Harlequin Hotels and Resorts announces its first Luxury Boutique Hotel in Barbados

Harlequin Hotels and Resorts the owner and developer of the planned Merricks Resort, has purchased the Allamanda Beach Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church in Barbados.{{more}}

Harlequin plan to immediately commence an exciting $11m BBD renovation to transform this beachfront property into a luxury boutique hotel, a release from Harlequin said.

The planned opening will be under Harlequin’s newly created Luxury Boutique Hotel division and is scheduled to open in April 2012.

Harlequin also hopes to announce later this week the commencement of works in September on the first stage of its development at the Merricks Resort. They are working with the Barbados Government to gain all the necessary support so that the project can move forward quickly.

The renovation, interior redesign and remodel of the former Allamanda Hotel, will be overseen by Harlequin Developments, Development Director, David Campion, based in Barbados. Harlequin will focus on using several local Barbados based companies and sub-contractors to carry out the works. The project will bring a much needed boost to the local construction business.

Speaking on his recent visit to Barbados, Dave Ames, Chairman of Harlequin Hotels and Resorts, said, “I am delighted to announce this exciting new Hotel Brand for Harlequin and Barbados. This Boutique Hotel offering will bring further investment to Barbados and provide more employment opportunities as well as bringing many new holidaymakers to this Caribbean Jewel.”

Harlequin successfully opened its first ever luxury resort at Buccament Bay, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in August 2010. Despite the difficult world economy and declining tourism travel, they have managed to increase tourist volume and bring many first time travellers to the Caribbean and are currently running at 85 per cent occupancy in the low season.

Buccament Bay Resort’s luxury facilities include The Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool FC Soccer School and Harlequin Performing Arts Academy. Pat Cash the former Wimbledon Tennis Champion, who conducted The Merricks ground breaking, is currently at Buccament Bay Resort coaching guests and local school children. The Liverpool FC Soccer School offers coaching sessions to guests daily and works with local schools in St Vincent. The project is overseen by Liverpool Football Club and a number of its former legends who take part in the coaching programs throughout the year. Liverpool FC Under 19’s Team recently stayed at Buccament Bay Resort whilst on their end of season tour, visiting local schools and playing against the national under 19 team.

Harlequin’s unique offering and approach of “Redefining Luxury in the Caribbean” has already proved to be popular within the travel industry and with guests. The subsequent interest and demand has led the company to create 2 new brands within its hotel group portfolio, the first of which will be in Barbados.

Speaking from Harlequins offices at Hythe House in Maxwell, Barbados, Garrett Ronan (Vice President of Hotel and Resort Development) said, “This launch of Harlequins Boutique Brand in Barbados with the renovation of the former Allamanda Hotel, will bring a new ultra-chic “South Beach” style Hotel to the market. When completed, it will offer 46 luxury suites, a new cocktail style bar, upscale restaurant, spa garden, pools and gym. The hotel will offer a new level of anticipatory yet discreet service infused with Barbadian hospitality”.