Ribbon cut on Rosewood Baha Mar
The long, contentious and often painful process of opening the Bahamas’ largest resort construction project—and one of the largest resort projects in the Western Hemisphere—is finally complete, after Baha Mar Resort on Nassau’s Cable Beach opened the last of its six hotels.
Baha Mar officials last week cut the ribbon on the Rosewood Baha Mar, completing the phased opening of the $4.2 billion resort and closing the book on a years-long struggle that saw founder an original owner Sarkis Izmerlian stripped of his license and his project sold by the Bahamas government to Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited.
“Today signifies a truly momentous occasion in the Bahamas as Baha Mar marks the completion of the phased opening, and the fulfillment of the resort development’s commitment to create the ultimate ‘luxury of choice’ destination in the Caribbean,” said the company in a statement. “In its inaugural year, Baha Mar has delivered on the timely arrivals of the three global hotel brands on property, Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar, which debuts this month.
“Marking its completion, Baha Mar looks towards the future as the pioneer property establishing the next generation of leading destination resorts in global travel and luxury hospitality.”
Across the three global hotel brands, Baha Mar now offers 2,300 rooms, suites and villas, as well as the largest casino in the Caribbean; flagship ESPA spa; world-class dining with over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; marine life experiences at The BEACH Sanctuary; Bahamian art and culture at The Current; luxury and locally inspired shopping destinations; the state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Convention Center and the tennis and golf at the Peter Burwash International Baha Mar Racquet Club and the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature Royal Blue golf course.
“We are elated to announce the completion of Baha Mar, and celebrate Rosewood Baha Mar’s opening,” said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar. “We are proud to introduce to the world Baha Mar’s complete guest offerings: a truly one-of-a-kind resort destination, celebrating the beauty of the Caribbean, combined with your choice of luxurious accommodations, and Bahamian hospitality.
“Baha Mar provides guests with unprecedented experiences, activities, and amenities, elevating the island vacation experience through a passionate dedication to community, culture and conservation.”
In addition to the openings on property, Baha Mar made significant investments in the Bahamas during its first year. Through the Baha Mar Resort Foundation, Baha Mar dedicates resources towards ensuring a strong future for the Bahamas, focusing specifically on conservation, community and cultural initiatives.
“Rosewood joins SLS Baha Mar and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in celebrating the spirit of the Bahamas, offering guests the ultimate in Bahamian refinement and sophistication,” the statement said. “A sanctuary of exclusivity within the stunning Baha Mar enclave, Rosewood Baha Mar boasts 237 rooms and suites, as well as four luxurious beachfront villas, featuring elegant British Colonial architecture and interior décor specifically designed to highlight Bahamian culture.
“Baha Mar will also welcome Rosewood’s signature dining outlets, the farm-to-table Commonwealth with a private rum room, and the contemporary coastal Mexican option, Costa.”
As a leading employer in the Bahamas, Baha Mar currently employs more than 4,000 associates, and plans to increase that number throughout 2018. Over the next few years, it is projected that Baha Mar will contribute 12 percent of the Bahamas’ GDP.
