Construction has begun with the Paradisus Coco Beach All-Inclusive Beach Resort, the first all-inclusive resort in Puerto Rico and Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts` first property in the U.S. The all-suite property is scheduled to open August 2002.

“Paradisus Coco Beach is a milestone for Sol Meliá and for Puerto Rico in so many ways,” said Evagrio Sanchez, executive vice president for Sol Meliá`s Americas Division, based in Miami. “Not only is this the first all-inclusive property on the island, but also the first in the destination managed by a European hotel company.”

The resort will be located in the Rio Grande area of Puerto Rico, east of San Juan and 30 minutes from San Juan International Airport. Gabriel Escarrer, founder and chairman of Sol Meliá, traveled to the project site recently on June 19 for the official groundbreaking and start of construction.

The first phase of the project, valued at U.S. $107 million, is a sole investment project by Sol Meliá and will be financed by Banco de Desarrollo Gubernamental de Puerto Rico.

The resort will feature 491 suites, two golf courses to be designed by Bruce Besse and developed by Willowbend Development Corporation, three swimming pools, casino, two tennis courts and a convention center with seven meeting rooms and capacity for 800 guests.

The second phase of construction will add an additional 491 suites and will be completed in 2003. The resort was designed by renowned Spanish architect Alvaro Sans and is being constructed by Puerto Rico based Cobian & Agustin, Sociedad Especial (C&A S.E.) The project will generate 1,500 new jobs for the local economy.

“Our luxury all-inclusive brand, Paradisus, offers Sol Meliá`s special blend of European service and amenities which is unparalleled in the Caribbean and which people will now be able to experience without leaving the United States,” Sanchez said.

The Paradisus Coco Beach is part of Sol Meliá`s Paradisus brand that features luxurious properties and offers an endless range of leisure and sports activities in privileged, natural environments.

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