About Us : Our Team

Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian was born in Switzerland, and currently resides in Nassau, The Bahamas. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, with a double major in International Business and Finance.

As Chairman and CEO of Baha Mar Ltd., Mr. Izmirlian is the driving force behind the Caribbean’s largest single-phase hospitality investment in history. The US$3.5 billion resort, financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, is currently the largest project under development in the Western Hemisphere. His decision to completely redevelop the Cable Beach area of Nassau by acquiring over 400 hectares of land with one kilometer of beachfront, and re-routing Nassau’s main road around the perimeter of the property, established his unique vision for the project and the rebirth of The Bahamian Riviera.

Baha Mar will be a collection of the most extraordinary names and experiences in hospitality: Mondrian, Grand Hyatt, Rosewood Hotels and the largest casino hotel in the Caribbean. In addition, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the largest and most modern convention center in the region, world-class dining, shopping, spas and entertainment, and an 8 hectare beach and pool experience will set a new standard of luxury and excitement in the resort industry.

Tom Dunlap, President

Mr. Dunlap has over 30 years of management experience in the Resort and Hospitality industry. Prior to his appointment as President, he served Baha Mar as  Executive Vice President, Development and Construction. Before joining Baha Mar, he was President of Washington D.C. based Revolution Places Development, responsible for Cacique, Costa Rica, a $1 billion luxury resort development in Costa Rica, as well as development expansion for the Miraval wellness resort brand .

Prior to that, Mr. Dunlap was a Partner with East West Partners and was the senior project development executive for The Highlands at Northstar, a ski destination resort anchored by a newly constructed $300 million Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences.

He also worked for 15 years with the Walt Disney Company as Senior Vice President for Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for the design, development and construction of a variety of projects including Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Disney Cruise Line ships, terminals and the Castaway Cay private island located in The Bahamas. Mr. Dunlap also oversaw the development of a portfolio of hotel projects in Paris, Florida and Hong Kong.

Douglas L. Ludwig, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Ludwig spent a 21-year career at Four Seasons Hotels Inc., where he held numerous financial and planning positions, including the position of Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Douglas led all financial aspects of the company, including strategic planning, treasury, technology, tax and investor relations, financial reporting and statutory compliance.

During his tenure at the Four Seasons, Mr. Ludwig also led the initial public offerings on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges; led the strategic initiative of transforming the Four Seasons’ business model; established strategic objectives and executed numerous asset dispositions and acquisitions.

Before joining the Four Seasons, Mr. Ludwig worked at KPMG, one of the world’s leading accounting, auditing and tax firms. Various promotions throughout his seven-year career span with the company led to his appointment as Senior Audit Manager. He was responsible for a number of the firm’s large, international audit clients, including the Four Seasons Hotel Inc. for two years.

Gregory Djerejian, Executive Vice President-Business Development and Strategic Planning

Mr. Djerejian manages business development and strategic planning initiatives for the Baha Mar group, including the structuring, negotiation and execution of strategically important transactions. He plays lead roles in forging agreements with Baha Mar's financing, governmental, hotel and other key partners and stakeholders. Prior to his role with Baha Mar, Mr. Djerejian worked as a corporate lawyer at a New York City law firm focused primarily on project finance, securities and merger & acquisitions transactions, as well as insolvency-related matters. He also has extensive experience in commercial real estate and alternative investments, cross-border negotiations and special situations. He holds both a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business and Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center and received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He is a member of the New York State Bar.

Denise Godreau, Chief Marketing Officer

Ms. Godreau started her notable marketing career at P&G (Procter & Gamble) in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she was born. She relocated to the United States in an executive leadership position with Pizza Hut, as Director of Marketing for Central America and the Caribbean, and later moved to Blockbuster Video, where she was a key player in their international expansion to Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.

She joined the Walt Disney Company in 1997 where she held executive positions of increasing responsibility over a 12-year career, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Walt Disney World Resort and Global Multicultural Marketing for all Disney Theme Parks.

In 2009, Ms. Godreau joined an entrepreneurial team to establish a new online university in Southern California, and served as Chief Marketing Officer of Brandman University, part of the Chapman University System. Ms. Godreau earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard University.

Uri Clinton, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Mr. Clinton is responsible for overseeing all of Baha Mar’s legal and regulatory affairs. Prior to joining Baha Mar Mr. Clinton served for three years as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for Multimedia Games, Inc. (a publicly traded manufacturer of slot machines and gaming systems). Mr. Clinton founded Multimedia’s Law and Compliance Departments. Mr. Clinton has over 10 years of legal experience in the areas of commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, commercial and international transactions, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, governmental affairs, and corporate governance.

Prior to joining Multimedia, Mr. Clinton served as Vice President of Legal Affairs for Caesars Entertainment Corporation Central Division, previously Harrah’s Entertainment, where he counseled senior executives on legal matters including commercial transactions, business operations, regulatory compliance, advertising and marketing initiatives, risk management, and the implementation of corporate strategic initiatives for 11 facilities located across four gaming jurisdictions, with a combined approximate annual revenue of $1.3 billion, including 4,690 hotel rooms and 700,000 sq. ft. of casino space.

Mr. Clinton holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Richard English, Senior Vice President - Residential Sales

Before joining Baha Mar, Mr. English was Managing Director of Asset Management, Middle East/Africa, for Wyndham Worldwide’s turnkey business unit. Prior to that, he served as a senior advisor to members of the Saudi Royal Family, where he was involved in the design and launch of Manazel Al Haramain, as well as the enhanced design, marketing and sales of Le Meridien Towers.

Mr. English also worked for Marriot Vacation Club as Regional Director, Sales and Marketing, Middle East/Africa, and at the Walt Disney Company, where he was responsible for international distribution of the company’s Disney Vacation Club shared- ownership products. Mr. English holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Natal in South Africa and a Master’s degree in International Business Administration from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT.

Robert “Sandy” Sands, Senior Vice President - Administration and External Relations

Robert “Sandy” Sands started his career at the Nassau Beach Hotel in 1970. He subsequently spent terms as General Manager at various hotels in the Caribbean, and worked for three-years as Vice President & General Manager of the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino before returning to the Nassau Beach Hotel in 2004.

In May 2005, Baha Mar Ltd. announced the appointment of Mr. Sands to Vice President of Administration and External Relations. In this role, he assumed responsibility for the development and execution of Baha Mar's corporate outreach initiatives, industrial relations and human capital programs. Mr. Sands holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism Administration from Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.

Anne Williams, Vice President, Workforce Planning and Development

Ms. Williams also serves as the interim Vice President of Operations for The Crystal Palace Casino. Ms. Williams started her career as a CPA, focused on corporate tax. She then went to work for the PGA Tour in golf course and tournament operations. Ms. Williams joined Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah’s Entertainment) in 1999 as the Corporate Director of Executive Recruiting and moved through a succession of positions of increased responsibility over the next 12 years in both corporate and operating functions at multiple properties across the US, including Human Resources, Gaming and Non-Gaming Operations, and Marketing.

Before joining Baha Mar, Anne was most recently the Vice President of Casino Marketing for Horseshoe Hammond, just south of Chicago. Ms. Williams has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Montana, and a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

About Us : Partnerships

Baha Mar, Ltd.

China State Construction and Engineering Corporation

Established in 1982, CSCEC is the largest construction company and largest international general contractor in China. A recent accomplishment includes the completion of the Beijing National Aquatics Center, referenced during the 2008 Summer Olympics as the “Water Cube.” CSCEC was designated the general contractor for Baha Mar in March 2010. An investor agreement between the two entities was signed simultaneously, giving CSCEC preferred equity investment in Baha Mar.

Mike Hong Architects

Baha Mar’s principal architect, Mike Hong, leads a new firm fueled by young, fresh talent on the cutting edge of the next design generation. With a belief that human beings naturally desire to gather, exchange culture commerce and ideas, Mike Hong seeks to inspire the next generation with innovative, provocative designs at Baha Mar that will unite people and instill the desire to return.

Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design

Dianna Wong, Baha Mar’s leading interior design architect, recognizes that good design has the power to elevate lives. Her architectural frameworks are infused with romantic references to the best of modernist decorative design and extend to the detailing of all furnishings and decorative elements. Wong’s appreciation for craftsmanship and simple geometry are the trademarks of her brand.

Export-Import Bank of China

The Ex-Im Bank is one of three institutional banks in China established to implement state policies in industry, foreign trade, diplomacy, economy and finance with the goal of promoting the export of Chinese products and services. Providing US$2.45 billion in crucial financing, the Ex-Im Bank signed extremely rare, formal agreements with the private company, Baha Mar, Ltd., in March 2010. The arrangement has been seen as a promising indicator of the impending upswing for the travel industry.

