Sugar Plantation in St. Lucia Site of Boutique Hotel Opening in 2008

A former sugar plantation situated atop an ocean bluff at the northern tip of St. Lucia is the site of the 50-room Cap Maison, the destination’s first residence-style boutique hotel, scheduled to open next March. Construction currently is underway on the project, which will include private residences, guest rooms, and villa and studio suites, each with private butler service.

Facilities will include a cliff-top restaurant and walk-in wine cellar; a spa and gym; beach and water sports; and a boat to be used for day-trip outings and sunset cruises. Golf will be available at the nearby 18-hole St. Lucia Golf & Country Club; a new Jack Nicklaus-designed course is scheduled to open near the resort in 2009.

The hotel’s architecture and design will reflect colonial Mexican villages with multi-tiered balconies, terracotta roof tiles, a central courtyard and a fountain and tropical gardens. The interior design will feature handmade textiles and furnishings; jalousie doors and windows; large bathrooms; and full kitchens.

The 3,000-square-foot ocean-view grand villa suites will include a separate bedroom and balcony, a kitchen, separate living/dining area with a verandah, a roof terrace with pool or Jacuzzi and a bar.

The project is under development by the Gobat family, who has been involved in St. Lucian hospitality projects since 1972. Son Adam Gobat is the CEO and project director. A general manager will be announced shortly.