Ritz-Carlton set to be 'anchor' hotel in Black Bay Master Development

A Ritz-Carlton property will open in St Lucia after the hotel company signed a management agreement with Range Developments.

The 180-room Ritz-Carlton will be located on the picturesque southern tip of the island, on the Caribbean southwest coast, and is scheduled to open in 2021.

Not only will the hotel be within easy reach of Hewanorra International Airport – which has seen increased airlift catering to luxury travellers in recent years – it also will be in close proximity to the famous twin volcanoes known as the Pitons, two spires that rise dramatically from the sea.

The Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Earlier this month, St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, and members of his cabinet were joined by the principals of Range Development to mark the signing of the agreement.

“We are delighted to see this first step in what will be a major project on the southern tip of the island,” said Chastanet.

“We have maintained that our focus is on enhancing our tourism offerings and we are committed to ensuring sustainable investment and employment in St Lucia and particularly in the south.

“I am elated that we have such eminent partners in this project in what is surely going to be one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.”

Job creation and luxury

Among the hotel’s many amenities will be meeting and event spaces both indoors and out, multiple dining facilities, all with outdoor seating, and a spa that includes an outdoor treatment area.

There will be several swimming pools, including one that will be designated as a quiet relaxation area only for adults.

The project is estimated to create about 500 jobs on the island during construction, with a similar amount once the hotel is operational.

“We are delighted to bring the Ritz-Carlton to the stunning island of St Lucia, and are happy to have found the right partner and opportunity to do so,” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“We’re excited about the increased demand for luxury travel offerings on St Lucia and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the unparalleled service of the Ritz-Carlton against such a breathtaking backdrop.”

Anchor property

The planned Ritz-Carlton is the anchor of a larger development project led by Range Developments, a multi-phase project currently titled the “Black Bay Master Development”, set across 180 acres.

The project will be developed under the country’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme.

Range Developments has received plaudits and awards both for its designs and robust and innovative corporate social responsibility activities.

“This will be our third major luxury development in the Caribbean and we are delighted to be working with the government of St Lucia,” said Mohammed Asaria, vice chairman of Range Developments.

“Range is aggressively expanding in the Caribbean and we are excited to bring the legendary Ritz-Carlton brand to this exclusive destination.”