Opening of the Landings Marks RockResorts’ Caribbean Return

RockResorts has landed in the Caribbean again, after an absence of 13 years. December’s soft opening of the Landings St. Lucia marked the company’s reentry into the region as a player courting the luxury market.

The Landings’ first phase of 62 suites was completed by Dec. 19, when the first wave of its 150 holiday guests arrived. The first phase also includes the airy, five-story grand pavilion entrance; pools; water sports concessions; and the Yacht Haven restaurant.

The resort’s occupancy over the Christmas-New Year’s period, which carried a seven-night minimum-stay requirement, was above 95 percent, according to Gary Thulander, the resort’s managing director. The occupancy forecast for the winter season through mid-April is 70 percent.

Phases two, three and four will incorporate additional suites, pools and restaurants, to be completed in stages through 2010.

The resort’s second phase will add 65 suites by September. More than 50 percent of the 231 waterfront suites have been sold at prices ranging from $700,000 to $1.8 million each, said Thulander, adding that “95 percent of the buyers are from England.” All units have full kitchens, large patios and spacious terraces; 140 have plunge pools.

Owners, who have the option of renting units when not occupied, have the use of their units for six to eight weeks per year. The resort is not tagged as an all-inclusive, although guests can purchase meal plans on request.