Have you ever visited a place, fallen in love, and wished you could live there? If you ever visit Bimini Island and have grand plans of one day calling it home, you soon can. This is thanks to Rockwell Island Group (RIDGE) and its latest luxury residence project in the Caribbean.
Just 48 nautical miles from Miami Beach lies a lush tropical paradise that East Coast Floridians can access by plane (private, commercial, or seaplane) in 20-25 minutes. Bimini’s own South Bimini International Airport and North Bimini’s new helicopter pad (operated by Tropic Ocean Airways) provide seamless access for all national and international visitors. A secret of the luxury travel world, RIDGE has set its sights on Bimini and its namesake location.
Rockwell Island, a secluded peninsula on North Bimini Island, part of the north and south Bimini Island duo in the Bahamas, is the site of the all-new 750-acre, 54-residence, and 50-key five-star hotel. RIDGE chose Banyan Tree to breathe life into the luxury collection, bringing its expertise as a hospitality brand with a portfolio of five-star hotels worldwide. Helming resort management and the residency rental program, Banyan Tree redefines tropical opulence Caribbean-style.
"Since the onset of this project, my focus has always been to assemble a world-class team dedicated to elevating the island to new heights," said Rafael Reyes, owner and developer of RIDGE Rockwell Island Development Group. "Being the closest Bahamian island to the U.S., Bimini is a hidden gem that world-class travelers will soon get to experience. Time slows down here, and life unfolds effortlessly."
Banyan Tree Bimini Residents were designed by Oppenheim Architecture, the AIA award-winning firm that blends Bimini’s natural, Caribbean landscape with five floor plan options (three- and four-bedroom layouts). Flanked by a bulkhead against the clear glass of a turquoise sea, the residences are a waterfront cluster of luxury collection residences. The sleek, contemporary bungalows seem carved from the island rock that lives among the coconut palms. The private docks range from 96 to 150 feet and privatize each backyard’s infinity pools. Each residence comes fully furnished by Artefacto, the Modena-Italy-founded family design firm that furnishes interiors for the global elite. The creams and browns of the furnishings compliment the sand, palm trees, and driftwood of Bimini’s Caribbean landscape.
“Since beginning work on Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences, we have held true to the philosophy that the architecture should celebrate the island’s spirit of place. Our mission has been to celebrate the essence of Bimini through design that becomes hidden in the landscape,” said Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture. “There is artistry in the change of sky, water, and light, and we translated those qualities into timeless homes and bungalows that celebrate the island’s natural beauty.”
Mont-Blanc quartzite countertops, Dacor kitchen appliances, black matte fixtures, lime-painted interior walls, and color-infused micro-coated stucco exteriors turn each layout into a nature-integrated oasis visible through 12-foot, custom windows. The Mont-Blanc countertops are custom stone slabs by Arca, which further blend with the interior’s island aesthetic.
A dedicated concierge service accompanies each residence, optimizing the luxury collection. The Banyan Tree Director caters to each owner’s unique needs, tailoring individual living experiences for a bespoke lifestyle. The Banyan Tree Spa and Wellness Center visits each residence for an at-home spa day. Housekeeping maintains interiors and restocks pantries so you don’t have to. Residences even have access to a private chef if owners choose to eat in instead of dining at the property’s restaurants and bars. The concierge team also arranges private tours and excursions in and around North and South Bimini Islands. As in-house travel agents, the concierge also assists with travel to and from the island and will book on-site dining reservations for you.
While Banyan Tree constructed each home to withstand an island climate, it also integrates sustainability. Eco-impact is reduced in the open floor plan, with electric vehicles used for ground transportation. Another key element that sets Banyan Tree Bimini Residences apart from other luxury living locations is its Turnkey Rental Program and Investors’ Benefits. With the turnkey Residential Rental Program, homeowners can earn revenue while they are away from their island homes. For investors, the residences are assets under the global Banyan Tree portfolio. Investors have access to exclusive benefits, such as unrestricted property ownership, fee-simple titles, residence permits for investments of $500,000 or more, and renewable real estate 10-year tax exemptions.
The first five waterfront residences will be open by this spring. Each floor plan starts at $3.5M.
Banyan Tree unveils the Bahamas’ first Bora-Bora style string of overwater bungalows—26 overwater bungalows and 24 guest rooms at the 50-key hotel. Reminiscent of the residences with lime-painted interiors and sleek stucco exteriors, the bungalows redefine a Caribbean hut with elite contemporary design. Alongside the bungalows on the nearby beach, each waterfront suite is accompanied by a private terrace and pool. Guests can also indulge in cocktails and light bites at the sunset pool’s bar and the Bonito Beach Club. A members-only club, the beach is nestled in the island’s enclave. Key features are the restaurant and bar, beach chairs and cabanas, VIP table service, two paddle courts, a tennis court, seasonal activities, a children’s play area with games, and children’s caretaking services for families. The club’s second construction phase will unveil a deepwater yacht marina, a private 18-hole golf course, and a members-only clubhouse.
The entire Banyan Tree Bimini Resort and Residences will celebrate its grand opening in 2027. In the meantime, prospective owners can schedule property tours with Douglas Elliman, in partnership with The Isles Group. Residents may move in as soon as their unit is complete. Additionally, they can enjoy beach access and the Bonito Beach Club.
To inquire, visit banyantreeresidencesbimini.com.
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