Introducing a New Caribbean Destination: West Caicos Reserve, The Protected Island

    TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, British West Indies, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ --
 Today, Logwood Development Company, the Turks & Caicos Island Government and
 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announced the opening of the newest destination
 in the Caribbean -- West Caicos Reserve, The Protected Island,
 http://www.WestCaicosReserve.tc.  For the first time in nearly 100 years, the
 approximately 11-square-mile, 6,000-acre island of West Caicos will open its
 shores to a new settlement.  West Caicos features some of the most sublime,
 virgin beaches and brilliant azure water in the Caribbean.  It is home to the
 500-acre Lake Catherine, a natural wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for
 pink roseate flamingoes, as well as Molasses Reef, rumored to be the final
 resting place of Columbus' Pinta and ranking among the world's top dive sites.
 Reachable only by boat, small plane, or helicopter, transportation on-island
 will be primarily by electric vehicle and bicycle.
     A new, exclusive resort community, West Caicos Reserve will include
 Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort; Ritz-Carlton-branded villas; secluded
 single-family homes; custom homes; cottages; and marina townhomes.
 Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, along with the first phase of the
 Ritz-Carlton villas (approximately 30) and the marina, are expected to be
 completed in two years. Completion of other elements of West Caicos Reserve
 will follow.
     Turks & Caicos Islands, a group of eight primary islands - including
 Providenciales ("Provo") on the Western end of the archipelago - and many
 smaller cays, are located 575 miles southeast of Miami (an hour and 20 minutes
 by plane).  A former sea salt-producing and sisal-growing site and home to
 historic Yankee Town, West Caicos is six miles from Provo.
     "A unique, comprehensively planned public-private collaboration with the
 Turks & Caicos government, West Caicos Reserve will be an idyllic destination
 for visitors and residents who want to experience the ultimate unspoiled
 environment," commented Honorable Dr. Michael Misick, Chief Minister of Turks
 & Caicos Islands.
 
     Barefoot Luxury with Minimal Environmental Impact
     To ensure that the island remains unspoiled, approximately 90 percent of
 the acreage will stay permanently undisturbed and the projects slated for
 development will all be low-density.  Access to West Caicos Reserve will be
 primarily via boat (a 20-minute ride) from a private launch dock, a short ride
 from the international airport.
     Through an environmental stewardship program, residents of West Caicos
 will be fully involved in efforts to preserve the environment, cultural
 heritage and archaeological treasures, as well as education in these areas for
 children and adults.
     "West Caicos Reserve will be the reality of a vision ten years in the
 making that was inspired and initiated by 'belongers' [natives to the Turks &
 Caicos Islands]," explained David Hartshorn, Principal of Logwood Development
 Company.  "We are thrilled to be able to offer such a special place that truly
 pays homage to the unspoiled heritage around which it is built."
 
     Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort
     The centerpiece of the residential community of West Caicos Reserve will
 be the 125-suite boutique hotel, Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort,
 featuring two restaurants and a full-service spa.  Oceanfront guest suites,
 all with private terraces, will be configured in one- and two-story groupings,
 spread over a half-mile of pristine beachfront. The resort will blend
 traditional Caribbean influences with "sense of place" design elements,
 including verdant garden courtyards and secluded plunge pools -- all to ensure
 a singular, intimate resort experience.
     "Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, is unique for our brand: a low-
 density development in a truly extraordinary location featuring innovative
 design and relaxed recreational offerings," said Simon Cooper, president and
 chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  "Consistent with
 Ritz-Carlton's standards, but with a distinct personality, Molasses Reef,
 which will provide our guests and residents with an exclusive, 'one-of-a-kind'
 experience throughout the resort, from guest suites to the spa to dining,"
 added Mr. Cooper.
     Alongside the hotel -- on one-third mile of beachfront -- will be 60 Ritz-
 Carlton-branded villas, which will include access to all hotel services,
 including housekeeping, spa, dining and concierge.
 
     A Blending of Old and New
     In addition to Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, and villas, the
 residential component of West Caicos Reserve will feature a limited mix of
 estate homes, cottages and custom building lots.  Rounding out the development
 will be a full-service marina and waterfront village (featuring shops and
 restaurants) and marina townhouses.  The marina will accommodate ferry service
 from Provo, as well as a variety of boating vessels from Hobie Cats to yachts.
     More information about West Caicos Reserve is available by calling
 649.941.7480, or at http://www.WestCaicosReserve.tc.
     The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, MD, (USA) currently
 operates 58 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
 It is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm
 Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer
 service.  For more information, call toll free, 1-800-241-3333, contact a
 travel professional, or consult the web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com.
 
 

SOURCE Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.