One of the UK’s leading luxury resort firms is looking to take the Caribbean resort market to higher heights and few islands are being left out on their first phase of development. In what can be described as a three year development plan, the new firm has set its sights on the Dominican Republic, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados. At the launch of the firm which is a subsidiary of Harlequin Property one of the UK’s leading international property investment companies specializing in luxury 5 star spa resorts in the best locations in the Caribbean and tourist destinations worldwide.
In Barbados it is now all left in the hands of the government to approve the Merricks Resort in St. Philip. The Barbados resort is set to stand on 70 acres property on the South East Coast of the island and is being touted as one of the most lavish and outstanding properties for that side of the island.
At the company launch in September Dave Ames Chairman of Harlequin appeared fully confident of that Government support in Barbados will soon be issued.
From St. Vincent Glen Beache, Minister of Tourism at the September launch, said that Harlequin Hotels & Resorts had been truly excellent and has worked with the Government of St Vincent & The Grenadines totally above board, including providing the support for the local community.
St Lucia Prime Minister Stephenson King, who was also on hand for the company launch , praised Harlequin for its commitment to The Marquis Estate and the presentation of opportunities for St Lucians to participate in the success of the resort and outlined the benefits of the resort to St Lucia in providing the most complete and diverse holiday destination in the Caribbean.
According to the latest Harlequin newsletter the guests at the company launch listened enthralled as Dave Ames set out his vision for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts and introduced the key brands working to deliver a truly 5 star experience. Wimbledon Champion, Pat Cash, talked about the tennis academies he will be creating in each of Harlequin’s resorts.
A major issue which has come to the fore for the Caribbean agricultural industry was also addressed at the launch as the new resorts will actively encourage the production of local produce for use in their properties in the region. This was done in an agreement signed by the Harlequin Chairman with the International Trade Center, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, represented by Willem Van der Geest and Fabrice Leclercq.
St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King, added, “The Marquis Estate is a major scheme for our country. We have taken many months liaising with Dave Ames and discussing all aspects from tourism to the eco infrastructure. It was very important to our people that we moved into the 21st century whilst not spoiling the very nature of our beautiful island and what it represents. The country’s easy access from the UK and the USA makes it perfect for such a project and we are all extremely gratified that our hard work in setting this up, and our close working relationship with Harlequin, is now coming to fruition”.
The Dominican Republic resort will be located within the extensive tropical gardens of Las Canas Beach, the villas and apartments are constructed to the highest specifications, using the best quality local materials – tiles, stone and timber from sustainable sources – with oriental-style architecture to provide contemporary and spacious living accommodation.
Whereas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the building of Buccament Bay, the resort is well underway and the opening is scheduled for Summer 2010. This resort will feature a concierge service to provide guests with all services they require, such as restaurant and spa booking, arranging taxis and sightseeing tours. Additionally the library provides a peaceful, cool haven to enjoy quiet times reading newspapers or a book. There will also be the Green Flash Beach Club comprising of a bar and restaurant, with terraces and gardens providing relaxing shaded areas to enjoy cocktails and casual dining by day and night. In addition the Harlequin Sports Academy is to be a major feature offering expert tennis, football and cricket coaching for all ages and abilities. The Harlequin Fitness Centre comprises a full range of cardiovascular and physical training equipment including resistance weight machines, treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and rowing machines
