Sun Group Hotels' News

Situated in beautiful grounds on Barbados’s picturesque west coast at the award-winning boutique-style property, the retreat will focus on two key areas: the variety of flora and fauna that grows in Barbados and designing a tropical garden at home.

With the initial programme spanning six days in October, Katie will share her knowledge through a mix of morning classes, talks and guided walks covering planting, bedding and tropical fauna. At the hotel’s kitchen garden, Katie will demonstrate how to grow the Caribbean herbs and spices that have been woven into the menus at Sandy's Chattel Bar and La Salsa restaurant. Over the final celebration dinner, guests will learn how to design their own exotic garden at home, based on Katie’s extensive experience as a landscape gardener, which she has honed through her business Queen of Spades.

Taking advantage of Sugar Cane Club’s extensive natural gully – unique at a hotel on the island - guests can join Katie and the Hotel’s Head Gardner Rodney Phillips on a guided hike to discover the larger tropical plants native to Barbados.

The retreat follows the recent publication of Katie’s first book ‘Plants, Beds & Borders’ this spring.

Sugar Cane Club’s stunning gardens and kitchen garden will form the inspiration and backdrop for the retreat. Its newly refurbished restaurant, rooms and award-winning spa and art gallery offer exceptional accommodation for couples, groups of friends or individuals seeking a break beyond just winter sun.

The gardening tutorials and dinner talk are complimentary for guests staying at Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa.