BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 22ND 2014 (CUOPM) – With a soft opening planned for July 2014, momentum continues to grow around Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, with the appointment of the property’s general manager.
Mr. Carlos Salazar has been appointed to manage the Federation’s newest boutique cottage hotel, designed by Bill Bensley.
Belle Mont Farm represents the first opportunity for guests to engage with this landmark Caribbean destination anchored in the holistic philosophy of sustainability and authenticity.
This announcement heralds the first of Kittitian Hill’s phased hospitality openings, which will come to fruition under Carlos’ leadership and the guidance of founder Val Kempadoo and George Lidicker of Sedona Resorts.
A seasoned hospitality professional with deep Caribbean experience, Salazar joins the Kittitian Hill team at a key time of the project. His distinguished career to date includes General Manager of Bimini Bay Resort in the Bahamas and Z Ocean Hotel in Miami’s South Beach.
In addition, Salazar has worked as Managing Director and Executive Assistant Manager – Food and Beverage at both Rosewood Hotels and Resorts’ Jumby Bay, Antigua and The Carlyle, New York.
Across a career spanning more than 20 years Salazar has also worked for leading hotel groups Mandarin Oriental and Hilton Hotels in Asia Pacific.
Speaking on his appointment Salazar expressed how much he is “looking forward to leading the operations at Kittitian Hill and his delight in joining the journey at this exciting stage,” of what he believes will set a new benchmark in hospitality destinations across the Caribbean.
Having trained and developed many hospitality teams, Salazar is eager to work on the staff training programmes and contribute to the wider vision of Kittitian Hill.
“When I was first approached to join Kittitian Hill, I was most impressed by Val’s commitment to building a destination that offers a sustainable luxury experience with intimate elegance and pristine beauty. There will be no other destination or experience in the world quite like Kittitian Hill.”
Situated towards the summit of the resort’s 400 hillside acres, Belle Mont Farm has been carefully shaped, as part of the wider Kittitian Hill project and built by a skilled team of local craftsmen and will feature classic colonial interiors flanked by open verandas, tactically placed to take advantage of Kittitian Hill’s ocean views, gentle trades, and the lush flora and fauna of Mt. Liamuiga’s tropical forest.
Each individual Farmhouse and Guesthouse is surrounded by a landscape rich in mature mango and avocado trees and will feature high ceilings, capacious windows and private veranda bathrooms with freestanding baths and private pools, allowing guests to engage with the landscape throughout their stay.
Indeed, interaction with the wider Kittitian Hill project and organic farming community is a key tenet of the Belle Mont Farm guest experience. From the moment they arrive, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in the development’s sustainable way of life. Fresh produce including passion fruit and strawberries can be handpicked from the farmland that surrounds them whilst all meals served at the destination’s two restaurants will feature ingredients foraged straight from the land.
At the same time, little luxuries are not forgotten; each bedroom will feature its own tablet device loaded with thoughtfully curated films whilst inside spaces can be transformed into personal cinemas courtesy of giant pull-down screens and projectors. Fridges bursting with fresh local products and crates of fresh fruit will be left on the guesthouse doorsteps every morning promising a healthy and energising start to the day.
Kittitian Hill is no ordinary hospitality destination. By day, guests will be able to relax at Kittitian Hill’s Beach House at Dieppe Bay, located within the famed Golden Lemon Estate, which will be sensitively brought back to life, or tread the fairways at Irie Fields, an edible organic golf course designed by Ian Woosnam. As the sun sets, guests are encouraged to join the Kittitian tradition and ‘lime’ (hangout) over chilled cocktails, made with ingredients from the land, before savouring a sumptuous meal prepared according to ancient traditions at The Kitchen.
Seen as a catalyst for change on the island, which will bring lasting benefits back to the islanders and the economy, Kittitian Hill and Belle Mont Farm will radiate with the warmth, traditions and heart of the West Indies, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in a philosophy centred around community and well-being.
Reservations at Belle Mont Farm will be taken from 1st September for arrivals in December 2014 and enquires can be made at info@kittitianhill.com
Room rates at Belle Mont Farm from US$800 per night.