Owned by one of the island’s oldest clans—the Dills, relatives of actor Michael Douglas—Ariel Sands Resort (34 South Shore Rd., www.arielsands.com [1]) closed in January 2008 for what was projected to be a two- to three-year renovation and construction project. Fractional ownership units have been added to the property and the main hotel building demolished.
But in early 2009, the redevelopment was in limbo after financing fell through. At press time, there was no update on future plans. Check the resort’s website for progress reports.
Over the years, the 14-acre property, [node:77649 link Devonshire’s only hotel, enjoyed a heavy dose of Hollywood cachet, as Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, socialized here with friends, family, and occasionally other movie bigwigs (Jack Nicholson). The property, named for the mercurial sprite Ariel from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, is immortalized as a bronze statue leaping from the waves out in the bay.
Links:
[1] http://www.arielsands.com