33 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 new casino.” Plans are also underway for a cocktail bar and second ocean-front restaurant in the new main building. When all is said and done, they will have five restaurants on site. Wegerer adds, “We already have an open-air oceanfront buffet-style restaurant that will be completely revamped into an upscale à la carte oceanfront restaurant that will likely be enclosed with glass, so you can look straight out into the ocean, but in air conditioned comfort.” There are also plans to include state-of-theart conference facilities and meeting rooms, for those who will be mixing business with pleasure. “We are very conscious of the appeal of destination travel for business conferences and incentive trips, especially after more than a year of COVID restrictions,” Wegerer says. “We’re building the facilities that groups need to maximize productivity while enjoying their time in the tropics. We’re also investing heavily in technology so guests can seamlessly conduct business as needed, because we understand they are enjoying a vacation, but also still have business responsibilities while they’re on the island.” In addition to the resort’s current 126 suites with gorgeous views of the marina, the ocean, or lushly landscaped pool area, the renovations will add an additional 12 three-story villas that will offer two-bedroom apartments and threebedroom penthouses. According to Wegerer, “Villa guests will have the luxury of being part of the resort, but in a secluded area. They will be on their own little island within our marina complex, and will be connected via a bridge to the resort. They have their own swimming pool and their own property management team. They are basically self-contained units, but they will also have access to all-inclusive resort amenities.” The villas will be available for short-term VAN DER VALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT
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