St. Kitts Increases Luxury Appeal With New Tourism Products

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. October 14, 2008

ST. KITTS, September 19, 2005. In a strategic move to leverage St. Kitts' renowned beauty, cultural heritage and natural attractions - product attributes often sought by a more sophisticated and discerning traveller - St. Kitts is pursuing the development of more luxurious accommodations and those vacation pastimes associated with upscale, experienced travellers.

Among the projects currently planned or underway are:

Luxury Development by Auberge Resorts - Previously referred to as Whispering Head Resort, this as yet unnamed $78 million project is being developed by award-winning luxury hotel company Auberge Resorts and will be the company's first Caribbean property. Set on a 1,700 acre peninsula in the Sandy Bank Bay area of St. Kitts, the project will include a small luxury hotel, world-class golf course, spa, villas and fine dining facilities. Construction is expected to commence in early 2006 and the resort is tentatively scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. www.aubergeresorts.com.

Heritage Plantation - This upscale community will consist of 19 luxury villas in four distinctive styles ranging between 5,305 sq. ft. and 8,412 sq. ft. and will be located on 22 acres of premium land at Scotch Bonnet on St. Kitts' Southeast Peninsula. It will also feature a 6,500 square foot Landmark Centre containing a fitness centre, full service spa, practice putting green, tennis court, pool, whirlpool, children's playground and the Flagstaff Caf'e. Construction on the first residence began in April 2005 and the villas will be ready for viewing in October 2005. www.heritageplantation.kn.

La Vallee Golf Course - Located in the Sandy Point area of northern St. Kitts with spectacular views of the Caribbean, neighbouring St. Eustatius and Mt. Liamuiga from the tees (especially the 12th), this 18-hole championship golf course is currently in the first phase of development. Aside from the 18-hole course itself, the first phase will also include construction of a practice facility with driving range and putting green as well as a club house. Construction on the club house is expected to begin in January 2006. Projected completion date for the golf course is November 2005. Plans for the $12 million course allot for the future development of a marina, hotel resort, villas, sports complex and possible expansion of the course to 27 holes. This will be the second premier golf facility for the island following the opening of the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club in November 2004.

Rawlins Plantation Inn - This boutique plantation inn on the north side of St. Kitts is undergoing an expansion to provide more options for those sophisticated guests seeking an ultimate escape. Currently under construction is a new 1,200 sq.ft. two bedroom cottage complete with a kitchenette, plunge pool, full bath and shower, washing machine and built-in vacuum system so that guests who want to remain undisturbed never have to leave the privacy and comfort of their room. The cottage will be fully wired for the Internet and satellite TV, which can be provided upon request. The cottage will be available in December 2005 and there are plans for a second two bedroom cottage to open in February 2006. The property is also planning to add a 3,000 sq. ft. luxury spa in 2007, featuring a wellness centre, fitness centre and salon. www.rawlinsplantation.com.

"Our goal for St. Kitts is to create a tourism product that can compete on a level with the finest destinations in the world," commented Richard "Ricky" O. Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture for St. Kitts. "With these new upscale developments, we have effectively positioned St. Kitts to emerge in the coming years as the next luxury destination of choice for discerning travellers."

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. Originally populated by native Carib Indians, the island was colonized by the British in 1623 and now offers visitors a wide variety of vacation activities including hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts' exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.