The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The RIU Palace Paradise Island will be closing its doors for renovations “imminently”, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general revealed yesterday.

Joy Jibrilu told a press conference at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Marketplace summit that the all-inclusive property was set to undergo “major renovations”.

“RIU is closing imminently, and they will be closing for renovations and opening at the end of summer beginning of fall. They will be undergoing major renovations,” said Mrs Jibrilu.

Following the passage of Hurricane Matthew last October, the RIU told Tribune Business that the property had suffered “cosmetic damage, and neither the structure nor the basic services were affected”.

“Repairs and cleaning began immediately, and service in its five restaurants, four bars, swimming pool and day and night entertainment programs are fully operational,” the resort had stated.

Mrs Jibrilu said the  One & Only Ocean Club, which also sustained damage during Hurricane Matthew, is on track for a February 14 opening.

“It was closed for repairs but they took the opportunity to do further upgrades. This is following major upgrades and renovations they had already undertook,” said Mrs Jibrilu.

Last year, the One & Only Ocean Club closed it doors for renovations at the end of August and re-opened at the beginning of November.

At the time, resort management told The Tribune that the hotel’s owners, Access Industries, had been planning “a significant renovation”, with the $15 million redevelopment of the Hartford Wing to include expanded and restyled rooms. The hotel was expected to re-open at the beginning of December, but this was pushed back to its re-opening date of Valentine’s Day.