Saint Lucia’s tourism landscape is undergoing a transformative expansion with the imminent opening of the first phase of the massive A’ila Resort project. Perched on the slopes of Mt Pimard in Rodney Bay, the development offers breathtaking panoramic views encompassing Pigeon Island and extending as far as Martinique.
The project’s inception traces back to developer Yunus Dogan’s initial visit to the island, where he found himself captivated by both Saint Lucia’s natural beauty and the genuine warmth of its people. This personal connection sparked the ambitious development that broke ground in early 2025.
The inaugural phase features a 65-room wellness hotel operated by TheLifeCo, scheduled to welcome guests beginning March. This strategic emphasis on wellness aligns perfectly with Saint Lucia’s tourism evolution. Dexter Percil, Director of Global Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, confirmed the island’s deliberate pivot toward wellness tourism, noting that A’ila Resort will significantly enhance their promotional efforts while addressing critical room capacity needs.
Tourism and Investment Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire emphasized the project’s importance in replenishing the island’s accommodation inventory, particularly after the loss of several hotel properties along the Reduit strip last year. The minister expressed considerable excitement about both the immediate opening and subsequent phases planned through 2027.
The project’s local impact has been substantial already. According to administrative consultant Sean Bonete, hundreds of Saint Lucians have gained employment during construction, with the resort expected to create numerous permanent positions across various skill levels. When fully completed, the development is projected to employ over 800 nationals directly while generating additional indirect economic benefits for surrounding communities.
TheLifeCo wellness center will serve as a holistic retreat offering natural therapies and programs designed to help guests reconnect with themselves through conscious living practices. Project manager Aslihan Ozgur explained that Saint Lucia’s pristine natural environment and vibrant culture made it an ideal location for expanding their mission that began in Turkey two years ago.
The comprehensive $1.3 billion development, representing one of Saint Lucia’s largest tourism projects under Invest Saint Lucia, will eventually include a family hotel, adults-only resort, luxury villas, residential units, a shopping boulevard, and one of the country’s largest conference facilities. Subsequent phases are targeted for completion between late 2026 and 2027.