Saint Lucia’s tourism authorities are lauding the reopening of Secrets Resort, located at Choc Bay, Castries, as a commitment to further enhance Saint Lucia’s vibrant hospitality industry.
The newly renovated 355-room property, which opened on June 1, arrives at a crucial juncture in the island’s guest offerings, adding to the much-needed room stock in the hospitality industry.
Speaking on this latest development to the destination, Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire stated that the property will help to offset the lack of rooms available at this peak time in the tourism sector, since the closure of some major resorts on the island.
“Secrets is back and it’s a wonderful job that they did in terms of the refurbishment and renovation of the property,” he told reporters, at a media briefing, on Tuesday.
Despite a reduction in available rooms due to the closure of some resorts, Saint Lucia experienced significant successes in 2024.
Dr Hilaire added that one week into the reopening of Secrets Resort and Spa, formerly known as the St. James’ Club, “They are picking up quite well…and they are already seeing good take-up in rooms. So, that is a fantastic story.”
Addressing the gathering at the formal opening event, on May 31, Secrets Resorts General Manager Ricardo Esteban declared, “We have an incredible hotel with magnificent swimming pools…and marvellous gastronomy experiences.”
He added: “We want to bring all the very best of Caribbean flavours, and all the best ‘catch of the day’ …all mixing with the beautiful flavours from France, and also to have the guests enjoy a delicious Italian chocolate crème.”
The Secrets Resorts’ investors acknowledged the support of the government for “letting us know what’s available to us …and (developing) a tremendous asset in the process.”
Commenting on the significance of this latest development, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Senator Guibion Ferdinand noted that this project symbolizes the mutual relations between the government and investors. He anticipates that the project will help boost the local economy with 700 prospective jobs, as well as the current 500 employees at the work site.
Ferdinand spoke about the impactful contribution to the local economy, reaching across to service providers, the agricultural industry and other sectors providing tangible benefits for the country.
Thaddeus Antoine, Chair of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) said it was a timely project. He stated: “This 355-room addition answers the call for increased capacity and diversified preferences, both of which are vital to sustaining our growth projection.”
Antoine added, “This development supports our national vision for tourism development. A vision rooted in quality, sustainability, and strategic expansion. By welcoming a high-end, adult-only brand like Secrets to Saint Lucia, we are enhancing the calibre of our accommodation, increasing our competitive advantage, and attracting even more discerning travellers to our island.”
Additionally, the property features nine restaurants, seven bars, three pools, and a spa. It is located approximately 15 minutes from the popular Rodney Bay business and entertainment hub.
A Ministry of Tourism statement says, “We expect that this addition will greatly benefit the Saint Lucian market.”
The release adds that the Ministry is proud to be part of the journey of Secret Resorts, stating that “We welcome the addition of these new rooms, as the industry continues to excel in both service and guest engagement.”