Divi Expanding on Barbados, Aruba

Divi announced at the 2008 Caribbean Marketplace held recently in the Bahamas that it will continue an aggressive renovations project at its Caribbean resorts, with future focus on the islands of Barbados and Aruba.

Divi will expand on Aruba and redevelop the Divi Southwinds property on Barbados. Total investment by Divi Resorts in the Caribbean will come to more than $175 million, the company said.

The $55 million new Barbados resort will be built on the grounds of the Divi Southwinds, with construction slated to begin this fall. The all-inclusive property is expected to open in the fall of 2010 and will feature 410 guest rooms and suites, four swimming pools, five restaurants, an 8,000-square-foot conference center and a luxury spa.

At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, work is continuing to more than double the size of the resort. Some 140 new suites in four eight-story buildings are scheduled to open in December; they will include studios, one-bedroom suites and two- and three-bedroom penthouses. The resort currently offers 101 units.