IDG was initially appointed by Esencia Hotels & resorts to carry out the masterplanning, landscape and golf course design of a new 18-hole golf resort on the north coast of the Caribbean’s largest island, Cuba. Subsequently, the project was taken on by London & Regional Properties who partnered with Palmares S.A. in Cuba to bring this project to a reality. The site is located close to the tourist hub of Varadero, adjacent to Carbonera village and is accessed directly from the main coastal road. The new resort will accommodate an 18-hole championship golf course, a five-star hotel, nearly 1000 residential units as well as a country club, spa, tennis academy and resort shopping.

The resort will be built on the rocky northern shore of Cuba. The lack of a natural sandy beach here means the design of the resort required the installation of a huge natural inland lagoon. This will serve all resort users as well as provide spectacular views from the surrounding property. The resort also enjoys a commercial centre designed for local access as well as a golf and country club, a tennis club and many neighbourhood facilities. IDG initially masterplanned the resort, working with EPR Architects and Expedition engineers. Moving forward into the detailed design, EPR took on the architecture and lead consultant role with IDG moving through the golf course design and public realm landscape design. The project was recently approved at the PDIC level. One of the great design challenges was creating a contemporary feel with a Cuban twist which would appeal to an as yet non existent market. Now, at the end of the the concept design process, we have a unique product, matching the worlds expectations of a 5 star golf resort. We are looking forward to developing the design and the start of earthworks on site.