Baha Mar has reached its soft-opening quota of 1,500 staff members ahead of Friday's opening ceremony, according to Senior Vice President of Administration and External Affairs at Baha Mar Robert "Sandy" Sands. More than 100 trainers "from around the world" are at the property preparing the property and staff for opening day, a Baha Mar press release issued yesterday revealed.
With opening day now just one day away, the release revealed that the "excitement is building" while finishing touches are being made to the guest rooms before the ceremonial ribbon that will officially invite visitors to experience Baha Mar is cut.
"There are currently more than 100 trainers from around the world on the property working with various teams to ensure every aspect of the Baha Mar guest experience is extraordinary," the release said.
"From the final stages of dealer training in the casino to finishing touches on the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar guest rooms, the resort is in its last phase of preparations before opening its doors on April 21."
Guardian Business revealed yesterday that Baha Mar is treating its staff to five days of activities in the lead-up to Friday's opening.
On Monday the resort threw a pool and beach party for its staff and their family to experience the facilities before guests begin to saunter in.
"Baha Mar is commemorating this historic week with celebrations in honor of the resort's 1,500 founding associates and their dedication, determination and passion for Baha Mar," the press release said.
"The opening week kicked off Monday with 'Baha Mar Splash', a pool and beach barbecue for all associates at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar resort pools and beachfront. Associates were treated to poolside grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks, beverages and more, as well as music by DJ Shaggy."
President of Baha Mar Graeme Davis said in the release that this week is all about "celebrating the Baha Mar associates in anticipation of our first guests".
"In two days Baha Mar will open its doors, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our associates," he said.
The $4.2 billion mega resort complex has had a tepid past, mired with construction stalls, a liquidation and a lengthy process to find a buyer. But its executives and prospective new owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, tout the development as "poised to elevate the island vacation experience and pioneer the next generation of great destination resorts".
According to the release, the "strategic" phase one opening Friday will include a preview of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Baha Mar Casino, Baha Mar Arts & Convention Center, Baha Mar's Royal Blue Golf Club, more than 12 indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars, the resort pool areas and beachfront and the dramatic fountain shows choreographed with music, film and light.

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