Barbados’ luxury hospitality sector is receiving a significant boost as the Elegant Group of Hotels, owned by UK-based Marriott International, embarks on a $200 million (US$100 million) renovation project. The extensive refurbishment aims to enhance the island’s all-inclusive accommodations and solidify its position in the competitive luxury travel market.
The ambitious plan includes phased closures and reopenings of seven hotels, ensuring a seamless transition while upgrading facilities to meet evolving traveler expectations. While Marriott has not disclosed how many employees will be directly affected, company officials have assured that workers will receive support throughout the process.
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“Our hotels are undergoing a multi-million-dollar transformation, and we are excited to announce their full renovation in the near future. Our employees remain our most valuable asset, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for them,” Marriott representatives stated.
Rebranding & Scheduled Reopenings
Among the first properties to undergo renovation, Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach Resorts officially closed on February 1, 2024, and are set to reopen early next year under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand as all-inclusive resorts.
Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Javon Griffith, emphasized that the closure of the two resorts was part of a long-planned renovation strategy.
“Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach will remain closed for about 15 months, allowing Marriott to carry out a large-scale refurbishment,” Griffith stated.
While Griffith did not provide an exact number of employees affected, he noted that Marriott has been conducting employee training programs at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) since mid-2023. This initiative helps ensure that staff remain engaged and prepared for future roles within the revamped hotels.
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Other Hotels in Various Stages of Completion
The Elegant Hotels group has been undergoing renovations in stages, with Treasure Beach and Waves Hotel & Spa already reopened. The House was scheduled to resume operations earlier this year, but delays resulted in canceled summer bookings. The reopening of Tamarind is expected later this year, followed by Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach in February 2025.
Despite minor setbacks, Griffith believes the upgrades will be beneficial for Barbados’ tourism industry.
“While some properties are missing out on business during renovations, this is a necessary investment. By next year, Barbados will offer a refreshed, world-class accommodation product rather than outdated hotels,” he explained.
New Hotel Categorization
Upon completion of the renovations, Marriott plans to reorganize the Elegant Hotels portfolio under new brand classifications.
- The Tribute Portfolio: Includes Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove.
- The Autograph Collection: Features Waves, Treasure Beach, Tamarind Cove, and The House.
- The Luxury Collection: Comprises Colony Club.
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Griffith noted that the phased renovation approach was intentional to avoid widespread industry disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has taken an interest in the ongoing project, but Deputy General Secretary Dwaine Paul has yet to provide a public statement on labor concerns.
With this large-scale investment, Marriott’s Elegant Hotels Group is set to redefine luxury hospitality in Barbados, offering visitors a new era of modernized, high-end accommodations.
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