The St Regis Bermuda resort in St George’s has welcomed its first guests after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the weekend.

David Burt, the Premier, said the opening of the luxury hotel on Saturday was “another major step forward in the start of the tourism renaissance” and something that would bring much needed activity to St George’s.

Miguel Purroy, a representative of the hotel’s owners, said he was grateful for the Government’s help.

Mr Purroy highlighted that the hotel opened on time and on budget and said he was confident the final product will make Bermuda´s tourism industry proud.

He added that it was hoped the hotel “contributes to place Bermuda as the luxury destination we all dream of”.

Mr Purroy said: “Here, at the St Regis Bermuda resort, we have everything we need – refined luxury, architecture inspired in Bermudian traditions and lifestyle, unique scenery, surrounded by historic monuments and by the jewel of the Town of St George.

“The Five Forts golf course, which also opens today, is meant precisely to enhance in our guests the experience of being surrounded by history.”

Jan Vanhaelewyn, the general manager at the hotel, added his gratitude to the team behind the project and the people of Bermuda.

Mr Vanhaelewyn said he was pleased to lead a team that aspired to create an experience to “transcend the ordinary in every way”.

In addition to the hotel and the Five Forts golf course, the site includes a pool deck, the St Regis Spa, restaurants Lina and BLT Steak NY.

Other guests at the Saturday ribbon cutting included St Renée Ming, the MP for St George’s North and national security minister, Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, George Dowling III, the Mayor of St George, and former premier and elder statesman Sir John Swan.