LADERA R E S O R T WHERE LUXURY MEETS ST. LUCIAN HERITAGE MAY 2025 VOL 12 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN ALSO IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTES • OPENING LINES
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Mike Luchetta Andrew Alleyne Contributing Writers Dan Macharia Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
EDITOR’S NOTES The weather is getting warmer as we march through May, and although things may be heating up, global events may make financial predictions a little tricky. We can, however, confidently predict that the stunning Caribbean region is continuing to witness a marked business uptick with companies continuing to make their mark. For the organizations we were fortunate to cover in this month’s edition, success remains well within reach. Every organization is working diligently towards continued growth and revenues reflect their ongoing efforts. As summer beckons, we bring you success stories that illustrate the allure and business potential this desirable area of the globe exudes. If there is one thing that is clear as the waters surrounding the Caribbean Islands is that tourist season is revving up to be in high gear. Undoubtedly a cornerstone of the Caribbean economy, we had the good fortune to be able to sit down with the General Manager of the Ladner Resort based in St Lucia, truly one of the premier hotels in the region. We spoke about the resort’s commitment to its patrons, proposed hotel upgrades, and the draw of the Caribbean Islands. Continued growth is on the Caribbean horizon not only for this hospitality gem, but for many companies and organizations that are breezing through 2025. With sustainability in mind, best business practices up front, and a resilient economy at their fingertips, the undeniable draw of the Caribbean islands remains tangible. As with every issue, my hope as editor-in-chief is that our valued readers continue to learn something new with each issue we produce for you and that April offers the beauty that only the Caribbean islands can boast about. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 17 LADERA RESORT Where Luxury Meets St. Lucian Heritage COVER LADERA RESORT 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES BEST PRACTICES IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM LADERA RESORT 17 3 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. LADERA RESORT 17 4 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
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JAMAICAN BUSINESSES URGED TO BUILD ‘GEOPOLITICAL MUSCLE’ Source: caribbeannewsglobal.com, Okoye Henry, First Published May 26th, 2025 Jamaican businesses and exporters are being encouraged to strengthen their geopolitical awareness to better navigate the new trade realities, said senior director of regulation, policy, monitoring, and enforcement at the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Ainsley Brown, in making the call said that by building their “geopolitical muscle,” businesses will be able to respond proactively to risks and capitalise on opportunities. Brown contended that developing a geopolitical radar is an effective early warning system that helps businesses monitor changes in international trade policies. “No matter the size of your business, you have to have an early warning system in place to alert you, not just Opening Lines 7 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
at the JSEZA’s first Business Acceleration Centre (BAC) Accelerator Series for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, held at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, May 22. The event focused on leveraging potential opportunities while mitigating challenges amid the new baseline tariff of 10 percent, announced by the United States, on imports into the country. Brown said local stakeholders must focus on capacitybuilding to ensure that they are genuinely ready to export goods and services before expanding into international markets. “So, build your understanding of the trade landscape. Do a risk assessment to determine your exposure to what is going on. Do some scenario planning. There’s foresighting that will be based on several assumptions; also, develop an action plan,” he advised. For her part, chief executive officer at the JSEZA, KelliDawn Hamilton, said the BAC Accelerator series aims to bridge the gap for businesses in navigating new trade agreements and market demands. The event featured insights from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and the Trade Board Limited, which detailed financing mechanisms and trade facilitation strategies for companies eyeing growth in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime and beyond. Hamilton noted that the session attracted manufacturers, digital service providers, logistics firms, and developers, among others, who are interested in Jamaica’s emerging opportunities. “Jamaica is the ideal near-shore location for companies seeking to do business in the US, and so we continue to push that. So, for sectors such as logistics, we are seeing an uptick in that and we encourage companies within that space to mobilise that opportunity for their businesses as well,” she outlined. “We are also seeing an uptick in the demand for warehousing space in Jamaica. So, for those landholding entities, we encourage you to reach out to JSEZA. Get your SEZ designation so that you can move your business forward within that space.” to the threats but also to the potential opportunities,” Brown explained.“This can be as simple as putting in a Google alert so that anytime something happens, you know or there is an email coming to you,” he pointed out. Brown noted that companies can strengthen their capabilities through platforms like the Export Academy, which provides training, and Export Jamaica for product testing and market exploration; speaking 8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
