‘Rustic elegance’ is a term generally used to describe Ti Kaye Village Resort & Spa, and well deserving at that. When its owner, Nick Pinnock started back in 1991, the idea of a hotel was furthest from his mind. An avid diver and keen businessman albeit at the age of 23, saw the purchase of the land as a mere investment which could have been offloaded at a later date for a sizeable profit. He didn’t. Instead of taking up the many offers on the vast land which was far away from everything, he decided to rethink his strategy. There was no electricity, no water, no telephones nor road access. He had to look beyond all the limitations and think creatively.

It was indeed an opportunity to develop something which he could be proud of. After mulling over the many ideas which immediately came to mind, the concept of Ti Kaye was born. The task ahead wasn’t going to be easy. With the support and candid advice from his then father-in-law, the late Wayne Brown, he refined the already conceptualized idea of the resort, seeking his advise in the planning and construction.

It would be a true hidden escape overlooking the calm blue waters. Quaint, high in demand yet never overcrowded. Small, well equipped cottages would sit on the backdrop of lush vegetation, surrounded by flora and indigenous fauna. The calm waters in the marine reserve would provide spectacular snorkeling, kayaking and diving. The cool seas breezes would help relax and rejuvenate those wanting to relax on the secluded beach below. However, with this image in mind, the risks were quite high but as time drew on, the anticipation of a finished product reenergized the small team he had enlisted to assist in the construction phase. Despite the small shoe string budget, little knowledge of construction and all the things which could have gone wrong, Nick persisted and Ti Kaye opened its doors in 2001 with 33 cottages of which only 4 were complete and ready to receive guests, a gym, small restaurant and small reception area.

Some 10 years later, the resort has seen a complete facelift; underground wine cellar, newly refurbished cottages, large beach bar and restaurant, a dive shop with training centre and dive boat, a famous spa and unique cliff edge bar overlooking the expanse of the bay and sea below.

With warm and welcoming staff, most from nearby villages, the homely feel which most resorts lose when they get too big isn’t lost at Ti Kaye. As a 4 star intimate boutique resort, Ti Kaye’s staff offers a personal service which is appreciated by the guests who frequent its grounds.

‘Looking back on how I started Ti Kaye on a mere shoe string budget and no construction background. I’m still amazed at how everything turned out. I threw caution into the wind and knew that losing everything was a real possibility. In hindsight, with all the lessons learnt, there is little I would change and I am proud to welcome you to Ti Kaye Village Resort & Spa. Rustic elegance.'

Nick Pinnock, Owner