About Us: Press

Press Releases

  • 2013-02-22
    BAHA MAR CELEBRATES TOPPING OFF WITH UNVEILING OF MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS, FOUNDATION LAUNCH
    Music icon, actor and designer Lenny Kravitz, Spa-industry leader ESPA and National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to play key roles in Baha Mar experience; “Believe” foundation formed to shepherd philanthropy efforts.... Read Press Release
  • 2013-02-04
    CREATING BEAUTY AND CHALLENGE: JACK NICKLAUS RETURNS TO BAHA MAR TO REVIEW PROGRESS OF HIS SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE
    Legend evaluates completed construction and provides design strategy for what will be the premiere course in The Bahamas.... Read Press Release
  • 2013-01-23
    BAHA MAR WELCOMES CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE ATTENDEES FOR FIRST TRAVEL-INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION SITE TOUR
    International media, tour operators, and tourism representatives enjoy sneak peek at progress on Western Hemisphere’s largest resort development project.... Read Press Release
  • 2013-01-09
    BAHA MAR CHALLENGE HELPS DRIVE RECORD SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS DURING 2012 HOLIDAY SEASON
    The Baha Mar Challenge, an ongoing annual holiday season initiative during which Baha Mar matches dollar-for-dollar donations up to $10,000 to the Salvation Army, helped to raise more than $70,000 during the 15-day drive.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-12-14
    THE BAHA MAR CHALLENGE MATCHES DONATIONS TO SALVATION ARMY
    In this time of renewal and giving, Baha Mar launches its 3rd annual Baha Mar Challenge with the Salvation Army.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-12-11
    BAHA MAR TREE OF TREES CEREMONY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON
    More than 150 Baha Mar employees, community representatives and local school children participated last week in a festive twilight blessing and lighting ceremony for the iconic Baha Mar Tree of Trees.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-11-30
    BAHA MAR BOULEVARD OPENS TO PUBLIC
    Completion of highway connecting JFK Drive to West Bay Street marks another key milestone for resort.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-11-09
    BAHA MAR CHRISTMAS “TREE OF TREES” GOES GREEN WITH COMMUNITY WIDE RECYCLED-MATERIALS ORNAMENT DRIVE
    Unique holiday icon to be decorated with repurposed items donated by Bahamians... Read Press Release
  • 2012-10-30
    BAHA MAR COMMISSIONS SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS “TREE OF TREES”
    Renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts to craft one-of-a-kind holiday icon as resort’s gift to community... Read Press Release
  • 2012-10-01
    INDUSTRY VETERAN TAKES HELM AS PRESIDENT OF BAHA MAR
    Tom Dunlap speaks at G2E on his plans for the largest and most exciting new gaming destination resort in the Western Hemisphere ... Read Press Release
  • 2012-09-27
    BAHA MAR EXECUTIVES TO SPEAK AT GLOBAL GAMING EXPO
    Two senior Baha Mar executives are scheduled to speak in Las Vegas at the Global Gaming Expo 2012, the gaming industry’s largest conference and trade show.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-08-09
    BAHA MAR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF DON ROBINSON, TOM DUNLAP TO BECOME PRESIDENT
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, announced today that its President, Don Robinson, will retire effective September 13, 2012.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-08-07
    BAHA MAR LAUNCHES RESIDENTIAL SALES IN NASSAU
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today the launch of sales of its luxury residences in Nassau. Now, visitors and residents of The Bahamas will have access to trained sales professionals who are fully equipped to share the many compelling benefits of owning a residence at Baha Mar and who can coordinate all aspects of the real estate transaction.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-07-11
    BAHA MAR CELEBRATES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE: CASINO TOWER REACHES 100-FOOT MARK
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, welcomed on site The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Perry Christie, to celebrate reaching the 100-foot mark on its iconic casino tower construction, a significant milestone that shows Baha Mar is firmly on its way to becoming the most anticipated new destination in the Western Hemisphere.... Read Press Release | Watch Video
  • 2012-06-12
    HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GLOBAL LAUNCH OF BAHA MAR IN THE BAHAMIAN RIVIERA TAKES PLACE AT HARRODS IN LONDON
    Baha Mar, the most exciting and highly anticipated resort project being built in The Bahamas, launched its residences at the world renowned Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London.... Read Press Release | Watch Video
  • 2012-05-11
    BAHA MAR, MOST GLAMOROUS ADDRESS ON EARTH COMES CLOSER TO HOME, TO LAUNCH SALES IN SINGAPORE
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today the global sales of its luxury residences in China, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. Investors in Singapore will be able to own a piece of most glamorous address on earth through a special sales event scheduled for June 29 to 1 July 2012. ... Read Press Release
  • 2012-05-11
    LUXURY BAHAMAS RESORT OFFERS FIRST SALES TO CHINESE BUYERS
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today that Chinese investors will be the first among the global market to be able to purchase its luxury residences, starting with a launch event in Beijing being held from June 1-3, 2012, and continuing to Shanghai on June 8-10 before coming to Hong Kong June 22-24.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-05-10
    BAHA MAR, A CHINESE MASTERPIECE IN THE WEST, TO LAUNCH GLOBAL SALES OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today sales of its luxury residences for the global market will be available for Chinese investors first, through a special sales event in Beijing held on June 1, 2012 and in Shanghai on June 8, 2012.... Read Press Release
  • 2012-03-05
    BAHA MAR WELCOMES PRINCE HARRY DURING ROYAL VISIT TO NASSAU
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase, luxury resort development in the history of the Caribbean, graciously rolled out the red carpet to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales during his visit to Nassau for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, commemorating the 60th anniversary of her coronation. On official business of the throne, Prince Harry is visiting all commonwealth realms, including The Bahamas. ... Read Press Release
  • 2012-02-27
    BAHA MAR 25 PERCENT COMPLETE AS IT CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated the first anniversary of its historic groundbreaking in a ceremony attended by Baha Mar Ltd., China Construction Americas management and employees.
    ... Read Press Release
  • 2011-11-11
    BAHA MAR ANNOUNCES WEST BAY STREET OPENING AND HANDOVER CEREMONY
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrates the opening of West Bay Street, completing the first milestone in the mega-resort construction. ... Read Press Release
  • 2011-09-26
    BAHA MAR OPENS HONG KONG OFFICE
    Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion resort complex marking the dramatic resurgence of a golden stretch of beachfront once called The Bahamian Riviera, announced today it has opened an office in Hong Kong, a strategic move intended to strengthen sales and marketing capabilities within Asia-Pacific.... Read Press Release
  • 2011-08-01
    BAHA MAR SIGNS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION, MORGANS HOTEL GROUP AND ROSEWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS
    Baha Mar Ltd. announced today that they have signed a series of management agreements with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 700-room Grand Hyatt convention hotel, Morgans Hotel Group, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 300-room luxury lifestyle hotel under the Mondrian brand, and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 200-room luxury hotel. ... Read Press Release
  • 2011-06-30
    FIRST PILING MARKS CORE PROJECT START FOR BAHA MAR
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated another milestone with the driving of the first of 5,700 pilings on Thurs., June 30, 2011 in Nassau, The Bahamas. ... Read Press Release
  • 2011-02-21
    BAHA MAR GROUNDBREAKING MARKS THE BIRTH OF A NEW GENERATION OF DESTINATION RESORTS
    Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated the commencement of construction with its official groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 21, 2011. ... Read Press Release
  • 2011-01-31
    Baha Mar Final Aprovals Received; Funding Begins
    Nassau, The Bahamas, January 31, 2011—Baha Mar announced today that it has closed on its financing and received all remaining approvals necessary to commence the world class destination resort project located on Cable Beach. All approvals were completed today thereby paving the way for the immediate launch of Baha Mar. The official Ground Breaking Ceremony is scheduled on Feb. 21, 2011 with construction to commence immediately.... Read Press Release

BAHA MAR CELEBRATES TOPPING OFF WITH UNVEILING OF MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS, FOUNDATION LAUNCH

2013-02-22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Sheila Donnelly & Associates
Sheila Donnelly Theroux

sheila@sheiladonnelly.com

Jeong Ku Hwang
jeong@sheiladonnelly.com
808-949-4131

Baha Mar

Robert D. L. Sands Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

Music icon, actor and designer Lenny Kravitz, Spa-industry leader ESPA and National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to play key roles in Baha Mar experience; “Believe” foundation formed to shepherd philanthropy efforts.

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS -- (February 22, 2013) -- Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion resort enclave rising in the Bahamian Riviera, celebrated its midway completion point yesterday with a "Roots and Wings" themed topping-off celebration.
The festivities, held inside the active construction site, marked completion of the final level – the 25th floor – of The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, the iconic, tallest structure at the 1,000-acre resort. Central to the arts-inspired topping-off event were announcements of the creation of Believe, Baha Mar’s philanthropic foundation, and a new design partnership with Bahamian multi-platinum Grammy-award winning performing artist, actor, and designer Lenny Kravitz. Baha Mar also announced it will partner with luxury spa operator ESPA, and

unveiled a formal cultural alliance with The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB).

The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, who delivered an address at the event, joined Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO, in signing a commemorative tree painting, which was created by Bahamian artists during the early part of the celebration. The painting later was affixed to the top floor of The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel in an artistic twist on the conventional placing-of-a-tree topping-off tradition.

“Today’s celebration is about so much more than a topping off,” said Izmirlian. “The ‘Roots and Wings’ theme, which was inspired by works at the national gallery, truly personifies the Baha Mar story. Baha Mar is at its core about The Bahamas. By creating a Bahamian art gallery in our convention center and public spaces and including the unique designs of our own Lenny Kravitz in our grandest villa and nightclub, we are leveraging world-class, authentic Bahamian elements to create a resort experience like no other in the world. With today’s milestone, Baha Mar is taking flight, ready to become the must-visit destination of this generation.”

The Bahamas National Youth Choir gave a special performance of March On, Bahamaland, the national anthem of The Bahamas, as part the official topping off moment. Guests then thrilled to a fireworks spectacle choreographed to Lenny Kravitz’s emblematic songs, Are You Gonna Go My Way and Fly Away.

“I grew up spending a good deal of my childhood in the Bahamas with my Bahamian family, and today, I still have a house and recording studio there. It has always been one of my favorite places in the world, and I am excited about our involvement with this great project at Baha Mar,” said Lenny Kravitz. “This is the first commercial project for Kravitz Design in the Bahamas and I’m really looking forward to lending our unique flavor to the design of both the nightclub

and luxury villa.”

Through an innovative alliance with Baha Mar, The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) will curate art works on loan from their significant collections as well as works from the prestigious D'Aguilar Art Foundation and the private Dawn Davies collection. Works will be displayed throughout common areas of the Baha Mar resort and in unique gallery spaces in the Baha Mar Convention Center. NAGB Director Amanda Coulson and Bahamian contemporary mixed- media artist John Cox were on-hand to celebrate the partnership and its potential to create ground-breaking cultural events at Baha Mar.

Additionally, Baha Mar announced that internationally renowned, ESPA, a British company that currently operates more than 350 exclusive spas in 55 countries, will operate Baha Mar’s destination spa. The company is well known for its philosophy of creating unique spa experiences that reflect the culture and geography of the destination.

The topping-off event also was a celebration of Baha Mar’s positive impact on the community since breaking ground in February 2011. To-date, Baha Mar has engaged close to 400 locally owned construction and contracting firms and has focused on developing Bahamian professionals to help build an authentic Bahamian experience from the inside out. The new team members have played an instrumental role in shaping the unique Baha Mar culture and are now known as the “Dream Team.”

“Our Dream Team is an extraordinary collection of talent that is helping to create the world's best resort. To honor their spirit and dedication, we have created BELIEVE, the Baha Mar Foundation, to give every team member a chance to shape the impact of Baha Mar’s philanthropic efforts and have a say in the future of their community," said Izmirlian.

The foundation will focus on the guiding principles of “Community, Culture and Conservation.” Baha Mar announced a commitment to raise $1 million before its opening date in December 2014.

This philanthropic commitment to The Bahamas complements Baha Mar’s positive economic impact on the island nation, which includes a projected 8,000 permanent jobs, in addition to nearly 4,000 construction jobs. Other benefits include future increases in visitor spending and increased airlift – estimated to add $11.2 million to the country’s GDP over a 20-year period.

Baha Mar, on schedule to open in December 2014, is set on 3,000 feet of white- sand beach just 12 minutes from Nassau's newly expanded Lynden Pindling International Airport. The resort will feature an elite collection of hotel brands with gaming, entertainment, shopping and natural attractions that reflect an authentic Bahamian experience. The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, with 1,000 rooms, is the centerpiece of the resort, and includes a 100,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style casino – the largest in the Caribbean region. A 700-room Grand Hyatt, a 300-room Mondrian, and the 200-room Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® complete the extraordinary accommodations at Baha Mar.

Amenities will include the 18-hole, 72-par championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Baha Mar, scheduled to open in February 2014, 185,000 square feet of combined state-of-the-art convention facilities featuring a curated collection of Bahamian art, as well as a 2,000-seat performing arts center, more than 30 restaurants, nightclubs and bars, two spas, including the 30,000-square- foot destination ESPA at Baha Mar, designer retail boutiques, a beachfront sanctuary with native Bahamian flora and fauna,14 distinctive pool experiences and a private island.

About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel

rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers. Baha Mar also will feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean -- ESPA at Baha Mar -- will provide the pinnacle of relaxation. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Baha Mar will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com
Note to editors: Additional digital photos and video are available upon request.

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CREATING BEAUTY AND CHALLENGE: JACK NICKLAUS RETURNS TO BAHA MAR TO REVIEW PROGRESS OF HIS SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE

2013-02-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert D. L. Sands
Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

CREATING BEAUTY AND CHALLENGE:JACK NICKLAUS RETURNS TO BAHA MAR TO REVIEW PROGRESS OF HIS SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE

Legend evaluates completed construction and provides design strategy for what will be the premiere course in The Bahamas.

Nassau, Bahamas (February 4, 2013) – Golf legend and course designer Jack Nicklaus made a follow-up visit Friday to the site of the future Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Baha Mar to review course construction and provide additional design input and vision during the development of the project. Designed to maintain the ecological integrity of the surrounding area, the Baha Mar Golf Course will use natural contours of the native terrain to balance beauty and challenge.

On this recent trip, Nicklaus toured several holes with Tom Dunlap, President of Baha Mar, and James Kwasnowski, Executive Vice President of Development and Construction at Baha Mar, to provide additional direction on the design strategy, as well as to approve irrigation and completed construction. 

“We’re very excited to have Jack Nicklaus on site at Baha Mar to personally evaluate the construction of the course,” Dunlap said. “Jack has a magnificent ability to finesse the contours of the local landscape into a scenic golf course that is suitable for a broad variety of players.”

During the tour, the Golden Bear made minor design revisions but was pleased with the progress of the construction. “The golf course is coming along very nicely,” he said. “It’s got a picturesque par 3 and a dramatic 14th hole. It’s going to be beautiful.”

The 18-hole, par-72 Signature Course—the highest tier of design offerings from world-renowned Nicklaus Design—will offer "two courses in one" with the front nine providing dramatic play through ocean views and other water features, and the back nine winding through inland forest and native habitat. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Baha Mar will be the only one of its caliber in The Bahamas and one of only a handful in the Caribbean.

The course is on schedule to open in December 2013. Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre resort enclave currently under development on The Bahamian Riviera, is scheduled to open in December 2014.

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About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.  A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. 

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR WELCOMES CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE ATTENDEES FOR FIRST TRAVEL-INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION SITE TOUR

2013-01-23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert D. L. Sands
Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

 

BAHA MAR WELCOMES CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE ATTENDEES FOR FIRST TRAVEL-INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION SITE TOUR 

International media, tour operators, and tourism representatives enjoy sneak peek at progress on Western Hemisphere’s largest resort development project. 

Nassau, The Bahamas, January 23, 2013 – Baha Mar opened its construction gates Sunday for its first “official” travel-industry focused site tour.  Attendees of the 2013 Caribbean Travel Marketplace --  one of the Caribbean’s premier tourism industry events – enjoyed a sneak-peek guided tour of the Baha Mar construction site, which recently passed its 50-percent completion milestone.  Guests also toured the Baha Mar Residential Sales Preview Centre and enjoyed a welcome reception hosted by Baha Mar executives. 

