Inside Breezes Buzios, Brazil. - Contributed

Developers of the two hotels to be run by Super-Clubs in Panama and Brazil are investing US$100 million in the properties, according to Jennifer Friedel of Spring O'Brien and Company, publicists for the Jamaican resort chain.

The two propoerties, to be marketed under the Breezes brand, will bring another 630 rooms under SuperClubs' management, boosting the total count to 5,130 rooms sold under its four brands - the other three being Grand Lido, Starfish and Hedonism.

Issa has a 10-year contract with Sunstar Hotels Development SA to operate a 300-room luxury Breezes resort, under development in Bijao Coclé, Panama, beginning early next year.

SuperClubs will also manage a 330 room hotel called the Breezes Buzios Resort being developed in Rio de Janiero Brazil starting around the same period.

"Panama and Brazil are our top growth priorities, and we are excited to introduce our turnkey operation to new and vibrant destinations," said executive chairman John Issa, quoted in a release on SuperClubs' expansions in Latin America.

Both resorts were announced to carry luxurious top end features including spas, casino, a golf course, a bowling alley, cycling paths, roller skating park, and archery centre which could attract high development costs.

Issa has said he has no equity stake in the properties.

At the development costs quoted by Spring O'Brien, the unit cost to build would be just under US$159,000 per room.

"By being creative in planning and design one is able to eliminate waste," said Issa, whose company provides technical and design services to the developers.

"It is also important not to over build the central facilities beyond what is needed for the hotels," he said.

susan.smith@gleanerjm.com