American developers have submitted plans to transform the former Lantana resort in Sandys into a world class spa, hotel, sports and health retreat.

Burkett and Associates tendered plans on Christmas Eve to build a spa and conference centre at the closed cottage colony, and to upgrade and replace some of the cottages with luxury timeshare condominiums.

The company, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, intends to submit a separate blueprint for a 35 yacht marina with waterfront residences, and plans in the future to build a year-round indoor tennis club, golf academy and equestrian centre at a site just off Morgan's Point or an alternative site near Lantana.

The company hopes to attract stressed-out corporate staff as well as vacationers to the health resort.

If approved by the Development Applications Board, work will begin in three stages over the next three years starting in July this year on the new development, to be called the Sanctuary Spa and Resort at Lantana.

Lantana, which was renowned for its friendliness and service, closed in 1998 after 40 years in operation, and owner John Young has been seeking a new buyer since then.

The new development will create 40 spa suites with 54 bedrooms available to guests year-round, 28 condominiums with 40 bedrooms to be leased back for a minimum of six months, and six private cottages with 10 bedrooms.

Tourism Minister David Allen told The Royal Gazette last night: "This is another vote of confidence in Bermuda as a tourism destination that people are moving ahead with projects like this at this time.

"I anticipate an application under the Hotel Concessions Act (for relief) which is another example of how this legislation can help attract more redevelopment projects in Bermuda.

"The owners felt us out at one time about just having a residential complex but we always felt this was a manifestly viable complex that had the potential to be the top resort it was but for the 21st century."

Mr. Allen has given the project approval in principle, but it will still require planning approval and licensing.

According to the company's statement submitted at the Planning Department: "Our intention is to be a leader who will make a difference in the tourism industry by developing a world class all-seasons destination spa and sports resort in Bermuda.

"Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our guests by creating a resort to which people can get away, a sanctuary from the rat race, a quiet place to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit, a place to take one to the next level of wellness and well-being.

"Additionally, our vision is to upgrade and operate Lantana properly as a luxury cottage colony coupled with the development of luxury condo residences in which the units may be placed into the hotel/re-rental pool when not in use by their owners.

"Our intention is to provide our guests with a level of service and experience consistent with their expectations of preferred hotels and resorts world-wide."

The company plans to upgrade 40 of the existing 56 cottages into luxury spa suites, replacing some. Some 17 beachfront condominiums will be built along with 17 "condo hotel residences" overlooking the marina.

The application has been submitted by Don Burkett, described in the development plan as "a pioneer in sports psychology" who has been a consultant to projects such as the world's largest sports resort at Sea Pines Plantation at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and the Beaver Creek Resort, described as "the finest ski resort in the western hemisphere".

His brother Richard, who is part of the Burkett Associates team, was responsible for opening some of the first Marriott hotels, and developed condominiums in Florida.

The management system was designed in conjunction with Z. Brauer, the founder and vice-President of Ritz-Carlton Hotels.

Advisors in Bermuda are architect Harold Conyers, BCM McAlpine President Alan Burland, and barrister Angela Berry.

The company is seeking planning approval by February 15 to submit plans to Cabinet for approval in February or March.

Work on the first phase - converting the clubhouse to the spa, developing the conference centre with corporate suites, and converting and upgrading some of the hotel units-- is scheduled to begin this July and finish in December 2003. The total development should be finished by December 2005.