Yesterday marked another major milestone in the transformation of the Fairmont Southampton as the resort officially unveiled its newly renovated Palmetto Beach Club, showcasing a spectacular oceanfront experience featuring a beautifully redesigned swimming pool, beachfront amenities, and 10 luxury cabanas.
The event attracted government officials, tourism stakeholders and invited guests, as the resort continues its long-awaited journey toward reopening one of Bermuda’s most iconic hotels.
Speaking with TNN News, Chris Maybury said the opening demonstrates that the lengthy wait has been worthwhile.
“We wanted to show Bermuda that the wait is worth it,” Maybury said. “We’re as frustrated as anyone. We signed the contract in 2019, then came the pandemic and various setbacks. But after tonight, I don’t think anyone can doubt that this project is going to happen—not only happen, but happen at a standard that’s not just exceptional for Bermuda, but anywhere in the world.”
Maybury said the response from international meeting planners and hotel booking professionals has been overwhelmingly positive, describing the renovated property as one that will once again place Bermuda firmly on the global tourism map.
“This is going to put Bermuda on the map in a way that it hasn’t been for a long time, and we have 600 rooms to back it up,” he said.
When asked whether construction delays could push back the anticipated reopening, Maybury acknowledged that renovating a property more than 50 years old has presented unexpected challenges.
“When you renovate a 50-year-old lady that has stood the test of time through countless hurricanes, you inevitably discover surprises,” he explained. “But we remain completely unwavering in our commitment to doing everything right.”
Despite those setbacks, Maybury said the company remains hopeful the entire hotel will open before the end of the year.
“We’re hopeful that by the end of the year we’ll be able to open the hotel in a way that will truly impress everyone when the ribbon is cut,” he said. “There’s no one more committed to getting it open than we are. We want to move from spending money to making money as soon as possible.”
The reopening is also expected to provide a major boost to Bermuda’s workforce.
Maybury issued a direct appeal to Bermudians seeking employment, encouraging them to apply for what will become one of the island’s largest employers.
“We have around 700 vacancies,” he said. “Please send us your resumes. Come down, see what we’re building, take pride in where you work, and we’ll provide training for a real career. We’ve been holding job fairs both overseas and here because we want Bermudians to come home and be part of this exciting future.”
Once fully operational, the Fairmont Southampton is expected to become one of Bermuda’s largest employers, second only to the Government, while restoring one of the island’s premier tourism properties and significantly increasing Bermuda’s hotel capacity.
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