Bay Gardens Resorts, one of Saint Lucia’s beloved holiday Resorts, is expanding in its 30th year to include the Sapphire Sands Villas. The five hotel properties on the island boast a collection of luxurious villas perfect for solo travellers and families alike, with blissful views of Saint Lucia’s incredible beachfront, private terraces, and facilities including a spa, fitness centre, and yoga pavilions.
The resort was founded by Mrs Joyce Destang, one of the first Saint Lucian women to own and operate a family-run hotel portfolio in the country. Destang originally trained as a teacher but transitioned into hospitality in 1994. She says she was inspired by the late Neville Skeete, a St Lucian architect, to invest in the country’s tourism industry. “In 1994, my husband and I took every penny we had and started with 45 rooms on this plot of land,” Destang said in a speech last year.
Local ownership in the Caribbean is becoming an increasingly important issue for local governments as they seek to empower residents and keep profits and economic benefits within the country. Bay Gardens Resorts is one of the island’s biggest success stories.
“Our vision is to create a place where guests feel at home, enjoy warm island hospitality, and build memories that last long after their visit,” says Daryl Aaron, general manager.
Visitors to the new Sapphire Sands Villas resort can expect a relaxed, luxurious environment, with a focus on eco-friendly practices, wellness offerings that include outdoor sunrise yoga, and an exciting array of Asian-Caribbean fusion dishes. Finally, no trip to St. Lucia is complete without a day spent on the iconic white sands of Reduit beach in Rodney Bay, famed for its pristine waters and beautiful sunsets.