Guests saw first-hand the progress made to-date on the Bahamian Riviera resort enclave.  Tour highlights included the iconic Baha Mar Casino & Hotel tower – scheduled for topping out next month – Grand Hyatt, Mondrian and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® structures. Conference delegates, including representatives from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Nassau and Paradise Island Promotion Board, learned about Baha Mar’s unique guest experience and world-class resort amenities including the largest casino in the Caribbean, more than 200,000 square feet of convention center space, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and world-class hotel brands --Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®.  

“We are extremely happy to have such a strong turnout from Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the Baha Mar construction site tour and welcome reception, ” remarked Robert Sands, Sr. V.P. of Administration & External Affairs at Baha Mar. “Baha Mar will change the landscape of international travel and redefine the tourism experience in the Bahamas and we are thrilled to be able to provide a preview of this unique resort to tourism professionals from around the world.” 

More than 1,200 delegates representing approximately thirty countries were expected to attend this year’s Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association event, held in Nassau. Delegates included hospitality industry service providers and buyers, as well as destination management companies, hoteliers, tourism boards, transportation companies, tour operators and marketing and media companies.

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About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.  A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. 

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR CHALLENGE HELPS DRIVE RECORD SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS DURING 2012 HOLIDAY SEASON

2013-01-09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert D. L. Sands
Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

 

BAHA MAR CHALLENGE HELPS DRIVE RECORD SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS DURING 2012 HOLIDAY SEASON

Nassau, The Bahamas, January 9, 2013 — The Baha Mar Challenge, an ongoing annual holiday season initiative during which Baha Mar matches dollar-for-dollar donations up to $10,000 to the Salvation Army, helped to raise more than $70,000 during the 15-day drive. The total represents a 33-percent increase over 2011 and is the largest amount ever raised during the holiday program.

“The Salvation Army builds a sense of community and transforms the lives of so many people, said Robert Sands, Senior Vice President of Administration & External Affairs at Baha Mar. “We are proud to play a part through The Baha Mar Challenge and wish to thank all of those who helped to raise a record level of funds for an organization that plays such an important role in our society. We look forward to continuing our support of The Salvation Army and to keeping The Baha Mar Challenge going strong for years to come.”

The Baha Mar Challenge is a part of the company’s ongoing efforts to help enhance the quality of life for all Bahamians. Proceeds from The 2012 program will benefit the Salvation Army’s “Welfare & Feeding” program and the School for the Blind & Visibly Impaired Children.

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About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in December 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

THE BAHA MAR CHALLENGE MATCHES DONATIONS TO SALVATION ARMY

2012-12-14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert D. L. Sands
Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

 

THE BAHA MAR CHALLENGE MATCHES DONATIONS TO SALVATION ARMY

Nassau, The Bahamas, December 14, 2012— In this time of renewal and giving, Baha Mar launches its 3rd annual Baha Mar Challenge with the Salvation Army. During the Challenge, which runs from December 15 through December 31, 2012, Baha Mar will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 to the Salvation Army. The Challenge supports Baha Mar’s ongoing initiative to help enhance the quality of life for Bahamians.

“As an active member of the community, we believe that there is an obligation to be a socially responsible corporate citizen”, said Robert Sands, Senior Vice President of Administration & External Affairs. “Baha Mar is honored to partner with the Salvation Army again in an effort to positively transform the lives of the people with whom we live and work, especially during the holiday season.”

Proceeds from The Baha Mar Challenge will benefit the Salvation Army’s “Welfare & Feeding” program and the School for the Blind & Visibly Impaired Children.

Donations can be made at any of the familiar Salvation Army red kettles located throughout Nassau, including kettles placed in the lobbies of both the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino and the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino. Donations can be made by cash, cheque or wire transfer.

Wire Transfer Details:

DESTINATION: CHASUS33

(IBK): JP Morgan Chase Bank, NY

ABA: 021000021

PAY TO BANK: 0011188448

(BBK): ROYCBSNS

BENEFICIARY ACCT #: 05745-1643196

ACCT NAME: The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army

31 Mackey Street, P.O. Box N205, Nassau, The Bahamas

www.salvationarmybahamas.org

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About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in December 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR TREE OF TREES CEREMONY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON

2012-12-11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Robert D. L. Sands
Baha Mar Ltd.
rdlsands@bahamar.com
(242) 677-9026 Direct
(242) 424-0100 Mobile

BAHA MAR TREE OF TREES CEREMONY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON

Nassau, The Bahamas, December 11, 2012—More than 150 Baha Mar employees, community representatives and local school children participated last week in a festive twilight blessing and lighting ceremony for the iconic Baha Mar Tree of Trees. Christmas lights on the 40-foot sculpture – Baha Mar’s holiday gift to the community – were turned on for the first time following an official blessing of the tree delivered by Archdeacon Ranfurly Brown of St. Agnes Church. The 32-member Doris Johnson Senior High School Choir added an authentic island note to the gathering by performing traditional Bahamian Christmas carols throughout the evening.

“The Baha Mar Tree of Trees is a one-of-a-kind art project, created by people in the community for everyone to enjoy, ” said Robert Sands, Senior V.P. of Administration and External Affairs for Baha Mar. “The sculpture and its ornaments show that we can do small things to be more environmentally conscious by repurposing items that we normally would discard. Baha Mar is proud to share this unique gift with our friends and neighbors as it is a tangible example of our overarching commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.”

The Baha Mar Tree of Trees, created by artist Antonius Roberts, was crafted from a Casuarina tree felled by Hurricane Sandy and driftwood found after the storm. Students from throughout New Providence creatively transformed plastic water bottles collected from Baha Mar properties into eco-friendly Christmas ornaments for the tree. Other re-purposed and recycled items, including items deposited on local beaches after the storm, were collected, embellished with personal touches, and donated by the community to complete the tree decoration.

The Baha Mar Tree of Trees is located in Hobby Horse Lake Park next to the recently opened Baha Mar Boulevard, which also was blessed by Archdeacon Brown, and across the street from what will be the resort’s main entrance. The sculpture will remain year-round in Hobby Horse Lake Park for the community to enjoy. Moving forward, the park will serve as the gateway to the planned 70-acre Baha Mar Wildlife Preserve. The park and preserve are part of Baha Mar’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, which also includes the 15-month re-nourishment of 3,000 feet of pristine beach - The Bahamian Riviera - recycling and repurposing of construction site materials and numerous other environmentally focused initiatives designed to maintain and enhance the beauty and ecological health of The Bahamas.

###

About Baha Mar

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR BOULEVARD OPENS TO PUBLIC

2012-11-30

Nassau, The Bahamas, November 30, 2012 – Baha Mar Boulevard, the corridor  connecting John F. Kennedy Drive to West Bay Street opens today, marking another key milestone for Baha Mar, the luxurious 1,000-acre resort under development on The Bahamian Riviera. The four-lane highway will provide a direct route from the Lynden Pindling International Airport gateway to what will be the main entrance to the Baha Mar enclave.

“The opening of Baha Mar Boulevard marks another significant step in our journey towards completion of Baha Mar,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO. “The past twelve months have seen many accomplishments for Baha Mar starting with the first anniversary of groundbreaking in February, the global launch of our residential sales in June and the achievement of the 100-foot milestone of our iconic casino tower in July. Today’s opening sets the stage for Baha Mar’s final phases of construction while providing the community with another major improvement in the island’s transportation infrastructure.”
 
Baha Mar Boulevard is part of the road improvement project. The redevelopment of the roads, performed on behalf of the Bahamas government, should improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the western area of New Providence. The new roadway is expected serve up to 15,000 vehicle trips per day, becoming the major corridor connecting the northern and southern parts of the island. The construction of the more than one-mile stretch of highway employed more than 120 Bahamians and required extensive infrastructure improvements before the road could be completed. Beneath the 174,000 cubic yards of infill, base and poured asphalt lies 48 miles of conduit cabling, water and sewer lines.
 
The  thoroughfare was designed with the safety of drivers and pedestrians in mind while maintaining high aesthetic standards and attention to detail. The natural beauty of The Bahamas can be seen along Baha Mar Boulevard which is landscaped with indigenous trees such as Yellow Elder, Silk Cotton, Royal Poinciana and Mahogany, all leading up to the conch shell lined round-a-bout where the roadway intersects with West Bay Street.

“We want all users of Baha Mar Boulevard to have a pleasant experience. Considering the amount of traffic this road will accommodate, important safety factors were central to its design,” said Robert Sands, Senior V.P. of Administration and External Affairs for Baha Mar.  “Similar to the West Bay Street improvements, this new boulevard has wide lanes, a large, landscaped median and clearly marked round-a-bouts.  Sidewalks and wide shoulders also were included for the safety and enjoyment of pedestrians and those using public transportation.” 

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar
Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.  A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR CHRISTMAS “TREE OF TREES” GOES GREEN WITH COMMUNITY WIDE RECYCLED-MATERIALS ORNAMENT DRIVE

2012-11-09

Nassau, The Bahamas, November 9, 2012 – This Christmas, Baha Mar is inviting its Bahamian neighbors – school children, residents and local artists – to help turn its original wood-sculpture Tree of Trees even more green this holiday season by crafting special ornaments from recycled water bottles and donating found items that can be repurposed as unique and meaningful decorations.

Starting November 12, junior- and high-school students on New Providence Island will participate in the ornament drive by decorating plastic water bottles collected from the Baha Mar properties. Students will be asked to include a piece of paper in their ornament sharing their wish for a better Bahamas. The general public also will have the chance to participate in the drive by donating items found on Bahamian beaches – including items washed in by Hurricane Sandy or collected during storm clean-up -- that can be reused as ornaments for this special tree.
“We want people to use their imaginations to design their ornaments and to make them special,” said Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts, who was commissioned by Baha Mar to create the iconic 40-foot Tree of Trees sculpture.“Our beaches become landing spots for many otherwise unwanted items and my vision is that, with the community’s help, we can transform those items from debris to meaningful decoration through this unique ornament drive.”

“We are very excited to join forces with Antonius Roberts to create a one-of-a-kind sustainable sculpture for our neighbors and to have them participate in its decoration through this unique ornament creation program,” said Robert Sands, Senior V.P. of Administration and External Affairs for Baha Mar. “The holidays are a time of giving and renewal and we feel that the Tree of Trees and its unique decorations will truly embody the spirit of the season while creating a one-of-a-kind community work-of-art to be enjoyed by everyone.”

Items to be donated for the Tree of Trees decoration should be clean, weatherproof and lightweight. Donations can be made at Antonius Robert’s studio, Hillside House,from November 9 – 28. Hillside house is located at #25 Cumberland Street and its hours of operation are 10:00am – 4:00pm every day except Thursdays and Sundays when the studio is closed.

The 40-foot-high Baha Mar Tree of Trees currently is being created on-site at Hobby Horse Lake Park – across the street from what will be the main entrance into Baha Mar. The trunk of a massive dead Casuarina tree – found at Goodman’s Bay during Hurricane Sandy clean-up efforts – anchors the Tree of Trees sculpture and the branches will be crafted from trees felled by Hurricane Sandy, invasive trees culled from the Baha Mar construction site and recycled driftwood from throughout The Bahamas.

The Tree of Trees is scheduled to be completed in late November with a community tree-lighting to take place shortly thereafter. The sculpture will remain year-round in Hobby Horse Lake Park, located on West Bay Street. The park, its surrounding public walkways and restored native flora and fauna will serve as the gateway to the planned 70-acre Baha Mar Wildlife Preserve. The park and preserve are part of Baha Mar’s on-going commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, which also includes the 15-month re-nourishment of 3,000 feet of pristine beach -- The Bahamian Riviera – recycling and repurposing of construction site materials and numerous other environmentally focused initiatives designed to maintain and enhance the beauty and ecological health of The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR COMMISSIONS SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS “TREE OF TREES”

2012-10-30

Nassau, The Bahamas, October 30, 2012 – Baha Mar has commissioned renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts to create a freestanding, sustainable Christmas tree as a gift to the community this holiday season. Starting today, Hobby Horse Lake Park – across the street from what will be the main entrance to Baha Mar – will be prepared for the on-site creation of a 40-foot “Tree of Trees” sculpture crafted from trees felled by Hurricane Sandy, invasive trees culled from the Baha Mar construction site and recycled driftwood from throughout The Bahamas.

“I am so pleased and honored that Baha Mar has reached out to me,” said Antonius Roberts.  “There are so many aspects of this project that speak to me – the reuse of otherwise unwanted materials in a unique and inspiring way, Baha Mar’s commitment to sustainability and environmental programs and the fact that this will be a gift to be enjoyed by the entire community for years to come.   I look forward to working in the open air to craft this tree and to sharing it with Baha Mar’s many neighbors.”

