NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Baha Mar has officially broken ground on a new beachfront resort and branded residences on Cable Beach, marking a more than $700 million expansion that will add 345 guest rooms and 77 luxury residences to the country’s premier integrated resort destination.
The development, which will rise 330 feet over approximately 12 acres on the former site of the Meliá Nassau Beach, represents the next phase of growth for the mega resort and a significant boost to The Bahamas’ room inventory and high-end tourism offering. Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in 2029.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Baha Mar President Graeme Davis described the moment as a major milestone not just for the resort, but for the country’s tourism sector.
“This groundbreaking represents a defining moment for Baha Mar and for The Bahamas,” Davis said. “This project reflects our confidence in the country, our partnership with government, and our commitment to creating meaningful, long-term economic opportunity for Bahamians while continuing to elevate Bahamian tourism on the global stage.”
Designed by internationally renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, the new resort will feature a 16,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, four signature dining venues including a beachfront specialty restaurant, and more than 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Plans include a grand ballroom and junior ballroom aimed at attracting international conferences, destination events and local celebrations.
Strategically positioned between SLS Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar, the property is intended to offer a distinct but complementary experience within the broader Baha Mar ecosystem. Guests and residence owners will have access to the resort’s existing amenities, including more than 45 restaurants and lounges, the Caribbean’s largest casino, luxury retail outlets, Baha Bay water park, championship golf and a range of entertainment and wellness offerings.
The expansion comes amid continued growth in stopover arrivals and increasing competition among regional tourism destinations. Prime Minister Philip Davis said the investment sends a strong signal internationally.
“This more than $700 million investment is a major milestone for our country,” the Prime Minister said. “It is a vote of confidence in The Bahamas. It is a signal to the world that our economy is steady, our tourism sector is growing, and our country is moving in the right direction.”
The project is also expected to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases. During construction alone, the development is projected to support more than 1,000 jobs, the majority of which are expected to be filled by Bahamians across skilled trades and related services.
“And when this new resort opens its doors, approximately 1,400 associates will find opportunity here,” Davis said, noting that roles will span hotel operations, culinary arts, wellness, events, guest services, technology and management. Those positions would add to the more than 5,300 Bahamians already employed at Baha Mar, further cementing its status as one of the country’s largest private-sector employers.
Prime Minister Davis said the economic impact will extend beyond direct jobs, creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, farmers, fishermen, transportation providers and small businesses throughout the value chain.
“When we talk about national development, this is what it looks like,” he said. “It is concrete. It is paychecks. It is contracts. It is training. It is upward mobility.”
He added that expanding room inventory and meeting space strengthens The Bahamas’ ability to attract high-end travelers and major international conferences in an increasingly competitive global market.
