanding their preferences, and delivering thoughtful, personalised touches that reflect our family’s care and attention.
As a family-operated hotel, our team works closely to prioritise consistency, quality, and authenticity over a mass-produced experience. We aim for each guest to leave feeling not just well-served, but truly cared for, as if they were part of our extended family.
Any exciting news or updates for Calabash in 2025?
2025 is going to be a very exciting year for us. For the first time since the early 90s, we’re expanding with brand new suites, thoughtfully designed to enhance our guests’ experience while staying true to the charm and intimacy that Calabash is known for. This project is a reflection of our commitment to evolve and develop the hotel, while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines us.
Factbox
Calabash Hotel
Address: L’anse Aux Epines Main Rd, St George’s, Grenada
Phone: +1 473-444-4334
Website: calabashhotel.com
Instagram: instagram.com/calabashhotel
