After reporting that Harlequin Hotels is to open a resort in Buccament Bay, Caribbean it has been revealed that they also have many other projects being developed in the surrounding area. These projects include resorts in Barbados, the Dominican Republic and St Lucia.
The first phase of The Merricks in Barbados is scheduled to open in late 2011. Harlequin purchased the land and beach with outline planning permission in 2006.
Since then, Harlequin has been working through the various planning stages to meet the requirements of the Barbados Governmnet in order to receive full planning permission to commence construction.
All the relevant feasibility reports and plans were submitted to the government by May 2009 and subsequently Dave Ames and ICE Group, Harlequin Hotels’ construction company, attended the final planning meeting in October 2009.
Harlequin and its proposal for The Merricks have received the full support of the prime minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. David Thompson.
Harlequin has been advised that the development is close to being finally approved by town planning in Barbados and is due to be put before the prime minister for his final approval. ICE is ready to start work immediately after the permission has been received.
Las Canas and The Hideaway is another hotel to open in the Dominican Republic. The landscaping of the entrance to the hotel was completed in early 2009. More land has been purchased which will accommodate the back of the house facilities for the resort.
Full planning permission is in place and construction will commence early this year. The resort will open at the beginning of 2011 and land clearing and pre-build groundworks will start on the main Las Canas resort in early 2010.
Another resort opening in the Dominican Republic is the Two Rivers. During 2009 more land was purchased at the entrance to this resort which will enable Harlequin to extend the reception area and include another restaurant.
Full planning permission is in place and in early 2010 the land will be cleared.
Finally, in St Lucia, Harlequin hopes to open the Marquis Estate. The Environmental Impact Assessment Studies of the area are currently in progress and once these are completed detailed planning will be finalised.
Work to improve the roads so that they can support the heavy plant required during the build will start early this year. Land clearing will commence soon afterwards and construction will begin with the golf course and golf hotel.
