PARSIPPANY, N.J. | Wyndham Hotels and Resorts today announced it will expand its Caribbean portfolio into the Turks and Caicos Islands with the development of a luxury 251-unit oceanfront resort at Pirate's Bay on the west coast of Grand Turk Island.

The Wyndham® Cacique Royale Beach Resort is being developed in two phases by Prestigious Properties Ltd., the largest real estate brokerage firm in the Turks and Caicos, and will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Management Inc.

Cacique Royale is the Lucayan Indian term for Royal King, chosen for the hotel’s name as a tribute to the island’s natives. The resort’s individual buildings also will receive Lucayan names including Baqua Cottages, which translates as Sea Cottages, and Nanichi Spa, which means My Heart Spa.

Construction is under way on both Phase I and Phase II of the project. Phase I is expected to be available for occupancy during the first quarter of next year.

The resort will feature oceanfront beach cottages and suites located in 14 low-rise buildings situated throughout the resort’s Caribbean landscaping.

Deluxe studio and one bedroom suites will be offered. Amenities will include two swimming pools; tennis courts; spa and fitness center; boutique; minimarket; and a full-service restaurant and bar. Guests also will be able to book diving and water sports activities through the resort.

The resort is expected to attract diving enthusiasts eager to explore Grand Turk’s barrier reef system, the third largest in the world, as well as history buffs interested in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The Wyndham Cacique Royale Beach Resort will enhance the Wyndham brand’s strong position in the Caribbean, promote tourism and introduce thousands of travelers to this wonderful, unspoiled island,” said Peter Strebel, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president. “Grand Turk excels in providing beautiful beaches, a historic Caribbean lifestyle and exciting recreational activities including some of the top-rated dive destinations in the world.”

The Wyndham Cacique Royale Beach Resort will become the Wyndham brand’s 25th facility in the Caribbean and Mexico.

C. Washington Misick, Prestigious Properties chairman and chief executive officer and former chief minister of the Turks and Caicos, said, “We are excited to bring such a tremendous hotel brand into the Turks and Caicos Islands in terms of its presence in the marketplace. The completion of this commercial venture has been a long-held dream of mine that will contribute to the economy of Grand Turk with new employment and tourism opportunities.”

Strebel credited Misick and his family for working with the island’s leaders to create a major economic asset. “This is a classic example of a successful family giving back to their community,” he said.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, an increasingly popular Carribbean destination, are located just south of the Bahamas and about 500 miles south of Miami.

For more information on Wyndham Cacique Royale Beach Resort, call (649) 946-4379 or visit www.wyndhamcaciqueroyale.com.