Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Couples Resorts will take over the management of Almond Casuarina Beach Resort - on which it will immediately spend US$3 million to upgrade the facilities -in Barbados next month.

The Almond Casuarina is the second-largest resort and Couples' first venture outside its home market of Jamaica.

Couples will lease the property for six years with an option to acquire the resort thereafter.

It was previously reported that the resort group was acquiring the property outright from Neal & Massy Holdings.

Last Wednesday, Couples CEO Glenn Lawrence said in a news release that negotiations had concluded for the lease of the 280-room Barbados hotel.

The lease becomes effective in three weeks on February 10.

Lawrence said in the release that the hotel would operate as Casuarina Beach Resort up to May 31, offering the same facilities and amenities currently being provided and that the US$3 million upgrading programme would be executed within that period.

Effective June 1, 2013, the resort will be rebranded as Couples Barbados and will become the island's first and only all-inclusive resort exclusively for adult couples.

The upgrades will include new décor and amenities in public areas and guest room; a new pool and Jacuzzi, spa, and salon; a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and designated Yoga gazebo; plus a piano bar/lounge.

Known as a resort for romance, Couples senior vice-president and Chief Romance Officer Randy Russell said guests could expect the same experience at the Barbados resort.

Almond Casuarina sits on beachfront property with lush gardens.

The group promises that the new property will redefine the meaning of all-inclusive on the island by introducing an array of exclusive value-added offerings, specifically: round-trip transfers from Grantley Adams International Airport; free weddings and renewal of vows; and free golf transfers and greens fees at The Barbados Golf Club.

"There is also a free Shuttle to Oistin's Fish Fry - a Barbados must-do - and a guided Barbadian Green Monkey trail walk, said Couples, keen on enticing visitors to its newest property.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com