Bahamas Prime Minister Perry G. Christie and owner Dona Bertarelli
(Photo by Cay Focus Photography)
The low-rise, low-density, environmentally sensitive resort will be built on adjacent islands, Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay, off the northern tip of Great Exuma near the settlement of Barraterre.
The $200 million project features a unique design – unlike anything ever attempted in the Caribbean – and will create a self-contained, ultra-luxury resort focused on ultimate service, extraordinary culinary experiences, sports and an environmentally sound footprint.
Plans call for only 71 resort-residential units splayed out in an array of accommodations designed to blend with the natural environment from one-bedroom overwater pavilions to 8,000 square foot villas with private pools – partly available for private ownership."
Developers unveiled the master plan in order to gear up for the start, with construction set to commence in the third quarter of 2016.
The resort at Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay is expected to generate up to 250 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs for Bahamians. Extensive training programs are planned for future employees leading up to the opening date, slated for late 2019.
“This investment in the Bahamas is part of a strategy to develop an international collection of ultra luxury hotels. This new resort in the Exumas will form the centerpiece of a hospitality business currently consisting of two hotels located in Gstaad/Switzerland and Cannes/France. My vision for the Collection is to offer today’s affluent travelers what they desire: outstanding attention to detail and unparalleled personalized service, relaxed yet sophisticated, delivered in very special destinations. These two cays in the Exumas will be developed following this vision, in an environmentally conscious way,” said Dona Bertarelli, owner of the new resort development.
“The choice of the Bahamas was an obvious one for me: it represents an excellent long-term business opportunity with a dedicated and talented local workforce and alongside a government committed to constructive partnership. The Bahamas, and specifically the Exumas, are truly blessed for their beauty and we are extremely grateful to be here. I would like to thank The Government of The Bahamas, the Prime Minister and all other supporters of the process thus far. I look forward to a long-lasting partnership for many years to come.”
Environmental measures include the use of hybrid power generation, initiatives to preserve flora and fauna and implementation of design technologies to minimize impact of the 18-hole golf course to be built on Williams Cay. Some 60% of the 170-acre Children’s Bay Cay will be preserved as green space. A small marina will be reserved for guests of the resort only.
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