Ignacio Perez Roman. General Manager of the Sandals Royal Hicacos Resorts & Spa

Aware of a high quality product and teeming with optimism, the Sandals Royal Hicacos Resorts & Spa –the only one of its kind in Cuba- opened recently in Varadero. Caribbean News Digital interviewed the hotel’s general manager Ignacio Perez Roman.

CND: What particular perks single out this brand-new hotel owned by the prestigious Sandals chain?

A: First of all, it stands out for its unique and top-quality construction with a one-and-only design. It features an assortment of restaurants way over those already operating in Varadero, plus a top-of-the-line spa service, a relaxation center run by the hotel itself, a superb squash court, the size of its well-equipped rooms and the special characteristics of its own beach strip and the pool. In a word, the hotel stands out for a variety of features that makes it a unique establishment in the Caribbean.

CND: How has occupancy rate fared so far in this hotel that had its grand opening on October 19, 2002?

A: Indeed, we’re very pleased with our occupancy rates, especially if we take account of the prices we’ve posted since the opening of the hotel, the same prices we’ve been selling the hotel for all along. We haven’t been forced to make any kind of special offer and that’s a great help as far as revenues are concerned.

CND: What are your top markets right now?

A: Canada and England are ahead of the pack, followed by Europe and South America with a mighty presence of their own.

CND: What does it mean to you to have a Sandals hotel in Varadero?

A: It’s a great step forward both for our company –that feels proud to be here on the island nation- and for Cuba that needs to re-launch a much pricier and more unique kind of product, and that’s something we’re setting aim at by slotting it in different segments of the market that are good for the country. Make no mistakes about it; that’s our top mission in 2003.

CND: Any perspectives in the offing?

A: Just to strengthen our products because quality, not quantity, is the name of the game for Sandals, and that makes a lot of sense to me. Therefore, until all Sandals hotels in Varadero are not powerful enough we won’t set out to have more new projects in Cuba for the time being.