The Fairmont Southampton is planning a major new development including 145 new ?vacation homes? and ?golf villas?.

Many of these villas will be constructed on eight holes of the existing 18-hole, par three golf course, which will be reduced to ten playable holes, it said in a release.

?We believe this redevelopment programme is one which will reenergise the tourism sector in Bermuda,? Norman Mastalir, hotel general manager said yesterday. ?The project not only encourages repeat and off-season visitors, but enhances revenue streams for the Island and provides new products to meet the evolving needs of our guests.

?These developments are a very strategic addition to the existing hotel product,? he said. ?The proposed components are reflective of Fairmont?s commitment to investing in its locations and demonstrate the company?s vision in regards to trends in the tourism industry.

?Bermuda can only benefit from a continued diversification and enhancement of its tourism product, which attracts new visitors and adapts to the needs of its current guests,? he said.

The redesigned ?Short Game Golf Course and Golf Academy? had an improved layout, it said, with one hole used for private instruction and golf clinics.

Under a new name, the course would increase its ?competitive advantage,? it said.

It said four tennis courts will replace those currently at Whale Bay.

?In addition, 91 individually owned Golf Villas are proposed on the uppermost northern edge of the golf course, which will have a vacation rental programme available,? it said.

Fairmont Heritage Place will be an exclusive private residence club on Turtle Hill, in the north-east corner of the Fairmont property.

?The proposed development will comprise 54 exclusive two-, three- and four-bedroom units in a residential-styled community that complements the existing resort and diversifies the island?s tourism product,? it said.

A new arrival pavilion for Heritage Place was proposed, it said, and also included ?extensive? pools and two tennis courts.

Part-ownership was available after purchasing a Heritage Place home, it said, however, when the owners are not at home they can be rented as timeshares.

?Fairmont Heritage Place (FHP) Bermuda follows the establishment of private residence clubs in the select locations of Acapulco and Telluride with future FHP developments in: San Francisco; Tamarack, Idaho; Turks & Caicos; and, Zimbali, South Africa,? it said. ?FHP home owners have the opportunity to exchange their fractions with any other FHP or hotel in the collection.?

Whale Bay near Horseshoe Beach will also be completely revamped, it said, with a new, relocated clubhouse, a variety of swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzis, a new pool bar, a new water slide and a fire pit.

A new Beach Club would ?regain the beach? it said, as well as open up views, ensure a better use of land and diversify the ways visitors could relax.

The Department of Planning yesterday confirmed it received plans from Fairmont Southampton but said they were not yet ready for public viewing.