"We want to ensure the resort is completed to everyone's satisfaction from a training and service perspective. The additional two months will allow us to focus on hiring and recruitment, and the installation of hard and soft goods throughout the property.  St. Kitts is a wonderful tourism destination and it is important to Marriott that this new resort conveys the spirit and beauty of the island and appeals to a broad range of travelers," said John Toti, General Manager. 

The resort, owned by Royal St. Kitts Beach Resort Ltd., is located along the Atlantic coast on the windward side of St. Kitts and just a 10-minute drive from Basseterre and the airport. The resort's five-story main building features 237 guestrooms. Between the main building and the beach, a series of three-story garden houses, that will surround the swimming pools, house an additional 234 rooms. Guestrooms are oversized and well-appointed with most including large, private balconies. Each bathroom of the houses will have a whirlpool bath. 

For dining and entertainment, the St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort will offer six restaurants, two bars and a disco: La Cucina, an Italian restaurant; Royal Grill Steakhouse, offering outdoor seating; BLU, a seafood restaurant; Bohemia Beach Bar & Grill; Calypso, a family style restaurant, Golf Club House Restaurant; Lobby Bar; Keys, a cigar and rum bar; and Tigers, a disco. 

Recreational amenities will include a 15,000 square foot spa, three swimming pools, tennis courts, retail shopping, Kids Club and a 35,000 square foot casino. A newly-designed 18-hole golf course, operated by Marriott Golf, will also be a major feature at the resort. 

For conferences and social events, the St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Spa will have 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 7,100 square foot ballroom that is divisible into three sections; meeting rooms offering 5,000 square feet of space; and a board room and terraces for pre-function receptions and events. All meeting rooms have large windows that overlook the surrounding gardens and the ocean. In addition, the resort will have a business center. 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,400 operating units in the United States and 63 other countries and territories.