The resort was originally owned by Erik Benninck-Bolt who was soon joined by Dr. Martin Vlietman who rapidly became its primary owner and mover due to his financial background (his doctorate) and input of investment.
In the early eighties the first of Pelican’s many buildings was constructed, the Allamanda Building and its pool, also its smallest, and timeshare sales began. There was little competition on the island, only the Sea Palace in the Dutch Side capital of Philipsburg which was actually the island’s first timeshare. Sea Palace was close to being sold out and offered no real competition to Pelican who proceeded to construct their Croton, Calladium and Dieffenbacchia (a building of 2 bedroom units) all three having their own swimming pools and overlooking Simpson Bay. The Casino was added around this time.
The next building to be constructed was the Flamboyant which is now located directly on the beach. I say ‘now’ because there was no beach when the Flamboyant was built. The beach was dredged and put in later.
The next and most ambitious building to date was the Marina and Marina deck with its water sports and restaurants on the water begun in 1985. Studios, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and Three Bedroom timeshares. Pelican at this time was the Number One Timeshare Resort in the World. Not a bad accomplishment considering the worldwide competition.
Next were the huge Bougainvillea and Beaumontia buildings on the hill with the accompanying Olympic size pool between them.
In the late eighties construction was then started on the Flamingo project which has since broken off to become an independently owned resort. At this time, construction was also begun on The Royal Palm Beach Resort on the main road and on the beach in Simpson Bay. The Royal Palm was purchased along with the Flamingo.
The Atrium, at the bottom of the hill, had been an abandoned construction until Dr. Vlietman decided to purchase and complete it.
Now that’s a lot of buildings for one resort. Allamanda, Croton, Calladium, Dieffenbacchia, Flamboyant, Marina, Bougainvillea, Beaumontia, Flamingo, Royal Palm and Atrium. As said, Flamingo and Royal Palm Resorts were purchased from Pelican in the early nineties by Sunterra Resorts and the Atrium was also sold in 1996.
In 1996, the resort was taken over by its Owner’s Association (TAPRC) who, in turn, turned over the management contract to Royal Resorts out of Mexico against much sage advice. Construction was then begun on Pelican Marina Residences. Royal Resorts was much smarter than TAPRC and over the years gained absolute control over the property, eventually purchasing it with monies owed them by TAPRC and renaming it Simpson Bay Resort.
4 comments:
Basing on your review, it indeed is a great resort! I hope they are using quality pool supply for their pools.
Great Info!
I just returned back to Krabi Hotel to Vacations- my kids are 3 and 1, and everyone is having a hard time adjusting. What a perfect way for us to spend some family time.
You have to be careful when it comes to donating timeshares. Watch for the donate timeshares ripoffs. There are so many out there.
Post a Comment