The highly respected General Manager at Sandy Lane, Barbados gives Carrier an insight into the secrets behind running one of the best hotels in the world.
An avid golfer and horse racing enthusiast, Randy's ethos is "Do your best always, have respect for people, remember your roots and never give up."
Describe yourself in three words:
"Proactive, disciplined and detailed."
And describe Sandy Lane in three words:
"Intimate, luxurious and exclusive."
If you were to host a dinner party at Sandy Lane, who would your ideal guests be and why?
"I would invite our regular guests, those who have been visiting Sandy Lane for many years, as they usually have very interesting stories to tell!"
If you had to keep just one of Sandy Lane's facilities, which would it be?
"I am an keen golfer, so for me it would have to be golf."
Pictured: Randy Wilkie, General Manager at Sandy Lane
Top island must-sees or dos?
"Must see-Harrison's Cave; must do - sailing on a catamaran sunset cruise."
Why does Barbados continue to be so popular?
"Because of the warmth and friendliness of it's people."
Do you think having a Bajan at the helm will influence how the hotel is run or perceived?
"I hope not!"
Any highlights since starting your role?
"A guest checking in for two years!"
Everyone thinks they know Sandy Lane; tell us a secret or something we don't know:
"A staff to guest ratio of 5 to 1."
What is your ideal holiday?
"Being on a luxury barge on one of the canals in France."
What do you like to do when you're not at work?
"Spend time with my family."
What skills do you need to run one of the world's best hotels?
"Be able to motivate your team and treat your guests like they are the only ones in the hotel."
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
"A hotel manager!"
What changes do you hope to bring to Sandy Lane?
"I hope to build on the work of previous General Managers and to improve the quality of the services at Sandy Lane."
Randy Wilkie was appointed to the role of General Manager at Sandy Lane in April 2012. With more than 26 years of experience with luxury hotels throughout the Caribbean, his previous roles have been based in Jamaica, Antigua and most recently General Manager at Cobblers Cove Hotel in Barbados. The Barbadian educated GM is looking forward to building on the excellent foundation laid by his predecessors and notes that, with teamwork and consistency, the resort will continue to be among the top luxury brands in the world.