After a quarter of a century of waiting, the residents of South Eleuthera are set to benefit substantially from a major economic stimulus involving one of the world’s most respected hotel and hospitality brands, the Four Seasons.

A Heads of Agreement between the government of The Bahamas, the Cotton Bay Holdings Limited and Mine Holdings Limited for the construction of a five star, $100 million luxury 115 room boutique hotel, 40 private residences, an 18 hole world class Robert Trent Jones golf course, spa, restaurants, recreational facilities, a commercial shopping center and employee housing. This first phase will create 200 direct construction jobs and 300 hotel jobs during operations.

“This day will mark the beginning of the renaissance of tourism on the beautiful island of Eleuthera” said Prime Minister Christie in his keynote address. Commenting further on additional jobs to be created in support services and infrastructural upgrades, the Prime Minister pointed to the planned upgrade of the Rock Sound International Airport.

“South Eleuthera airport facilities will be upgraded to international IATA standards and allow for day and night time commercial and private international flights with refueling and adequate passenger and luggage facilities as well as improved local emergency services to meet the brand standards of Four Seasons and other significant touristic developments taking place in the immediate future” said Prime Minister Christie.

Tourism Minister Hon. Obie Wilchcombe added that the government has facilitated a successful turnaround in the economies of Grand Bahama and Exuma and he fully expects the same for Eleuthera. He explained that The Bahamas was blest and privileged to have so many great hotel brands marketing its tourism products internationally but The Bahamas remains one of the greatest brands in the world.

The resort is expected to break ground before the end of the year under the watchful eye of its principal, Colombian born Dr. Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, a resident of Eleuthera.