Cabinet members got a first-hand look at the overhaul of the Fairmont Southampton Hotel this week during a tour of the property.

A government spokeswoman said the weekly Cabinet meeting was held at the resort’s Boundary Sports Bar and Grill, with members then escorted around the property by Chris Maybury of Westend Properties Limited and representatives from Fairmont Southampton, Gencom and contractors.

She added: “The tour started at the main hotel where extensive renovations are taking place in the lobby, ballroom, pool, spa and restaurants. The exterior of the hotel is being stripped, refinished and repainted and all 593 guest rooms are being refurbished.

“Cabinet members were transported to the Beach Club where work to transform the beachside facilities is already well advanced. Renovations to the Ocean Club, formerly the Whaler Inn, are substantially complete.

“The works included a full roof replacement and structural repairs, along with foundation work to support new facilities such as an open-air beachside restaurant, pool area, changing rooms and maintenance room spaces.”

MPs heard there were more than 320 workers on the site. More than 400 have been involved in the redevelopment, including 18 local contractors and subcontractors.

David Burt, the Premier, said work on the hotel had “progressed significantly”.

He said: “It was an informative tour for Cabinet members to see how the revitalised property will assist in ensuring that Bermuda remains a leading luxury destination in the region.

“Once completed, the new Beach Club promises to be one of the best oceanfront amenities in the world.”

The hotel is scheduled to reopen next year and promises to create more than 600 jobs for Bermudians.

The Fairmont Southampton closed its doors in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Demolition and site preparation began in January 2024, and renovations began that November, with government and private-sector support including a $75  million sovereign guarantee.

Westend Properties, the owner of the site, noted a year ago that costs for the entire project were estimated at more than $550 million.