Ribbon Cutting, from left: Perin Bradley, Cora Richardson-Hodge, Stephane Zaharia, Cardigan Connor and Gilda Gumbs-Samuel.
ANGUILLA--“We made it,” said Stephane Zaharia, President and Managing Director of CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. He recalled looking at the property after Hurricane Irma and congratulated all who were involved in the re-design and building back of the property to make it better than ever.
Zaharia said it was a day of joy but also one of sadness, being one year since founder and original owner of CuisinArt, Leonardo Rizzuto died. Today he would be tapping everyone on the back and saying “Job well done,” Zaharia said. Father Paul, Catholic Priest who spent nine years in Anguilla until May this year, spoke of his close relationship with Rizzuto and blessed the new property.
Stephane Zaharia addressing the audience with the pool and sea in the background.
“Beyond extraordinary” was the clarion call from Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) Chair Donna Banks. She was quoting the theme for this year’s Tourism Week, “Beyond Extraordinary: Transforming the Anguillian Experience.” She congratulated Zaharia and his staff, noting that the transformation was exceptional and “‘beyond extraordinary.’ The ATB salutes the management, staff, designers and contractors of CuisinArt and wishes the entire team every success now and always,” she said.
Acting Governor Perin Bradley recalled meeting with Rizzuto and how he cared for the entire staff and would be proud to see how many are now back to work. He wished the resort every success and a wonderful season and also sent congratulations from Governor Tim Foy.
Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, Gilda Gumbs-Samuel said she had visited every hotel and restaurant after Irma and could not believe the damage she saw. She said CuisinArt had come back better than ever and congratulated everyone, giving special commendations to Zaharia for all his work. She especially congratulated him as he had made it possible for staff to have an income while the hotel was being re-built.
Zaharia said many guests were returning and they would have a good season. He told travel agents present at the re-opening that the resort would take very good care of all their clients.
The award-winning CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa is regarded as one of the top hotels in Anguilla and the Caribbean. The property offers five-star service and includes 91 suites and seven villas overlooking Rendezvous Bay. It now has a large conference room, a re-modelled lobby, and all suites have been upgraded. It is known for its dining options: Kazbar in the lobby has light bites, cocktails and tapas, Mosaic has replaced the former Café Med and Santorini is now located at the Clubhouse. In addition there are still the Beach Bar & Grill and Tokyo Bay restaurants.
