The Bimini Bay Resort & Marina is fully operational after undergoing major renovations for the past six weeks. In fact, the resort's general manager, Carlos Salazar, confirmed that while renovations are not yet quite complete, the doors were officially opened yesterday. "We are looking forward to welcoming our guests back because we are fully operational. We opened today after a six-week closure. Our renovations are continuing because we have a few more things that we would like to touch," he said.
Resort executives announced in a press statement back in September that the Bimini Bay Resort & Marina will undergo a seasonal closure and improve various resort amenities, including the enhancement of several of its food and beverage outlets and common areas. "The resort enhancements and improvements include refurbishments to the existing restaurants Sabor, Aqua Grill and Healing Hole, a new upscale beach lounge/bar/entertainment lounge called Blue, improvements to pool and beach amenities and enhanced landscaping in public and commercial areas," according to the statement.
Despite the ongoing renovations, Salazar said the property is fully operational for its guests. "We have been mostly working on our food and beverage facilities and the beach. We are touching just about everywhere in order to enhance our guest experience. It's a continuous investment and it's by no means finished," the resort's chief explained. He admitted to Guardian Business that the resort is in its slow season, but Salazar believes occupancy numbers will increase once its ferry services come on stream.
The new service provided by the Balearia Bahamas Express, owned by a Spanish ferry operator, is expected to begin in December. "We're optimistic because our ferry service from Miami into Bimini is expected to start next month, December 15 or thereabouts. We are hoping that we will be able to get more guests into the resort through that service," he shared. The $2.8 million ferry project is considered crucial to the Resorts World Bimini Bay Casino, the $30 million development that Salazar expects to open in late April.
Last month the resort unveiled the rendering of the proposed luxury gaming facility, a joint venture between RAV Bahamas and Genting Malaysia. The agreement was signed in July at the Office of the Prime Minister. The 10,000-square-foot casino will feature popular table games, slots and sports betting facilities within a modern South Beach décor. Once completed, the casino is expected to create employment and be a significant revenue generator.
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