SAINT Lucia soon will be home to the first all-inclusive Secrets Resorts in the Eastern Caribbean Region. That may be sometime in 2024, according to reports.
Minister for Investment and Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire negotiated with officials of World of Hyatt (an internationally acclaimed hospitality provider) to bring ‘Secrets’ to Saint Lucia; the resort will occupy the former St. James Club location in Choc, Gros Islet.
Over the course of the construction phase and completion of the property, Saint Lucians will gain access to hundreds of new and sustainable job opportunities and careers, the Office of the Prime Minister stated this week.
According to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, “I want to assure the Mullen family that the government will do whatever we have to do; all we ask from you is to be fair to the people of Saint Lucia, to be fair to the workers, and to ensure that Saint Lucia is at the top of your list of priorities.”
“Although your hotel is called ‘Secrets’, my pitch for you is not to keep Saint Lucia a secret (and) to tell people… they must come to Saint Lucia to enjoy (the resort),” Pierre said at a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Jeff Mullen, President of Mullen Real Estate Capital commended P.M. Pierre on the support and professionalism of the team.
“We are aligned with Minister Hilaire’s initiatives and… the economic impact it will have beyond the hotel as well as his work positioning the island as a premier destination,” Mullen said.
The project, Hilaire said, is of special significance to Saint Lucia.
“There’s still a tremendous demand for travel and Saint Lucia has benefitted from that. From July 2021 when we came in, we appreciated the work that had been done by the previous administration, but we decided to intensify our efforts and to really go out hard in the market to put Saint Lucia upfront,” Hilaire said.
“That has paid off, but other destinations are catching up with us and it means now we have to go out in the market and be even more aggressive and… offer a better product than we’ve been offering. This is where this project is of special significance,” he added.
The minister said that “we’re very disappointed we’re going to be losing a family option that we had before” (the resort will be an adults-only resort), however, “in place of that, we will be offering probably the most luxurious ‘Secrets’ option anywhere in the Eastern Caribbean, so as we go out promoting Saint Lucia we have another product of the highest quality that… we can speak of.”
Area Commercial Director for Secrets Saint Lucia Irene Prado noted that the “the development of Secrets Saint Lucia Resort and Spa reinforces both Hyatt and Inclusive Collection’s unwavering commitment to growth throughout this destination.”
Said Prado: “Secrets Saint Lucia Resort and Spa looks forward to welcoming guests celebrating life’s special moments to this breathtaking destination. In addition to attracting new visitors, the resort will aid in providing employment opportunities for residents.”
Upon opening, she added, “Secrets Saint Lucia Resort and Spa will offer 351 rooms and suites with luxurious amenities including 16 food and beverage outlets with six fine dining options and a world class spa.”
“I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate this exciting moment together,” Prado said.
According to ‘Honeymoon Always’, Secrets’ Resorts has 21 beachfront locations across the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
“Secrets Resorts & Spas can be found in a variety of stunning destinations across the map, including 12 in Mexico, 1 in Costa Rica, 2 in the Dominican Republic, 2 in Jamaica, 1 in St. Martin, and 3 in Spain,” the website noted, pointing out that each resort “offers world-class amenities, delicious dining options, and top-notch service, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest.”