IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury brand Six Senses is heading to Grand Bahama as part of a project that is designed to boost local tourism, development, and investment.

With social and environmental responsibility at its heart, the new resort and residences near Freeport is aimed at encouraging sustainability and regenerative activity on the island, while protecting the land.

Resort village

Designed by architects 3XN, Six Senses Grand Bahama will comprise 45 waterfront and canal villas overlooking 2,400 ft (732 m) of beach frontage and water on three sides.

In addition to the resort village accommodations, plans call for a signature restaurant, beach venue, boathouse, and pool bar. Future development of the 36-acre site will see direct access to a new marina.

Modular minimisation

Slated to open in 2026, units are planned to be modular and prefabricated to minimise on-site impacts and adhere to the high sustainability targets.

The resort village will host an experience centre along with artist studios, meeting spaces, a fitness centre, and Six Senses Spa. In addition to the Earth Lab, there will also be a marine research and dive centre focused on coastal resiliency, native plantings, and land restoration. Additional land and sea areas will be designated as preserves, further enhancing the local biosphere.

There will also be approximately 20 branded residences designed by well-known architect Olson Kundig.

Sustainable design

At Six Senses Grand Bahama, a team of experts in coastal resilience, marine ecology, and sustainable design will collaborate with Bahamian consultants to ensure their knowledge is incorporated and applied to all aspects of the development.

The development and investment team, led by Weller Development Partners and Pegasus Capital Advisors, has a proven track record of environmental sustainability and a reputation for delivering transformative projects.

The development will receive an investment from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs to provide capital and technical assistance leading to increased resilience of reefs and the communities that depend on them. Creating a resort with a hurricane-insulating coastline, while minimising environmental impacts through self-sufficient energy and waste ambitions,should also act as an exemplar for future sustainable tourism models on Grand Bahama and across the Caribbean.

Bahamian authenticity

Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, said: “We’re eager to reflect the authenticity of Bahamian lifestyle, culture, and landscape through organic pathways and architectural design to create a community blended with our signature ethos of wellness, sustainability, crafted guest experiences, and emotional hospitality.”

Kim Herforth Nielson, founder of 3XN, commented: “This is a great opportunity to investigate new construction methods and define a specific and new approach to sustainability in The Bahamas – both for the buildings and to respect the exceptional local nature.”

Symbiotic relationship

Marc Weller, founding partner and president of Weller Development Partners, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that our developments have a positive social impact on surrounding communities. Our team uses sustainable practices that reduce our carbon footprint, establish resilient and healthy communities, and preserve our natural environment.”

Dale Galvin, partner at the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, added: “There is a wealth of knowledge and data that exists within local Bahamian organisations and communities, and we look forward to partnering with these institutions to create a symbiotic relationship between the development and the sustainable protection of the marine environment.”

Immersive approach

Tom Kundig, principal, owner and founder of Olson Kundig, stated: “Six Senses’ immersive approach to hospitality, travel, and wellness offers guests an opportunity to experience something extraordinary at all levels. I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them on the design of their new resort on Grand Bahama and support our shared agenda for wellness, sustainable design, community, connectivity with nature, and transformative experiences.”

Craig Cogut, founder and CEO of Pegasus Capital Advisors, said: “Our aim is always to create nature-based solutions and sustainable infrastructure while generating social and environmental outcomes that are intentional, material, and scalable.”

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Six Senses La Sagesse is coming to Grenada, bringing 200 keys to the northwestern town of Victoria in Q1 2023.

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