The Bahamas is looking at a busy 2014, with many hotel changes and openings throughout the island chain. Following are some of the top Bahamas hotel updates to watch.
Baha Mar
The most anticipated property is the luxurious Baha Mar complex in Nassau. Poised to open in December 2014, the Baha Mar will offer more than 2,900 hotel rooms and residences, overlooking a white sandy beach. The $3.5 billion investment comprises five hotels, private residences, gaming, golf, shopping and entertainment.
The portfolio of Baha Mar properties will include Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian, Grand Hyatt, Melia at Baha Mar and The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Amenities at Baha Mar include a 100,000-square-foot casino, an 18-hole, 72-par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, an ESPA spa and more than a dozen pools. A dedicated on-site convention center will be the cornerstone of approximately 200,000 square feet of meeting and conventions facilities on the property.
The above-mentioned Melia at Baha Mar is currently open and operating as the Melia Nassau Beach Resort, formerly The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. The Melia Resort has 694 rooms and multiple spaces for meetings and conventions. It will also be executing a renewal plan that will be completed by December 2014, without any interruption to the guest experience. Upon completion of renovations and simultaneously with the opening of Baha Mar, it will be renamed Melia at Baha Mar.
Mahogany Hill Hotel
Mahogany Hill Hotel in New Providence is a $23 million boutique hotel project that is currently under construction. The 33-room hotel will offer a spa, a pool, a theater and a restaurant. The Bahamian-owned property will feature cultural entertainment and a collection of Bahamian artwork on display throughout the hotel.
Memories Grand Bahama Beach & Casino Resort
Memories Grand Bahama Beach & Casino Resort (formerly Reef at Grand Lucayan) officially opened its doors on Feb. 8. The resort has been undergoing a multimillion-dollar rebuild, transforming the beachfront hotel into a 5-star all-inclusive resort for families, couples and golfers. Memories will have 460 suites and a wide variety of facilities, including a modern sports bar, five dining venues, golf, a casino, a teens’ club and a kids club with an aqua park.
Graycliff Hotel in Nassau
Graycliff Hotel in Nassau has begun a $25 million revitalization of the historic West Hill Street into a pedestrians-only, old-town experience with cobblestone streets. The project includes renovation of an old convent, its chapel and the former Mountbatten home.
Graycliff Hotel has also introduced Humidor Piazza to West Hill Street, featuring Giotto Pizzeria and the Beer Garden. This is in addition to the existing Humidor Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse. The property has also opened Graycliff Chocolatier, an on-site chocolate factory, and coffee roasting company Graycliff Coffee. Plans for a barista cafe and bistro, space for local artisans and a new 75-room hotel have also been announced.
Resorts World Bimini
Resorts World Bimini, a luxury marina hotel, is scheduled for completion in spring of 2014. The contemporary, Bahamian-style property will sit adjacent to the newly opened Resorts World Bimini Casino and will offer luxury accommodations with ocean views. Resorts World Bimini will have 300 hotel rooms and another 50 garden villa suites.
The Details
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourismwww.bahamas.com
