Another luxury resort in the Caribbean has closed.
The 48-room, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, which opened in the Turks and Caicos in April 2008, ceased operations on Sept. 10 after British Caribbean Bank took control from the owners, Leeward Resort Ltd., for failure to pay lenders.
The bank will manage the 430-acre resort and 110-slip mega-yacht marina until a buyer is found, according to ads taken out in local newspapers.
Nikki Beach’s website carried a terse message that the owner had gone into receivership. Inquiries were directed to Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts’ corporate office in Miami, although an incorrect telephone number was given.
Nikki Beach, which was ranked second on the Travel Channel’s list of the "21 Hottest Caribbean Escapes" this year, attracted a mix of celebrities and upscale clients from the art, music, fashion and film worlds. Its first anniversary celebration on April 4 was attended by an A-list group of guests.
Jonathan Steers, general manager, said that the news of the closing came without warning to the resort’s employees.
"We are working tirelessly to ensure that our staff acquires new employment and that guests are relocated smoothly," Steers said in a statement.
Guests with future reservations are being sent to other properties in the Turks and Caicos, according to a corporate spokesperson.