Andrew Barnard (AB) is the chief executive officer of Sunswept Resorts, a full-service hotel management company that manages his family’s two resorts. BodyHoliday is the Caribbean’s first wellness resort. The second, StolenTime, is a sister property focusing on mental health, just a short drive from BodyHoliday on the northwest coast of St. Lucia. A third-generation hotelier who's been working in wellness hospitality since early adolescence, Barnard's been instrumental in ensuring BodyHoliday exceeds the needs of those seeking health and wellness.
Earlier this year, he sat down with us to talk self-care and fave wellness treatments.
SI: What was your first job in the spa/wellness industry?
AB: My official first job in the spa and wellness industry was [as] a rooms division manager at BodyHoliday, but working with my family, I also served canapes at the resort during the GM's cocktail party when I was younger than 9 years old.
SI: What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
AB: One of my favorite memories working in the wellness industry would be leading my first yoga class. Definitely an experience that helped kick start my wellness journey. Being a personal passion of mine, leading others through the experience for the first time, and being able to share my practice is a memory I carry with me to this day.
SI: What do you love about spa and wellness?
AB: While there are an incredible amount of benefits that come from spa and wellness, what I love most is the transformational impact it can have. Being a part of changing the lives of guests and the world for the better is definitely my favorite part of being a part of the industry.
SI: What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
AB: As of recently, witnessing the resurgence of various 90s wellness trends, like Pilates, and the focus on diets and nutrition has been exciting. It’s always interesting to see demand for practices that were popular back then make a comeback in guest experiences—it’s back to the basics again.
SI: What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
AB: The first thing I do after a long day is hug my family. Definitely helps trigger serotonin!
SI: What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive and why?
AB: My favorite wellness treatment to receive is Four-Handed Abhyanga, which is an Ayurvedic massage method that uses a combination of herbal oils, and four hands to provide a rhythmic massage. After this treatment, I’m always left feeling both mentally calm and physically restored.
SI: What’s your greatest accomplishment?
AB: Completing the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series goes down as my greatest accomplishment. Taking place over 7 days in the largest deserts on the planet, the series was a test of both my physical and mental toughness.
SI: What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
AB: For an industry beginner, my advice would be to focus on mastering the basics and not get distracted by the fads. In the wellness industry specifically, there are so many trends and so much noise that it can be easy to overlook the fundamentals. I’d also advise [investing] ample time into managerial tasks. This will pay dividends in the future by developing confidence and leadership skills.
SI: What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without?
AB: A good attitude. If you’ve not got your game face on, go home and start again.
SI: What’s your guilty pleasure?
AB: If I had to pick one, I would say coffee. Even though all of the wellness trends warn against it, it’s one thing I can’t seem to kick from my routine.
SI: Who or what inspires you?
AB: I’m most often inspired by my team. I’ve found that in leadership, if you can be a support and example for your team, then they will move mountains. Seeing the impact each of our team members has on guest experience and how passionate they are inspires me to continue our mission and be an engaged leader.
SI: How do you practice self-care?
AB: My self-care comes in the form of using a newly released line called Living West Indies line. The premium skin care line uses formulas based on the latest clinically proven actives, the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic practices and the natural potency of Caribbean-grown ingredients. We currently offer a Living West Indies facial to guests at BodyHoliday and StolenTime, and the full line is currently in the works!
SI: What is on your bucket list?
AB: The Dakar Rally (formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally) is an off-road motorsport endurance race that’s on my bucket list to complete. I’d also love to jump out of a plane—with a parachute, as you might guess.
SI: What's on the horizon for BodyHoliday?
AB: On the horizon for BodyHoliday is international growth. We’d love to be able to bring the experience to new areas globally and continue our work in promoting wellness.
