renovations programme this winter.

But the hotel will remain open for its guests while the work is done.

The renovations, which will conclude on March 4 next year, include the complete rehabilitation of all 400 guest rooms, including a new "state of the art'' humidity control/heat/air-conditioning system for each room.

Corridors and stairwells will also be redone along with an expansion of The Cafe.

The resort's president and managing director Mr. David Boyd said this was not the first time the hotel has remained opened during renovations. The hotel closed last winter when major renovations were carried out.

"Whether we close or not depends upon the intensity of the work being done.

In the last phase of renovations we are doing one area at a time and therefore the guests can still enjoy themselves and we can still operate,'' Mr. Boyd said.

He added: "We have designed the final stage of our renovation programme so that it will have minimal impact on our guests.

"Out ten shops, European Spa, watersports programme, dining, entertainment and daily activities will be operating normally.'' The final phase will include a complete renovation of the main lobby, rehabilitation of the pool area which will include the creation of a children's wading pool, new grand staircase leading to the pool area, changing and rest room areas, upgraded pool decks and new lush landscaping.

The Boat Bay Club Restaurant will also be renovated and enlarged and there will be expansion of the Seagrape Terrace Restaurant, and redesigning the front entrance.