The Baha Mar Tree of Trees will be anchored by the massive structure of a dead Casuarina tree, which was found at Goodman’s Bay during island-wide Hurricane Sandy clean-up efforts. The tree will be moved approximately one-half mile today to its new permanent home at Hobby Horse Lake Park.  Scaffolding will be erected later this week and artistic creation of the Christmas tree will begin by Friday.  The entire tree will be crafted on-site and residents will be invited to participate in its decoration through a soon-to-be announced recycled-materials ornament creation program.

“Baha Mar is committed to being a true community partner and to ensuring that the art, culture and natural beauty of The Bahamas is celebrated and sustained today and for generations to come,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO. “The Bahamas is at the heart of all that we do and we are extremely proud to have such a special way to celebrate and promote the beauty and artistic spirit of our island home.”

The Tree of Trees will remain year round in Hobby Horse Lake Park, which was created as part of the November 2011 diversion of West Bay Street.  The park, its surrounding public walkways and restored native flora and fauna will serve as the gateway to the planned 70-acre Baha Mar Wildlife Preserve.  The park and preserve are part of Baha Mar’s on-going commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, which also includes the 15-month re-nourishment of 3,000 feet of pristine beach -- The Bahamian Riviera – recycling and repurposing of construction site materials and numerous other environmentally focused initiatives designed to maintain and enhance the beauty and ecological health of The Bahamas.

The Baha Mar Christmas Tree of Trees is scheduled to be completed in mid- to late-November, with a community tree-lighting event to take place shortly thereafter to welcome in the holiday season.  

As the Tree of Trees is being created, Baha Mar will remain actively engaged in assisting with island-wide Hurricane Sandy clean-up and assistance.  

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.  A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

INDUSTRY VETERAN TAKES HELM AS PRESIDENT OF BAHA MAR

2012-10-01

Las Vegas, Nevada, October 1, 2012 — Tom Dunlap, a 30-year development and construction veteran in the resort and hospitality industry, was recently named President of Baha Mar, the largest luxury destination resort under construction in the Western Hemisphere located in Nassau, The Bahamas.  In his first public presentation since officially taking over as President on September 13, Dunlap will speak on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 3:15 p.m. (PDT) at G2E’s panel on “Design Technology: The Impact on Architecture and Construction.”

Dunlap became President after two years as Baha Mar’s Executive Vice President of Development and Construction, the main person responsible for the mega resort’s construction being on time and on budget.   

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Tom’s caliber on board and ready to lead Baha Mar as we embark on the final phase of development,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO.  “Tom has a sixth sense for what makes a resort truly memorable.  Baha Mar is about setting a new standard in global luxury travel and there is no one more qualified than Tom to make that dream a reality.”

“I am so proud to be a part of this truly grand undertaking,” said Dunlap.  “The diverse Baha Mar team is one of the finest teams I’ve ever worked with.  Through their unique talents, the great vision of Baha Mar will become a reality.  I look forward to leading them as we finish building what will become a must-visit destination for the world’s travel elite and gaming enthusiasts.”

To achieve this goal, Dunlap is focused on ensuring that Baha Mar is built on time, on schedule and at a quality that delivers on the promise of the New Bahamian Riviera. Authenticity is a key tenet of the Baha Mar philosophy and Dunlap is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to ensure that the final product pays tribute to the natural beauty of its Bahamian home. He also is passionate about finding, training and inspiring the best talent to deliver on the promise of the Baha Mar experience – from impeccable guest service to gold-standard accommodations and amenities.

“We have to remember that we are in the resort business,” Dunlap added.  “It’s a business built on the foundation of guests relaxing, laughing, experiencing new things and most of all, having fun.  At Baha Mar, we are focused on fulfilling these expectations in a spectacular way that will make our guests want to return year after year.”

Baha Mar, a 400-hectare, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment enclave, is scheduled to open in December 2014.  When complete, the resort will feature some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, offering a total of more than 2,200 new rooms. Baha Mar also will include 307 private residences, a new 9,000-square-meter casino -- the largest in the Caribbean -- one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, as well as chef-branded restaurants, exciting nightclubs and varied entertainment offerings. The resort also will be home to two unique spas and a beachfront sanctuary that will include an eco water park and 14 extraordinary pools, all set along a kilometer of one of the world’s most pristine beaches.

Prior to joining Baha Mar, Dunlap was President of Washington, D.C.-based Revolution Places Development, responsible for Cacique, Costa Rica, a $1 billion luxury resort development, as well as development and expansion for the Miraval wellness resort brand. He also was a partner with East West Partners and was the senior project development executive for The Highlands at Northstar, a ski destination resort anchored by a newly constructed $300 million Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences.

Dunlap also worked for more than 15 years with the Walt Disney Company as Senior Vice President for Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for the design, development and construction of a variety of projects in The Bahamas, Paris, Florida and Hong Kong.

For more information about Baha Mar, visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the 400-hectare, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms.  Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000-square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar also will feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.  An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR EXECUTIVES TO SPEAK AT GLOBAL GAMING EXPO

2012-09-27

Nassau, The Bahamas, September 27, 2012

Two senior Baha Mar executives are scheduled to speak in Las Vegas at the Global Gaming Expo 2012, the gaming industry’s largest conference and trade show. The annual event, which brings together industry executives, regulators and vendors from around the world, will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on Oct. 1-4, 2012.

Tom Dunlap, Baha Mar’s president, will present as a panelist on “Design Technology: The Impact on Architecture and Construction” on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 3:15 p.m. (PDT) in Veronese Room 2501. The session will focus on reducing costs through the latest design technology, and give insights on how new technology has streamlined the construction process.

Uri Clinton, Baha Mar’s senior vice president and general counsel, will speak as a panelist on “International Action: Regulatory Innovations Around the World” on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. (PDT) in Veronese 2503. The discussion will focus on regulatory best practices worldwide, and how operators can reduce internal regulatory costs.

For more information about Baha Mar, go to www.bahamar.com. To download each speaker’s biography, go to the “About” tab, click on “Our Team,” and scroll to the documents.

###

About Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000-square-foot-casino – featuring 1500 slots and 150 tables – will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar also will feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF DON ROBINSON, TOM DUNLAP TO BECOME PRESIDENT

2012-08-09

Nassau, The Bahamas, August 9, 2012

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, announced today that its President, Don Robinson, will retire effective September 13, 2012.

“I would like to thank Sarkis Izmirlian for the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Baha Mar project especially after 33 years working for the Walt Disney Company.  I have greatly enjoyed the last seven years working with him on such an iconic resort development. I am very proud of our executive team and their professionalism and dedication to both the project and to each other. I am looking forward to starting the next phase of my life and have the utmost belief in the future of Baha Mar and especially the tourism industry in the Bahamas,” said Mr. Robinson.

Robinson, who turns 60 later this year, will stay connected to the project through this transition.

“With his experience with the Walt Disney Company, opening Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, Don has left an indelible mark on Baha Mar.  I want to thank Don for his years of service, and wish him well on the next stage of his life.  Baha Mar will continue to benefit from his foundational, visionary work well into the future,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The strongest testament of extraordinary leadership is the team one leaves behind, and Don has assembled a strong team, including an exceptional successor.”

Tom Dunlap, currently Executive Vice President of Development and Construction, will assume the position of President, while also retaining the oversight of development and construction during the transition period.  Dunlap has been with Baha Mar for over two years and has been responsible for the resort construction currently being on time and on budget.  Prior to his role at Baha Mar, Dunlap worked for more than fifteen years in leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, where he was a Senior Vice President in the Imagineering Division, and later served as President of Washington, D.C., based Revolution Places Development.

Tom Dunlap was effusive in his praise for Robinson. “I have worked with Don in multiple projects over our careers, and it has been a genuine pleasure to benefit from his leadership in the early formation of the Baha Mar project. Don has consistently demonstrated his commitment to quality and attention to detail and has assembled a world-class team to carry the torch forward upon his retirement. We all wish him the best and look forward to seeing him back often to enjoy the fruits of his labor!”

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 400-hectare, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR LAUNCHES RESIDENTIAL SALES IN NASSAU

2012-08-07

Nassau, The Bahamas, August 7, 2012

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today the launch of sales of its luxury residences in Nassau. Now, visitors and residents ofThe Bahamas will have access to trained sales professionals who arefully equipped to share the many compelling benefits of owning a residence at Baha Mar and who can coordinate all aspects of the real estate transaction.

 

“During the past two months, we have been focused on building excitement in global markets for owning a residence at Baha Mar, The Bahamian Riviera and initial interest and sales are exceeding our expectations” said Rick English, Sr. Vice President of Residential Sales for Baha Mar.  “We are now pleased to announce that we have selected five local real estate firms to represent Baha Mar and officially will launch our residential sales in Nassau on August 7.”

 

During the past week, Baha Mar has worked with its five local real estate brokerage partners – Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, H.G. Christie Ltd., Mario Carey Real Estate, Cross & Mosko Real Estate and Development Co., and ERA Dupuch Real Estate -- to educate themon the unique features and advantages of ownership at Baha Mar.  Intensive training sessions included information on the breadth and scope of the Baha Mar experience and featured previews of the innovative residence designs and layouts.  Sessions also included in-depth instruction on the many compelling lifestyle benefits available to purchasers, as well as background on attractive tax waivers and owners’ eligibility for permanent residency in The Bahamas. All brokers were enthusiastic about using Baha Mar’s sales iPad app, which allows them to tailor the presentations to prospective buyers using the popular new technology.

 

“I am thrilled to have the iPad as our Baha Mar marketing tool. This is an exciting time for our country and I am happy to be actively involved in the launch of the Residences at Baha Mar” said Danielle Van Wynen, Estate Agent for H.G. Christie.

 

With prices starting at US$1.5 million, ownership at Baha Mar offers an attractive option for those looking to add to their real estate portfolio.  Freehold title in the residences will be sold by deed and can be held by the purchaser in perpetuity.  Purchasers have the option to enjoy year-round personal use of their residence or participate in Baha Mar’s rental program, which allows for up to 90 days of personal use per year.

 

All property owners enjoy tax-free capital gains upon resale, and owners electing to join the rental program may enjoy savings on the purchase price as a result of tax waivers made available by the Bahamian Government and pay no real estate taxes while their residence remains in the rental program. In addition, the rental program allows owners to convert a portion of their personal usage for credits that can be redeemed for accommodations at more than 300 luxury hotels and resorts, and enjoy adventure travel options around the world.  All Baha Mar owners are eligible to apply for permanent resident status in The Islands of The Bahamas.

 

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square foot casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

 

Baha Mar will also feature some of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which also can double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

 

More than 20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

 

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com

###

 

About Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, a Morgans Hotel Group property and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

 

Baha Mar will also feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feetof retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along 3,000 feet of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR CELEBRATES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE: CASINO TOWER REACHES 100-FOOT MARK

2012-07-11

Nassau, The Bahamas, July 11, 2012

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, welcomed on site The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Perry Christie, to celebrate reaching the 100-foot mark on its iconic casino tower construction, a significant milestone that shows Baha Mar is firmly on its way to becoming the most anticipated new destination in the Western Hemisphere. “I am pleased Baha Mar has reached this important milestone on schedule. It builds credibility for the project and for our country. I congratulate every worker that has helped Baha Mar reach this 100-foot elevation mark today, and I am optimistic that many more Bahamians will benefit from the making of Baha Mar in the near future and for generations to come.”


Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Chairman and CEO added: “I am incredibly proud that we have reached this pivotal point in the development of Baha Mar and am grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone who has touched this project. We’ve made amazing progress on and off the construction site during the past year and a half.  This 100-foot milestone is the visible manifestation that Baha Mar is credible and that all promises made at the project’s beginning are being delivered. Today we celebrate that the vision of Baha Mar is a giant step closer to reality.”    

Reaching 100 feet in elevation -- the ninth floor level -- in its largest and important casino tower demonstrates meaningful and sustained progress in the construction of Baha Mar and puts the resort on pace for its scheduled December 2014 opening. The casino hotel, the centerpiece of Baha Mar, will host the largest casino floor in the Caribbean, with over 100,000 square feet (9,000 square meters) of gaming area and is expected to compete with the most sophisticated casinos in Las Vegas or Macau.  


