NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Luxury hospitality brand Aman is entering the Bahamian market through a partnership with Swiss billionaire investor and philanthropist Dona Bertarelli, who is leading the development of Amancaya, a $260 million ultra-luxury resort and residential project in Exuma.
The low-density, environmentally sensitive resort will span Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay, two private islands off the northern tip of Great Exuma near Barraterre.
Amancaya will be the first Aman-branded property in The Bahamas and the third in the Caribbean. The development includes a 36-pavilion Aman hotel, a limited number of branded residences, a marina, Beach Club, Aman Spa, and multiple dining venues. Aman will provide branding and operational expertise, but the project is being spearheaded by Bertarelli, who signed a heads of agreement with the Bahamian government for the site in 2016 under the Christie administration.
Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group stated: “The introduction of Aman into The Bahamas is a significant milestone for our brand, which has already achieved much success in the Caribbean. As one of the most coveted locations in the destination, Aman guests have long requested our presence there. Through our collaboration with Dona Bertarelli, we have found an unrivalled setting for exclusivity and natural beauty, and I’m delighted to introduce the Aman lifestyle—from unparalleled service, privacy and transformative experiences—to The Bahamas.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation described Amancaya as a “major resort and residence development” and said it reflects “strong investor confidence in The Bahamas as a jurisdiction for high-quality, strategically aligned development.”
The project is expected to generate over 500 jobs—200 during the construction phase and 300 permanent positions once operational. The Ministry also said Amancaya will create opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs and offer workforce training tied to the resort’s opening.
Dona Bertarelli, the Swiss investor behind the project, commented on the partnership with Aman: “Aman is a purpose-driven company globally renowned for its timeless elegance and bespoke experiences. I’m delighted to have found a partner to thoughtfully bring this vision to life in an exceptional location. Guests of Amancaya will be able to enjoy the same sense of discovery and personal connection with the local community and culture that I have been able to experience in Exuma, all while immersed in its unmatched natural beauty.”
Amancaya is currently under construction and is being developed with support from Squircle Capital, a European investment firm. The project aims to achieve LEED certification and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation I. Chester Cooper expressed his support for the project, noting its significance for the Exuma region:
“Aman’s entry into The Bahamas reflects the strength of our tourism sector as a premier luxury destination and the growing demand for eco-friendly, sustainable development,” Cooper said. “Aman’s ultra-luxury lifestyle brand is a good fit for Exuma, and we look forward to the ground-breaking of this investment that will deliver meaningful, measurable long-term impact.”
Amancaya will be Aman’s third location in the Caribbean, joining Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Providenciales
