Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The celebration, themed “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future,” brought together key figures in the resort’s history and the hospitality industry.
Since it opened its doors in 2005, Coconut Bay has been a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, particularly in the island’s south. The resort has consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences while strongly committed to community investment and environmental stewardship.
Dignitaries Attend Coconut Bay’s Celebration
Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, Former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South, highlighted in a press statement the resort’s crucial role in job creation and economic growth in the region. He noted how Coconut Bay has successfully balanced providing luxurious accommodations with celebrating Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage.
The resort’s impact extends beyond its guests to its staff, many of whom have grown alongside the property. Morliser Theodore-Mondesir, one of 23 employees celebrating two decades of service, shared her journey from an entry-level position to her current role as Restaurant Manager overseeing nine dining establishments.
Carlyle Prowell, the resort’s longest-serving Entertainment Manager, echoed this sentiment. He described his progression from organizing small events to creating large-scale experiences like the annual Rum & Rhythms Festival, crediting the resort’s staff training and development investment.
Coconut Bay’s evolution over the years, shared by Resort Manager Roney Francis, has been guided by its “Casually Caribbean, Incredibly All-Inclusive” ethos and its “We Strive for 5” service philosophy.
The resort’s commitment to the local community is evident in its support for early childhood education. Francis detailed a $250,000 investment in the ABC Fun House Learning Centre, including facility upgrades and curriculum enhancements. He also mentioned the resort’s contributions to healthcare, notably a complete emergency room upgrade at St. Jude Hospital.
Coconut Bay prioritizes environmental responsibility, as demonstrated by its Turtle SCOUTS conservation program. This initiative aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Looking to the future, Christopher Chin, Hotel Manager of Serenity at Coconut Bay, announced ambitious expansion plans during the ceremony. These include an $80 million project to expand Serenity, set to commence in Sept. 2025, and a $24 million renovation of all 250 rooms at Coconut Bay, which began last year and will continue through 2026.
“It’s all about the customers, no customers, no staff. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team and the unwavering support of our guests. We are excited to continue offering exceptional experiences for many more years to come. We have been very fortunate to have really good people working here,” said Chairman Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson in a press statement.
“Beyond the accolades and world-class offerings, what truly elevates Coconut Bay in the tourism sector is its unwavering dedication to its people and its community. The resort has invested heavily in the professional development of its employees, offering scholarships, tuition reimbursements, and specialized training programs in collaboration with institutions such as the University of the West Indies and the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF). With the majority of its leadership team rising through the ranks from entry-level positions, Coconut Bay has fostered a culture of growth and empowerment, ensuring that its success is shared with those who contribute to it daily,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, in the statement.
The event was well attended by a group of local dignitaries and special guests from Saint Lucia’s hospitality and business sectors.
For more information, visit cbayresort.com.
