Providenciales, Turks and Caicos � July 2009 � Turks & Caicos Island�s
Premier, Galmo Williams, in a special press statement on the resilience
of tourism in Providenciales, welcomed news that the highly anticipated
Veranda Resort & Residences on Grace Bay Beach would be complete prior
to end of 2009 and would open for business early 2010.
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The Veranda
Princess Drive
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI
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�The opening of Veranda Resort & Residences shows the resilience
of our tourism industry in today�s volatile marketplace. It is no secret
that the worldwide economy is experiencing tremendous challenges at this
moment in time,� says Premier Williams. �We are extremely grateful that
owners Andre Surreys and Ron Sutherland took the bold and courageous step
of moving forward with such a considerable investment into our growing
tourism industry. We want the international community to know that the
Turks and Caicos Islands are open for business. We offer our full support
to the Veranda project and look forward to its contribution to our growing
cadre of superlative resorts.�
The Veranda Resort & Residences is owned by Faez Ltd., a Turks
and Caicos company founded by UK entrepreneur, Andre Surreys. Surreys and
US based real estate veteran Ron Sutherland of the Hemisphere Group purchased
the resort in April 2008. In January 2009, Surreys and Sutherland appointed
Grace Bay Resorts, the company behind the celebrated Grace Bay Club in
Turks and Caicos, to manage the new $80 million luxury resort property.
�The Veranda is a unique property that has enormous potential and we
are honored to be selected as the operator for this resort,� says Mark
Durliat, CEO of Grace Bay Resorts. �Not only will this sophisticated project
draw new development to these islands, it will create needed employment
in an otherwise challenging economic environment.�
Guests of the new 10-acre resort on Providenciales will enjoy more
than 800 feet of beachfront along Grace Bay beach. Inspired by British
Caribbean architecture, the highly anticipated resort will feature the
Island�s only private beachfront homes, each enjoying their own private
pool, as well as 126 beautifully appointed residential units available
as studios, one, two and three bedroom condominium units. In addition,
the resort enjoys two separate oceanfront restaurants offering both elegant
and casual dining experiences, a dedicated 1700 square foot conference
center, three pools, an Asian-inspired Wellness Centre, Spa and Fitness
Facility and a dedicated kids club.
�There are so many destinations to choose from in the Caribbean, yet
we selected the Turks & Caicos. This is a Caribbean destination
where international investment is welcomed by the Government and the destination
is highly attractive for development,� says Ron Sutherland, Co-Owner. �These
islands offer some of the most beautiful vistas in the world and are easily
accessed by most travelers both internationally and from the US.
We consider ourselves fortunate to have an opportunity to contribute in
such a meaningful way during what is a very challenging economic environment.�
About The Veranda Resorts & Residences
Faez Limited recently acquired The Veranda. The property is being
developed by a leadership team consisting of Ronald D. Sutherland, president
of The Hemisphere Group and Development Manager; and Jeffery A. Lee, architect
and senior partner of Lee & Astwood Architects, who are re-designing
the property. Both have extensive experience with some of the finest
resort and residential properties in the Caribbean basin.
About Grace Bay Resorts
Grace Bay Resorts was founded from its flagship property Grace Bay
Club in Turks and Caicos which opened in 1993. Led by Mark Durliat and
Nikheel Advani, the developers and hoteliers behind this renowned resort,
together with Denver-based SV Capital Partners, the company operates under
three divisions, providing development, branding and management for its
flagship über-luxe Grace Bay Resorts brand; its �The Grace Collection�
of independent luxury properties; and CAYA, its newest 5-star contemporary
lifestyle brand being developed with celebrated architect Chad Oppenheim.
Grace Bay Resorts is expanding its award-winning brands and services into
other Caribbean destinations and Latin America, with a target of 10 properties
in the next few years. |