According to reports, the fire started around 2:30pm in the centre of the 50-acre property, eventually coming within just 10 feet of one of the Plantation?s six villas.

Each villa is rented at a cost of $90,000 a week, according to the resort?s manager Steve Huggins.

In the end no one was injured and there was no structural damage.

"Concerned residents from nearby cays came to the rescue and helped put the fire out. We had a lot of people giving a lot of help. It was very nice of them," Mr. Huggins said while reportedly extinguishing the blaze.

"We used portable fire pumps and water on the Cay. We were using water hoses from everyone?There is a silver lining in everything."

Thursday?s fire again drove home the importance of Exuma having its own fire engine, particularly after fire damaged portions of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation?s (BTC) office in Farmer?s Hill.

The fire reportedly left water damage and destroyed computers.

The officer has been closed until further notice.

Just weeks ago, Sandals founder Gordon ?Butch? Stewart announced plans for expansion at the resort.

Stewart said the Royal Plantation property on Fowl Cay was Sandals? most upmarket yet.

"The 15 new villas ? in addition to the existing six ? will be set around a blue lagoon and guests will be able to travel on gondolas," he said.

Stewart was confident that Sandals can withstand the economic downturn.

"We had our best year last year. The luxury market will be affected less than other sectors ? the problem starts at the bottom and works its way to the top. We have always weathered the storm and come out smelling of roses. The winter after 9/11 we had 80% occupancy."

More people are opting for all-inclusive breaks to help control their spending, he said. Weddings are also doing well, as couples experience the escalating prices of marrying in the UK.

By Jones Network