A LUXURY resort on the island of Bequia has announced ambitious expansion plans as it enjoys its first full season of opening.

The Liming, a luxury resort on Bequia said has announced “ambitious growth plans” intended to continue to boost the island’s economy.

In a release, the operators said “when completed, the additional investment into the resort by investors K Group and Scotland-based FM Group will ensure an end value in excess of US$100 Million”.

Currently comprising eleven hotel villas, a further 24 luxury hotel suites are to be constructed at the 30-acre resort along with leisure and spa facilities. This will create one of the Grenadines’ most exclusive and luxurious hotels.

Construction works will commence in May 2020 to build the hotel rooms, bringing the number up to almost 50 while a further 30 luxury villas are to be built at the resort within the beachfront estate.

In the release, the operators said hundreds of jobs will be created “through this proposed expansion, both via construction and in the hotel,”.

A training initiative was launched by FM Group earlier this year, with St Vincent and Grenadines and Scotland sharing in the benefits of the investment being made by these companies.

This programme aims to upskill local participants from the islands in different sectors such as construction,

agriculture and hospitality, by taking them to Scotland to share experiences.

“We are delighted to be playing a major part in increasing the influx of visitors coming to Bequia. Through these ambitious growth plans, this will be greatly enhanced as we look to create one of the Grenadine’s most unique and exclusive hotels. We have been investing in the region for many years and with the new international airport now open it is a great time to look at expanding,” Jonathon Milne from FM Group said.

“In addition to this, we are looking at other opportunities in the region and hope to increase our involvement here.”

Kelly Glass from the K-Group said: “This is a long-term project involving significant investment, demonstrating confidence in the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We have benefitted from some highly motivated and enthusiastic local employees who through their incredible enthusiasm have given us the confidence to continue our investment and create hundreds of local jobs during construction and in operating the hotel.”