Harlequin Hotels & Resorts in July is slated to open the first phase of the Buccament Bay Beach Resort on St. Vincent's southwest coast.

The 98-acre resort will feature guestrooms, suites and villas; 12 restaurants, including a Trader Vic’s; tennis, cricket and soccer instruction; the Island Sanctuary Spa; a kids’ club; and a mega-yacht marina with 24 slips.

A residential and real estate component will offer beachfront sites and plantation homes for purchase.

Seven more Harlequin resorts are planned for the Caribbean and Brazil, according to Chairman Dave Ames. Spanish company Oasis Hotels will operate them.

Some of the Harlequin resorts will feature golf courses designed by Gary Player, including at the Marquis Estate resort on St. Lucia, scheduled to open in 2013.

Harlequin expects to attract 60% of guests from the U.S. and Canada and 40% from the U.K. and Europe.