Above: the former Hyatt resort in Curacao

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The former Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina has officially launched as the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, the property announced in a release Wednesday.

The property has joined Benchmark Hospitality, a partner of Preferred Hotels and resorts.

The 350-room beachfront resort features the Old Quarry 18-hole golf course by Pete Dye.

Santa Barbara Hospitality removed Hyatt as the manager of its property in December after terminating its agreement, citing Hyatt’s alleged failure in its “duties and with regard to the service, training and supervision of the resort’s personnel, budgeting and forecasting, and sales and marketing of the resort.”

At the time, Hyatt said it disputed Santa Barbara’s ability to terminate the agreement, leading to litigation.

Hyatt did not respond to a request by Caribbean Journal for comment.