In a moment of pride and celebration for Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, Mrs. Joyce Destang OBE, Managing Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Prime Minister’s Award) at the GIMIES (Saint Lucia’s Tourism Awards).
This prestigious recognition was presented by the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy, and Minister for Justice and National Security.
The award celebrated Mrs. Destang’s extraordinary contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in Saint Lucia, honouring a career that spanned over three decades of unwavering dedication, courage, and innovation.
“For over thirty years, Mrs. Destang led with vision and heart, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into landmarks. Her journey has not just shaped tourism, it has inspired a nation.”
From humble beginnings, Joyce Destang’s path to success was anything but ordinary. Known by many as a beloved teacher at Saint Joseph’s Convent and a passionate real estate entrepreneur alongside her husband, she eventually made the bold leap into the tourism industry.
With no formal background in hospitality, but with deep faith and determination, she founded what would grow into one of Saint Lucia’s most beloved hotel groups.
“We started with a 45-room hotel, the one right on the highway, Bay Gardens Hotel” Mrs. Destang once shared. “A couple years later, we acquired Bay Gardens Inn, which was then the Palm Tree Hotel. My brother the late Greg Glace really encouraged me. I wasn’t too sure about it, but he believed in me.”
From there, the Bay Gardens brand experienced significant growth. In 2007, the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa was established, followed by the acquisition of Palm Haven in 2018, which was rebranded as Bay Gardens Marina Haven. In 2019, the group launched Water’s Edge Villas, further expanding its portfolio. By 2025, Bay Gardens Resorts is proudly celebrating 30 years of excellence in the hospitality industry and is set to unveil its newest luxury development, Sapphire Sands Villas, later this year marking a remarkable milestone not only for Mrs. Destang, but also for the entire Saint Lucian tourism sector.
Beyond her business acumen, Mrs. Destang’s leadership had a powerful ripple effect. Her commitment to the community extended through scholarship initiatives that supported the education of her staff, with partnerships through Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Monroe University. Many credit her with helping break glass ceilings for women in business on the island.
“To the world, Joyce Destang is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in tourism,” said daughter Tanya Destang-Beaubrun during a heartfelt tribute. “But to us, she earned that award a long time ago from a little girl in Hospital Road with big dreams to a beloved teacher at the St Joseph’s Convent to a bold businesswoman.”
Described as “the embodiment of grace, grit, and greatness,” Mrs. Destang was praised for her mentorship, empathy, and resilience. Fellow entrepreneurs, government officials, and family members echoed messages of gratitude and admiration.
“I would like to honour Mrs. Joyce Destang, my mentor, my confidant, my sister, my friend, as she celebrates thirty remarkable years in entrepreneurship,” former General Manager of Bay Gardens Beach Resorts Ms Waltrude Patrick shared. “She has led with empathy, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.”
“Congratulations to our Managing Director Joyce Destang on your Lifetime Achievement Award. You’ve done so much for Caribbean tourism. You’re a trailblazer, and a lot of people may not realize this, but Bay Gardens Resorts is the largest Caribbean hotel chain owned by a black Caribbean woman that was founded by you thirty years ago” Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Sanovnik Destang shared.
In her acceptance, Mrs. Destang remained humble, acknowledging the hard work of her team and the support of her family. She also encouraged more locals to participate in the industry, no matter the scale.
“Not all of us can build and own a hotel,” she once said. “But local people can find their own place in tourism whether through an Airbnb with two rooms or twenty. The most important thing is to put your heart into it.”
As Saint Lucia continues to evolve as a premier destination in the Caribbean, Joyce Destang’s legacy remains firmly etched in its story, a woman of vision who not only dreamed but built, not only led but lifted others along the way.
Congratulations, Mrs. Destang. Your mark is indelible, and your journey is an inspiration.