Operator News
Bahamas – Bahamas Prime Minister heralds opening of Baha Mar
By Phil - 26 April 2017
Baha Mar, the $4.2bn integrated resort development located along the pristine beaches of New Providence in the Bahamas, has finally opened following a tumultuous process.
It opened to words of great positivity from The Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie.
“For many Bahamians, this is more than a dream come true. It is the unfolding of a bold vision which I led my Government in undertaking with private sector partners a decade ago,” he said.
The casino resort was originally supposed to open in December 2014 but ran into difficulties. It applied for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2015 following construction delays. Almost two years later, Baha Mar Resort was bought by Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) for a reported US$3.5bn.
The beachfront destination includes three global brand operators – Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood – with over 2,300 rooms. Additional amenities include 40 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean with over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, 200,000 sq. ft. convention center, the first ESPA flagship spa in the Caribbean, over 30 luxury retail outlets and an 18-hole Championship Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Golf Club, titled Royal Blue, which has recently opened to players. Balancing classic golf style with advanced golf course design, Royal Blue at Baha Mar is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with rolling fairways, moonscapes and native landscapes. The par-72, 18-hole golf course features dramatic vistas of the turquoise ocean on the front nine and forested panoramas on the second half.
Baha Mar Casino launches as the largest casino in the Caribbean, boasting 100,000 square feet of gaming space, more than 1,000 state-of-the-art slot machines, 126 table games, race and sports betting, mobile gaming, exclusive high roller gaming salons and sophisticated restaurants and bars throughout the casino floor. The casino’s island-inspired design is complimented by natural daylight and breathtaking pool and ocean views.
Guests can expect a thrilling yet refined gaming environment at Baha Mar Casino, rivaling the top gaming destinations in the world. The casino features butler service in the high-end gaming areas, high-limit betting and private gaming salons, luxury retail and gourmet culinary and cocktail offerings. Live table games include Black Jack, Roulette, Baccarat and Craps.
Prime Minister Christie added: “Amidst the complex and arduous negotiations, my Government and I remained focused on achieving three main objectives: Firstly, ensuring immediate remobilisation and resumption of construction, based on committed funding sufficient to complete construction and to open all parts of the Project; secondly, the opening of the casino, Casino Hotel, Convention Centre, Convention Hotel and Golf Course prior to the end of the 2016-2017 winter season; and thirdly, settlement and/or payment of all valid claims of contractors and subcontractors, suppliers and employees and other Baha Mar and CCA creditors. Not only has funding been provided to fund all remaining construction costs to complete the project, but some $101.5m has been injected into the Bahamian economy towards payment of employees and unsecured creditors,” he said. “This sum represents an unprecedented ex-gratia payment made by China Export Import Bank to unsecured creditors to accommodate the request of my Government.”
He added: “At full opening, Baha Mar is projected to generate an additional 315,000 air passenger seats annually, an increase of 19 per cent over our 2015 record of arrivals and signaling in the marketplace the revitalization of the Bahamas tourism brand. Baha Mar’s full opening, therefore, is critical to the economic viability of our national economy. It is expected to generate over $700m in direct annual economic output and $1.1bn in indirect and induced output and to contribute over $45m in taxes annually, just from resort operations and national insurance contributions.”
Scott Allen, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, added: “Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has been designed to celebrate all that is iconic in the destination, while still embodying the perfect touch of classic luxury. With an array of multi-cultural dining venues, high-end spa and fitness centers, spectacular entertainment and meeting spaces, and a sophisticated, yet personal, approach, this hotel is set to become a premier resort destination in the Caribbean.”
Following five days of celebrations for the 1,700 current associates, a ribbon cutting ceremony marked the birth of Baha Mar as the first of the next generation of great destination resorts. Reservations are now open to book summer stays at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
The first phase opening includes the preview of The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar; Baha Mar Casino; Royal Blue Golf Club; The Baha Mar Convention, Art and Entertainment Center; Peter Burwash International tennis courts and facilities; multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; select ESPA spa experiences; the resort’s extensive pool and beach areas and the entry show lakes and fountain shows choreographed to music, film and lights.
Baha Mar’s phase one unveiling will be followed by phase two with the debut of SLS in fall 2017 and the final phase will introduce the enhanced and expanded Rosewood Baha Mar in spring 2018.
