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In a world where luxury travel is increasingly sought after, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection stands out as a pinnacle of exclusivity and personalized service. Representing less than 1% of the global portfolio of Marriott International’s properties, these rare estates offer more than just opulence; they provide a gateway to the unique cultures and natural splendors of their locations.
Presently, work is being done to build a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in The Bahamas. Set to be built in Eleuthera, it highlights the unique offerings of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, from its intimate guest rooms and suites to the bespoke Ritz-Carlton Reserve-branded residences. The property will surely beat out other luxury rental homes in The Bahamas.
Read on to find out more about this exciting project in the southern end of Eleuthera.
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What Is the Ritz Carlton Reserve in The Bahamas?
Situated at the southern end of the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a premium estate with an open-air resort and 90 private rooms, suites, and residences.
This estate will include high-end amenities, such as a spa, various swimming pools and restaurants, and an enormous 18-hole golf course. These facilities will be surrounded by Eleuthera’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in The Bahamas is set to be a luxurious addition to the island of Eleuthera. A collaborative plan between Marriott International and Cotton Bay Holding, the goal of this development is to present a blend of seclusion, sophistication, and natural beauty that cannot be matched.
This development will be part of the exclusive collection of Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide. Presently, there are only five such properties across the world, located in Indonesia, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Japan.
Ritz Carlton vs Ritz Carlton Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve are both luxury brands under the Marriott International portfolio, but they cater to different guest experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and excellent service, offering a high standard of luxury that’s consistent across its global properties. These hotels are usually located in major cities or popular tourist destinations and often feature lavish amenities like fine dining restaurants, spas, and business facilities.
On the other hand, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is an exclusive brand, offering a more personalized and secluded experience. These properties are smaller and more intimate, often situated in unique and remote locations. Like the upcoming Ritz Carlton Bahamas, these hotels are a rare place dedicated to those who have an appreciation for an exotic sanctuary hidden away in the most magnificent corners of the world.
In essence, while both brands offer luxury, the Ritz-Carlton provides a classic and consistent upscale experience, and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a more exclusive, intimate, and tailored experience in unique locations around the world.
How Was The Ritz Carlton Reserve Bahamas Created?
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas came about due to the strategic partnership between Marriott International, Inc. and Cotton Bay Holdings. This alliance was formed to launch the Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the island of Eleuthera, a move that marks a significant addition to the Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive portfolio.
This resort in The Bahamas joins a limited and prestigious collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide. These reserves are known for their intimate settings and personalized service, offering unique experiences deeply rooted in the local culture and environment of their respective locations.
Eleuthera was chosen as the site for this development to showcase Marriott’s commitment to expanding the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand in distinctive and carefully selected destinations around the world.
History of The Cotton Bay Club in Eleuthera, Bahamas
The Cotton Bay Club in Eleuthera, Bahamas, has a rich and storied past. Founded in 1959 by Juan Trippe, one of the founders of Pan American Airways, the club was initially created as a private retreat for his circle of friends. Located approximately 9 miles south of Rock Sound, the club became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
Over the years, the Cotton Bay Club expanded its facilities, featuring amenities like a golf course and attracting celebrities and high-profile individuals. However, after Trippe’s passing in 1981, the club began to experience a decline.
In the 1990s, approximately 1,000 acres of the old club were sold to Colombian billionaire Luis Sarmiento, who used the resort as a private hideaway. However, Sarmiento didn’t invest significantly in the property, leading to speculation that he was holding it as a land investment in The Bahamas.
Recently, a new development, including a golf course, clubhouse, and villas, has emerged just north of the original Cotton Bay Club location, signifying a revival of this historic area. The legacy of the Cotton Bay Club, with its blend of luxury and seclusion, continues to be a significant part of Eleuthera’s history and allure.
When Will the Ritz Carlton Bahamas Reserve Open?
The development of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas was announced last 2021, and the resort is expected to open its doors in 2025 at the earliest.
Given the brand’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity, the opening of this grand resort in Eleuthera in The Bahamas is considered to be a significant event, particularly for US citizens planning to own a property here. However, as with any major development, the opening timeline could still change due to factors like economic situations.
What Amenities Will Be Available at the Ritz Carlton Reserve Bahamas?