Source: https://thecaribbeannewsnow.com/, News Editor, First Published Jan 24th, 2025 The XXXVII Regional Seminar on Fiscal Policy will be held at the headquarters of this United Nations organization in Santiago, Chile on May 26-28. Authorities from 13 countries’ finance ministries will participate. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will host on May 26-28 the XXXVII session of the Regional Seminar on Fiscal Policy, a traditional forum that has brought together authorities, specialists, members of civil society and academia for over 35 years to discuss the fiscal policy challenges facing the region’s countries. Finance ministry authorities from 13 of the region’s countries will participate in the meeting, along with LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN TO ANALYZE FISCAL CHALLENGES FACING THE REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF HEIGHTENED GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY prominent experts from international organizations, academia, civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations. The seminar organized by ECLAC includes presentations by authorities, academics, and representatives of international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the InterAmerican Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT). It is sponsored by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Those attending will address fiscal policy challenges in a context of low growth and great uncertainty, and on other panels they will discuss expenditures 9 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 OPENING LINES
and public investment for reducing structural gaps, tax policies to reduce inequality and promote environmental sustainability, and the mobilization of financing to expand fiscal space. The event will be inaugurated on Monday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m. local time in Chile (GMT-4) by José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, ECLAC’s executive secretary; Luis Mateos Paramio, acting commercial attaché for Spain’s embassy in Chile; and Javiera Martínez, director, budget office, ministry of finance of Chile. At the meeting, ECLAC will release the Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2025, an annual publication in which the United Nations regional organization examines topics of relevance to the regional debate on fiscal policy. In addition to analyzing the evolution of the main fiscal trends in 2024, the report explores issues such as tax incentives for fostering environmental sustainability and the macroeconomic effects of public investment in the region. In addition, in the framework of the XXXVII Fiscal Seminar, the findings of the 2025 edition of the Revenue Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean report will be presented on Tuesday, May 27. This publication is prepared jointly by ECLAC, the OECD, CIAT and the IDB group. 10 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
Source: caribbeannewsglobal.com, News Editor, First Published May 26th, 2025 CASTRIES, St Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), successfully concluded two pivotal high-level events in Miami on 22 and 23 May 2025, aimed at bolstering investment facilitation reforms through the implementation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement at the World Trade Organization (WTO). These events brought together ministers, heads of investment promotion agencies, and representatives from key international organisations to advance efforts in creating more transparent, efficient, and predictable investment environments. The events were held at the W Hotel in Miami. The events commenced on May 22, 2025, with the OECS Investment Facilitation Self-Assessments: Strategies to Enhance the Investment Climate and Attract Sustainable FDI. Organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the OECS Commission, this session focused on reviewing and finalising the categorisation of IFD provisions for notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Six OECS countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis— had completed draft investment facilitation selfassessments in September 2024, providing a foundation for discussions on implementation strategies and capacity building to attract highquality, sustainable investment. Following this, the strengthening investment facilitation in the Caribbean region high-level event took place on May 23, 2025. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) partnered with the OECS OECS COMMISSION – DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS CONCLUDE EVENTS FOCUSED ON STRENGTHENING INVESTMENT FACILITATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Commission and the ITC to facilitate this second event. In addition to OECS countries, it also involved several member states of the Caribbean Community, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Investors and private sector stakeholders were also present. This gathering aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the developmental impacts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the transformative potential of the IFD Agreement for the Caribbean’s investment landscape. Speakers from the private sector shared insights on the importance of investment facilitation for their operations, fostering an exchange of experiences on the value of the IFD Agreement within national development plans and the associated technical assistance support. 11 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 OPENING LINES
