The latest news on the proposed multi-million dollar Merricks Resort in St. Philip, is that it will not be a timeshare or property ownership development. It will be a resort.
This was the word from Dave Ames Chairman of Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at the public discussion meeting on Tuesday October 6, 2009, as the property development firm met with concerned residents and other stakeholders.
The resort sparked some controversy among local Merrick residents when it was first purchased by the UK-based developer in 2007. Several concerned Merricks residents voiced their skepticism about the Resort as its plans are now under review of the Town and Country Planning Office for approval to start construction on the massive 70 acre project. Ames ,who spoke at the discussion meeting reassured the residents, “It is not a timeshare,” he said. Residents explained that they had concerns regarding beach access and access to the coast which is now used by some residents for fishing activity. They queried if that type of activity would still be allowed and whether guests at the resort could look to disturb that activity.
But Ames whose company owns resorts in St. Lucia and St. Vincent reiterated that the resort will not have units for sale. Therefore the resort guests will not have rights like property owners. In fact, he highlighted this is what makes the resorts of Harlequin Hotels & Resorts unique. He explained that investors will have the opportunity to use a unit on the property for a month once a year, but otherwise they will be welcoming other guests.
“We do not sell a house, this is not Westmoreland or Sugar Hill where we are selling a house and they live in it, this is not timeshare. This is completely unique and different. As an investor , we give them security for their money. We actually invest the money, the reason why pension funds and investment banks are investing in what we do, is they understand our model, that they are investing in a resort. This is only one part of our business, we have Harelquin Property where we sell investment, Harlequin Resorts and Hotels which this is, we have HQ which books people in. So you have to understand the whole model of what we do. Be assured that our guests will not have rights as property owners, they lease the property back to the resort. We run the resort,” he stated.
The site for the luxury 5 star Merricks Beach Resort stands on a stunning cliff top position in the south east of Barbados on the ruggedly beautiful Atlantic coast. The resort is slated to feature a concierge service for guests to arrange various activities. There will also be the Harlequin Sports Academy offering expert cricket and tennis coaching, the Harlequin Fitness Centre, the Island Sanctuary Spa with indoor and outdoor treatment suites, meanwhile, there will be several bars and restaurants offering guests a choice of cuisine and ranging from fine dining to casual eating.
