It takes vision, confidence, and strong business acumen to take the plunge into the hospitality industry in Barbados in 1977 and build an operation from the ground up. Award winning Barbadian hotelier, Robert Jeffrey Kinch, did exactly that when he conceived, constructed and opened this hotel 40 years ago, with 27 rooms.

“Jeff”, as he is affectionately known, was a young soldier in the British Army serving in Aden, Canada, Germany, Malaysia and Thailand. He returned to his beloved Barbados in 1969 convinced he could make an important contribution to the further development of his birthplace.

His effective management skills, plethora of knowledge and invaluable contribution to his country, earned him the respect of his hospitality industry colleagues and several awards including the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in Queen Elizabeth’s 2013 New Year honours.

His effervescent, warm personality and wit, endeared him to his staff. There are employees who started with him in 1977 that are still with the hotel today, bringing the staff combined years to 340.

These circumstances form the backdrop, the cornerstone, the tradition of this family owned hotel, where, in the true meaning of “family owned” everyone is treated like family; employees and guests.

The hotel has now doubled in size, with 59 rooms and Jeff has passed the baton on to his daughter Adua, who now runs the hotel and holds fast to her father’s vision of creating a home away from home oasis for visitors, and ensuring that guests who choose the Dover Beach Hotel experience, are made to feel like family.