Dr Didacus Jules, director general of the OECS Commission, emphasised the critical need to “reimagine investment as a pathway to inclusive prosperity”. He highlighted that while FDI has historically been a cornerstone of economic strategy in the OECS, contributing significantly to GDP, job creation, and infrastructure development, traditional models require reassessment due to vulnerabilities like volatility, intra-regional competition, shallow linkages, and environmental and social risks. D. Jules advocated for a new investment paradigm that is strategically diversified, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, integrating diaspora capital, community financial institutions, and domestic entrepreneurship. The Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, finalised at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, is a landmark accord endorsed by 126 WTO members. Its core purpose is to enhance transparency, streamline administrative procedures, and promote international cooperation to facilitate FDI flows, particularly to developing and least-developed countries (LDCs), thereby contributing to their sustainable development objectives. The successful conclusion of these events marks a significant step towards reinforcing national efforts on investment facilitation already underway in the Caribbean region, ensuring that FDI serves as a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. 12 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
Source: doveautosolutions.com + doveautosolutions.com/rentals INTRODUCTION: THE NEW FACE OF CARIBBEAN TRAVEL The Caribbean has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed island lifestyle. Tourists from around the world flock to its shores in search of sun, sand, and serenity. Yet beyond the postcard-perfect beaches and five-star resorts, the region is experiencing a transformation—one in which luxury now extends far beyond accommodations and dining, reaching into how people move throughout the islands. As Caribbean tourism continues to evolve, so do traveler expectations. One of the most significant shifts is the rising demand for luxury car rentals, particularly in destinations like Grenada, where premium mobility is becoming a defining feature of the modern travel experience. FROM UTILITY TO LUXURY: CHANGING EXPECTATIONS Historically, car rentals in the Caribbean were practical and basic—fuel-efficient vehicles aimed at budgetTHE EVOLUTION OF LUXURY CAR RENTALS IN THE CARIBBEAN: A GROWING DEMAND FOR PREMIUM MOBILITY conscious tourists. However, today’s travelers, especially those from North America, Europe, and the Caribbean diaspora, are seeking more than just transportation.They desire comfort, style, and control. The post-pandemic travel era has emphasized private and personalized experiences. This has led to a surge in demand for high-end vehicles—from sleek convertibles to luxury SUVs. For many, the rental car has become a vital part of the vacation itself, offering both practicality and prestige. GRENADA’S RISE AS A LUXURY DESTINATION While destinations like St. Barts and Barbados have long catered to upscale travelers, Grenada is quietly establishing itself as a premium destination. Nicknamed the “Spice Isle” for its abundance of nutmeg and cocoa, Grenada offers a rare combination of authenticity and exclusivity. With luxury resorts such as Silversands and Calabash Hotel, new yacht marinas, and private villas, the island is increasingly attracting discerning travelers. These visitors expect first-class experiences in every aspect of their stay—including transportation.As a result, luxury mobility has become an integral part of Grenada’s growing appeal. 13 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 OPENING LINES
WHAT TODAY’S LUXURY TRAVELER EXPECTS The modern luxury traveler is tech-savvy, experiencedriven, and values both authenticity and exclusivity. When it comes to car rentals, their expectations include: • Privacy & Independence: Avoiding group tours and opting for self-guided exploration. • Comfort & Prestige: Choosing brands like Land Rover, BMW, or Lexus for both performance and status. • Advanced Features: GPS navigation, safety systems, and parking assistance for peace of mind. • Social Appeal: Vehicles that are not only functional but also photo-worthy for social media sharing. In destinations like Grenada—with its coastal drives, mountainous interiors, and secluded beaches—a luxury vehicle can significantly enhance the overall travel experience. REGIONAL CHALLENGES IN SCALING LUXURY CAR RENTALS Despite the promise, luxury car rental providers in the Caribbean face several distinct challenges: 1. Import Duties and Shipping Costs. Luxury vehicles are rarely available locally. Importing them involves high shipping fees and hefty duties, particularly in smaller markets. 