Since its February 2011 groundbreaking, Baha Mar has begun to rise both in The Bahamas and in the eyes of the world’s travel elite.  Early in 2012, the Baha Mar brand began to emerge with the introduction of a new logo, website and brand identity.   In June, Baha Mar partnered with Harrods Estates to launch pre-construction sales for The Residences at Baha Mar, showcasing the Baha Mar project in the world-renowned Harrods department store in London. Confident of the strong international appeal of The Bahamas, Baha Mar also hosted successful media and sales events throughout Asia and the Middle East, including in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. To date, residential sales efforts are off to a strong start, with results well exceeding expectations in their first month.   


During the same timeframe, China Construction America, Baha Mar’s general contractor, along with numerous local Bahamian contracting companies continued to make impressive progress on Baha Mar’s innovative design footprint and physical plant.  In March, the last of the 6,100 piling cages was installed, completing the resort’s foundation.  By June, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel tower had reached eight floors, The Grand Hyatt was at three levels and the Mondrian and Rosewood structures were beginning to take shape.  In addition, a 15-month restoration of a one-kilometer stretch of Cable Beach is underway and phase one of work is complete on revitalizing Hobby Horse Lake and 70 surrounding acres into a wildlife preserve.  


Along with the infrastructure improvements, progress made to-date reaffirms that Baha Mar is on course to create a total of 8,000 permanent jobs for Bahamians with a corresponding contribution of more than US$305 million in annual wages. Currently, Baha Mar has invited Bahamian contractors to bid on over US$165 million of projects and awarded more than US$117 million of contracts to Bahamian firms, all in the first 17 months.  When complete, it is estimated that Baha Mar will contribute US$1 billion to the local economy and generate a GDP contribution of US$11.2 billion (ten per cent) over a 20-year period.


The 400-hectare, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014 will include some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, including Mondrian, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and promising newcomer The Baha Mar Casino and Hotel, and marks the resurgence of The Bahamian Riviera as the paramount destination for sophisticated international travelers.  Upon the grand opening of the resort, Baha Mar will set a new standard for travel expectations unmatched by any other hospitality destination in the world by blending the natural beauty and charm of The Bahamas with vibrant experiences in entertainment, gaming, world-class amenities and impeccable service.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com

###

About Baha Mar


Baha Mar, the 400-hectare, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.


Baha Mar will also feature one of the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and two unique spas, including one of the most complete spa experiences in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GLOBAL LAUNCH OF BAHA MAR IN THE BAHAMIAN RIVIERA TAKES PLACE AT HARRODS IN LONDON

2012-06-12

London, England, June 12, 2012

Baha Mar, the most exciting and highly anticipated resort project being built in The Bahamas, launched its residences at the world renowned Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London.

To launch the resort, Baha Mar is being showcased in the Harrods windows on the corner of Brompton Road and Hans Road from 10th to 30th June 2012, giving potential purchasers the opportunity to understand the scale and luxury of Baha Mar, currently the largest resort under development in the Western Hemisphere.

Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and CEO of Baha Mar commented: “To launch Baha Mar at Harrods during one of London’s most exciting summers is an absolute honour, and a perfect complement to Baha Mar’s vision.  We are creating not only the largest resort project in the Caribbean, but also introducing a lifestyle not currently available to buyers in this region.  At Baha Mar, residents and guests will be able to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of The Bahamas and still find the luxury and excitement of their favourite cosmopolitan destination.”

Luxury Hotels and Residences

Scheduled for opening in late 2014, Baha Mar will boast a total of 2,200 hotel rooms, spread across four major hotel brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Mondrian, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new, dazzling centerpiece of Baha Mar, The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. A total of 307 private freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of the hotels, offering a lifestyle choice to suit all buyers.

Business and Leisure

Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square metres of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include a 19,000 square metre retail and entertainment experience, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts, galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings.

20 acres of beachfront experiences will transport guests to the natural habitat of The Bahamas. Pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are set along exciting pools, groves and coves where docile sea animals abound. Three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometre of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will be one of a select few top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

Fully Funded

Baha Mar is fully funded and will be built in a single phase, with all hotels, residences and amenities completed by opening date in late 2014. The US$3.5 billion project has received $2.45 billion of financing by the Export Import Bank of China, and will be constructed by China Construction Americas. Baha Mar will create a total of 8,000 permanent jobs for Bahamians when complete. It is estimated that Baha Mar will contribute US$1 billion to the local economy and generate a GDP contribution of $11.2 billion (ten per cent) over a 20-year period.

Flexible Ownership

Prices for The Residences at Baha Mar start at US$1.5 million with purchasers having the option to enjoy year-round personal use of their residence or elect to participate in Baha Mar’s Rental Program and still enjoy up to 90 days personal use per annum. By entering into the Rental Program, owners can save approximately 25 per cent of the purchase price due to the tax waivers introduced by The Bahamian Government for foreign investors and enjoy tax-free rental revenue streams. Also, the rental program allows owners to convert a portion of their personal usage for credits that they can use for holidays at more than 300 luxury resorts around the world. All owners are entitled to apply for permanent resident status in The Bahamas.

Prices start from $1.5 million USD (£924,784.) For further information, please visit www.bahamar.com


For press enquiries please contact ttagroup:

Tiffany Kaba
0207 861 2569
tkaba@ttagroup.co.uk

Tim Reid
0207 861 2564
treid@ttagroup.co.uk

About Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, as well as a Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 300 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools, and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

BAHA MAR, MOST GLAMOROUS ADDRESS ON EARTH COMES CLOSER TO HOME, TO LAUNCH SALES IN SINGAPORE

2012-05-11

Singapore, May 11, 2012

Just 45 minutes from the US, Bahamian paradise offers attractive benefits for sophisticated investors: tax-free incentives, potential for high returns and more

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today the global sales of its luxury residences in China, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. Investors in Singapore will be able to own a piece of most glamorous address on earth through a special sales event scheduled for June 29 to 1 July 2012.

The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex, located in Nassau, the Bahamas, is slated to open in late 2014. It will include the world’s top hotel brands Rosewood, Mondrian, and Grand Hyatt, and the dazing new centerpiece of the project: The Baha Mar Casino and Hotel, with the largest casino in the Caribbean. The resort is already heralded to be a game changer in sophisticated global tourism. The Bahamas, known globally for having the clearest ocean waters in the world, has been a popular destination and second home market for European royalty and Hollywood celebrities, and now has its eyes set in attracting Asian guests including Singaporeans.   

A unique global destination resort built through unprecedented partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, global sales of Baha Mar’s 307 luxury residences will officially begin in China, before launching in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and other markets.  

“The journey of our relationship with Asian partners – China State Construction Engineering Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of China, started a long time ago when we began sharing a vision to create the impossible,” said Baha Mar’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian. “Baha Mar is a special creation years in the making and will be a new game changer in the global luxury travel and entertainment industry. We are excited to launch sales soon in Singapore.”

Baha Mar offers a number of compelling investment as well as lifestyle benefits*. Residences will be sold freehold, deeded and owned “in perpetuity” by the purchaser. Over the past 25 years capital on Bahamian luxury properties has yielded attractive returns, and there is no capital gains tax in the Bahamas. Owners participating in Baha Mar’s rental programme pay no income tax on rental income, import duties and levies are waived, and there are no annual real estate taxes. (*See appendix for further details on purchase details and benefits)
Baha Mar owners will also enjoy exclusivity and access to a new and exciting lifestyle in the Island of the Bahamas, an English-speaking country with excellent infrastructure, stable legal and financial systems, high standards of affluent living, and an ideal climate with average yearly temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. With more than 60m of visibility, guests will find some of the cleanest, purest water in the world here.

In their recently published The Wealth Report 2012 which analyses global property and wealth, Knight Frank– the residential and commercial property firm that is representing Baha Mar for sales in the Asia Pacific region– predicts that from 2011-2016 the number of ‘centa millionaires’ – defined as those with a net worth of at least US$100 million in investible assets– in Singapore will rise by 67%, 106% in China and in Hong Kong by 65%. With Singaporeans ranking among the top 10 offshore property buyers, it is therefore becoming increasingly important for sophisticated investors to identify new high-potential property investment opportunities around the world.  

“Baha Mar is designed to make the most sophisticated modern Asian guests feel home and it is also an incredible investment opportunity for discerning global investors,” said Richard English, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Though we have yet to launch sales globally, we have already received reservation deposits from investors for quite a few properties.”

Just a 45-minute flight away from Miami, Florida, archipelago of The Bahamas lies at the southeastern tip of the United States, and shares the same Eastern Standard Time zone, as major east coast cities including New York.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com.

###

About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 300 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools, and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.


Sales inquiries, please contact:
Linda CHERN
Knight Frank
Phone: +65 6228 7314 / 8228 8836
Email: linda.chern@sg.knightfrank.com

Media inquiries, please contact:
Deborah NG
GolinHarris
Phone: +65- 6551 5434 / 9731 7754
Email: dng@golinharris.com

LUXURY BAHAMAS RESORT OFFERS FIRST SALES TO CHINESE BUYERS

2012-05-11

Hong Kong, May 11, 2012


Chinese-financed and built Baha Mar goes on sale in Hong Kong June 22-24, 2012

Just 45 minutes from the United States, Bahamian paradise offers attractive benefits for sophisticated investors: tax-free incentives, residency, potential for high returns and more

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today that Chinese investors will be the first among the global market to be able to purchase its luxury residences, starting with a launch event in Beijing being held from June 1-3, 2012, and continuing to Shanghai on June 8-10 before coming to Hong Kong June 22-24. The Hong Kong sales event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, from 11:00am – 6:30pm on the 22nd and 11:00am – 7:00pm on the 23rd and 24th.

The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex, located in Nassau, the Bahamas, is slated to open in late 2014. It will offer residences and accommodation from three of  the  world’s  top  hotel  brands,  Rosewood,  Mondrian  and  Grand  Hyatt,  plus  the dazzling new centerpiece of the project, The Baha Mar Casino and Resort, which includes the largest casino in the Caribbean. It will also feature a Jack Nicklaus golf course, spas and luxury shopping. The resort is already heralded to be a game-changer in sophisticated global tourism.

The Bahamas, known globally for having the clearest ocean waters in the world, has been a popular destination and second home market for European royalty and Hollywood celebrities. Now it has its eyes set on attracting Chinese guests. Baha Mar is being built through an unprecedented partnership between Baha Mar Resorts Ltd., China State Construction Engineering Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of China. Global sales of Baha Mar’s 307 luxury residences officially launch in China before availability opens to London, Singapore and other markets. Buyers may purchase units for year-round ownership or partake in the resort’s rental program, which offers a number of attractive investment incentives.

“The relationship with our Chinese partners, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of China, started a long time ago when we began

sharing our unprecedented and extraordinary vision for Baha Mar to create the impossible,” said Baha Mar’s chairman and CEO, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian. “We are excited to launch sales soon in China, as Baha Mar will be a global testament to Chinese craftsmanship and quality. I know there is nowhere else in the region where the Chinese will feel more welcome.”

Baha Mar offers a number of compelling investment and lifestyle benefits*. Residences will be sold freehold, deeded and owned “in perpetuity” by the purchaser. Over the past 25 years, capital on Bahamian luxury properties has appreciated by an average of 3% per annum. Owners participating in Baha Mar’s rental program will pay no tax on rental income; import duties and levies are waived; and there are no annual real estate taxes. In addition, the Bahamas has no capital gains tax. (*See appendix for further details on purchase details and benefits.)

Baha Mar owners are also eligible to apply for permanent residency status in The Islands of The Bahamas, an English-speaking country with excellent infrastructure, stable legal and financial systems, high standards of affluent living, and an ideal climate with average yearly temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. With more than 60m visibility, guests will find some of the cleanest, purest water in the world.

“Baha Mar is a special creation years in the making and will be a destination unlike any in the world,” said Mr. Izmirlian. “It will set a new standard for tourism and luxury in the Caribbean and in the Western Hemisphere. From its name to its architecture and cultural elements, Baha Mar is authentically true to its origins and its place, in an amazing and beautiful country, The Bahamas.”

In their recently published The Wealth Report 2012, which analyzes global property and wealth, Knight Frank, the residential and commercial property firm representing Baha Mar for sales in Asia Pacific, predicts that from 2011-2016 the number of “centa millionaires” – defined as those with a net worth of at least US$100 million in investible assets – in China will rise by 106% and in Hong Kong by 65%. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for sophisticated investors to identify new high-potential property investment opportunities around the world.

