NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Natajia Miller, General Manager of Embrace Resort in Staniel Cay, Exuma, is seeking to redefine what it means to deliver luxury hospitality in The Bahamas.
Recently appointed to the Executive Leadership Team of The BOW Collective—an organization representing the top one percent of women-owned businesses in the United States, collectively valued at over $1.7 billion—Miller is the first Caribbean woman to hold this position.
Reflecting on the milestone, Miller said: “All of that has me completely and utterly humbled just to be a part of the community and the sisterhood. And now to have been nominated and not only nominated but accepted to be a part of the executive leadership team—it has to be a God thing. There is no way a girl from a population of 120 is an executive leader of the top 1% of women in business in the U.S., collectively worth billions in revenue. It just doesn’t make sense for that to be the case.”
She added: “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done because the people I’ve met there have opened so many doors for me. Last month, I had lunch with Daymond John through a BOW sister I met. Before that, I was in a room talking to Les Brown about cooking, how to cook pigeon peas and rice, and if I know how to do it. These connections all happened because of my involvement with the BOW sister network.”
Embrace Resort, a Bahamian-owned and women-led boutique property, is preparing for its next chapter of growth. Founded in 2004 by Miller’s family, the resort was built one unit at a time after her mother faced repeated financing denials for not having a beachfront property. Today, Embrace has become a destination rooted in Bahamian culture, privacy, and connection, and is being reimagined as a four-star “barefoot luxury” retreat for 2026.
The resort’s name celebrates several islands of The Bahamas: E for Exuma, M for Mayaguana, B for Bimini, R for Ragged Island, A for Andros, C for Cat Island, and E for Eleuthera. Each villa reflects its namesake island’s culture—Eleuthera Villa, for instance, features green and yellow décor with pineapples, while Bimini is decorated with fishing nets and hooks. Miller explained: “From Eleuthera’s pineapples to Bimini’s deep-sea fishing décor, every villa celebrates its island’s heritage.”
With seven villas and ten rooms, the resort’s design is deliberately immersive. Central to Embrace’s identity is the guest experience.
“What sets Embrace apart is peace, privacy, and personalized service. Guests feel cared for, remembered, and at home,”Miller noted. This philosophy begins with the team:
“We call our staff partners. We celebrate birthdays, have team retreats, and monthly gatherings. Happy partners make for happy guests.”
Miller is candid about the service gap she sees in The Bahamas.
“Many times, I experience that Bahamians treat Bahamians the worst. You could be Bahamian staying in a property or dining at a restaurant, and the service isn’t equal. That is what drives our commitment to ensuring Bahamians receive the same luxury as international visitors.”
Her global experience shapes her leadership. Growing up on Staniel Cay—a small community of about 120 residents and a frequent stop for visiting boaters—she learned the art of welcoming guests as part of everyday life. Summers were spent interacting naturally with visitors, building early lessons in hospitality and cultural exchange that continue to inform her approach at Embrace Resort.
After high school, Miller attended Barry University in Miami, serving as an international student mentor and deepening her appreciation for cultural exchange. Following an MBA, she gained hospitality experience at a Sheraton in Orlando, then spent three years in Dubai, which she describes as transformational.
“Dubai taught me that service is not just about a smile—it’s about how you make people feel. When guests are spending $2,000 or $3,000 a night, the chandeliers matter, yes—but what matters more is the emotional connection you create. That’s why they return—not just for the beach or the food, but because they want to see you again.”
She later worked at a Hyatt property in China as the first non-Chinese team member.
“It was humbling and expansive, building adaptability and leadership capacity. You learn quickly how to communicate and lead in diverse environments.”
Returning home in late 2019 to oversee Embrace Resort, Miller navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—managing cancellations, staffing pressures, and financial uncertainty. Despite a difficult 2025, with occupancy dipping to 30–40 percent in months that typically see 65–70 percent, she is pivoting strategically.
“We’re creating a four-star sanctuary with signature experiences rather than competing on luxury finishes,” she said.
My resort operations manager says that when I came, I brought that Dubai spirit because Dubai pushed service excellence to another level. We’ve always had repeat guests, and when they return, they remember our names.”
Personalized offerings, such as the Embrace Intimacy Package, allow couples to reconnect through private boat experiences, seaside picnics, and local handcrafted amenities, chocolates, candles, and even Greycliffe wine.
“This package is all about reconnecting,” Miller said.
Cultural immersion is another hallmark. Guests participate in fever grass cocktail preparation, Junkanoo dance lessons, and themed nights featuring Bahamian cuisine.
“We’re making our culture experiential. Guests don’t just see it—they live it. They get to, I say, exhale, you know—they get to breathe a little bit different. They don’t have to worry about horns honking and cars screeching. It’s like a complete, quiet oasis away from everything.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Miller said: “People usually come to see the swimming pigs—we want them to come to experience the Embrace experience, and also as a bonus, get to see the swimming pigs five minutes away.”
She noted that Embrace is also committed to local tourism.
“We want Bahamians to have the same luxury experiences as tourists,” she said, noting that the resort offers a couples package inclusive of dining, airfare, and a tour.
Despite economic uncertainty and a soft tourism year, Miller said Embrace Resort is positioning itself for growth through elevated experiences, immersive cultural offerings, and personalized service.
“We’re pivoting to more affluent clientele and enhancing our offerings while maintaining personalized service. For Embrace, the next chapter is about building an unforgettable, culturally rich sanctuary that is both locally celebrated and internationally admired.”
