In 2021, plans were announced for a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property to open in the Bahamas. We haven’t heard much about this project in the past few years, but there’s now an update, as construction has started, and the scale of the development has been expanded. Let’s cover all the details.
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Basics of the upcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas
Marriott is partnering with Cotton Bay Holdings to introduce a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
The resort will be located on the southern end of the island, and will feature 110 guest rooms and suites, plus 97 branded residences, which will be three to five bedroom villas. The resort will feature an 18-hole golf course, a spa, swimming pools, and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be in the space of the former Cotton Bay Club, which initially opened in 1959.
We’ve just seen construction on the project start, and the current expectation is that it will open in 2027 (though realistically speaking, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that slip to 2028). The project is expected to cost a total of $350 million, and for better or worse, the scale of the project has been expanded significantly since it was first announced, and it’ll now be around 30% bigger (initially the plan was for 90 hotel rooms and 60 residences).
There aren’t yet any renderings of the hotel (at least not that I’ve seen), so we’ll have to use our imagination for the time being, but it’s a hotel I’ll be keeping on my radar.
What is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand?
For those not familiar with Ritz-Carlton Reserve, this is Marriott’s uber-luxury hotel brand. Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are on a totally different level than standard Ritz-Carlton properties, and are generally much smaller and with more personalized service.
As of now there are only eight Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world. I’ve reviewed the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Zadun in Los Cabos, as well as the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. Recently we’ve seen new locations open in Costa Rica and in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea project.
Fortunately, nowadays Ritz-Carlton Reserve participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, meaning it’s possible to earn and redeem points for stays at these properties, and even to receive select elite benefits. Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties also participate in Marriott STARS, to take advantage of extra perks on cash stays.
Bottom line
A Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is planned for the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The resort will be in the place of the former Cotton Bay Club — construction has now started, and the hotel is expected to open in 2027. This property should be beautiful, though details remain really limited, and I haven’t even seen many renderings.
What do you make of the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas?
Having done the ritz Carlton Puerto Rico, i was way underwowed. Marriott has no idea what a real 5 star property is about. They are just a watered down ginormous hotel chain system. Being in Eleuthera is the only plus I can see because it has such beautiful beaches and harbor island is next door.
I wish them the best of luck, but there's a reason why high-end luxury hotels and the out islands of the Bahamas don't mix. Lack of infrastructure and qualified labor rank high in those, but aren't exclusive.
I'd also be curious how they plan on flying guests to the island. Rock Sound airport is the closest at roughly 9 miles away, but it has no international service (I doubt visitors are going to want to...
I wish them the best of luck, but there's a reason why high-end luxury hotels and the out islands of the Bahamas don't mix. Lack of infrastructure and qualified labor rank high in those, but aren't exclusive.
I'd also be curious how they plan on flying guests to the island. Rock Sound airport is the closest at roughly 9 miles away, but it has no international service (I doubt visitors are going to want to connect over NAS to get to the hotel). Governor's Harbour GHB is the next closest at nearly 40 miles away, with the only international service being AA Eagle year round to MIA and seasonal to CLT. Not quick/comfortable/convenient, particularly with the small, pothole-laden Queen's Hwy which must be taken. ELH gets the most substantial international service, but that's out of the question with it being over a 60 mile haul on that same road to/from the resort.
Seems to me like the resort might need to do the Four Seasons Lanai thing and include an air taxi flight to Rock Sound from MIA or FLL in the room rate. Nice thing is it'll be a long time before they have to worry about actually bringing guests to the resort.
My first thought too. I'm guessing they'll have some sort of puddle jumper from ELH since it has pretty decent service from the US. Similar to connecting to South Caicos at PLS or even flying to SBH from SXM.
The could pull a Amanpulo with the private transfer. Though I'm not sure if the average RC client would pony up for that.
I'll "reserve" judgement on this new property but few Ritz/St Regis properties are worth the cost anymore. Watered down standards, over corporatized/overpriced Marriotts. No longer "special'", there's just better brands/properties to choose now.
I concur @Vernon C. Outside of Asia, these properties are gussied up Marriotts. St. Regis Butler service in the Americas is a joke, they shouldn't call it butler service.
The ritz reserves are extraordinarily priced. Are they really worth it if the four seasons is half the price?
Typically four seasons have exquisite service.
Four Seasons is definitely above RC. Plus, no one is cashing in points or complaining about their loyalty benefits at FS.