“Baha Mar is designed to make the most sophisticated guests feel at home, and it is also is an incredible investment opportunity for discerning global investors,” said Mr. Richard English, Senior Vice President of Residential Sales and Marketing. “Though we are yet to launch sales in China on June 1, we have already received reservation deposits from Chinese investors for quite a few properties. Their enthusiasm reinforces our confidence in deciding to officially offer these properties to the Chinese first.”

The Bahamas are located just 300 kilometers from Miami, Florida, at the southern tip of the United States. It is in the Eastern Standard Time zone, the same as major east coast cities including New York. The capital city of Nassau, where Baha Mar is situated, also has direct connections to international destinations such as Toronto, London and Havana.

For more information, please see the following pages and visit www.bahamar.com.


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About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre (400-hectare), US$3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 307 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and  villas,  available  for  private  ownership.  Baha  Mar’s  stunning  new 100,000-square-foot  casino  will  be  the  largest  in  the  Caribbean  and  one  of  the  most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable to the best in the world.


Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants, and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.


Sales inquiries, please contact:
Knight Frank
Victor Li/ Sherry Tsang
Phone: (852) 2846-4801/ 2846-4850
Email:  victor.li@hk.nknightfrank.com/ sherry.tsang@hk.knightfrank.com


Media inquiries, please contact:
GolinHarris
Wade Lundin/ Gloria Chiu
Phone: (852) 2501-7915/ 2501-7970
Email:  wade.lundin@golinharris.com/ gloria.chiu@golinharris.com

BAHA MAR, A CHINESE MASTERPIECE IN THE WEST, TO LAUNCH GLOBAL SALES OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA

2012-05-10

Beijing, China, May 10, 2012

Baha Mar – created in collaboration with China State Construction Engineering Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of China – to offer sale of luxury residential properties to Chinese investors first, before launching sales in other markets

Beijing, China, May 10, 2012—Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean and the only of its type in the Western Hemisphere, announced today sales of its luxury residences for the global market will be available for Chinese investors first, through a special sales event in Beijing held on June 1, 2012 and in Shanghai on June 8, 2012.  The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex, located in Nassau, the Bahamas, is slated to open in late 2014. It will include the world’s top hotel brands Rosewood, Mondrian, and Grand Hyatt, and the dazzling new centerpiece of the project: The Baha Mar Casino and Resort, with the largest casino in the Caribbean.  The resort is already heralded to be a game changer in sophisticated global tourism. The Bahamas, known globally for having the clearest ocean waters in the world, has been a popular destination and second home market for European royalty and Hollywood celebrities, and now has its eyes set in attracting Chinese guests.   

A unique global destination resort built through unprecedented partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, global sales of Baha Mar’s 307 luxury residences will officially begin in China, before launching in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and other markets.  

“Since the very beginning, Baha Mar has enjoyed an excellent partnership with the Chinese. Financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Baha Mar is not only designed to make the most sophisticated Chinese guests feel welcome when they visit, but also is an incredible investment opportunity for discerning global investors.   We would like to give Chinese investors the opportunity to get in first,” said Richard English, Senior Vice President of Residential Sales and Marketing.  “Though we are yet to launch sales in China on June 1, we have already received reservation deposits from Chinese investors for quite a few properties. Their enthusiasm reinforces our confidence in deciding to officially offer these properties to the Chinese first.  And, there are numerous benefits for investing before anyone else which I look forward to sharing when in China in June.”

“Baha Mar is a special creation years in the making and will be a destination unlike any in the world.  It will set a new standard for tourism and luxury in the Caribbean and in the Western Hemisphere,” said Baha Mar’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian.   “From its name to its architecture and cultural elements, Baha Mar is authentically true to its origins and its place, in an amazing and beautiful country, The Bahamas. The partnership with China began a long time ago when we began sharing our unprecedented and extraordinary vision for Baha Mar with our partners. We are excited to launch sales soon in China, as Baha Mar will be a global testament to Chinese craftsmanship and quality.   I know there is nowhere else in the region where the Chinese will feel more welcome.”

In their recently published The Wealth Report 2012 which analyzes global property and wealth, Knight Frank - the residential and commercial property firm that is representing Baha Mar for sales in the Asia Pacific region - predicts ‘centa millionaires’ in China from 2011 ~ 2016 to rise at an increase of 106%; Singapore at 67%; Hong Kong 65%; and, the United States at 23% over the same time period.  With this group doubling in China over this time and the continued shift in wealth toward Asia, it will be increasingly important for China’s wealthy investors to discover the right jewels to invest in from around the world.  

As real estate regulations become increasingly complex, Chinese investors are becoming more selective. As a creation with a special heart for China, Baha Mar is the investment choice for the discerning wealthy Chinese hoping to unlock the pleasures of the opulent Caribbean lifestyle, and be rewarded for it. This enticing destination is refined by authentic luxury at its finest, nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most pristine locations, The Islands of The Bahamas.

For more information, please visit www.bahamar.com


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About Baha Mar
Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre, USD 3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, as well as the new dazzling Baha Mar Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms. Within the hotels, Baha Mar plans to develop 300 highly exclusive, ultra-luxurious residential condominiums and villas, available for private ownership.  Baha Mar’s stunning, new 9,000 square-meter casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention facilities in The Bahamas, with a combined 19,000 square meters of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue. Other amenities will include 19,000 square meters of retail and entertainment experiences, combining upscale shopping boutiques with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts galleries, chef-branded restaurants and exciting nightclub and entertainment offerings. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools, and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set along one kilometer of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will be one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, bringing a new, true championship course to The Bahamas.

Sales inquiries, please contact:
Maureen Yeo
Knight Frank
Phone: 86.10.85185758 ext. 810
Email: Maureen.yeo@cn.knightfrank.com

Media inquiries, please contact:
Brad Burgess
GolinHarris
Phone: 86.10.8569.9886
Email: bburgess@golinharris.com

BAHA MAR WELCOMES PRINCE HARRY DURING ROYAL VISIT TO NASSAU

2012-03-05

NASSAU, The Bahamas, March 5, 2012

Baha Mar, the largest single-phase, luxury resort development in the history of the Caribbean, graciously rolled out the red carpet to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales during his visit to Nassau for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, commemorating the 60th anniversary of her coronation. On official business of the throne, Prince Harry is visiting all commonwealth realms, including The Bahamas.

As a leader in the revitalization of the area, Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and CEO of Baha Mar was pleased to showcase the construction progress surrounding the mega resort, emphasizing Baha Mar’s vision for transforming the Cable Beach area into the new Bahamian Riviera. Izmirlian highlighted these developments with Price Harry during a luncheon at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, after a youth rally and cultural show at the newly developed Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

"As Baha Mar breathes new life into this great country, we are proud to showcase the dramatic developments that have occurred on the island within a very short time period,” said Izmirlian. “We are honored Prince Harry will be paying witness to these great achievements while visiting the commonwealth in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.”

Within a short nine months, vital road works and infrastructure projects have been completed, making way for the unprecedented Baha Mar project, including the transformation of the entire Cable Beach area of Nassau with a new public roadway bordering 2.5 hectares of beautiful natural wetlands, lakes and parks, featuring walking trails, gazebos and boardwalks open for public enjoyment. Other projects completed include the new Baha Mar Commercial Village with three financial institutions, a state-of-the-art Police and Fire Station and a highly successful Pompey Market straw and crafts marketplace.

In addition to the youth rally at the new national stadium, the Bahamian government prepared a full schedule of events for Prince Harry’s visit to Nassau, including a church service at Christ Church Cathedral and the opening of the Queen’s Jubilee Exhibition in Rawson Square, where The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes were in attendance, as well as a ceremony at the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Other stops in the country included a tour of Staniel Cay and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the oldest marine sea parks in the world. Prince Harry also made a sentimental request to visit Windermere Island, where his parents privately honeymooned in 1981.

BAHA MAR 25 PERCENT COMPLETE AS IT CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING

2012-02-27

One organization, one culture and one project: Baha Mar

Nassau, The Bahamas, Feb. 27, 2012—Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated the first anniversary of its historic groundbreaking in a ceremony attended by Baha Mar Ltd., China Construction Americas management and employees. The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014 will include some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, including Mondrian, Rosewood and Grand Hyatt and marks the resurgence of The Bahamian Riviera as the paramount destination for sophisticated international travelers.

“Not only has construction started, but also the building of the iconic Baha Mar brand has begun.  In 2011, we launched our new logo and brand identity and we will soon unveil a new website and begin pre-construction sales of our private residences” said Baha Mar’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian. Significant accomplishments in construction and development were made in the last year, putting the resort at the 25 percent completion mark, on pace for the opening, scheduled December 2014.

In an unprecedented nine months, vital road works and infrastructure projects were completed, making way for Baha Mar construction. The entire Cable Beach area has been transformed by the newly diverted West Bay Street. More than a mile long, this new public roadway now borders six acres of beautiful natural wetlands, lakes and parks, including walking trails, gazebos and boardwalks open for public enjoyment. Also part of the first year accomplishments was the construction of the new Baha Mar Commercial Village, including three new financial institutions, a state of the art Police and Fire Station and a highly successful Pompey Market straw and crafts marketplace.

The completion of these important infrastructure projects created 1,400 local jobs for Bahamians and was celebrated by a road opening ceremony on November 11, 2011, attended by VIP guests including The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Minister of Finance and His Excellency Hu Shan, China Ambassador to The Bahamas, signifying the magnitude and importance of the project to the country.  Once the new road was finalized and traffic rerouted, the core works for the Baha Mar campus began in earnest. To date, more than 6,000 foundational piles supporting the massive 3.3 million sq. feet superstructure for the resort are in place and nearly 50 percent complete, putting the first iconic casino tower on track to reach the 100-foot mark by July 2012. “This project is a unique partnership of different industries, skills, languages and nationalities…This is our strength and one day will serve as a model for other projects” remarked Mr. Izmirlian, as he thanked the group represented by team members from more than 20 countries around the globe for their achievements over the past year.

Upon completion, Baha Mar will set a standard for travel expectations unmatched by any other hospitality destination in the world by blending The Bahamas natural beauty and charm with vibrant experiences in entertainment, gaming, amenities and service.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR ANNOUNCES WEST BAY STREET OPENING AND HANDOVER CEREMONY

2011-11-11

The multi-billion dollar resort completed the first construction milestone marking the resurgence of The Bahamian Riviera.

Nassau, The Bahamas, Nov. 11, 2011—Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrates the opening of West Bay Street, completing the first milestone in the mega-resort construction. The road was diverted from its original location to allow for the 1,000 acre mega resort’s innovative design footprint. In partnership with Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank), China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), government authorities and Bahamian workforce and firms, Baha Mar will elevate The Bahamian Riviera to the paramount destination for sophisticated international travelers.

The Chinese partnership with Baha Mar is unprecedented in the hospitality industry. With total assets of approximately $77 billion, CSCEC, the largest construction contractor by market value in China, was commissioned to fulfill Baha Mar’s vision of establishing a unique, “destination within a destination” featuring stunning structures that complement the authentic beauty of The Bahamas. Additionally, EXIM Bank, China’s leading financial lending institution, invested $2.45 billion for the development.

Although comparable to mega-scale resorts located in Singapore, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, Baha Mar represents the largest single-phase resort ever developed in the Caribbean, and is currently the largest project in development in North America. Baha Mar will be an enclave of authenticity, elegance and excitement only before associated with sophisticated coastal destinations like Monte Carlo, Portofino or Rio de Janeiro – bringing to life The New Bahamian Riviera.

The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, as well as a Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms in these four spectacular new hotels. Within the hotels, Baha Mar will develop 300 highly exclusive residential condos and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention center complex in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts, chef-branded restaurants and entertainment venues. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set on the along 3,000 feet of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, and will bring a new, true championship course in The Bahamas.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR OPENS HONG KONG OFFICE

2011-09-26

The multi-billion dollar resort positions itself strategically to strengthen its Chinese partnerships

NASSAU, The Bahamas, Sept. 26, 2011—Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion resort complex marking the dramatic resurgence of a golden stretch of beachfront once called The Bahamian Riviera, announced today it has opened an office in Hong Kong, a strategic move intended to strengthen sales and marketing capabilities within Asia-Pacific. Located in the prestigious International Finance Center overlooking Hong Kong Harbor, Baha Mar's new offices will be managed by Mabel Chau, the newly appointed Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Asia-Pacific. Chau boasts more than 25 years of industry experience, and most recently functioned as Director and Founder of Sigma
H Consultants, where she provided sales and marketing, project management and business consulting to hotels, law firms, banks and luxury lifestyle products.

