A glimpse of paradise
Let's all go to St. Lucia. You'd be saying that too after hearing the speech delivered by The Honorable Dr. Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, at last night's launch of Sapphire Cove, a new luxury property development on the island.
The pavillion in the gardens of the Radisson SAS St. Helen's Hotel was buzzing with business deals being made, as potential buyers gazed in awe at the video screens of sandy white beeches and palm trees.
Guest of honour was Prime Minister Anthony, who is in Ireland untill Thursday, with his only plan being to visit an authentic Irish pub. Shouldn't be a problem. Also causing a stir with the paparazzi was Chelsea footballer Damian Duff, who was there with his beautiful girlfriend. Duff has already purchased a property in Sapphire Cove - he's ahead of the game. Even that fountain of all things good, Oprah Winfrey, has said that Pitons, in St. Lucia, is the most beautiful place in the world to visit.
Sapphire Cove is being constructed by an Irish consortium called Premier Corporation, which is headed by Tom Colton, and at a cost of over $380 million dollars will rival the Sandy Lane development in Barbados. The project will feature luxury condos of various sizes, comprising one-two-and three-bedroom units, family homes and luxury town homes. There are also plans for a 4,000-room international convention facility as well as an 18-hole Golf Course of PGA standard. Also to be featured, will be an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, a beach club and a water park. There will also be a concept spa, a beauty salon, a fitness club, a resort guest centre, extensive water sports and children’s play activities, a crèche, and numerous restaurants and bars. Party on.
Last night I bumped into author Marisa Mackle, who was there with her pal Roxanne Parker. Marisa's much anticipated fourth book, Chinese Whispers, will hit bookstores next month. Drawing on her experience as a social diarist with the Evening Herald, Marisa has centered this book around the Dublin social scene. I wonder if people will easily recognise themselves among the champagne and canapés. Fuel for the chattering classes.
Also there were Gillian O'Loughlin from HOST PR, Romy Carroll of Cocoon and Paul Trainer from The Dubliner, who are currently running a poll, in association with Jameson, to find out the best Irish movie ever. Darby O'Gill and the Little People gets my vote.