2. Maintenance and Parts Availability. High-end vehicles require specialized maintenance and parts that are often not readily available on the islands. This can mean flying in technicians or importing components at additional cost. 3. Infrastructure Limitations. Although road conditions are improving, narrow lanes, potholes, and steep inclines present challenges for certain luxury models. 4. Insurance Complexities. Offering comprehensive insurance for premium vehicles can be difficult due to restrictive policies and elevated premiums. 5. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations. Tourism peaks during winter months, requiring rental companies to carefully manage inventory and maintain profitability year-round. OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN Despite these challenges, there are several avenues for innovation and growth: • Hotel and Tourism Partnerships. Collaborations with luxury resorts and private villas can create seamless experiences for guests—from airport pickup to curated excursions. • Eco-Luxury Fleets. Offering electric or hybrid luxury vehicles can align with sustainability goals and position destinations as eco-conscious. • Emerging Local Market. A growing number of regional professionals, diplomats, and affluent locals also contribute to demand outside the traditional tourist season. • Technology Integration. Mobile apps for booking, vehicle tracking, and loyalty rewards enhance customer experience and build long-term brand trust. LOOKING AHEAD: REDEFINING CARIBBEAN MOBILITY The growth in luxury car rentals reflects a broader transformation in the Caribbean’s tourism identity—from budget travel to bespoke, high-end experiences.As more islands invest in premium infrastructure and services, the demand for luxury mobility will continue to grow. Luxury vehicles are no longer an optional add-on—they’re becoming essential to the full premium travel experience. Whether it’s honeymooners exploring Grenada’s scenic coastline or executives requiring refined transportation in Antigua, high-quality, stylish, and reliable mobility solutions are now a necessity. CONCLUSION: DRIVING THE CARIBBEAN FORWARD Luxury car rentals are emblematic of the Caribbean’s shift toward experiential, premium tourism. As travelers seek elevated experiences in every aspect of their journeys, mobility must evolve to match. With destinations like Grenada setting the pace, businesses and tourism leaders have an opportunity to innovate and lead. To remain competitive in the global luxury travel market, Caribbean destinations must focus not only on where travelers stay, but also on how they explore and connect with the islands. About the Author. Denroy Edwards is a mobility entrepreneur based in Saint George’s, Grenada. With years of experience in the Caribbean transportation industry, he brings firsthand insight into the region’s evolving tourism landscape and a commitment to advancing luxury mobility solutions. 14 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
LADERA RESORT WHERE LUXURY MEETS ST. LUCIAN HERITAGE best practices IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM 15 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
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WHERE LUXURY MEETS ST. LUCI HERITAGE LADERA RESORT AT A GLANCE LADERA RESORT WHAT: A ward-winning luxury boutique resort featuring open-wall suites with private heated plunge pools. WHERE: S oufrière, St. Lucia WEBSITE: www.ladera.com Inside the Caribbean’s open-wall paradise where authentic local experiences, farm-to-table dining, and a new wellness focus are redefining luxury hospitality while supporting St. Lucia’s communities and culture. 17 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
Y IAN Nestled in the lush hills of St. Lucia with stunning views of the Piton mountains, Ladera Resort is one of the world’s premier luxury destinations. The resort, recognized by Conde Nast as the number one resort in St. Lucia and among the best 92 hotels globally, offers guests an authentic Caribbean experience from the moment they arrive. “When you enter Ladera, you’re going to get a family feeling and notice St. Lucia right away throughout the decor,” says Christian Gandara, General Manager of the award-winning resort. “Everything is created locally, actually on site. Our team members welcome you with a big smile, and then you see the beautiful Pitons once you walk into the restaurant and notice the fourth wall doesn’t exist in the rooms. That’s certainly something that stuns guests immediately.” 18 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
This architectural signature of suites without a fourth wall provides unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Heritage Piton mountains and the Caribbean Sea beyond. Each suite features a private heated plunge pool that guests can heat or cool according to preference, creating a seamless indooroutdoor living experience that captures the essence of tropical luxury. The resort’s approach begins well before guests arrive.“We try to learn about our guests before they come to the property,” explains Shay Renee’-Badal, Director of Sales. “Our reservations team and sales team gather information so that when visitors arrive, we already anticipate their needs. Our concierge team reaches out to discover what guests want to experience in St. Lucia, ensuring we know their expectations and can tailor their stay with us.” THE LADERA SERVICE PHILOSOPHY Ladera Resort’s exceptional reputation stems from a service culture that treats guests not as customers, but as extended family.“Our service is certainly what sets us apart,” Gandara emphasizes.