"Our expansion into Asia, and particularly into China, is further evidence of our commitment to the region and the strengthening of our unique and valuable relationships with our Chinese partners,” stated Richard English, Senior Vice President for Baha Mar, who was in Hong Kong to finalize details surrounding the office acquisition. "A physical presence in Hong Kong allows us to more efficiently support marketing efforts in the region, promote The Bahamas in general and our project in particular,” English said.

The Chinese partnerships with Baha Mar are unprecedented in the hospitality industry and include the Export-Import Bank of China (Ex Im Bank), lending almost exclusively to governments and financial institutions. Additionally, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), China's largest construction company, plans to turn into a reality Baha Mar’s vision of establishing a unique, “destination within a destination” featuring stunning structures that complement the authentic beauty of The Bahamas. CSCEC, with total assets of approximately $43 billion, believes Baha Mar will be the pinnacle of its achievements to date, and indicative of its finest work.

The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, as well as a Casino Hotel, creating 2,250 new rooms within four spectacular new hotels. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and the only true gaming experience outside Las Vegas.

Baha Mar will also feature the largest convention center in The Bahamas, with 200,000 square feet of space, which can also double as an entertainment venue and sports arena.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts and crafts, chef-branded restaurants and entertainment venues. A 20-acre Eco Water Park and pool experience, and three unique spas, including the largest spa in the Caribbean, will be set on the along 3,000 feet of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, and will be the only true championship course in The Bahamas.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com

BAHA MAR SIGNS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION, MORGANS HOTEL GROUP AND ROSEWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS

2011-08-01

ANNOUNCEMENT MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN STRATEGY TO BRING “BEST-IN-CLASS” BRANDS ACROSS VARIED HIGH-END HOTEL SEGMENTS

Nassau, The Bahamas -- August 1, 2011 – Baha Mar Ltd. announced today that they have signed a series of management agreements with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 700-room Grand Hyatt convention hotel, Morgans Hotel Group, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 300-room luxury lifestyle hotel under the Mondrian brand, and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, which will operate and manage Baha Mar's planned 200-room luxury hotel. These agreements outline how Baha Mar's selected resort brands will deliver a seamless guest experience and the world-class service that Baha Mar will be known for.

"Our hotel partners have embraced the vision of Baha Mar, which is to capture the true spirit of the region’s rich heritage of African, European and Caribbean influences while delivering the very highest levels of quality and service. Shifting the sands of global tourism Baha Mar represents a bold vision, the largest in the history of the Caribbean, and marks the resurgence of an area known as The Bahamian Riviera. The successful completion of our management agreements with Hyatt, Morgans and Rosewood is a significant milestone for Baha Mar as we continue to turn this vision into a reality," said Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar's Chairman and CEO.

"All three of these hotel groups have been great partners with us throughout this process, and their ability to work together to bring Baha Mar's vision to reality has been amazing," said Mr. Don Robinson, President of Baha Mar. "Our strategy to work with multiple, best-in-class brands gives Baha Mar the opportunity to feature the very finest brand offerings for each of our different high-end hotel segments."

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 445 properties on five continents, operating under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Andaz, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt Summerfield Suites brands names. Headquartered in Chicago and with operations in 45 countries, Hyatt is a recognized industry leader in providing guests with consistent and authentic hospitality experiences.

Morgans Hotel Group has a history of revolutionizing the hospitality industry with innovative lodging concepts characterized by design-centric ambiance and timeless elegance, and is well known for its Delano and Shore Club resorts in Miami, the Mondrian in Los Angeles, Miami and New York, the St Martin's Lane and Sanderson properties in London, and the Morgans, Hudson and Royalton hotels in New York City.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has a long and successful history of managing exclusive, luxury properties, including three award-winning resorts in the Caribbean: Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda; Caneel Bay, a Rosewood Resort in St. John; and Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort in Antigua. In addition, Rosewood has several of America's most exclusive city hotels, including the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, and The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel in New York City.

Valued at $3.4 billion, Baha Mar will include almost 3,500 rooms and residences, the largest casino in the Caribbean, the largest convention center in The Bahamas, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, three spas, a 20-acre eco-water park, multiple restaurants, high-end retail and entertainment venues, and will be situated along a half-mile of uninterrupted pristine beachfront. Baha Mar represents the largest single-phase resort ever developed in the Caribbean, and is currently the largest project under development in North America.

For additional information please visit www.bahamar.com.

FIRST PILING MARKS CORE PROJECT START FOR BAHA MAR

2011-06-30

EVENT WITH COMMEMORATIVE COIN EMBEDDED IN PILING MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST DEVELOPMENT

Nassau, The Bahamas – June 30, 2011 – Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated another milestone with the driving of the first of 5,700 pilings on Thurs., June 30, 2011 in Nassau, The Bahamas.  The event, which marks the beginning of construction for Baha Mar’s core project, was witnessed by officials from the Bahamas Ministry of Works and executives from Baha Mar. The ceremony included the embedding of a gold commemorative Baha Mar coin as a symbol of good luck for the $3.4 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014.

“With the start of construction on our core project, Baha Mar continues on its planned timeline to deliver the largest resort development presently under construction in North America. Today’s ceremony is yet another milestone in the development of a project that is vital to the economy of The Bahamas and will go a long way to help address the current economic challenges facing the country,” said Don Robinson, President of Baha Mar. “The realization of Baha Mar is due in large part to the confidence and strong support given by the Bahamian people and the Bahamian government.”

The placement of the first piling of the core project is another significant accomplishment in the construction phase of Baha Mar. In February, Baha Mar held its groundbreaking ceremony, and in the intervening four months, significant work has been done on both a new Commercial Village and substantial road works surrounding the resort, both of which are slated for completion by November. In addition, Baha Mar has so far provided employment for almost 900 Bahamians, and has awarded over $90 million in contracts to Bahamian firms.

Representing an unprecedented alliance of powerhouses in the hospitality, financial and construction industries, Baha Mar is an example of a collection of diverse international partnerships. In addition to securing a number of internationally recognized brands as hotel partners, Baha Mar has appointed China State Construction and Engineering Corporation as its General Contractor, and has secured project financing from the Export Import Bank of China.

The ceremony was attended by Baha Mar Ltd. executives, Don Robinson, President, Tom Dunlap, Executive VP of Construction and Development, Rick English, Senior VP Sales & Marketing, and Robert (Sandy) Sands, Senior VP of External Affairs and Government Relations. Also in attendance from the Bahamas Ministry of Works were Craig Delancy, BCO and Edwin Yuklow, Senior Structural Engineer; and from China Construction America (The Bahamas), Tiger Wu, Executive VP.

For additional information, visit www.bahamar.com.

BAHA MAR GROUNDBREAKING MARKS THE BIRTH OF A NEW GENERATION OF DESTINATION RESORTS

2011-02-21

The multi-billion resort is the only development of this magnitude in the western hemisphere.

Nassau, The Bahamas, Feb. 21, 2011—Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrated the commencement of construction with its official groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 21, 2011. The 1,000-acre, $3.4 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex, slated to open in late 2014, will include some of the world’s most famous hotel brands, and is expected to set a new standard of luxury for the hospitality industry.

In addressing the large audience, Baha Mar’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, said, “Baha Mar, born from a singular vision, is surprisingly breathtaking in its magnitude. The vision of Baha Mar started more than 5 years ago with a plan to deliver an authentic Caribbean experience which combined the essence and spirit of The Bahamas with the distinction of luxury resorts. The world famous, crystal clear Bahamian water, stunning white sand beaches, and authentically friendly people are the foundation upon which we will build a unique destination, filled with vibrant experiences in entertainment, gaming, hospitality and service.”

Baha Mar’s groundbreaking ceremony featured numerous VIP speakers, including Sir Michael Barnett, Chief Justice, The Honourable T. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; The Honourable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism & Aviation; Mr. Li Ruogu, Chairman & President, The Export-Import Bank of China; His Excellency Hu Dingxian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and Mr. Liu Jinzhang, VP, China State Construction Engineering Company Ltd. Event highlights were Lion Dance and Junkanoo performances, representing a fusion of Bahamian and Chinese cultures.

Mr. Izmirlian continued, “This is a historic day not only for Baha Mar, but for The Bahamas, our partners, and, just as significantly, for the global tourism industry. Baha Mar represents an unprecedented alliance of powerhouses in the hospitality, financial and construction industries, and signals a shifting of the sands for the travel industry. Baha Mar also represents the birth of a new generation of destination resorts that will compete on a world scale.”

Baha Mar will create a collection of world-renown brands offering the highest levels of luxury, amenities and service, to include Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and a world-class Casino Hotel, creating a total of 2,250 new rooms within four spectacular new hotels. Baha Mar will include the largest convention center in The Bahamas, with 200,000 square feet of space, which can also double as a world-class entertainment venue and sports arena. Baha Mar’s stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and will be the only true gaming experience outside Las Vegas.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts and crafts, chef-branded restaurants, and entertainment venues. A 20-acre Eco Water Park and pool experience, and three unique spas, including the largest spa in the Caribbean, will be set on the Bahamian Riviera, along 3,000 feet of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, and will be the only true championship course in The Bahamas.

The realization of the Baha Mar vision is due in large part to the confidence and strong support given by the Bahamian people, the Bahamian government and the Bahamian tourism industry. Tourism accounts for 60 percent of the Bahamian gross domestic product (GDP), and current estimates are that Baha Mar will contribute an additional 10 percent growth in the Bahamian GDP.

Baha Mar represents a direct benefit to The Bahamas through the creation of 12,000 new jobs and the corresponding contribution of more than $305 million in annual wages. According to projections, Baha Mar will help raise the average annual income for a Bahamian family from $29,000 to $33,500, and in its first year of operations will contribute almost $1 billion to the local economy. Baha Mar’s long-term benefits to The Bahamas also include $4.7 billion in tax revenue and a GDP contribution of $11.2 billion over a 20-year period.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com

Baha Mar Final Aprovals Received; Funding Begins

2011-01-31

Nassau, The Bahamas, January 31, 2011—Baha Mar announced today that it has closed on its financing and received all remaining approvals necessary to commence the world class destination resort project located on Cable Beach. All approvals were completed today thereby paving the way for the immediate launch of Baha Mar. The official Ground Breaking Ceremony is scheduled on Feb. 21, 2011 with construction to commence immediately.

Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baha Mar, said, “This is a historic day for the Baha Mar team as well as all Bahamians as we begin construction and deliver to The Bahamas this unique one of a kind world-­‐class destination resort.”

According to Mr. Izmirlian, “Our Management team has accomplished a major milestone and there is much to be proud of. We thank our partners, financiers, Export Import Bank of China, General Contractor and Investor and China State Construction and Engineering, as well as the government and people of The Bahamas, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, for taking this leap of faith, and for placing their trust in us. We are committed to delivering the immediate and long term economic benefits to Bahamians both from its construction and eventually operations, and to give opportunities to thousands of Bahamians who can now look forward to a better future.” Baha Mar announced earlier its new hotel brand partners – including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, which will be new major hotel operators for the Cable Beach Resort Area.

The entire Baha Mar project is forecasted to stimulate a cumulative $11.2 billion over the next 20 years to The Bahamas’ gross domestic product including 12,000 new jobs. With 430,000 additional guests projected to visit The Bahamas annually, the revenues generated are slated to increase the average annual income for a Bahamian family from $29,000 to $33,500 in the first year

About Us : Corporate Responsibility

Baha Mar is at its core about The Bahamas. As a proud and dedicated member of the Bahamian community, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone that lives, works and plays in this tropical paradise.  Our corporate responsibility vision is based on five guiding principles that will create meaningful and sustainable social growth:

•    Positive Economic Impact
•    Local Talent Development Through Education & Training
•    Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
•    Support for the Arts and Culture
•    Passionate Community Involvement

These guiding principles drive our daily decisions allowing us to design, construct and operate with responsible environmental impact and maximum social benefit. From a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the use and preservation of natural resources to educating local talent and supporting Bahamian art forms, Baha Mar is already implementing dozens of small and large programs to ensure The Bahamas continues to develop into a world-class destination to live and visit.

A World-Class Resort Providing Local Economic Benefit and Quality of Life

Baha Mar is a one-of-a-kind resort built on the dream of sharing the authentic Bahamas with the world’s travel elite.  Part of realizing this dream rests on ensuring that the community that provides a home for Baha Mar also benefits from its success.  From the outset, the Baha Mar team has worked to ensure that Nassau – Baha Mar’s island home – and The Bahamas as a whole reap substantial economic, social and community benefit from the construction and operation of the megaresort.  Thoughtful planning, negotiations with The Government of The Bahamas and wise use of resources have created an environment that will lead to substantial tangible and intangible benefits for Bahamians for years to come.

