Five luxury resorts in the planning stages in various destinations in the Caribbean and the Chairman of Harlequin Resort, Dave Ames is saying they intend to, “show the Caribbean how it should be done.”
In a recent interview with a UK based travel publication David Ames tells that he doesn’t particularly like the Caribbean.
As noted by the publication this is not what you’d expect to hear from a man about to open one of the most ambitious resorts the Caribbean has ever seen.
Ames is Chairman of Harlequin Hotels & Resorts which will, in four months time, open the doors of Buccament Bay – a 1,200-room mega-resort on the small island of St Vincent.
The Harlequin boss, makes no bones about the fact that he hasn’t rated the Caribbean in the past. “I go on holiday to the Maldives or the Far East,” he says. “I go where you get value for money. And I don’t believe you get that in the Caribbean right now.”
According to the report Harlequin claims it will open a staggering 8,000 hotel rooms in the Caribbean over the next five years.
Furthermore, the resort firm is setting its sights beyond the Caribbean and has plans for expansion to resorts in Brazil and Thailand.
What appears to set Harlequin resorts apart from those that already call the Caribbean home, is the move to keep transportation in house. Harlequin says it will set up its own airline, Harlequin Air, as well as building its own boats, so guests can enjoy two or three-centre holidays without having to use regional transport.
Development is funded by investments through sister company Harlequin Property, and Ames claims Harlequin Hotels is in the fortunate position of having no debt.
He explained in the interview that around £1 billion-worth of property has already been sold, and the group is in no hurry to get paying guests through the doors. “What’s important for us is for our travel partners to come and have a look, and feel confident sending their clients to us. We’re not desperate to get paying guests until November.”
With Buccament Bay, Ames intends to combine luxurious accommodation with a star-studded programme of activities. The Harlequin Sports Academy is being led by TV football pundit and former Republic of Ireland team captain Andy Townsend, with Pat Cash brought in to set up a Tennis Academy, and Liverpool Football Club launching its first soccer school.
In the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, guests will take classes in acting, stage-management and make-up from real West End and Broadway professionals.
Even though the Caribbean may not have been David Ames’ destination of choice in the past, the region certainly looks set to be at the heart of Harlequin Hotels in the future.
