Barbados' Fustic House Announces New Business Pavilion

Fustic estate has long been a favourite exclusive rental valued for it's unique privacy, and is especially sought after at Christmas at the height of the season. The new Pavilion now provides a calm and luxurious hideaway for CEOs, visiting writers and other guests throughout the year. It can also be used as a venue for Yoga and Pilates classes (for up to 12) and a centre for beauty and alternative health treatments.

The Pavilion has been designed by UK-based architect Malcolm Ness, and built by the local Barbadian firm Russell Wilson Ltd using Greenheart, Purpleheart and Cedar woods from Guyana. The same builders were also responsible for the 120 sq m sundeck at Fustic completed a few years ago.

A wrap-around veranda surrounds the Pavilion, providing additional space and valuable shade from the sun, and at one point accommodating the vaulting trunk of a Mahogany tree.

Inside, the main reception/wellness/board room measures over 30 x 20 ft. Fresh white walls are topped with a Cedar cornice illuminated with a rope light, which washes over the arching ceiling. Iconic fixtures by leading European lighting manufacturers give the décor definition, such as the Tripod standing lamps by Santa & Cole and the Sara table lamps and Riga outdoor appliques by FontanaArte.

The main room boasts a 58" high definition Samsung plasma screen TV. Impressive sound emanates from a Pioneer Blu Ray Elite BDP player with built in CD player, housed in a cabinet custom made in cedar and stainless steel mesh to a design by Malcolm Ness. The speakers –two spires, a stage centre speaker and two wall mounted fresco side speakers – are all by Martin Logan. The amp is a Pioneer Elite and there are quality remote controls as well as iPod connectors and plug-ins for laptops around the room.

Local companies have been supported wherever possible. The black lacquer boardroom table, designed by Malcolm Ness to seat up to 14, is made by Island Furniture of Barbados, and the modular sofa (co-designed by Ness) by Drapery Specialists Barbados Ltd.

At the back of the building, a double bedroom is hung with paintings by local artist, Peter Springer. The en-suite bathroom includes an indoor-outdoor shower, and between the bedroom and bathroom there's a private sitting area with small kitchen for preparing drinks and snacks.

Staff can provide food and drinks for conferences from the kitchens of the Great House where chef Kenroy Hunte holds sway. A short climb up the landscaped path to the lagoon pool and sundeck can provide welcome refreshment in between meetings.

The main part of the Fustic estate sleeps 12 in three separate buildings: the Great House, Oliver Messel Wing and Plantation House, tended by a total of 15 staff. The Pavilion now supplies a seventh suite, so that a house party can now encompass 14 people.

Renting private houses and estates is becoming increasingly sought after as an alternative to 5 star hotels. The astute international set will not fail to notice that the new Pavilion and its amenities will not be reflected in Fustic's rental price until 2010.

This heaven on earth is now available for businesses as well as private individuals. It is available to rent as a whole. The Pavilion, which has it's own access, can also be rented separately.