Anguilla's Largest Private Employers & Real Estate Owners Partner To Form Hurricane Irma Emergency Relief Fund

GREENWICH, Conn., Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Affiliates of Starwood Capital Group (owner of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla), Belmond Ltd (owner of Belmond Cap Juluca), Auberge Resorts, Malliouhana Ownership, and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa announced today the formation of the Anguilla Stronger Emergency Relief Fund, dedicated to assisting the permanent residents of Anguilla in their recovery and rebuilding from Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Irma hit Anguilla as a Category Five hurricane, with recorded sustained wind speed of 185 mph and wind gusts to 215 mph. The impact caused severe devastation to the entire island with loss of electricity, loss of running water and damage to approximately 85% of all structures (hospital, airport, schools, hotels, restaurants and private homes). There are roughly 15,000 permanent residents who call the 35-square mile paradise home, and tourism is the island's main source of employment. Restoring power to the island is currently projected to take several months, therefore, the tourism industry will suffer a significant negative impact, leaving thousands of people without a means to make an income for quite some time.

The Partners of Anguilla Stronger collectively employ more than 1,000 Anguillan residents. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla employs approximately 550 people, Belmond Cap Juluca employs approximately 200 people, Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, employs 153 people and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa employs 149 people.   

"As the largest private employer on the island, we felt compelled to lead a larger relief initiative and believe by partnering with the other prominent employers on the island, we could achieve greater results through our strategic relationships and collective worldwide reach. We are honored each of them immediately agreed to partner with us in this effort," said Barry Sternlicht, Chairman & CEO of Starwood Capital Group. "We are inspired by the native Anguillans' strength, resilience and spirit to help each other through this crisis and are committed to working in a unified manner to accomplish our goals."

"Belmond has a long-standing belief in the power of partnerships. We recognize that the well-being of the wider communities and businesses on the island has a direct impact on the recovery process of all. To help secure the relief efforts that are needed at such scale, we must think bigger. And we must work together," said Roeland Vos, President & CEO of Belmond. "We have been inspired by the people of Anguilla in the face of adversity. We are proud to support the launch of the Anguilla Stronger Relief Fund."

"Hurricane Irma has reminded us of just how powerful, and sometimes destructive, the forces of nature can be.  Now, it is up to each of us to show the beautiful people of Anguilla how our collective power of love and care can help our friends overcome the devastation they have experienced," said Craig Reid, CEO & President of Auberge Resorts.

"The Goldstein family is heartbroken to see what has happened to our Anguillan family.  To help our friends and family in this manner is more important than brick and mortar," said Jeffrey Goldstein, owner of Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa

The Anguilla Stronger Emergency Relief Fund will focus on the following areas:

• Providing immediate emergency relief supplies such as food, water, medicine and temporary shelter or items to temporarily repair homes until building supplies can be obtained for permanent Anguillan residents.
• Providing ongoing support through the purchase of building supplies and organization of volunteer efforts for permanent Anguillan residents who need assistance with rebuilding their homes.
• Providing supplies and monetary funds to assist with the rebuilding of organizations and services that are essential to life in Anguilla such as the hospital, schools, and other charitable organizations committed to improving the lives of the residents.

All relief supplies will be distributed from two locations. The east end location will be located at the H.O.P.E. Centre, our local Anguillan partner.  The west end location will be located at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. The H.O.P.E. Centre is a community-based organization that seeks to develop and enrich the physical, emotional and spiritual being of the Anguillan community.

"We are extremely pleased to be a part of this 'Anguilla Stronger Emergency Relief Fund' that has been established to assist with rebuilding and recovery efforts here in Anguilla after the passage of Hurricane Irma," said Gareth Hodge, Chairman of the H.O.P.E. Centre Board of Directors. "There is much work to be done and the partnering of some of the island's largest real estate owners and developers as participants of Anguilla Stronger speaks well for the future of Anguilla."

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Anguilla Stronger Emergency Relief Fund, please visit https://www.pledgeling.com/anguilla-stronger/. Your donation will go directly to or for the benefit of the Anguillan people who need our help to rebuild their homes and public places such as hospital, schools, and other community services so that life in Anguilla can return to normal. All U.S. donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law, powered by the Pledgeling Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

About Starwood Capital Group
Starwood Capital Group is a private alternative investment firm with a core focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure and oil & gas. The Firm and its affiliates maintain 10 offices in four countries around the world, and currently have more than 3,400 employees. Starwood Capital Group has raised over $42 billion of equity capital since its inception in 1991, and currently manages more than $54 billion in assets. The Firm has invested in virtually every category of real estate on a global basis, opportunistically shifting asset classes, geographies and positions in the capital stack as it perceives risk/reward dynamics to be evolving. Over the past 26 years, Starwood Capital Group and its affiliates have successfully executed an investment strategy that involves building enterprises in both the private and public markets. Additional information can be found at starwoodcapital.com.

About Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Since the resort opened in 2010 and was converted to a Four Seasons in 2016, it has redefined luxury, style, and service in the Caribbean.  The 35-acre resort features 181 private accommodations to include expansive villas (up to 6,185 square feet), townhomes, penthouses, residences, suites, and guestrooms.  With an average guestroom of 2,200 square feet including private pools, hot tubs, and direct access to the beach, the Four Seasons Anguilla has no peer.  Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the property has elevated seaside luxury, combining sleek, modern design and stunning natural surroundings with legendary Four Seasons service.  Guest find a variety of dining options, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis courts, complimentary water activities, 3 resort pools and more than 100 private pools. Encircled by sugar-sand Barnes Bay and Meads Bay beaches with clear turquoise sea, the Four Seasons Anguilla is located along the northwestern shore offering 3,200 feet of pristine beachfront and sweeping views of the breaking surf.  Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla was named by the Robb Report, "Best of the Best 2017", and "Best Hotels in the Caribbean 2017" by U.S. News and World Report, "Greatest Cliffside Hotels 2017" and "Best Beach Bar/Sunset Lounge 2016" by Caribbean Journal, and was featured in Brides Magazine as "5 Caribbean Villas for Your Destination Wedding 2017".

www.fourseasons.com/anguilla

About Belmond
Belmond (belmond.com) is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world's most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established over 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 49 hotels, eight luxury tourist trains and three river cruises. Belmond also operates '21' Club, one of New York's most storied restaurants. Belmond Cap Juluca is a luxury 179-acre, world-class resort known for its white pristine beach, gentle tropical winds and sparkling turquoise waters. Following the acquisition of Belmond Cap Juluca back in May 2017, Belmond set out a plan to carry out extensive renovation works to restore and reposition this much-loved and award-winning property as one of the finest beach resorts in the world. In order to make these exciting upgrades, the stunning new Belmond Cap Juluca will reopen in the last quarter of 2018. www.belmond.com/cap-juluca-anguilla/

Follow Belmond: Twitter • Facebook • Instagram  

About Auberge Resorts
Auberge Resorts Collection owns and operates a portfolio of exceptional hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While Auberge nurtures the individuality of each property, all share a crafted approach to luxury that is expressed through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Properties in the Auberge Resorts Collection include: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Solage, Napa Valley; Esperanza and Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Los Cabos, Mexico; Hotel Jerome, Aspen; Malliouhana, Anguilla; Nanuku, Fiji; Element 52, Telluride; Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica; Auberge Beach Residences and Spa, Fort Lauderdale (opening late 2017); Bishop's Lodge, Santa Fe (opening mid-2018); The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah (opening late 2018); and The Commodore Perry Estate, Austin (opening 2019), with several others in development. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit www.aubergeresorts.com/. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts.

About Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort
Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort, has been regarded as one of the finest resorts in Anguilla, Caribbean since its opening in 1984. With 44 rooms and suites, this boutique resort is built atop a panoramic bluff overlooking the Caribbean and reaching down to the white sands of Meads Bay and Turtle Cove beaches. The resort blends modern Anguilla accommodations and amenities with the warmth and gracious hospitality of the Caribbean. The resort was voted one of the top resorts in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure's 2017 World's Best Awards. https://malliouhana.aubergeresorts.com/

About Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa
Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel of 65 rooms consisting of superior rooms, premium rooms and 1, 2 or 3 bedroom penthouse suites & beachfront villas suites. Perfect for family stays, honeymoons and small to large weddings. The feel is you are in your own beachfront home, our beachfront boutique hotel wraps guests in contemporary Caribbean style. Tucked away on six pristine acres, adjacent to Anguilla's Fountain Cavern National Park, Zemi Beach House redefines luxury island living for a new generation. Blending unique experiences that reflect the island's rich history and the traditions of its people, this elegant property on the world famous Shoal Bay Beach welcomes all who share in pursuit of life well lived. Zemi Beach was named by the Caribbean Journal, "New Hotel of the Year 2016" and also "Best Caribbean Beach Resort", was named to the Conde Nast Traveler "Hot List 2017" and was awarded "Best Resort in the Caribbean" on Travel & Leisure's "2017 World Best Awards" and "Best New Spa 2016" by World Spa Awards.  www.zemibeach.com 

Follow Anguilla Stronger Emergency Relief Fund on:
Twitter @AXAStronger https://twitter.com/AXAStronger 
Instagram @AnguillaStronger   https://www.instagram.com/anguillastronger/

SOURCE Starwood Capital Group