“The entire area will take on a different level of development which we have to prepare for,” remarked Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire as tourism officials met with Reduit residents amid advancing work on the Mt. Pimard development.
The hotel development at Mt. Pimard in Reduit is being undertaken by the Life Co., “which will see Saint Lucia hosting the first holistic wellness centre by these developers in the western hemisphere,” boasted Tourism Minister Hilaire as a fact that should not be lost on Saint Lucians.
Against the backdrop of Saint Lucia winning the world’s leading honeymoon destination once more in 2024 and the addition of an estimated two thousand rooms in the accommodation sector, Hilaire boasts of a never-before-seen industry development.
“Mystic and Starfish – all of this will be broken down and hotels will be built there. In fact, over the next few weeks, the clearing of the site will begin. And you’re talking about another thousand rooms. You can start imagining what Saint Lucia, as a tourism destination, will become in the next three years by the addition of two thousand new high-end rooms,” he said.
The hotel development, dubbed A’ila Resorts, will cost the developer upwards of USD $850 million and promises to open its first phase this year. Minister Hilaire notes that Saint Lucia must bolster many facets of its infrastructure to meet the demands of the estimated increase in tourist arrivals.
“We have to prepare in terms of roads, water, security, all those different aspects. But it will create tremendous economic opportunities for our people, and we have to invest in Saint Lucia so that our people can take advantage of these new opportunities.”
During his 2024 Policy Address, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre detailed the current investment portfolio of the country, announcing over XCD $2.8 billion in ongoing projects:
- The Courtyard Marriott at Pointe Seraphine is currently under construction. (Total investment – XCD $113M).
- At Canelles Micoud, construction of two (2) luxury all-inclusive hotels has started and is ongoing. (Total investment – XCD $1B).
- Cabot Saint Lucia at Gros Islet- I am pleased to report that after extensive discussions and renegotiations with the developer, this project is expected to provide mutual benefits. (Total Investment – XCD $405M).
- The Cas En Bas Beach Resort in Gros Islet – a 90-unit hotel to be managed by Hyatt. (Total Investment – XCD $31.8M).
- Sandals – The new rooms at Halcyon Beach Club are complete and a new Village concept resort at Sandals Regency La Toc comprising 20 suites is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2024. (Total investment –XCD $68M).
- Work on the renovation, refurbishment, and revitalisation of the former 334 room-St. James Club is continuing, to be named “Secrets Resort and Spa Saint Lucia”. (Total Investment – XCD $216M).
