Oyster Bay Beach Resort Voted a Top 5 Hotel for Value in the Caribbean/Bermuda Category

This luxury resort community was voted No. 5 in a poll of Travel + Leisure's readers for magazine's 500 World's Best Hotels for Value Awards survey. The resort attributes the award to its $19 million in renovations, pristine location, and staff dedication to guest care.

ST. MAARTEN, Dutch West Indies, March 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investing more than $19 million USD in the last three years to change from a seaside hotel and timeshare development to a luxury resort community has paid off for the Oyster Bay Beach Resort (OBBR). The just-released Travel + Leisure's 500 World's Best Hotels Awards survey, based on a poll of its readers, placed OBBR in the top five of resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas category. Last year Caribbean beach resort was ranked in the top 100.

"This is a prestigious award from a respected magazine that was only made possible by our aggressive renovations and our well-trained staff dedicated to creating a quality customer experience," said OBBR General Manager Ricardo Perez. "Of course, it doesn't hurt to have such a unique location surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic and Oyster Pond."

Pearl Development NV, owner of OBBR, is behind creating this luxury resort community that attracts owners and vacationers worldwide. Improvements include a four-story, 40-unit, ocean front, timeshare pavilion, as well as the "Lighthouse" — an eight-story, 18-unit, whole ownership, luxury condominium building with a rooftop infinity pool and exercise facility. More than 75 percent of the rooms at OBBR have been renovated, and additional renovations are planned to continue in 2012 and beyond.

According to Perez, OBBR has become one of the island's iconic properties thanks to its location at the eastern edge of St. Maarten — right on the Dutch-French border —and its unique architecture, showcasing a 30-foot-high, all-glass dome set atop the Lighthouse condominium building for the use of the owners of condominiums at the Lighthouse for gatherings of all sorts. The 360-degree panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Oyster Pond Marina make the space truly unique and exciting.

"None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our US corporate owners, the design and engineering talents of Florida based architect Joseph Sistler, and the award-winning, quality interior design of Pamela Temples Design Group — led by our project designer, Kim Pabor," said Perez, who has overseen the improvements since he assumed his role almost two years ago. "In recognition of the efforts, OBBR has won numerous awards and is well known for its friendly style, modern and comfortable facilities, and its hospitable employees."

Perez feels the Caribbean resort's many complimentary services played a role in the very encouraging and complimentary results of the poll. Guests receive a welcome drink, towels for poolside and the beach, beach chairs and umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, and early morning aqua zumba lessons. Activities include games, dance classes, and even a movie night under the stars. OBBR offers guests weekly cooking lessons with their executive chef and a weekly manager's cocktail party featuring complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres — along with exciting island music from a live local band. Arriving guests can also pre-order groceries and have them waiting in their own refrigerator when they arrive.

OBBR offers two choices to those looking for full resort ownership real estate opportunities in St. Maarten: The Lighthouse and Spinnaker. Spinnaker offers 12-condominiums on the marina-front side of the peninsula. Six units, featuring a private marina-front infinity pool and sun deck, have already been competed and sold. Pearl is offering the remaining six more units for sale, which are still under construction. Perez says interest has been high in these new units.

Pearl Development NV purchased OBBR in 2003. At the time the resort was under construction and struggling with a large debt burden. Joshua Gold and Michael Dolente, partners in the ownership of the resort said the company's investment has turned the resort into not just a commercial real estate success story but also one of the most vibrant and popular attractions on St. Maarten.

"We couldn't be more proud of the great staff and management that led to the fantastic results of this reader's poll," said Gold. He and Dolente gave a lot of credit to Perez and Assistant General Manager Anne Marie Brooks. Brooks has been with the resort for 17 years.

About Oyster Bay Beach Resort (OBBR)

OBBR has a diverse selection of vacation and living opportunities from timeshare weeks, quarter share and other fractional ownership to full, year-around ownership. OBBR recently launched sales of its newest condominium offering, Spinnaker, located on the shores of Oyster Pond Marina. The first phase has been completed and sold out, and the second phase is in active sales. Spinnaker will also include a private marina on Oyster Pond with condominium docks available for sale in the near future. The main local number is 543-6040. When calling from the USA, dial 1-721-543-6040. For more information visit www.oysterbaybeachresort.com.

Contact: Ricardo Perez, 721-543-6040 (ricardop@obbr.com)

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