Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a renowned luxury destination, is celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking 20 years of providing exceptional hospitality.
Situated on Saint Lucia’s southern coast, the resort is known for its world-class amenities and unparalleled guest experiences. Since its grand opening in 2005, Coconut Bay has stood out as an exemplar of hospitality excellence, offering a wide array of accommodations and activities suited for families, singles, and couples. Known for its all-inclusive packages and Serenity, its couples-only hideaway, the resort ensures that every guest experiences the warmth and vibrant culture of Saint Lucia from the moment they arrive.
The resort’s dedication to quality service and guest satisfaction has propelled its reputation forward. Resort Manager Roney Francis reflected on the resort’s growth, stating, “For me, Coconut Bay has always been more than just a resort—it has been a home. Since joining the team in 2021, it’s been a privilege to contribute to this remarkable institution as Resort Manager. Today, we proudly uphold our promise of being ‘Casually Caribbean, Incredibly All-Inclusive,’ driven by a service philosophy we call ‘We Strive for Five.’ This commitment to excellence, embraced by everyone from our CEO to every staff member, has been key to our success. Our unified dedication has allowed us to leap from the 20th spot on TripAdvisor in November 2024 to proudly holding 9th place today among all resorts in Saint Lucia. This is a testament to our collective effort to deliver extraordinary experiences to our guests.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, described the resort as a “shining example of hospitality.”
“Beyond the accolades and world-class offerings, what truly elevates Coconut Bay in the tourism sector is its unwavering dedication to its people and its community. The resort has invested heavily in the professional development of its employees, offering scholarships, tuition reimbursements, and specialized training programs in collaboration with institutions such as the University of the West Indies and the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF). With the majority of its leadership team rising through the ranks from entry-level positions, Coconut Bay has fostered a culture of growth and empowerment, ensuring that its success is shared with those who contribute to it daily,” Vittet stated.
Longtime employee and Entertainment Manager Carlyle Prowell reflected on the resort’s journey and its influence on both staff and the surrounding community. Prowell, who started as a line staff member, spoke passionately about the resort’s evolution:
“So the dream that became Coconut Bay has molded us as leaders and given us opportunities to be a beacon of inspiration—not just to our colleagues, but to the next generation of hospitality employees and our surrounding community.”
Over the past two decades, Coconut Bay has enhanced guest experiences with new amenities and activities while also investing in the personal and professional growth of its employees. The resort introduced unique entertainment experiences such as Country & Western Night, Caribbean Carnival, and the Sugar Cane Rum Bar, along with the now-annual Rum and Rhythms Festival. The implementation of training programs, scholarships, and certification courses has empowered employees to grow within the company and beyond. Initiatives such as the soft skills program have helped local youth transition into hospitality careers, with some even pursuing higher education abroad.
Reflecting on the journey, the resort’s Chairman, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, emphasized Coconut Bay’s ongoing mission to provide memorable experiences and support both employees and the community.
“It’s all about the customers—no customers, no staff,” Hendrickson stated. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team and the unwavering support of our guests. We are excited to continue offering exceptional experiences for many more years to come. We have been very fortunate to have really good people working here.”
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa continues to play a crucial role in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the globe. As it looks toward the future, the resort plans expansions and enhancements, including the addition of 24 suites, a new welcome center, restaurant, and pool area at Serenity, with a construction investment of EC $80 million starting in September 2025. Additionally, a renovation of 250 rooms is planned with an investment of EC $24 million over three years.
Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South, Hon. Kenny Anthony, praised the resort’s role in job creation for the island’s south, recognizing its contributions to employment and economic growth.
According to Dr. Anthony, Coconut Bay continues to uphold its commitment to providing luxurious, eco-conscious accommodations while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Saint Lucia.
