Sandals acquires property in Grenada

THE 100-room hotel which recently closed its doors is scheduled to be reopened within the first quarter of 2013, says the new owner last week Thursday night during a ceremony where the acquisition of the property was announced.

LaSource Grenada was acquired by Sandals in a deal that neither parties are willing to disclose. “It’s invaluable to us and we will be investing US$100 million in the coming years as we turn this property from 100 rooms to 265,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, owner and founder of the Sandals Brand.

New sandals sign.

The property on Pink Gin Beach will be renamed Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa, and will reopen when Sandals completes enhancements, including the addition of 100 guestrooms, private cottages and bungalows with concierge and private butler services.

CEO for Sandals, Adam Stewart, said that the additional enhancements will include signature dining restaurants, a new infinity pool and swim-up bar, a fitness centre, a Red Lane spa and entertainment lounges. “We would have liked to open sooner, but upgrades will take a lot more than what was originally intended,” he explained.

“We are sparing no expense for this resort, it’s world class, it will be top-notch and it will be new for Sandals,” he added.

He further assured that the Sandals Group intends on having a long and stable relationship with the staff. LaSource, which had reopened in 2008 following a multi-year closure due to damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2004, had been owned by Liberty Club Ltd., a company headed by Leon Taylor.

The Grenada investment will be the 14th in the Caribbean. Apart from Jamaica, properties can also be found in Antigua, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Airlift Committee has confirmed that the announcement from Sandals has already resulted in American Airlines deciding to increase its presence in Grenada once the hotel is functioning. (LS)