REEMA LOKESH – Mumbai
Starwood aims to strengthen its network further and plans to enter Bekal in Kerala with Westin Bekal Resort & Spa. Kerala-based ATE Group are the developers of the project and are scheduled to enter into a management contract with Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
The project is proposed to be a five-star deluxe beach resort with 165 keys. The plan is to design the resort as per traditional Kerala architectural style with a flavour of Malabar. It also aims to become an eco friendly property and achieve zero carbon footprint. Developed on 55 acres of leased land from Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), Government of Kerala, it is one of the six projects being developed under Public Private Partnership at Bekal.
The facilities at this project is proposed to have a convention centre, villas, ayurvedic health centre, F&B outlets, recreation facilities, swimming pool, etc. In 1995, Government of India set up BRDC to promote the region exclusively for tourism. Around 178 hectares are under BRDC, of which 24 hectares are set apart for resort centres and 75 hectares for housing sites. The BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing water park, theme park, etc. Besides promoting the Bekal Project, BRDC acts as the premier resource and development agency for tourism in northern Kerala.
