Aimbridge Hospitality Chosen to Manage Leading Oceanfront Resort Property in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

DALLAS, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aimbridge Hospitality announced that it has been selected to manage the iconic Sugar Bay Resort & Spa on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands,  effective immediately. Sugar Bay, located only eight miles from the international airport, is nestled on 31 lush acres of a beachfront mountainside, overlooking some of the most panoramic oceanviews in the Caribbean. The 294 rooms and suite all-inclusive resort is just minutes away from world-acclaimed Magens Bay and a short drive from the cruise docks, Red Hook ferry, St. Thomas duty-free shopping and an 18-hole championship golf course.

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A known leader in the operation and management of hotels and resorts both in the US and throughout the Caribbean, Aimbridge Hospitality will oversee the revitalization of this well-known resort. Dave Johnson, president and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality revealed,  "Our plans  for this Caribbean treasure are to enhance this beachfront retreat into an upscale all-inclusive resort with the signature programming, food and beverage and service levels that are the platform for the hotels and resorts in the Aimbridge portfolio, including our prestigious Jewel Resorts."

A multi-million capital investment is planned for this destination resort later this year.  Aimbridge senior vice president of Caribbean operations and development, Rich Cortese, announced the renovation and upgrade plan, which will be completed by late 2013. "Our master plan for one of the most picturesque properties in the Caribbean is to transform this resort into a four star all-inclusive resort, with a timeless and unique contemporary new look," explained Cortese. "We  strive to surprise and excite our guests with product and service levels, which are paramount for  the ultimate destination resort experience," emphasized Mr. Cortese.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is pleased to welcome Aimbridge Hospitality to the U.S. Virgin Islands. "We have a strong public-private sector partnership in the Territory, and we continue to welcome healthy alliances as we position tourism as a major engine of economic growth,"  stated Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The upgrades and enhancements for Sugar Bay include a dramatic redesign, imagined by the evocative designer Paul  Vega of VLDG.inc, one of New York City's most watched boutique design firms (www.vldg.com).  Vega and his creative partner, Vennie Lau, are known for their unique residential and luxe hotel  designs; creating unexpected and memorable guest experiences, with narratives complimentary of the local cultural and environmental heritage. Vega is  developing a new lobby concept, guestrooms and suites, as well as the design of the signature Jade Samurai restaurant, tepanyaki and sushi bar, overlooking some of the most breathtaking views in the Caribbean.  On a clear day, one can see St. John, U.S.Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands in the distance from this celebrated hotel vantage point, which also serves as a dramatic location for weddings. Paul Vega quoted, "Expect an unexpected guest experience for the new Sugar Bay; combining the naturally beautiful canvas of St. Thomas and surrounding islands, a wonderful seaside location and our unique relaxed, timeless interpretation, all the compliment for an unequivocally chic, modern Caribbean experience." Paul Vega's design vision will touch all areas of the landscape.

Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is a resort playground for its guests of all ages, and features a private, intimate beach, three interconnected fresh water pools and a poolside concierge, whose sole purpose is to spritz, pamper and service the resort guests. Activities such as sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing are incorporated into the resort's all-inclusive guest packages.  Other amenities include lighted tennis courts, miniature golf and one of the Caribbean's largest stand alone full-service spas, set steps away from the beach. Formerly Journeys Spa, the stylistic spa will be rebranded as The Radiant Spa, a Jewel Resorts brand concept.

Keeping children in mind, Sugar Bay Resort & Spa offers kids and parents a fun-filled Kids Klub for children ages 5-12 with a variety of recreational, educational and interactive activities, including non-motorized water sports, games, arts and crafts and even an Iguana feeding. The resort family programming offers activities for parents and children to experience Sugar Bay together.

Sugar Bay's self-contained convention center offers the most flexible meeting facilities on the island.  Groups are offered 15,600 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,720 square foot Estate Ballroom that overlooks the Caribbean and accommodates 800, 12 conference rooms, an amphitheater with tiered seating, and three spacious outdoor terraces with Caribbean Sea vantage points and views. For reservations, contact www.sugarbayresortandspa.com or telephone 340.777.7100 or 800.927.7100.

About Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality is the nation's second largest independent hotel investment and management firms with a proven track record for delivering superior returns for its strategic partners in a variety of markets and economic cycles. Aimbridge provides management, asset management, development, renovation and consulting services. Based in Dallas, Texas and with development offices in Chicago, Dallas and Puerto Rico, Aimbridge currently owns and/or manages over 180 upscale, independent and branded hotels with nearly 25,000 rooms across the United States and the Caribbean, including such affiliations as Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Aloft, Hyatt, Wyndham, Choice Hotels and the Phoenix Inn Suites chain of hotels. For more information on Aimbridge Hospitality, please visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com.

SOURCE Aimbridge Hospitality