The Ocean Hotel Group, the family-owned collection of Barbados hotels and resorts, has officially reopened its luxury all-inclusive O2 Beach and Club Spa after investing more than $30 million in upgrading the facility.
Group General Manager Patricia Affonso-Dass said on Tuesday that the aim had been to transform the Dover Road, St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church establishment into a modern and contemporary space that provides an authentic island experience.
“It is a story of transformation. When considering what luxury meant in the context of O2, our vision was to transform the perception of luxury away from the traditional west coast ideal, towards a fresh contemporary take, highlighting the vibrant south coast,” she explained.
“Our uncompromising goals are to individuality and authenticity, to train to LQA [Leading Quality Assurance] and AAA Five Diamond standards and to be trailblazers and thought leaders, confidently defining our own sense of style.”
The hotelier added that the group’s additional investment demonstrated confidence in the island’s brand and in the staff who continued their training virtually, even during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The near $31 million investment we have made into O2 Beach Club and Spa showcases our commitment to the tourism industry and it is an investment in and commitment to our staff and their professional development. It highlights the importance that we as a company place on ensuring an excellent quality of product and experience to our guests. And, most importantly, it provides an opportunity for our existing team members to take on new and more challenging responsibilities,” Affonso-Dass added.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins congratulated the group on the refurbishment project.
She suggested the time would soon come to start exporting Barbadian expertise in the tourism industry into regional markets, thus strengthening the local brand.
“We have to come to a point where we are not only concentrating on moving people into the country, but moving businesses out of the country and creating franchises and commercial presence in markets all around the world, where you are generating revenue from a diversified portfolio, and not just from occupancy rates on island,” the Tourism Minister said.
“This is a vision of the Government of Barbados and we are looking forward to working with all of you to see that. I am hopeful that in the New Year, we can commence these discussions with you, the owners of capital, the managers, the innovators, on how we can build this new model for our industry and diversify our existing markets.”
The newly renovated O2 Beach Club & Spa, which opened on December 1 to guests, now has 130 luxury rooms, six dining options, seven bars and full service spa and several new offerings for guests. (SB)