Being a highly luxurious resort and estate, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas is set to provide its esteemed guests with high-class amenities and facilities for the best vacation experience. Among these amenities and facilities are:
- 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve-Branded Residences: For those looking to own a real estate property in Eleuthera, these residences are a hallmark of luxury and exclusivity. Each privately owned residence is expected to range from two to five bedrooms, offering spacious and elegant living spaces. Designed to reflect the unique architectural style of the resort, these residences provide owners with a refined design and a bespoke luxury experience.
- 90 Guest Rooms and Suites: The guest rooms and suites at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas are expected to be crafted with an emphasis on comfort and luxury, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and breathtaking views.
- 18-Hole Golf Course: Guests at this Ritz-Carlton location will have access to what will surely be one of the best golf courses in The Bahamas. It will be a world-class 18-hole golf course designed to challenge and delight golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Spa: The spa at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas will be a sanctuary of wellness and tranquility. It will offer a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies that blend modern techniques with local traditions and natural ingredients. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments, all designed to soothe, refresh, and rejuvenate the mind and body. Just imagine coming straight from a Bahamas airport and into one of these spas.
- Swimming Pools: The resort will feature exquisite swimming pools surrounded by comfortable lounging areas, perfect for relaxation or enjoying a cocktail.
- Restaurants: Culinary excellence will be a hallmark of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas as it is in other luxury communities in The Bahamas. The resort’s restaurants will offer a diverse array of dining options, ranging from casual beachside grills to fine dining experiences. Guests can expect a blend of traditional Bahamian flavors and international culinary techniques to create unforgettable dining experiences in stunning settings.
These amenities, combined with the Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service, will ensure that every stay at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas is the epitome of luxury and relaxation.
More About the Ritz Carlton of The Bahamas
Does The Bahamas have a Ritz-Carlton?
Currently, there isn’t a Ritz-Carlton hotel operating in The Bahamas. However, in 2025 at the earliest, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set to be introduced on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas.
This Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is set to be the sixth one around the world. The opening is highly anticipated, as it is bound to increase the average price of real estate in The Bahamas, but the date is still tentative.
Is the Ritz-Carlton owned by Marriott?
Yes, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is owned by Marriott International. This acquisition occurred in 1998, significantly expanding Marriott’s presence in the luxury hotel market.
The Ritz-Carlton brand operates under Marriott International’s portfolio, which includes a diverse range of hotel and resort brands worldwide. Marriott International, as the parent company, oversees the operations and strategic development of the Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts globally. That said, once the Ritz-Carlton Bahamas opens, they will have to adhere to the average salary in The Bahamas when it comes to paying their staff.
How Many Ritz-Carlton Reserves Are There in the World?
To highlight the rarity and exclusivity of the Ritz-Carlton Reserves, there are only five of them around the world.
- Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico: Nestled on the Rockefeller Estate, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico, offers a luxurious and intimate retreat. It fuses rich culture and natural beauty, emphasizing seclusion and sophistication.
- Higashiyama, Japan: In Niseko Village, Higashiyama embodies the Japanese ethos of connecting with nature. This exclusive sanctuary offers a blend of tranquility and discovery in a scenic mountain landscape.
- Mandapa, Indonesia: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Indonesia, mirrors a sacred temple, offering a serene, spiritual journey. Located in the heart of Bali, it provides an immersive cultural and tranquil experience, much like The Bahamas islands.
- Phulay Bay, Thailand: Overlooking the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay combines natural wonders with Thai culture. Close to the famous Phi Phi Island, it offers an exclusive and culturally rich escape.
- Rissai Valley, China: Set in the majestic Jiuzhaigou mountains, Rissai Valley presents a unique, luxurious haven. This rare estate blends high-end luxury with the stunning natural landscape of China.
Find Your Luxury Home in The Bahamas
So, there you have it—everything you need to know about the anticipated opening of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bahamas. For obvious reasons, elite vacationers will be traveling from all over the world to experience this high-end retreat.
Investing in luxury real estate property in The Bahamas is not just about enjoying pristine beaches, it’s about immersing yourself in a community and lifestyle where island living meets intimate luxury.
With MCR Bahamas, you can discover the epitome of luxury living. Whether you seek a secluded villa or a beachfront estate or need help with finding the best places to live in The Bahamas, MCR’s expertise will guide you to your dream Bahamian home. Being a full-service brokerage firm with 40 years of experience, MCR will open limitless value and opportunities for you.
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