Saipan Grand rebrands as Kanoa Resort Saipan

Tan Holdings, which operates a portfolio of hotels in the Marianas, officially launched yesterday the Kanoa Resort Saipan, strengthening the commitment of the family-run business to the growth and development of the CNMI.

Formerly the Saipan Grand Hotel, Kanoa Resort Saipan will position itself on island as a flagship hotel, boasting well over $1 million worth of upgraded facilities.

Kanoa Resort Saipan is located along Beach Road in Susupe and boasts of 224 standard and tower rooms featuring spanking new fixtures, carpeting, newly painted walls, and breathtaking ocean views. The resort is complemented with a whole gamut of amenities including the marine-inspired interior of Nami Lounge (once the Southern Cross), which has a state-of-the-art sound system, two swimming pools, an impressive chapel, Barefoot Beach Bar & BBQ, and the Isla Café, which offers indoor and outdoor dining options for hotel guests.

Derived from a word that means “free spirit,” Kanoa Resort Saipan imparts an affable façade where hotel guests can enjoy lovely accommodations while exploring what the island has to offer, according to resident manager Mark Ratliff.

Company executives led Thursday’s grand opening ceremony that was also attended by government officials led by Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos and key leaders and executives from the island’s tourism industry.

Inos, in his remarks, said the grand opening of Kanoa Resort Saipan ushers a spirit that’s as “grand” as when the original structure opened its doors to the Commonwealth in 1977 and brought in hundreds of thousands of tourists.

“As we celebrate the grand opening of the Kanoa Resort, may more progress, prosperity, and the creation of thousands of more memories enter your halls and doors,” he added.

Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan said in an interview that the investment in the hotel’s rebranding and facelift at a time when the economy is in recession is a testament to the company’s confidence in the islands.

“We’re a local company and we’ve been on island for 30 years and in the region for 40 years. This is a very special year as we’re celebrating our 40th anniversary and the Tan family is pleased to continue investing and reinvesting in the CNMI,” he told Saipan Tribune.

He underscored the need to constantly upgrade hotel properties and facilities and encouraged other businesses in the hospitality industry to make use of the downtime to do so as the Northern Marianas competes with other destinations.

“It is important that every hotel property here will work together and maintain the standard that is required for our guests in order to be competitive as a destination,” said Tan.

Managing director Perry Tenorio of the Marianas Visitors Authority congratulated Tan Holdings on the launching of Kanoa Resort Saipan and noted that the project aligns with the agency’s own efforts to boost the CNMI’s tourism industry.

“MVA extends its appreciation to Tan Holdings for the opening of the Kanoa Hotel which is just another indication of Tan Holdings’ commitment to the region. I look around and it’s beautiful. With the rebranding of this product, we hope that the guests’ level of experience will continue to increase,” he said.