Most importantly, Baha Mar will create a total of 8,000 permanent jobs for Bahamians when completed. It also is estimated that Baha Mar will contribute US$1 billion to the local economy and generate a GDP contribution of $11.2 billion (ten per cent) over a 20-year period.  Throughout the building process, local businesses will have the opportunity to tender bids on approximately US$400 million in construction projects.  To-date, construction projects totaling US$120 million have been awarded to Bahamian firms.  

The community also has seen an immediate positive impact from the Baha Mar project through the recently completed diversion and modernization of West Bay Street – the main thoroughfare through the Cable Beach area.  In addition to rerouting the road, this project included a new commercial center -- three new bank buildings, a new fire station and a new police station -- bordered by a public-access nature preserve and adjacent walking trails and park.  

In addition, numerous programs focused on natural resource stewardship, support of local charities and arts organizations, job skills training and other community support have been implemented to positively impact local quality of life.

Baha Mar Academy

As part of its focus on identifying and developing local talent, Baha Mar will commit approximately US$8 million to create and run the Baha Mar Service and Training Academy with $US3 million dedicated to construction-period training.  The mission of the Baha Mar Academy is to identify Bahamian talent and provide training – in partnership with government – for the more than 8,000 jobs that will be created by the resort.  When fully functioning, the academy will play a key role in ensuring that staff is trained in a range of areas from construction and practical skills to the finer points of impeccable service expected from a world-class resort.

Between now and the opening of Baha Mar, the Academy will conduct job fairs and scout for talent in The Bahamas and in Bahamian communities throughout the world.  Once candidates are identified, screened and selected for Academy programs in construction and hospitality skills, they will receive additional training and skills fine-tuning to prepare them to deliver the highest standard of excellence regardless of the job they are performing.  After Baha Mar’s opening, the Baha Mar Academy will continue to provide on-going training and development to prepare current and future generations of Bahamians for professional growth.

Beach Restoration

Baha Mar recently embarked on an ambitious restoration project aimed at returning a more than one-half mile stretch of oceanfront in Cable Beach to the natural state it enjoyed in the 1950s before decades of development interrupted the natural cycles of the beach.  During the next 15 months, Baha Mar will complete a three-phase restoration program that will add structural enhancements to help reverse the effects of erosion, re-establish the vegetated dune and remove man-made enhancements.

Improvements include surge wall protection works during Phase 1, offshore protection and removal of the man-made Wyndham Nassau Resort lagoon during Phase 2, and introduction of additional sand to round out Phase 3.  When complete, the restoration program will create a 3,000-foot continuous beach running from the western side of the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort through to the eastern tip of Goodman Bay, which will benefit Baha Mar guests, as well as local and international visitors to the Bahamian Riviera.  Over the next ten years, the work that is being done today will continually be enhanced to ensure the beach returns to its former glory.

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce

Whether it is every day recycling programs or re-use of significant amounts of building materials, Baha Mar has introduced many programs to minimize or eliminate the amount of construction waste sent to the New Providence landfill.  Baha Mar is fully committed to carrying out the demolition of existing buildings, clearing of land and construction of the new resort in the most sustainable way possible.  To achieve this goal, the company has worked with its staff and contractors to ensure that materials are repurposed, recycled and reused whenever possible.  Many of these programs reach far beyond the resort, benefitting the community through tangible donations and decreased stress on the local environment.

Surplus Building Materials Benefit Hurricane Victims

Early in the demolition phase of The Wyndham Nassau Resort Tower F, Baha Mar committed to donating a trove of the hotel's building materials to Bahamian hurricane victims. A collection of bathroom fixtures -- basins, bathtubs and toilets -- along with closet and entry doors were donated to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for use in rebuilding homes lost to storm damage.  Rather than littering scarce space in the island's landfill, these building materials are now helping Baha Mar's neighbors and fellow Bahamians rebuild their lives.

Repurposed Concrete

As construction kicks into high gear, the Baha Mar team continues to implement practices designed to reduce the strain placed on the area's delicate environment and limited landfill space.  As old towers and structures come down to make room for Baha Mar’s new buildings, the supply of used concrete continues to grow.  To deal with the issue, Baha Mar instituted a concrete repurposing/ recycling program designed to minimize the amount of construction waste.  The process involves stripping the steel rebar from the concrete and sending the steel to a recycler.  The concrete then is processed through a crusher to make aggregate for use as fill for pipe bedding and road sub-base on the Baha Mar construction site.  

Screening for Topsoil

Topsoil is a rare item in the Bahamas and will be in great demand for Baha Mar’s numerous landscaping needs.  When faced with a surplus of soil removed from the project and road construction sites that was unsuitable for use as structural fill, the Baha Mar team adopted a screening process to repurpose this extra material.  Rather than being trucked off site to the landfill, the extra material was collected and stored on the nearby old golf course site. A multi-step process was set up to screen out the rocks and tree waste from the unsuitable fill.  The end product was then blended with sandy soils to make topsoil for use throughout the Baha Mar project demonstrating yet another way that Baha Mar is fulfilling its commitment to recycle, repurpose and reuse the island’s limited resources.

Antonius Roberts Woodworking Program

Initial Baha Mar site preparation included the clearing and removal of non-indigenous trees and plants. Especially abundant were Casuarinas, non-native trees whose needle drop and shallow root systems inhibit the growth of other plants. There was no question as to whether the trees should be removed.  The only issue was how to deal with them in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Through some creative thinking and a strong partnership with renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts, this destructive tree became the root of a productive mentoring program designed to teach new job skills to young Bahamians.  Working with Baha Mar and through the government’s “Job Readiness Program,” Roberts began teaching program participants the skills needed to transform the Casuarina trees into park benches and other furniture for use in and around the Baha Mar property.  As of July 2012, four young men have joined the program creating 40 benches and many one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, keepsake pens and birdhouses.  Many of the benches and birdhouses have been installed around the newly restored Hobby Horse Lake and its adjacent public walkways.  Baha Mar and Antonius Roberts are committed to keeping the program alive well into the future with the hopes that it will become a self sustaining program for training the next generation of Bahamian craftsmen.

Baha Mar Tree Farm

One of the challenges faced by Baha Mar designers was to identify an environmentally sensitive way to remove trees from the resort construction site. Given the resort’s focus on environmental stewardship, the Baha Mar team wanted to find a way to preserve the trees rather than send them to the landfill.  Some plants and trees, like the Casuarina tree, were non-indigenous, invasive varieties and were recycled as part of the Baha Mar / Antonius Roberts bench and furniture-making program.  Others varieties of mature trees benefitted from the extra time and effort the Baha Mar team invested in relocating them to other locations on the resort property.  To-date, more than 200 trees have been moved and are thriving in their new permanent Baha Mar homes or in a tree holding area where trees are transplanted until a permanent home is available for them.

Wetland Preserve

Although world renowned for its turquoise clear waters, The Bahamas offers many natural treasures away from its shores. A rich illustration of this is the 1,000-acre home of Baha Mar.  The area supports several distinct ecosystems and one of the richest bird preserves on New Providence Island, the care of which represents a significant environmental responsibility for the resort.

True to its strong commitment to preserving the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Mar is dedicating more than 70 acres of sensitive Cable Beach wetlands as the home of a much anticipated wetland preserve.  Through an initial US$1million investment from Baha Mar – and an additional US$1million for maintenance – the area of mostly wetlands and mangroves will become a public-access sanctuary featuring indigenous flora and fauna.  

Protected tree species such as Brasiletto, Caribbean Pine, Horseflesh, Mahogany, and Black Ebony will thrive in the “no build zone” and native wildlife will again flourish in the area.  The preserve also will protect a recently discovered archaeological site featuring a cave and artifacts that pre-date Columbus.  The cave, which will be part of the soon-to-be-built Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, will be protected by a “no disturb zone” that will limit access in order to preserve its fragile environment.  

The Baha Mar Wetland Preserve will include sensitive shoreline, diverse wetlands and native forests, and as part of a master conservation and protection plan, will feature boardwalks and signage to allow visitors and residents to enjoy the area’s natural diversity in a sustainable way.  

Simultaneously, Baha Mar has embarked on the restoration of Hobby Horse Lake – named for the famed Hobby Horse Hall Racetrack that once stood across the street. Restoring the lake, which will serve as the entrance to the 70-acre preserve, includes removal of invasive plants to allow indigenous varieties to once again flourish.

To guard the fragile lake during the restoration process, Baha Mar opted for the eco-friendly method of manually clearing the area rather than employing heavy machinery.  And, partnering with conservationists and environmental experts -- geologists, environmental technicians and a former president of the Bahamas National Trust -- Baha Mar underwrote an extensive training program for the clearing team that emphasized plant identification and environmental conservation.  Native plant field guides were developed for correctly identifying plants to be protected and workers received special training on how best to treat native trees to promote the plants’ long-term health.

This meticulous process underscores Baha Mar’s firm commitment to environmental stewardship, and when completed, the Baha Mar Wetland Preserve -- with Hobby Horse Lake as its entrance -- will be a pristine, safe haven for native Bahamian flora and wildlife.  It also will be a permanent showcase of The Bahamas’ many natural treasures for visitors and residents to enjoy for generations to come.

Support For The Arts

Baha Mar’s design vision is to remain authentic to The Bahamas. The resort’s architecture is inspired by the African, Colonial and Caribbean heritage of the Island.  But high regard for artistic expression does not stop there.  Meaningful support for the arts is a guiding principle for Baha Mar, whether in the selection of artwork for the resort or in fostering excellence in the local arts community.

D’Aguilar Arts Foundation

The D’Aguilar Art Foundation, located in the heart of Nassau, boasts one of the most comprehensive privately held art collections in the Bahamas. The foundation features more than 450 works of art representing the development of contemporary art in The Bahamas.  The diverse genres include paintings, photography, sculpture, and printmaking.  Baha Mar worked closely with the D’Aguilar Foundation to secure the ability to showcase Foundation artwork on Baha Mar property following the resort’s opening in 2014.  Through the partnership, various art forms will be displayed in the resort’s public areas to allow visitors and residents to experience an array of Bahamian art that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.  

Support For Community Artists Through Arts Purchases

Baha Mar also is strongly committed to building on the D’Aguilar Foundation art exhibits by including additional paintings, sculptures and other works of art from local artists in public and guest areas throughout the resort.  The recently started program seeks to identify local artistic talent and select artwork for display in guest rooms, offices, back-of-house operations and resort public areas.  In an effort to showcase the breadth of Bahamian talent, a variety of media and forms, including painting, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media will be purchased and displayed on an on-going basis.

Corporate Gift Giving

Baha Mar already has established a tradition of providing Bahamian art as gifts for dignitaries and corporate partners. Whether gifts crafted by renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts from trees culled from the Baha Mar site or handcrafted teapots by local ceramic artist Jessica Colebrook, Baha Mar is committed to sharing with others the quality, charm and beauty of authentic Bahamian art.

Passionate Community Involvement

Baha Mar will employ more than 8,000 team members when it opens in late 2014.  Mindful of the large positive impact this large workforce can have, Baha Mar is committed to creating a new “gold standard” in community involvement.  The company’s community programs – from enriching the lives of children to supporting local charities to ensuring the careful stewardship of island resources – rely on getting every Baha Mar team member engaged and excited about giving back.

The Salvation Army - Baha Mar Challenge

To help increase donations to The Salvation Army’s “Welfare and Feeding” program and the School for the Visually Impaired and Blind Children, Baha Mar committed to matching donations dollar-for-dollar for a limited time during the holiday season.  Special donation sites were added to the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Sheraton Nassau Resort lobbies to drive donations from staff and guests.  Baha Mar partnered with radio, newspaper and other media to raise awareness of the campaign.  The Challenge successfully ended with Baha Mar matching $10,000 in donations – a $20,000 Christmas present for those served by The Salvation Army.

Ride for Hope

Baha Mar is a strong supporter of Ride for Hope’s flagship event, an annual Spring bike-a-thon staged in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease.  Through its partnership with Ride For Hope, Baha Mar has contributed thousands of dollars and sponsored numerous teams in the annual bike rides.  Truly a rallying event for the community, Baha Mar actively promotes participation by its employees and team members, supporting the community-at-large and encouraging health and wellness goals.

Foundation Copy goes here.

LINK TO FOUNDATION FORM WILL GO HERE

About Us

The Baha Mar team has people from all walks of life and cultures, and diverse professional backgrounds.   Together, they have found a consistent approach to deliver a world-class project.