Kittitian Hill announced the appointment of Bill Bensley, founder of world renowned Bensley Design Studios, to its development team, effective January 2011. The Bangkok-based resort design specialist has been commissioned to provide a fully-integrated design service in structural architecture, landscape architecture, and interior designs for Kittitian Hill, consolidating and further finessing the considerable work already done to date.
Mr. Bensley participated in last week’s development progress meeting, which was hosted by Val Kempadoo, Managing Director of the Development Company, and also attended by George Lidicker, President of Sedona Resorts – the US-based hotel group, which is tasked with the marketing and operation of the Kittitian Hill Resort. Bensley is renowned for his near encyclopedic horticulture knowledge, as well as the use and adaptation of the environment and cultural art forms within his designs. Val Kempadoo stated: “There is no doubt as to the extent of Bill Bensley’s talent and to the value he will bring to Kittitian Hill. The work done at the unique Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle at Chieng Rai, Thailand, is a true testament of his capacity.”
George Lidicker, originator of the award-winning Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa in Arizona, commended the progress he saw on site and praised Val Kempadoo for pursuing his Kittitian Hill vision despite the global economic challenges he has faced. Lidicker said: “Our team’s experience and dedication in creating successful luxury resorts provides a powerful platform for working with Val and his associates in delivering the authentic product now being constructed on this beautiful island, St. Kitts. We look forward to continuing to provide our expertise in building the Kittitian Hill brand and in operating this master planned resort community.”
The US$300 million Kittitian Hill resort project is positioned on a 400-acre St. Kitts hillside site with spectacular views over the nearby islands of St. Barths, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. The development is creating a unique contemporary Caribbean community incorporating charming cottages, elegant villas, a luxury spa, an Ian Woosnam-designed championship golf course and, at its heart, a resort village replete with restaurants, bars, shops, and a cultural center. Construction of the resort’s first phase villas is now underway and an opening date is scheduled for late 2012.
