“This hotel boom adds much-needed inventory to meet the demands of our key source markets,” said Saint Lucia Minister for Tourism Dominic Fedee in press materials announcing the island’s latest hotel developments. “Tourism growth remains a priority in 2017 as well as developing new island experiences and events for travelers. We are optimistic that this will be a year of tourism expansion.”
Hotel Openings
Among Saint Lucia’s new hotel inventory—which will see more than 1,000 new rooms added in the next few years—is the 352-room Royalton Saint Lucia. Slated to open early this year, the Royalton Saint Lucia is located on a private cove in Cap Estate and comprised of 3 distinct sections, including the Resort section, a family-friendly enclave complete with splash pads and waterslides, supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs and dining menus designed for children; the Diamond Club, featuring luxury Swim-Out and Ocean View suites; and the adults-only Hideaway at the Royalton Saint Lucia, a luxury resort within a resort boasting private infinity pools and an exclusive seafood grill. Additional highlights include nine signature Royalton restaurants and two all-inclusive food trucks. For more information, visit royaltonresorts.com.
Couples in search of a more exclusive hideaway will find their match in Serenity at Coconut Bay, Saint Lucia’s new adults-only, luxury all-suite resort opening this spring minutes from the airport. Located minutes from the airport, Serenity at Coconut Bay offers 36 Plunge Pool Suites with spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, mahogany king beds, fine dining, craft cocktails, butler service, 24-hour room service and personalized top-shelf bar. For more information, visit serenityatcoconutbay.com.
Another option for couples and families is The Harbor Club scheduled to open in September 2017. Situated in Rodney Bay next to the marina. The Harbor Club will feature 115 guestrooms and a variety of amenities, including two restaurants, a bakery, lounges, a full-service spa, a gym and a pool. For more information, visit theharborclub.com.
New Construction
Sandals has announced plans for the brand’s fourth property on Saint Lucia, Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia, which is set to break ground this spring. The new hotel is nestled on 19 acres of land next to the existing Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort and will offer guests an infinity-edge sky pool bar overlooking the island’s north coast, 350-guestrooms and -suites including SkyPool Butler Suites and all-butler signature swim-up Rondoval Suites—a first in the chain. For more information, visit sandals.com.
Meanwhile, on the south end of the island at Beausejour, Vieux Fort, the initial phase of construction has begun on the new 700-acre The Pearl of the Caribbean. Plans include a casino, horse racetrack, resort and shopping mall complex, free trade zone, waterfront villas, boathouses, a marina, an eco-tourism zone, entertainment and leisure venues, and housing. Phase one will feature 200 guestrooms and a spa.
In addition, the Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort & Spa and Fond Doux hotels have added rooms to their inventories. The Fond Doux’s additions include the first of five colonial-style cottages. Another four cottages are scheduled to be built by the end of 2017, featuring private plunge pools.
Airlift
JetBlue launched a Mint Service between New York and Saint Lucia in November 2016 (Saturday service only), which will run through spring 2017. United Airlines, on the other hand, is continuing its seasonal nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with Saturday flights to and from Saint Lucia through April 2017. Additionally, United Airlines is maintaining seasonal nonstop service on Sundays to and from Saint Lucia via Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to complement its year-round nonstop Saturday service. These Sunday flights are available now through April, 2017.
For more information, visit stlucia.org.
