The Tribune

A five-star resort brand will manage the hotel and rental programme for a multi-million dollar development targeted at Bimini, it was revealed yesterday.

Rockwell Island Development Group (RIDGE), in a statement, said it has teamed with resort brand, Banyan Tree, and others, to develop the 750-acre Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences project that will feature 54 waterfront residences, a 50-key hotel, Bonito Beach Club, super yacht marina and 18-hole golf course at full build-out.

Also named as part of the development group are Oppenheim Architecture, which is responsible for the development’s design, and OFFICIAL, which will lead marketing efforts in the US. Sales and construction were said to have already begun, with the first five complete residences set to be delivered in early 2025.

“Since the onset of this project, my focus has always been to assemble a world-class team dedicated to elevating the island to new heights,” said Rafael Reyes, owner and developer of Rockwell Island Development Group. “Being the closest Bahamian island to the US, Bimini is a hidden gem that world-class travellers will soon get to experience. Time slows down here, and life unfolds effortlessly.”

The Rockwell Island project is not a new concept. Tribune Business records show that it was first promoted more than a decade ago in 2012 as a $250m development intended to make Bimini the so-called “Hamptons of The Bahamas”.

The project at that time was being spearheaded by RAV Bahamas, the Bahamian affiliate of the Miami-based Capo Group, which was headed by the original developer of the Bimini Bay Resort, Gerardo Capo. Mr Capo subsequently sold the majority interest in Bimini Bay to Genting, which renamed the property Resorts World Bimini.

While the Rockwell Island development subsequently went quiet, it appears to now be in the process of being revived by Mr Reyes, who is Mr Capo’s son-in-law. Private residences at Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences will have prices starting at $3.5m. Each home will have a private dock, nearby beach access and ample indoor/outdoor space, and can be placed in a rental programme managed by Banyan Tree.

“The Bahamas has always held a special allure for residents of South Florida,” said Oren Alexander, co-founder of The Alexander Team and OFFICIAL. “Our clients have been hungry for a weekend hideaway that blends refined living, a sense of adventure and door-to-door ease, and Bimini perfectly encapsulates all.

“Despite the 20-minute commute from South Florida, Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences feels worlds away with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters.” RIDGE has hired Miami-based architectural firm, Oppenheim Architecture, to lead the design effort with Raymond Jungles as the development’s landscape architect.

Chad Oppenheim, founder and principal of Oppenheim Architecture, said: “Since beginning work on Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences, we have held true to the philosophy that the architecture should celebrate the island’s spirit of place.

“Our mission has been to celebrate the essence of Bimini through design that becomes hidden in the landscape. There is artistry in the change of sky, water and light, and we translated those qualities into timeless homes and bungalows that celebrate the island’s natural beauty.”

Besides branded and serviced residences, the development features a boutique resort also designed by Oppenheim Architecture and managed by Banyan Tree. Banyan Tree operates resorts, residences and spas in destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Vietnam and Riviera Maya.

The planned hotel will have 24 beachfront villas and 26 overwater bungalows, similar to those in destinations such as the Maldives. “We are delighted to partner with Rockwell Island Development Group to introduce Banyan Tree to this exceptional destination, further expanding our presence in this vibrant region,” said Eddy See, president and chief executive of Banyan Group

“From Phuket to Shanghai, Saudi Arabia to Mexico, Banyan Tree is going global as the advocate of sustainable travel. The Banyan Tree brand embodies intimacy, nature and local traditions, and Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences reflects these values by embracing the local culture and natural environment, inviting guests to immerse themselves in this sanctuary for the senses.”

RIDGE, in its statement, said it played a key role in obtaining the Government’s approval for the $80m redevelopment of the South Bimini International Airport in November 2023. Bimini Airport Development Partners has committed to undertaking the project over two phases.

The first phase will begin in 2024, including airside and terminal improvements to enable international commercial traffic from key US and European markets. Construction will also begin on a ferry terminal to bring visitors directly from the airport to North Bimini.

RIDGE said it has also secured approval for a seaplane terminal in partnership with Tropic Ocean Airways, complete with Customs and Immigration facilities, to make travel to and from Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences more seamless. It promised this will be the “largest seaplane base in all the Family Islands”.

Mr Reyes and Ridge Rockwell Island Development Group described themselves as having “been at the forefront of premier residential, hospitality, marine and aviation development in The Bahamas”, boasting “a track record that includes the construction of more than 400 luxury residences, a 308-key hotel, a 15,000-square-foot casino and a 242-slip marina - the largest in the Family Islands in The Bahamas”.