PHILIPSBURG – Al Wathey is going to invest around $1 million in the development of Roxxy Beach, located right next to the Royal Palm in Simpson Bay. The project consists of a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Project manager Gerald Ravel says that the project will be opening for business next year October of November.
Mauricio Lanari, the Argentinian architect who also designed the Westindies Mall in Marigot, Aquamarina and Casino Royale, is responsible for the design of the project. Lanari is also involved as a designer in the possible revival of the La Belle Creole project on the French side of the island.
Part of the land located next to the Royal Palm is held in long lease by Al Wathey. A couple of years ago, there were plans to establish a center for medical tourism on this location. Since Minister Lee (Public Health) has developed his plans for the construction of a new hospital that could possibly house its own medical tourism facilities as well, this plan has been shelved.
The first step in the realization of the Roxxy Beach project, Ravel says, is to secure the perimeter by building a wall down into the sand. “You won’t see it, but it will prevent the sand from being carried into the sea in case of very bad weather.”
Roxxy Beach will use containers to house its kitchen and bathroom facilities.. In front of these containers a wooden deck will be built as the platform for the restaurant, the lounge and the bar.
Aluminum frames anchored into concrete will form the basis of the structure for the restaurant and bar. “It is designed to withstand 300 kilometers per hour wind speeds,” Ravel says.
The 100 square meter dining room will be built up with five gazebos, so nothing solid. “In case of a hurricane we will be able to take it down very quickly,” Ravel says.
When Roxxy Beach opens for business in the fall of next year, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight.
“There will be parties, but we will keep the sound levels reasonable,” Ravel says. “We want to get on with our neighbors. And besides, when you are in a bar or a restaurant, you want to be able to talk. If you have to strain to hear what somebody is saying, you’re not drinking. It just makes good business sense.”
Photo caption: A billboard announces the arrival of Roxxy Beach. However, soon? The project is scheduled to open next fall. Photo Hilbert Haar.
