From Herald Scotland

THE management team behind Sir Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel has launched a new business to run luxury hotels in the Caribbean.

Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), said its intention is “to replicate our success in Scotland, across the Caribbean islands.”

ICMI, which runs 14 hotels in Scotland at the luxury end of the market, has launched The Liming in collaboration with partners including Scottish landowner and property developer Jonathan Milne.

St Vincent and The Grenadines-based Kelly Glass of K-Group is also involved in the business, which is registered in St Lucia.

The Liming is ICMI’s first overseas venture. The group of five partners involved in the business is completed by ICMI managing director Norbert Lieder, its Malaysia-based chairman Sin Chai, and John Green, who is responsible for marketing at the company and also runs JG Collection, a sales representation company for a group of hotels which includes a number in the ICMI portfolio.

While Mr Lieder said the group was actively progressing opportunities across the region, it launches with one development already confirmed.

The Liming Bequia Resort on St Vincent and The Grenadines is scheduled to open in November 2018, according to the ICMI website, and will be managed by The Liming.

The hotel is owned by Mr Milne and Mr Glass.

Mr Lieder, who spent five years managing hotels in St Lucia and St Kitts, said: “We have a track record of developing and managing profitable hotels which are known for exemplar service and attention to detail.

“While there are a number of great hotels across the Caribbean we believe there is a real gap in the market for a new concept of relaxation with no gimmicks or distractions – just a fabulous product and the best service on offer.”

ICMI and Mr Milne announced in October that they were working together on the Ury Estate in Aberdeenshire.

The estate is owned by Mr Milne’s FM Group, and will open in 2020 as a 50-room boutique hotel managed by ICMI, and featuring a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

FM Group invested £10m in the Ury Estate and Dalnair Castle near Stirling, which is being restored into ten luxury flats.

The company’s website shows it is also developing a resort at Fond Bay in St Lucia.

“The FM Group has significant business interests in the Caribbean which made this an ideal partnership,” said Mr Lieder.

“Likewise, the K-Group is a Caribbean development and facilitation group with a lot of experience across the region which makes the collaboration a great fit.”

In addition to seeking out management contracts in the region, the company will also consider making investments.

ICMI has made its name managing luxury hotels across Scotland, including The Cromlix, near Dunblane, which is owned by tennis star Sir Andy Murray. Its other properties include Blanefield House near Turnberry, Crossbasket Castle in Blantyre, and Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, where the company is based.

The business was founded in 2009 by senior management at Inverlochy Castle Hotel, to provide a consulting and management service to the hospitality industry.

For more than a decade the company has worked with renowned chef Albert Roux, who has developed the menus at the company’s Rocpool Reserve and Inver Lodge Hotel.

Mr Lieder said: “We hope to introduce our loyal and regular customers in Scotland to our properties in the Caribbean.”

IMAGE: Andy Murray ‘s Cromlix hotel is managed by ICMI, which has launched a Caribbean business

For more on this story go to: http://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/15461420.Hotel_group_behind_Andy_Murray__39_s_Cromlix_House_targets_the_Caribbean/