In a historic ceremony held on the pristine shores of South Eleuthera, Cotton Bay Holdings Limited officially broke ground on what will become one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated luxury destinations under the distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand.
The momentous event was attended by an esteemed group of dignitaries, including The Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas; The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; The Honourable Clay Sweeting, Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs; and Mr. Brian King, President of Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America.
Also present were Mr. Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, owner of Cotton Bay Holdings Limited, along with his family, the Cotton Bay team, members of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and stakeholders from the local and business community.
The groundbreaking ceremony also highlighted the strong collaboration between Cotton Bay Holdings and the Government of The Bahamas. Prime Minister Davis praised the project’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainability, while Deputy Prime Minister Cooper lauded its alignment with The Bahamas’ booming tourism momentum.
The transformative project is envisioned as an open-air, ultra-luxury resort that will allow discerning travelers to indulge in global exploration and deliver an elevated travel experience. It is expected to feature a 110-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel set amidst the breathtaking beauty of South Eleuthera, and include 97 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience with a refined mix of three- to five-bedroom villas. Luxury amenities will include signature restaurants, a lavish spa and wellness sanctuary, swimming pools, and an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Cotton Bay is poised to set a new global standard in destination and highly personalized leisure experiences, blending intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and native design. Guided by a vision rooted in respect for the environment, cultural preservation, and meaningful local impact, the resort will serve as an economic catalyst for Eleuthera and The Bahamas. It is expected to create significant job opportunities, bolster local businesses, and foster long-term development throughout the destination.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment. Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
With construction now officially underway, the team at Cotton Bay looks forward to bringing this transformative vision to life – ushering in a new era of sophisticated, responsible tourism for Eleuthera and the wider Bahamas. The hotel and golf course are scheduled for completion in 2027.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Cotton Bay
South Eleuthera, Bahamas
