Divi Resorts Plans Expansion, Renovations through 2010

Divi Resorts Group’s Caribbean expansion plans call for an investment of more than $175 million during the next two years.

The expansion includes the opening of the Divi Barbados All Inclusive Resort in 2010, which will be rebranded from the original Divi Southwinds Beach Resort in Christ Church on the island’s southern end.

The new $55 million, 410-room property, which begins construction this fall, will include four pools, five restaurants, an 8,000-square-foot conference center and a spa. The resort site also will feature 30 two- and three-bedroom condominium units for full and fractional ownership.

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten has completed renovations on 150 of its 210 oceanfront suites; all renovations will be completed by December.

The resort’s hillside casita units have been converted into nine one-bedroom suites and one 1,900-square-foot, three-bedroom Presidential Casita; 36 beachfront rooms were converted into 12 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom oceanfront suites. The new units will be ready for occupancy on Jan. 30.

At Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort in Aruba, 100 golf-view suites, of a projected 240, have been completed with another 52 slated for completion by December. The Residences at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, comprised of 140 suites ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, opened for sales last fall.

New units are scheduled to open in December at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort; suite renovations take place this year at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino in Bonaire; and the Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Croix completed its onsite, 18-hole miniature golf course and driving range last year.