The developers of Grand Bahama’s $250m Six Senses resort have announced that project construction will begin before year-end 2024 as they target a 2026 opening.

Weller Development Partners and Pegasus Capital Advisors, in a formal statement, also unveiled renderings and a master plan for the 50-acre resort community that features 70 resort villas and 28 branded residences. They added that the project will focus on sustainability, resilience and wellness.

Designed by architecture firm, Gensler, the resort will feature a Six Senses spa, multiple restaurants, event spaces, beach club, destination dining and an oceanfront pool. It has been designed to blend with the native landscape and flora, and to take full advantage of uninterrupted ocean and canal views plus waterfront access. 

“We are excited to reveal the Six Senses Grand Bahama resort designs and masterplan,” said Marc Weller, founding partner and president of Weller Development Partners. “We have assembled a world class design team, with Olson Kundig working on the residences and Gensler on the resort.

“The architectural design and the overall master plan reflect the core values of our partnership with Six Senses, and shared focus on wellness, sustainable design and a connection with nature and the community.

“We believe Six Senses Grand Bahama has the potential to set a new benchmark for sustainable living and eco-tourism models in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, not only through its design but also through its operations and programming.”

Neil Jacobs, Six Senses chief executive, added: “The Six Senses Grand Bahama master plan demonstrates our commitment to creating a vibrant, year-round community with the canals and waterway providing a unique version of the front porch.

“Integrating intentionally designed and efficiently-built structures within the majestic natural landscape establishes a framework for guests to connect or disconnect, explore or escape, allow a sun-soaked lunch to tumble into dinner, and access a whole range of crafted experiences and wellness programming. Sustainability and resiliency measures reinforce the plan, ensuring its viability for years to come.” 

“The Six Senses Grand Bahama resort achieves a complex balance of many critical elements,” said David Darlington, principal and regional hospitality leader at Gensler. “Weaving sustainable, performance-driven, efficient architecture together with the natural environment allows us to deliver a new standard of luxury - one that both heightens the experience for the guest, while minimising the lasting impact on the environment.”

Sustainability and resiliency measures include targeting LEED Silver certification by using locally-sourced construction materials where possible; replacing invasive species with native flora; and energy conservation efforts such as passive shading, high-efficiency MEP systems and renewable energy use.

Resiliency efforts include significant beach restoration and replenishment; a reinforced dune system along the property’s sea-side coastline; filling upland areas to increase site elevation; and building foundations that raise the Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) substantially above finished grade.

Weller and Pegasus said these measures, designed to minimise environmental impacts, will set the standard for future sustainable tourism models on Grand Bahama and across the Caribbean.