New life breathed into $260M Exumas project
New life has been breathed into a long-awaited project for Williams Cay and Children’s Bay Cay. The project’s partners released a press statement yesterday about a new, $260 million development for those islands called Amancaya, which it says is currently under construction.
“Amancaya will be set across two of the Exumas’ most secluded private cays, known for their white-sand beaches and world-class diving,” the statement said.
“Meaning ‘peaceful island’ in Taíno, the property will feature a 36-pavilion Aman hotel, and a limited collection of fully-serviced Aman Residences.”
It has been almost ten years since Swiss billionaire, investor, philanthropist, and sportswoman Dona Bertarelli signed a heads of agreement to develop the two cays.
The 2016 environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Williams Cay can still be found on the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection’s (DEPP) website.
While the EIA does mention Children’s Bay Cay, there is no EIA for that cay posted to DEPP’s site.
The 2016 Children’s Bay Cay EIA can be found, though, on ADH Limited’s website.
The Aman Group, which bills itself as “the world’s preeminent lifestyle and hospitality brand”, said it will now develop “one of the world’s most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean” – its first development in The Bahamas.
“Amancaya will bring Aman’s coveted lifestyle to Exuma with a host of resort amenities, including a marina, beach club, Aman Spa, and an array of dining venues across the two islands,” the statement said.
Chairman and CEO of the Aman Group Vlad Doronin said in the statement that the project is a significant milestone.
“As one of the most coveted locations in the destination, Aman guests have long requested our presence in The Bahamas,” said Doronin.
“Through our collaboration with Dona Bertarelli, we have found an unrivaled 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.”
According to the statement, the Aman Group already has 35 hotels, resorts, branded residences, and private clubs across more than 20 destinations.
Bertarelli said of the planned development: “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.”
She added: “I made a long-term commitment to bring this project to life — creating a sanctuary that will seamlessly become part of the fabric of life in Exuma, offering an experience unlike any other.”
The Aman Group said it has set “ambitious environmental goals, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving LEED certification, a globally recognized standard for responsible design”.
The original plan for the two cays called for a golf course, which originally raised red flags over environmental concerns.
The statement does not mention a golf course in this new iteration of development for the two cays.
The 2016 EIA also mentions building a bridge between the two cays.
The Aman Group’s statement explains that Amancaya “will positively contribute to Exuma’s economic growth” and will create more than 500 jobs – 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions upon opening.
“Rooted in commitment to the local community, the resort will prioritize the growth and development of Bahamian talent while fostering entrepreneurship to ensure lasting and meaningful impact,” the statement said.
“Amancaya is currently under construction, developed with the involvement of Squircle Capital, and will be Aman’s third property in the Caribbean region. The brand currently operates Amanera in Rio, San Juan, Dominican Republic, and Amanyara in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.”
Chester Robards
Senior Business Reporter