The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has signed a management agreement with The Liamuiga Corporation to open a Ritz-Carlton resort in St. Kitts.

The property, expected in 2021, will bring the award-winning luxury brand to this eastern Caribbean island for the first time.

Steeped in history, this destination, which is part of the Leeward Island chain of the Lesser Antilles, is treasured for its breathtaking mountainous terrain, rain forests and expansive beaches.

“We are excited to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to the stunning island of St. Kitts and are happy to have found the right opportunity to do so,” said Lisa Holladay, global brand leader for The Ritz-Carlton.

“This collaboration will help meet the increased demand for luxury travel offerings on St. Kitts and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service set against such a breathtaking backdrop.”

The Ritz-Carlton resort, which will include 125 suites plus 25 branded villas and residences, will be located on the picturesque Southeast Peninsula of the island facing the Caribbean Sea.

From this location there is easy access to the Robert Bradshaw International Airport, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill, downtown Basseterre and the local beaches of both leeward and windward sides of the Caribbean Sea.

The resort will offer a wide range of amenities including a luxury spa, several swimming pools set within the lush tropical landscape, and spectacular indoor and outdoor dining facilities and meeting spaces.

“We are delighted to see this first step in what will be a major project on the Southeast Peninsula of the island,” said Lindsay Fitz-Patrick Grant, minister of tourism for St. Kitts.

“We have maintained our focus on enhancing our tourism offerings and we are committed to ensuring sustainable investment and employment in St. Kitts.

“I am elated that we have such an eminent group working together on this project in what is surely going to be one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.”

The Ritz-Carlton resort is estimated to create 300 jobs on the island during construction, with a further expected 250 jobs once the resort is operational.