Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Puttin' on the Ritz


The staff of Terra Online were among invited guests at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Ritz-Carlton five-star resort at Black-Bay in Vieux Fort.

Dignitaries and other guests braved somewhat grey skys to witness Prime Minister Stephenson King and the principles of Roebuck International turn the first sods of soil for what is to be Vieux Fort's first ever luxury villa, marina and golfing resort. The project is a joint venture between Roebuck international, an Irish development company, and the government of St Lucia. The property will be managed by the Ritz-Carlton group.

The development is to be spilt between two locations - one on a Caribbean site at Black Bay and the other on the Atlantic coast in the Savannes Bay area. The Black Bay location will be home to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa, the Ritz Residences (condominium suites and beachfront villas ) and marina, while the Atlantic location will feature the Arnold Palmer and Christy O'Connor Jr signature golf course & club house, estate homes, golf cottages was well as a member's beach club.

The resort includes a world-class spa, tennis, championship golf course, water sports, and numerous dining options. According to The Ritz website, these include "The Restaurant for all -day dining, The Lobby Lounge for traditional light fare, hors d' oeuvres, cocktails and afternoon tea, and The Beach Bar & Grill for casual cuisine. In addition, The Clubhouse Restaurant and The Clubhouse Bar offer casual dining and cocktails for golfers and members. Provisions found at The Gourmet Shop will enable you to create a sumptuous dining experience in the privacy of your suite."

PHOTOS


Prime Minister Stevenson King and guest

PM King accepts a token of appreciation from
Neal Sweeney
, president of Roebuck International

Hon. Minister Ausbert D'Auvergne

Former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony (L)
and Hon. Minister Arsene James (R)

Senator Allen Chastenet
Minister for Tourism

Ms Janine Compton (L)
Member of Parliament - Micoud North

Mr Nicholas John
Chairman - National Development Corporation

Mr Des Roach -Master of Ceremonies
and St Lucia representative for Roebuck International

Mr Joseph Harris - Harris Brokers (L)
Mr Franz Louis-Fernand, owner Fox Grove Inn (R)

Mrs Bonnie Zephirin
Owner/Developer - Castles in Paradise Luxury Villas

Orlando Satchell - Executive Chef (L) &
Robert Stewar
t - General Manager (R) both of Ladera Resort

Robert 'Zi' Taylor serenades the crowd