While many resorts have faced challenges over the years due to global forces, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has not only weathered them but thrived and is now marking 20 successful years in Saint Lucia.
Chairman Gary “Butch” Hendrickson and CEO Mark Adams recently commemorated this milestone with special guests, staff and government officials. Located on 85 acres in Vieux Fort, the premium all-inclusive beachfront resort themed the anniversary celebration: “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future.”
General Manager John Miles emphasized the resort’s commitment to delivering an authentic Caribbean experience, crediting its growth to “our loyal guests, dedicated staff and invaluable partners.”
Two long-standing team members, Restaurant Manager Morliser Theodore-Mondesir and Entertainment Manager Carlyle Prowell, both with the resort since its inception, shared reflections on their journey.
“Over our 20-year history, not only have we seen physical improvement to our resort but we have also seen tremendous accomplishments and personal growth by each of our staff members who choose to call this place home,” Theodore-Mondesir said.
She recalled the original team of fewer than 100 employees, who, though not all skilled initially, brought passion and commitment to build something extraordinary.
Prowell highlighted the opportunities provided to staff, including professional development programmes, scholarships and wellness initiatives.
Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet reminisced about the property’s evolution, from Halcyon Days to Club Med and now Coconut Bay. “What has happened in the last 20 years to this property, some people might say it’s a miracle but if you know both Butch Hendrickson and if you know Mark Adams it’s all part of their personalities,” he said. “This resort proves the south can compete with the best, not just in Saint Lucia or the Caribbean, but globally.”
Former Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony recounted how Hendrickson’s father was first drawn to the then-failing Club Med property. “It was a great day when this hotel finally opened its doors…,” Anthony said.
“Butch became a hotelier extraordinaire with the traditions of his father…he knew that this property could not be just another property, but somehow what the family believed about a tourism product, had to be fed and become part of this property.”
During the celebration, Hendrickson shared humorous anecdotes from the resort’s two-decade journey and also stressed the importance of education reform, particularly in early childhood development. He pointed to the resort’s renovation of the ABC Funhouse learning centre as a model for Saint Lucia’s early childhood system and expressed ambitions to revolutionise STEM education nationwide.
Education Minister Shawn Edward acknowledged ongoing discussions with Coconut Bay to enhance early learning initiatives and thanked the resort for its contributions to tourism and employment.