“Most of our team members have been here for 15 years or more. They don’t treat you as a guest; they treat you like family. That’s our number one asset; the way we take care of our customers.” This family-oriented approach extends to the resort’s customer relationship strategy. The Ladera team creates tailored experiences for each visitor through carefully crafted packages targeting specific interests. “We’ve recently created specific packages targeting three different groups,” Renee’-Badal explains. “We offer experiences for the adventure seeker, guests seeking wellness, and those looking for a romantic getaway. These packages include the room plus different experiences that incorporate their interests, whether on-site or exploring the island.” Ladera’s 37 suites and villas sit 1,100 feet above sea level, providing panoramic views that serve as a stunning backdrop to personalized service. The resort’s small size allows staff to offer individualized attention rarely found at larger properties. “Our guest satisfaction rates speak to the effectiveness of our approach,” notes Renee’-Badal. “When you combine stunning natural surroundings with genuinely caring staff who remember your preferences from previous visits, you create the kind of emotional connection that builds lasting loyalty. We’re proud that many of our clients return year after year, not just for the views, but for the relationships they’ve built with our team.” AUTHENTIC ISLAND EXPERIENCES Ladera Resort transforms typical vacation activities 19 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 LADERA RESORT
The resort’s culinary program celebrates St. Lucia’s bounty through its award-winning restaurant, Dasheene. Perched on the hillside with panoramic views, the restaurant serves international cuisine with strong Caribbean influences under the guidance of Chef Nigel Mitchel, who incorporates locally sourced ingredients. “Dasheene has been recognized as one of the best restaurants on the island,” Gandara notes.“We serve into immersive cultural encounters that connect guests with St. Lucia’s heritage.“At Ladera, we focus on experiences that guests can have with us at the resort, not just on the island,” says Renee’-Badal. “In the past year, we’ve developed many authentic onsite experiences. Our immersion studio welcomes guests every Tuesday from 3-5 PM at no additional cost. There, visitors meet local artisans, learn about their craft, and discover more about the island’s culture.We also offer private sessions for our guests.” 20 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
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international cuisine with a very strong touch of Caribbean flavors, particularly St. Lucian specialties. We offer daily specials and host our Signature Ladera Sunset Fish Fry on Thursday nights—an open-air concept at our main pool where guests dine under the stars and enjoy barbecue or fresh fish and live music. We’re fortunate that most of our seafood comes directly from St. Lucia, so it’s very fresh daily.” The resort’s experiential offerings extend beyond dining to include hands-on activities that create lasting memories. “We’ve collaborated with a St. Lucia Rum Company to let our guests create their own rum at The Hideaway, Ladera’s on-site Rum Bar,” explains Renee’-Badal. “They take a miniature bottle home with them, so for future anniversaries or gatherings with friends, they can open it as a memento of their stay with us.” LOCAL CONNECTIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY Ladera Resort’s deep integration with St. Lucia extends far beyond aesthetics. “We are very proud to say we are one of the only resorts on the island where, apart from our general manager, everyone at Ladera is local,” Renee’-Badal states. “We’re all born and raised on the island. That’s something we are very proud of because many other hotels have international flair, but everything is authentic when you stay with us.” This local-first employment strategy supports the island’s economy while ensuring guests receive genuine St. Lucian hospitality. The resort’s location near Soufrière, a historic town on St. Lucia’s west coast, allows for meaningful connections with local communities and businesses that supply everything from fresh produce to handcrafted furniture. “We foster a culture of passion and authenticity, and we continue to empower our team through training and career development, helping them further their education,” explains Renee’-Badal. “It’s like a family, whether you’re a guest or a team member.” The resort’s sustainability manifests in various initiatives, including garden tours that showcase the 22 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
property’s edible landscape.“Our garden experience with our head gardener takes guests around the property and points out different plants, herbs, and spices they could use for cooking or medicinal purposes,” Renee’-Badal describes. “With many West Indian items now available in the US, guests can access these spices or plants back home and create gardens of their own. They’re not just coming to Ladera; they’re taking that experience back with them to share with family and friends.” EVOLUTION AND INVESTMENT Ladera Resort maintains its competitive edge through strategic investments that have underpinned the property’s evolution from a honeymoon destination to a comprehensive luxury wellness retreat that meets changing market demands. “We just finalized our new wellness space, Lévé, which was a major investment for the resort,” Renee’- Badal reveals.“We’re positioning ourselves for a new luxury-based clientele because wellness is very important to the future traveler. We’re proud to be part of that experience.” The resort’s wellness center, set against the backdrop 23 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 LADERA RESORT
