Plans have been revealed for expansion in St Lucia by Sandals Resorts International.
The Caribbean all-inclusive resorts operator owns three properties on the island – Sandals Halcyon Beach (pictured), Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St Lucian – as well as the Sandals St Lucia Golf & Country Club.
A ‘resort within a resort’ village, comprised of 20 Rondoval suites, with seven offering open air rooftop decks, is planned for Sandals Regency La Toc next year.
Sandals Halcyon Beach resort will add 25 new rooms in February 2023, including 20 beachfront, two-story villa rooms.
The projects alone will add more than 350 construction and tradespeople jobs to the local workforce plus 120 butler roles, with training by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.
Company chairman Adam Stewart said: “Since opening our first property, Sandals Regency La Toc nearly three decades ago, our commitment to working alongside the government to make real the promise of tourism in St Lucia has been unwavering.
“My father loved St Lucia and like so many, was originally captivated by its beauty. But he quickly came to understand that the real treasure of St Lucia are its people – friendly, hardworking, and industrious.
“People are the inspiration and the source that make investment possible, and the reason Sandals Resorts will continue to grow here.”
He added: “As we expand, we will grow from the top down. That means we lead with the development of suites, and here, Sandals is by far and away the most innovative resort company.
“Concepts such as our signature Skypool Suites with their infinity plunge pools that seem to blend in with the horizon, over the water bungalows with their incredible views and glass floors, and our Rondovals are all suite categories that drive demand and generate the longest stays.
“That is good news for St Lucia and good news for team members who train and earn the butler role.”