AMResorts, an Apple Leisure Group (ALG) company, has announced its entry into St. Martin with the signing of a new resort brand management deal to bring its Secrets Resorts & Spas brand to the island.
“ALG is continuing to grow its brand footprint in the Caribbean by expanding into the highly marketable destination of St. Martin, which welcomes millions of international travelers each year,” said Alex Zozaya, CEO of ALG, in a press release statement. “We are confident that the island has the potential to become one of the region’s premier high-end destinations, making it the perfect location for our luxury all-inclusive brand, Secrets Resorts & Spas.”
The resort is owned by Sole Resorts, a longstanding partner of ALG. This will be the fourth resort conversion the companies have collaborated on and the first Secrets property for Sole Resorts, which counts Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Dreams and Sunscape Resorts & Spas in its current portfolio.
Formerly the RIU Palace St. Martin, the property will undergo a $20 million renovation before re-opening in 2019 under the Secrets brand. The 350-room, adults-only resort is situated in a prime location in Anse Marcel, on the north side of the island only 35 minutes from the Princess Juliana International Airport. The property is set on a private and protected enclave with direct views of Anguilla. It boasts the largest pool in the Caribbean, and upon completion of the renovation, will offer guests a rooftop pool with ocean views, and swim out suites, among other enhancements.
“We discovered St. Martin right after hurricane Irma damaged the island. Immediately, we recognized the untapped potential of the Island for five-star luxury resorts,” said Tommaso Sandretto, CEO of Sole Resorts. “With the support from [Daniel Gibbs, president of the Collectivity of St. Martin] and Apple Leisure Group, we are confident that our investment will benefit the growth of the island and the whole community creating new jobs and showing how to bounce back from natural disasters. Sole Resorts plans to keep expanding its portfolio in the Caribbean and other key markets.”
For news on AMResorts’ expansion in Mexico, click here.