of the Piton mountains, offers a range of treatments incorporating local ingredients and traditional healing practices.This expansion aligns with global luxury travel trends that increasingly prioritize health and wellbeing alongside traditional vacation experiences. We have also partnered with Espa by incorporating their treatments and products at Lévé. “In the next two years, we really want to be a destination for wellness,”Gandara affirms.“We already have the honeymoon niche; Ladera is recognized for that. So, I think our focus in the coming years will be wellness, wellness, wellness.” Beyond the new spa facilities, Ladera continually refreshes its accommodations to maintain their appeal while strengthening connections to local craftsmanship.“We continuously update and remodel our suites,”notes Renee’-Badal.“We recently renovated our suites at Paradise Ridge, totally recreating the furniture in that space. The work was done by our in-house team, in addition to collaborating with local suppliers in nearby communities who provided furniture for the spa and artifacts for the rooms.” POST-PANDEMIC SUCCESS Ladera Resort has defied industry trends by achieving remarkable growth following the global pandemic. While many luxury properties struggled to regain footing after COVID-19 disruptions, Ladera emerged stronger due to its resilient business model and adaptable management approach in a volatile market environment. “We have not decreased our numbers since COVID. 24 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
Post-pandemic was actually one of our best years at Ladera,” Renee’-Badal reports.“I believe it was due to the fact that we are an open-wall resort, and guests could remain in their room and have a complete experience without having to leave.” The resort’s unique architectural design featuring suites with one wall open to nature inadvertently positioned it perfectly for travelers seeking space and natural ventilation during health-conscious times. This structural advantage, combined with private heated plunge pools and in-suite dining options, aligned perfectly with evolving guest preferences. The resort benefits from strong seasonal patterns, with highest occupancy during North America’s winter months. “Our peak season typically runs from November to April or May,” notes Renee’-Badal. This aligns with St. Lucia’s dry season, when visitors can best enjoy the island’s outdoor activities and spectacular landscapes. Ladera’s clientele remains predominantly North American, with a growing international mix. “Our main target market is North America right now, about 80-90% depending on the time of year,” Renee’-Badal states. “The UK is our second largest market, with additional visitors from various regions.” THE PEOPLE BEHIND LADERA The leadership team guiding Ladera Resort brings complementary strengths to the property’s management, combining international expertise with deep local knowledge. “What keeps me going is always the challenge to be better and to create something new,” Gandara shares. “What motivates me is renovating and continuously searching for what the new guest is looking for and enhancing the experience for our returning guests.” Gandara’s hospitality career began with early clarity about his professional path. “When I was 13 years old, I knew I wanted to work in hospitality. I knew for sure I wanted to work in the kitchen, so that’s where I started once I finished high school. From there, I went to hotel management school. I always knew from early on this was my calling.” 25 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 LADERA RESORT
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Insurance Services Brokers www.insuranceservicesbrokersltd.com n Southern Taxi Association www.southerntaxi.com To be the premier taxi association in St. Lucia by promoting a safe reliable and quality service to our customers, thus ensuring the enjoyment of St. Lucia by the people we serve. In addition, we aim to advance our fiscal viability by increasing our marketing and services in order to improve the financial standing and quality of life of our members. For Renee’-Badal, continuous learning proves essential in an evolving marketplace. “We’re in an industry that’s fast paced and ever-changing,” she observes. “The profile of guests I encountered 15 years ago differs significantly from the guests of today. I believe you need to always be able to change and adapt yourself to what the guest expectation will be and stay current with what’s happening all around you and not just about life in St. Lucia, but in the world.” Looking forward, the team has clear aspirations for Ladera’s place in luxury hospitality. “I would love for Ladera to become a household name,” Renee’- Badal states. “Not only among our repeat guests, but any guest who hears the name Ladera would certainly know where this resort is and recognize it for our luxury, our eco-friendly approach, our on-site experiences, and our unique views.” 26 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05
USA n Canada n Caribbean n Oceania WWW.BUSINESSVIEWCARIBBEAN.COM MAY 2025 VOL 12 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN
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