December 19 is D-Day for Melia Braco
MELIA Braco, the upgraded 232-room resort which is owned by the National Insurance Fund (NIF), is just weeks away from welcoming its first guests.
On Friday, senior director of investments at the NIF Audrey Deer-Williams said that the resort, which will soon see its total room complement upgraded, will open on December 19.
Deer-Williams stated that final costs for the mega-refurbishing exercise remains within the US$23.5 million mooted at midyear.
Managed by Spanish chain Melia under a 15-year lease, recruitment for 440 staff in 14 categories started just after summer. Dimitris Kosvogiannis was appointed general manager in July 2014.
The transformed property is described by its new managers as a blend of a private colonial villa and the Caribbean sea breeze — “a small and intimate resort with big luxuries”.
The resort has two swimming pools overlooking the sea with a bar and five restaurants offering a variety of national and international cuisine.
Amenities include free Internet access throughout the hotel, kids’ club for fun, and a spa & wellness centre.
The resort is also offering private areas ideal for families, couples or groups; personalised concierge service; rooms with sea views, and “premium drinks from top brands”.
The NIF will be providing working capital to run the operation under its agreement with hotel company Melia. Kosvogiannis projects a minimum 70 per cent occupancy each year for the upgraded resort.