LEOPARD BEACH RESORT AND SPA SET PROVISIONAL RE-OPENING DATE
Following the fire incident, reported here on the day it happened, at the Leopard Beach Resort and Spa two weeks ago, the preliminary assessment of damages sustained in the fire, such as makuti roofs over parts of the restaurant, stores and offices, has been completed and the Directors have issued a statement, indicating they are looking at December 01st for the resort to receive guests again.
The full statement, in large portions actually using this correspondents own initial description of the incident reproduced with full consent of course is shown below.
The Chui was at the time closed for its annual maintenance and refurbishment cycle and no guests were therefore affected by the fire. Watch this space for announcements nearer to the re-opening time to confirm that business will be back to normal at this outstanding resort on the Diani beach south of Mombasa.
Leopard Beach Resort and Spa suffered fire damage while undergoing its annual maintenance and therefore will not re-open as planned after the scheduled renovation period [on 29th June]. Our planned re-opening date is 1 December 2012 which will be confirmed [at a later
stage]. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to our valued guests.
The Chui, as Leopard Beach Resort is fondly known among friends, has suffered fire damage to its makuti roofs near the main building. The resort is presently undergoing its annual spring-cleaning and modernisation – as has been done annually for the past 11 years – and therefore no guests were affected.
The fire was extinguished by the resorts in-house well-trained security team, supported by a state-of-the-art fire hydrant ring line, with the valuable assistance of the Ukunda airstrip fire truck and neighbouring resorts staff, who are also trained in fire response, thereby preventing greater damage to the structure. Loss adjusters from the insurance company have ruled out foul play as far as present investigations confirm.
The famous Marios and Marcos bars roofs were also affected but damage to both facilities was limited. The linen stores, laundry and some nearby offices suffered greater damage, though nothing which cannot be replaced. The planned re-opening on 29th June – an annual event when the Chui shows off its new and fresh look ready for another year of near full house occupancies – has to be pushed back and we will announce the anticipated dates soon.
On top of the 138 rooms and 20 suites, cottages and sea facing villas, the resort is presently adding 28 garden and forest villas of 2 to 3 bedrooms each with their own pools and is also adding an Asian Fusion restaurant. Leopard Beach Resort and Spa has been consistently voted Kenyas leading coastal resort having received both international and local awards and is a favourite to many who appreciate that the Chui never looks tired or worn.
Thankfully no one was injured in the fire and clearing up work has already commenced, again aided by the fact that the resort was closed at the time for its annual refurbishment. Please continue checking www.leopardbeachresort.com for more information and details, when available, on the projected re-opening. We take this opportunity to thank our valued guests and friends for their understanding and we look forward to welcoming you back to the new and improved Chui before long.
