St. Kitts’ Ottley’s Plantation closes, 40 persons out of work

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, April 1, 2017 – One of St. Kitts’ top boutique hotels has closed.

The closure of Ottley’s Plantation has been confirmed by multiple sources including the hotel’s front desk.

“We are closed indefinitely,” a female said by telephone. No other details were available.

According to well informed sources, between 30 and 35 persons are already out of work and 40 by the time all operations cease.

There has been no official statement on the closure from the owners, the Minister of Tourism., the Ministry of Tourism, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority or the St. Kitts Hotel Association.

Ottley’s Plantation Resort is a restored eighteenth century sugar plantation in a secluded location at the foot of Mt. Liamuiga on St. Kitts, with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains in the distance.

It accommodated 23 rooms in separate buildings including the Great House and seven others scattered throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds.

The cottages were reserved in their entirety or as separate suites, making them ideal for families. The Grand Villa had two large rooms with king beds, sundeck and plunge pool, and can – at a squeeze – accommodate a group of nine using a third queen size bed and sofa beds.

Throughout the hotel the rooms were decorated in English colonial style with wicker, carved mahogany furniture and a collection of local artwork and crafts.

Amenities included the Royal Palm Restaurant, a pool, a spa rainforest trails, tennis and croquet.

Ottley’s Plantation   was founded by Drewry Ottley of England in the 1700s, remaining in his family through the 19th century. In 1988, the modest great house and plantation were purchased by the Keusch-Lowell family, New Jersey booksellers and longtime St. Kitts visitors. They added to the great house, remaining true to the English Colonial style.

The buildings were renovated buildings including a cotton house with original stone walls and terra-cotta floors that was the English Cottage Royal Suite.