JW Marriott will build the tallest resort and casino in Turks and Caicos

According to Luxury Travel Magazine, the Marriott hotel group is planning to build a nine-storey resort in Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), which will include 380 rooms, 19 condo suites and a casino. The announcement came on Monday at the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit in Miami.

Currently the highest resort in the TCI is seven storeys and this required a controversial overriding of the existing code, which does not allow any variances over a five-storey limit. The normal limit permitted without a variance is three storeys.

It is not known how the planned casino ties in with a recently announced cabinet moratorium on the grant of new gaming licences.

According to the magazine, the new resort will include a gourmet specialty restaurant, a three-meal-a-day restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge and a pool bar and grill. A ballroom, spa and fitness centre will be provided. Three swimming pools are reportedly planned and a kids and teen club will entertain the younger generation.

"As the Interim Administration signed a deal with the developer last year, I am delighted that this significant progress has now been announced," said Governor Ric Todd.

"While the TCI economy is doing better than many at this time, I am sure that I speak on behalf of the entire Cabinet, when I say that the imminent start of construction work on this major development will be a very welcome boost for the people and businesses of the TCI. JW Marriott will be a very welcome addition to our luxury tourism offering."