Over the centuries, Marigot Bay, St Lucia, has been used as a hiding place for pirates, has seen historic naval battles, has drawn countless cruisers to its tranquil and scenic splendour, has provided one of the best refuges in the Windward Isles for hurricane protection, and has been the home of The Moorings’ charter fleet.

Now a new company has taken over the disused hotel at the head of the bay with a view to creating a resort for the mind and body, with a series of luxurious apartments attached to a five star hotel base. Furthermore, all-new pontoons will be built to provide extra berthing, both for apartment owners and visiting yachts.

Discovery at Marigot Bay promises to be an exciting project, and with sensitive redevelopment of the grounds and facilities should put the famous bay back firmly on the cruising map for passing yachtsmen. The new site owners have leased back part of the site to The Moorings, but the hotel complex, designed as an eco-sensitive luxury retreat, will provide much-needed added incentives for visiting sailors. The development will feature a number of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting at approximately US$325,000; owners will be allowed to use the apartments for up to six weeks per year, with the properties forming the basis for the hotel accommodation for the rest of the time. Owners will then receive a rental income from a rental pool overseen by the management company. Construction work is due to start in the spring of 2003, with the whole development completed by November 2004.

For yachtsmen, the development will mean a much-needed facelift to the bay, along with improved facilities, fuel and watering points, and pontoon berths to add to the attractive anchoring in the bay. For more details on the development, contact Doubloon International, PO Box CP5437, Castires, St Lucia. e-mail: johnbverity@aol.com