Barbados’ north-west coast has gained the region’s first Pendry-branded resort in all but name, after developers topped off the US luxury hotel and residences group’s maiden international project on Wednesday — a 2027-bound scheme built by Canada’s largest listed contractor.
The event marks the completion of the primary structural phase for the luxury hotel and residential development, which is set to become a landmark international destination for the California-based brand.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and other government officials, served as a formal introduction of the Pendry brand to the Caribbean.
Michael Fuerstman, co-founder of Pendry Hotels & Resorts, noted that while the company has projects worldwide, this particular development had captured global attention:
“I travel around the world meeting clients and partners, and everybody wants to know about Barbados,” Fuerstman said. “This is the one destination that creates the most excitement. It’s aspirational, it’s exciting, and it’s a great lifestyle.”
For the Fuerstman family, the project carries a deep personal resonance. Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and chief executive of Montage International, shared a story of visiting the island in 1985 to escape the rigours of raising toddlers — including his son Michael.
“To be standing here today, all these years later, is incredibly special for our family,” the senior Fuerstman remarked. He emphasised that the resort is designed to harmonise with the natural environment, noting: “Imagine just hearing the surf. You just open the windows and it’s so compelling. Our guests will hear that a little over a year from now.”
The project is being built by Aecon Construction Group, Canada’s largest publicly traded construction firm. Marty Harris, executive lead and senior vice-president of Aecon, highlighted the technical precision required to bring the vision to life.
“Luxury begins long before a guest arrives,” Harris said. “It begins in the foundations, the structures, and the details that will never be seen but will always be felt.”
He also noted that the project had prioritised local talent, having already onboarded graduates from the Barbados Construction Gateway Training Initiative and launched community support programmes such as “From Our Home to Yours”.
Upon its scheduled completion in 2027, Pendry Barbados will feature approximately 80 oceanfront guest rooms and 46 luxury residences. The sprawling site will include a 110-berth marina, the Pendry Yacht Club, a signature spa and several dining experiences.
Michael Fuerstman described the architectural result as “spectacular”, noting the unique combination of a marina, jungle and residential living emerging from the sea. “I don’t know that there’s another hotel residential development like this in the world,” he added. “It’s very, very unique.”
The leadership team expressed their gratitude to the government for its support in making the company’s first international venture a reality.Alan Fuerstman concluded by looking toward the future: “We are building far more than a resort. We’re building relationships, creating opportunity, and laying the foundation for a legacy of hospitality that will extend well beyond these shores.”
(RR)
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