The grand reopening of Four Seasons Resort and Residencies Anguilla on Friday, March 23, 2018, has been met with much enthusiasm by the Government and people of the island, visitors, estate homeowners, management, staff, and the owners of the property.
The formal reopening of the island’s largest hospitality employer followed months of restoration due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. Recently named one of the top hotels in the Caribbean, by readers of USA Today, the resort is now providing jobs for hundreds of employees and a long-awaited vacation for guests from all over the world.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Four Seasons President of Hotel Operations in the Americas, Mr. Vince Parrotta, expressed thanks to “the wonderful team” which carried out the restoration work led by Mr. Steve Watson. “We would not be standing here without the incredible support that this resort received from its ownership group led by Roy Shanholtz and Starwood Capital,” he continued. “Their ability to dive in the moment that the hurricane was over, and to get us to where we are, is a proud day for the ownership group and our partnership. Thanks also to the Government of Anguilla. Their support to us, and the ownership group, is incredibly appreciated. It is another reason why we are standing here among the first big resorts to reopen.”
Mr. Parrotta commended Starwood Capital Group and the other partners who created the Anguilla Stronger Foundation to support the local community and not only the employees of Four Seasons Resort, but those of the participating hotels as well.
He added: “It’s really impressive to see the level of business coming our way at this resort. We are taking our steps slowly to be sure we are ready to have exceptional products and services available but, when you look at the rest of the year and 2019, we are hitting the ground running.”
In celebration of its reopening, Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is offering a Fifth Night Free package described as “a great value for guests”.
Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Cardigan Connor, stated that the Government of Anguilla was delighted that Four Seasons was now officially open. He saw the event as a positive step for Anguilla, and the need for the speedy recovery of the tourism industry, and offered his very best wishes to Starwood Capital and Four Seasons. Mr. Connor was among officials from Starwood Capital and Four Seasons who cut the ribbon.
The newly-appointed General Manager, Mr. Jose’ Adames, was thankful to the owners of residential homes; Mr. Steve Watson; and all the partners around the island for their support.
To the staff, he said: “I like to say thank you from the heart to all the employees at this resort, especially those who walked into the resort the next day and who still work today with a smile,” he stated.
“It said that the Anguillian spirit is amazing, and when I arrived in Anguilla I was looking forward to getting to know all of you and to see that spirit that so many people have spoken so much about. I also like to thank the planning committee members. Each of you did a special job to lead your team to get us back to where we are today, and I would like a round of applause for them as well.”
Mr Adames added: “I would like to say a very special thank you to Roy Shanholtz and Starwood Capital for believing in me and in this resort. Roy’s words the day I arrived were: ‘Failure is not an option. We must open on March 23rd for the island, its people, and for all the guests and owners who rely on us to be open’.
“I also want to recognise Beth Shanholtz who, through her dedication, support and perseverance, made sure that Anguilla Stronger stay strong all the way through. She looks forward to continue to work with us on the island with Anguilla Stronger, through the end of the year, to ensure that those people, who suffered over the last several months, and who will take some time to get back on their feet, have the support, love and care that we need here in Anguilla.
“To our Four Seasons staff, this will not be possible without you, your perseverance, your big heart and that spirit that is always being talked about. I promise you that I will support and continue to work with you to keep that spirit alive and to have fun. We are in the humour and fun business. What you told me through your dance and music, and the way that you walk around this resort, is that Anguilla continues to be strong. We will continue to be stronger and to make this the best nation of the Caribbean and world – and the best resort staff ever seen.”
Mr. Adames was partly referring to the big event held at the resort’s lobby on Thursday, March 22, when the staff, management and representatives of the owners participated in a carnival-like pep rally the day preceding the official opening ceremony.
The rallying cry at the pep rally was: “We Jammin’ Still” (despite the hurricane). It is the title of the 2017 Trinidad hit Soca song, which the resort’s employees continued to rehearse during the opening ceremony, and which is expected to linger in their minds for a long time as Four Seasons Resort Anguilla forges ahead.
