SETTING
Only 15 minutes from the airport, take a golf cart ride around the windswept property once you arrive and you’ll glide past coconut palms, white sand and azure sea. You’ll be strongly urged to venture to the beach only while the lifeguard is on duty. In fact, at other times beach access is completely barred.
HISTORY
Once a pirate’s mansion, the hotel nicely incorporates the old 19th century structure as if it were an archaeological artifact.
DECOR
Drawing from the 21st century art deco revisit that’s become fashionable, the hotel is accented with gold splashes, scalloped edges and long, lean lines. The entranceway is imposing with a giant fountain as focal point. Cleverly hiding behind columns are event space and the gym (which had yet to open while we were there).
DINING
The fish at this property is a standout, though at non-meal-times, it can be tricky to get food. Still, Director of Culinary, chef Prateek Basu makes an effort to accommodate every taste, fancy and whim. Whether planning for dining options to cater to every craving (food trucks, ice cream stations), tailoring the grab-and-go for those who have an early tee off or rattling off delicious menu items, he oversees and has carefully analyzed how each offering will appeal to every type of guest.
GUESTS
You’ll invariably meet lots of guests from the UK – a trickle of families, groups and couples – their proportion varies depending on the time of week and which flights have landed. For dinner, locals pop in at the upscale Castle View restaurant. Clearly though, the hotel was constructed to welcome foreign leaders and host conferences.
ROOMS
Our deluxe ocean view room featured a large patio with seating and ocean view, with a snug bathroom.
BOTTOM LINE
Soft openings are always a little stilted as construction lingers, staff are just becoming acquainted with protocols and there are expectations of more to come. There’s a lot of space and plenty of potential as the hotel fully launches.
LOCATION
Long Bay, St Philip
WEBSITE
