A sod turning ceremony to signal the commencement of a multi-million-dollar project, to be located at Mount Pimard, in Reduit, Gros Islet occurred Thursday with government officials and investment personnel present.
This development, it was said, will transform Rodney Bay and add significant value to Saint Lucia’s tourism product. The project represents an initial investment of approximately $870 million USD.
A’ila Resorts and the TheLifeCo Holistic Wellness Hotel will be situated on the picturesque Mount Pimard and will introduce a groundbreaking approach to resort development on island.
A’ila Resorts is being designed to consist of resort rooms, private villas, and residences. The structure, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025 will be uniquely divided into several zones to include TheLifeCo.
“Our objective is to improve the lives of the people of Saint Lucia, create wealth for the investor and to get (develop) a system where generational wealth can be in place for the people of this country,” declared Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, as he addressed the gathering at the site.
PM Pierre reiterated that government aims to create “an enabling environment” for the investors and “to help make Saint Lucia, the top destination in the world.”
He implored the investors to treat the workers fairly and to establish mutual relationships in the workings befitting a project of such magnitude.
Other components of this project will include – A’ila Palm, a family friendly resort; A’ila Cove, an exclusively adults only resort; A’ila Sunset residences, the Seven Wonders Luxury Villas set to be completed in 2027; and the Blue Zone Avenue which will consist of a commercial area, retail spaces and long-term residences.
A’ila resorts will contribute to increasing the island’s room stock with 520 luxury rooms across diverse accommodation concepts.
Moreover, The LifeCo Holistic Wellness Hotel itself will represent a first of its kind investment for the region. The primary goal of this component is to create the Caribbean’s first world-class, contemporary tourism and wellness resort, redefining hospitality by seamlessly blending modern luxury with the inherent beauty of nature.
Ersin Pamuksuzer, Owner and Founder, The LifeCo Board Member – Atlas Group referred to the project as a significant developmental tool between the investors and the government, geared towards enhancing the country’s socio-economic and holistic development.
“To create an eco-system around the wellness, so we would like to get the island stamped as the most ‘Wellness, Longevity, Oriented Island’ …and the island will become a Blue Zone, after some years,” he said.
A Blue Zone is defined as a resort property accommodating a higher number of seniors, Pamuksuzer explained, and when fully opened “this will be the only fully-stocked Wellness Centre, worldwide.”
He added: “I haven’t seen anything like this project. So, that’s why this is a dream for us and we need to fill in the dream with yourselves, the Saint Lucian people …and we need to align our forces together with Saint Lucian citizens to create this dream.”
Tourism and Economic Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire lauded the working relationship with the investors. He stated that the investors have gone above and beyond board to facilitate the government’s request for preservation of the beach and the historical trail sites for local access and enjoyment.
He added that investors agreed to enhance the development by expanding the trails to accommodate visitors to the site.
Invest Saint Lucia – the island’s major investment agency is at the forefront of this project.
Reports indicate that at least 300 persons are expected to be hired by local contractors during the construction phase, and upon completion, A’ila Resort will employ about 800 staff for high-end tourism resort operations, stimulating significant job creation and opportunities for economic and social advancement.