Tourism and investment officials are looking forward to the completion of a resort development on Mount Pimard that will further diversify Saint Lucia’s tourism offering and increase local economic opportunities.
A’ila Resorts is a multi-concept development project that will include a wellness centre by TheLifeCo; a blue zone centre that will feature eco-conscious retail and grocery stores; a spa; family-oriented and adults-only spaces; and eco-friendly amenities.
Minister for Tourism Dr Ernest Hilaire, said the resort aims to create engaging experiences that government hopes will redound to the economic benefit of Saint Lucians.
“The new trends in tourism speak of creating immersive and authentic local experiences. That is what the new generation of traveler wants. As a policy, we are encouraging more community-based experiences because we want guests to go out and experience our communities,” he said. “This is why the Government of Saint Lucia encourages community tourism, Kabawé Krawl, and events tourism—because people want those authentic experiences; and it is to the benefit of a new-age property to create experiences that allow guests to engage with the local population and enjoy the hospitality of Saint Lucians. The developers are committed to introducing that element, so there will be opportunities for Saint Lucians to interact.”
Public Relations Representative for A’ila Resorts in Saint Lucia, Candy Nicholas, said the 1 300-room resort will be developed in phases, on what was formerly the site of the Caribbean Jewel Seven Wonders project.
“If you follow our social media pages you would know that it is a multi-concept development that will start off with TheLifeCo., the wellness offering set to open in a couple months. The original plan was that it would be open by the first quarter of this year but we are working assiduously to ensure that it will be opened by the summer,” she explained.
Minister Hilaire hopes that the concept of the Blue Zone Retail Center will be realised.
“Invest Saint Lucia had quite a few discussions with the developer who agreed to create that retail center within the hotel where Saint Lucian entrepreneurs and local artists can create an experience almost like a marketplace, which will provide them with opportunities to sell to a wider market,” he said.
The tourism minister added that unrelated planned developments like the Rodney Bay City Centre will create additional economic activity in the area, and increase economic opportunities for locals.
“The Rodney Bay City Centre, which is being built near the marina, will result in overall improvements of the Rodney Bay area, and it will bring tremendous economic opportunities for our people. Invest Saint Lucia plays a critical role as the investment agency in Saint Lucia that will ensure that our people are ready to take advantage of these burgeoning opportunities,” she said.
There must be a balance between tourism development and development as a whole, and any adverse impact on the people of Saint Lucia. So many areas are now with restricted, or limited access, for residents, even before they ever get to visit the place, Mount Pimard is just the latest example, to this can be added Canelles, the soon to go Sab Wisha, the already gone Caca bef, the beaches at Cap Estate at the Cabot development: these are just a few, it’s a long list!
Spare us the theatricals and PR, let us know the status on the development between the pitons…the development at canelles….the development that was supposed to happen in choiseul where some 20+ residents were relocated.
What about the gigantic eyesore of a structure in our Harbour…the skeleton as t Auberge Seraphine? That project doesnt seem to be moving if not at a halt.
All we do is put our behinds high up in the air and see who lands on it…clauses are to be put in place…if zero development of lands for the construction of whatever touristic attraction isnt in progress within 5 years monies are refunded and land reacquired….not too mention any development should secure employment for people in the immediate community….from construction to hotel staff…..these are the things that should be in place and if they are…..ENFORCE THEM….just look at DSH!!
Have had water flow sent 2-3 times at 2:00 am an taken by 6 am in last 2 months Cap…….last 2 months ………what about our water??? An now this is more allocated water pressure on our weak as s…water infrastructure!,,,, what about the road before sandals golf cap and belle vue the potholes are the size of a motorcycle!,,,,……… an how come my comment on the geothermal drilling was not posted asking for public opinion mine is NO!…..
Somebody please tell Mr. Hilaire that we the taxi operators at the Marigot Bay want to know if it is a helicopter we have to buy to do taxi, because the road is so bad not even the Baton Relay people could have have started the relay by the bay. They had to start it on top of the Marigot hill.
I’m trying to understand how this is good for Lucia when you’re restricting access to OUR beach and OUR hiking space, taking significant amount of OUR water to support tourists, and ruining OUR reef at Reduit. So try and explain to me again, how this is good for Lucia. I’m just not seeing it!
My friends and I come and spend tousands each year. Now we will have to find another island as St Lucia is going for only resort visitors.