Koi Hospitality Group of California, known for its restaurants, has opened its first hotel project, on the Caribbean island of St. Kitt’s.
Koi Resort Saint Kitts a “bona fide lifestyle brand in the boutique hotel space” on the island, according to Nick Haque, CEO of Koi.
Koi has a restaurant on St. Kitts, as well as locations in New York City, Las Vegas, Bangkok and Abu Dhabi. But it also chose the site because “unlike some of its neighboring Caribbean islands that are full-fledged tourist stops, St. Kitts is still a relatively hidden gem,” Haque said.
The hotel, which is owned by Koi, is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, making its debut on the island, which has seen a 14.5% increase in arrivals over the past year, according to Hilton.
The 102-room oceanfront hotel, situated along Half Moon Bay, has an Asian-inspired minimalist design employing white and beige tones, accentuated with local art; the guest room is furnished in neutral tones with floor-to-ceiling windows. Three F&B outlets include the Koi Restaurant with Asian-influenced design and Japanese-inspired cuisine, designed in earth tones and sleek lines. Jaya Kitchen & Cocktails is the resort’s poolside bar and restaurant, offering snacks and grilled items as well as fresh seafood and sushi. Jaya Ultra Lounge offers craft cocktails and flights of locally sourced rum.
Like all Caribbean islands, tourism is seasonal on St. Kitts. “We don’t see many challenges, but there’s limited flights in the region and specifically to St. Kitts,” Haque said.
The hotel did not provide ADR figures (published rates start in the upper US$200s); its main competitors on the island are St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Four Seasons Resort Nevis.
