Operator Blue Diamond Resorts, a division of Canada-based Sunwing Travel Group, is to close the 210-key Grand Lido Resort & Spa in Negril, Jamaica, and will open a brand new 500 to 600-bedroom luxury resort and spa in its place.

A spokesperson for Blue Diamond Resorts confirmed to Spa Opportunities that the new property, when it opens in late 2016, will operate under the firm’s Royalton Resorts brand.

“We are continuing to work with local and federal authorities on our development plans and hope these will be finalised shortly,” said the spokesperson. “The new property represents an investment of more than US$150m and will create over 2,000 jobs in Jamaica.

“The spa will be the region’s most impressive spa and will follow the successful business model of our Royal Spas at other Royalton Resorts: namely Royalton White Sands; Royalton Riviera Cancun’ Royalton Punta Cana; and Chic by Royalton,” added the spokesperson.

More details of the property’s spa will be released in time.