03/02/2025

Bay Gardens Resorts Celebrates 30 Years of Hospitality and Excellence in Saint Lucia

By Bay Gardens 

This year, Bay Gardens Resorts embarks on an
extraordinary journey as it celebrates 30 years of delivering exceptional hospitality, cultural
experiences, and unforgettable memories in Saint Lucia.
Over the past three decades, the St Lucian-owned and managed resort group has welcomed
countless guests to its island paradise, fostering cherished moments and building lasting
connections.
This milestone reflects the unwavering support of the local community, dedicated staff, and loyal
visitors, and the celebrations planned for 2025 promise to be as vibrant as the legacy it honors.
The festivities officially began on January 30, 2025, with the launch of Bay Gardens Resorts
30th Anniversary celebrations at the Bogainvilla Conference Room at the Bay Gardens Hotel. A
highlight of the event was the introduction of the Bay Gardens Community Fund, a charitable
initiative focused on empowering youth, promoting sustainability, and preserving cultural
heritage.
As part of this initiative, Bay Gardens Resorts introduced three esteemed ambassadors to
champion the funds mission and raise awareness about its programs. Ezra D Fun Machine will
serve as the Cultural Ambassador, Daren Sammy will take on the role of Youth and Sports
Ambassador, and Helens Daughters will be special partners for Sustainability.
At the celebration launch, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Mr. Sanovnik Destang,
reflected on the company’s journey, stating, “It has been such a pleasure over the last 17 years to
see the business’s development and to be allowed to grow as a professional. More importantly, I
have had the privilege to lead a remarkable group of professionals who have become my
extended family.”
He expressed gratitude for the team and the company’s impact, emphasizing that, “The most
rewarding part of this journey hasn’t just been our expansion or improved business performance,
but rather the development of our people and the impact we continue to have on the community.”
Looking ahead, Destang shared his excitement for the future, saying, “We’re turning thirty—no
longer teenagers or young adults, but a full-grown business. And we don’t plan on going into our
‘dirty thirties’ quietly! This year will bring several firsts for Bay Gardens, and perhaps the most
anticipated is the opening of Sapphire Sands Villas, which promises to bring a new wave of
luxury to the BG brand—at a level we’ve not seen before.”
He also acknowledged the dedication of the staff, calling them the heart of Bay Gardens. “I
always say my biological family may be the shareholders of record, but this is your hotel. The
pride and ownership you take in delivering the Bay Gardens experience is our secret sauce.”

Founder of Bay Gardens Resorts, Mrs. Joyce Destang, also shared her thoughts, reminiscing
about the company’s humble beginnings.
“Listening to Sanov and Jason, you can tell that Bay Gardens is in good hands. It will survive
with or without me.”
She recalled her transition from teaching into hospitality, inspired by the late Neville Skeete.
“Most of you know my history—I was not a trained hotelier or an accountant. But after years of
teaching, I wanted a change, and with Neville Skeete’s encouragement, we decided that a hotel
would be a more economical investment than apartments.”
She reflected on the early days of Bay Gardens, saying, “In 1994, my husband and I took every
penny we had and started with 45 rooms on this plot of land.”
Expressing deep appreciation for the team, she added, “To my loyal staff of 20 and 30 years, I
am grateful, I am thankful, and I am blessed for having you. I thank the good Lord for guiding
and inspiring Desmond and me in making decisions that are beneficial not only to our immediate
family but to the community in general.”
Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, highlighted the importance of local ownership in the
hospitality industry, stating, “When looking for an example of successful local ownership, one
should look no further than the Destang family.”
Adding to the celebrations Mr. Medford, Assistant Deputy Managing Director at Bank of Saint
Lucia (BOSL), acknowledged the long-standing partnership between BOSL and Bay Gardens.
He shared that the bank was proud to have been a partner from the very beginning and reaffirmed
its support, pledging sponsorship for Bay Gardens’ food festival, Taste The Bay, as well as its
community fund.
The celebration is just the beginning. Bay Gardens Resorts has planned a year-long calendar of
activities designed to delight and engage guests. Throughout the year, you can look forward to
cultural showcases, special offers and flash sales on the 30th of every month starting March 30,
and community-centered initiatives that celebrate the spirit of Saint Lucia.
For the latest updates on events and activities, stay tuned to Bay Gardens Resorts social media
platforms and website at https://www.baygardensresorts.com. Whether you,re a long-time guest
or a visitor planning your first trip, 2025 is an exciting time to experience the magic of Bay
Gardens Resorts.
Bay Gardens Resorts invites everyone to join in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and
looking forward to a bright future together.

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