The government of Saint Lucia said it also marked the end of five year spell when property investors have been rare and the start of new developments are set to boost the real estate market overall. The 60 acre development and hotel is anticipated to open in March 2015 and is set on the most prominent landmark on the island with lush tropical forest and a white sandy beach within its own bay. The location undulates upwards from the beach offering impressive views of the Petit Piton, Soufriere and the Caribbean Sea.
The resort will include three restaurants and a champagne jetty bar, a rain forest spa and wellness centre, one and two bedroom hotel villas, and 12 private residences. The hotel’s restaurants will offer international cuisine from fresh local produce with unique dishes centred on the concept of health and well being. Hotel guests and owners will also be able to sample Creole cuisine prepared in a traditional fire pit in the Organic Garden Restaurant.
Quote from ExpatForum.com : “I was hoping to get into property on or close to the beach (walking distance) but definitely with a view of the ocean nearby. I am looking to spend around the 200k mark and am wanting to know where would be a good safe place to invest.”
As guardians of the protected Piton Management Area (PMA), the government is in continuous dialogue with the Freedom Bay hotel developer MHDC to ensure that all progress is in line with legal guidelines. MHDC has promised to limit impact on the environment and to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the area. ‘Freedom Bay is engaging with the community through its social responsibility and environmental protection programmes, hospitality training and job creation,’ said Henrique Liette spokesman & CEO, founder of Freedom Bay.
‘We are also holding regular meetings in the local community and as a result have just constructed a stairway to allow safe public access to the Malgretoute Beach so locals can visit the beach more easily and safely,’ he explained.
Traditional and sustainable building techniques will be applied throughout the Hotel and Private Estate, such as hand chipped stone used from around the resort for foundations and cladding. All the timber frame construction will use only woods from regional sources and certified reforestation programmes. The design incorporates the latest in bioclimatic technologies such as solar, bio fuel, geothermal cooling techniques and natural ventilation. All waste will be collected and separated, while any food waste from the restaurants will be recycled for energy or given to local farmers for animal feed. Rainwater will also be harvested and wastewater will be captured, treated and the effluent used for irrigation whilst automated and remote energy controlled systems will reduce electricity usage.
‘These initiatives mean that residents and guests can enjoy authentic luxury but with a conscience,’ added Liette.