Today’s news of a resort development at Nettle Bay (see related story) is very encouraging in a time of great uncertainty. The plan is reportedly to build a visitor accommodation on the site of the former Dreams and Le Sand beach clubs, while some land across the road on the lagoon side is also to be incorporated in the complex.
The venture seems to be diverse in nature, with 168 units consisting of 10 beach villas, 22 suites, four island villas and 132 guest rooms. Amenities include a filtered sand-bottom seawater pool, two restaurants, a spa, a convention centre, a shopping area plus a marina with eight more luxury villas.
Of course, sceptics may question whether this could prove yet another “too good to be true” project like the Pearl of China on Belair Beach at Little Bay and others. However, the involvement of Marriot International would appear to indicate this renowned hospitality chain takes the matter seriously enough and its presence helps ensure the hotel part will be in capable hands.
A thousand jobs are supposedly to be provided during the 25-month construction starting next year and 350 persons will find work there once the property opens in 2023. There is obviously also a spinoff effect in terms of indirect employment.
But perhaps most importantly, this can be viewed as an enormous show of confidence in the destination when its tourism economy is down probably worse than after any hurricane due to the COVID-19 crisis. Such a major investment under the current circumstances sends a strong and much-needed message regarding continued belief in the future of “The Friendly Island”.
