Westin Hotel Centerpiece of New Luxury Development
PRASLIN BAY, St. Lucia, January 23, 2006. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and DCG Properties, Ltd., announce plans for a major Westin hotel as the centerpiece of Le Paradis, a new luxury development on the idyllic Caribbean island of St. Lucia. This luxury condominium resort will feature 232 guest rooms, as well as an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course managed by Troon, an international spa with 26 treatment rooms. Future construction includes a 40-slip marina, marina village, five star boutique hotel, upscale boutique shopping and commercial centre. Starwood will manage the hotel and condominiums under its upper-upscale brand, Westin Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is scheduled to open in August 2007. As one of the showpieces of a booming Caribbean tourism market, St. Lucia was recently rated by Oprah's O Magazine on page 288 of the Fifth Anniversary edition, as first among five must-see places in one's lifetime. St. Lucia as a destination or second home location has definitely jumped into the top tier.
Nestled in the lush coastal foothills of the east coast of St. Lucia, the 554-acre resort showcases the island's stunning beauty matched by no other location in the Caribbean. Providing a secluded yet accessible tropical haven and embraced by almost three miles of coastline, Le Paradis boasts small bays and distinctive peninsulas just 20 minutes from the international airport with direct-air access to major cities in North America and the U.K.
Described by the legendary Greg Norman as absolutely breathtaking, the Le Paradis design from the 1st tee to the 18th hole provides the golfer every variation, including inland parklands climbing to the ridgeline holes at 600ft (186 meters) above sea level, then descending to four stunning coastal side holes wrapping around the Galet Bay. The par 3 signature 14th hole at the end of the Galet Peninsula is surrounded on all sides by the ocean, plays directly into the trade wind and provides stunning and unparalled visuals. At the 14th hole, the player knows he has reached golfing heaven.
St. Lucia's real estate and hospitality markets have taken off in recent years and are poised for continued appreciation and growth. The pristine east coast of St. Lucia will provide the ideal setting to reward both owners and guests.
"Le Paradis is destined to be the next Caribbean paradise and St. Lucia's premier luxury development offering the best in resort living," said Kierron Dolby, Developer and Managing Director of DCG Properties, Ltd. "The Westin name and its strong loyalty base will attract the exact customer we are targeting for guests of the hotel, as well as potential owners of the condominiums."
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