“After an intense and comprehensive search of the world’s best design and architectural firms, we have selected ABAX Architects, an award-winning design firm, headquartered in Mexico City, as the lead designers for our project,” announced Daniel Zuleta, Company Manager for Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd.
Zuleta added, “Over the last few months, we undertook a rigorous process with Marriott International and our partners to identify and secure a team of world class designers to craft the vision for this highly immersive luxury resort and residential development. This
announcement marks a significant milestone for this project, and we are excited to be working alongside ABAX to move this venture forward.”
In December 2021, Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd. announced its agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to bring the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand to The Bahamas. The resort and residential development will be located on the pristine island of Eleuthera. Planned
as an open-air development, it is expected to feature 90 guest rooms and 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, designed to include a mixture of two to five-bedroom villas.
Emilio Perez, Senior Continent Leader, Global Design at Marriott International commented: “We are thrilled to kick off the design process for this highly-anticipated project with Cotton Bay Holdings and ABAX. The iconic Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will undoubtedly add a new
level of luxury to Eleuthera and The Bahamas.”
Noting that the core values of Cotton Bay Holdings closely align with those of ABAX Architects, Mr. Zuleta added “We are committed to designing a world class development that will capture the beauty and magic of South Eleuthera. We were taken by ABAX’s promise to design with a sense of place and full of integration into the context, culture, and history of a location. This is especially important to us; the essence of Cotton Bay will be embodied in the architecture of the resort.”
With 40 years of design experience, ABAX Architects were also selected because of the sensitivity of their design – it is contemporary, luxurious, and deeply connected to the location of the projects they have crafted. Additionally, having worked with Marriott International to create Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico, they are very familiar with brand’s standards and what is expected from a Reserve property.”
The Cotton Bay team recently led a site visit to the development’s historic 400-acre location in South Eleuthera to officially kick-off the planning and design phase for the $100-million project. In addition to representatives from ABAX Architects, the team was also joined byexecutives from Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd., Construcciones Planificadas S.A. with their in- house Design Management Team, and Marriott International.
Fernando de Haro, Managing Director for ABAX Architects, explained, “For ABAX, starting a new project is always a great challenge and a very stimulating experience. We are excited to have the opportunity to visit the property and get to know the island and its amazing
people, its customs and culture; and to discover the magic that surrounds Cotton Bay. This in-depth understanding will position us to create a beautiful Reserve.
We are grateful that Cotton Bay Holdings has placed their trust in ABAX to be the Lead Architects for the design of this Ritz-Carlton Reserve. We commit to our clients complete professionalism and the vast expertise acquired from our extensive experiences, which include being the architects for Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico. I believe that working together we will create a successful project which our client will feel deeply proud of.”
Committed to deepening its relationships in Eleuthera and working alongside the community to enhance the island’s overall tourism product, while on island the team also took the opportunity to visit local resort properties and met with Carlton Russell, General Manager at The Cove and Tom Marazza, owner of La Bougainvillea.
Zuleta concluded, “Now that we have selected our lead design partners, we are well on our way to moving forward with our plans to bring this project to fruition. We remain on schedule and are now positioned to finalize agreements with a number of highly skilled local service providers and consultants. We will also be engaging Bahamian architectural and engineering firms to work alongside ABAX and will be announcing details in the coming weeks.”
The world-class Cotton Bay resort will add to the exclusive portfolio of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates globally to the shores of The Bahamas. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers highly personalized, transformative experiences in the most exceptional corners of the world, with
guests enjoying unexpected adventures and a deep immersion into the destination and local culture. In addition to first-class luxury amenities and services, a signature 18-hole golf course, luxurious spa, swimming pools and restaurants are planned for the island retreat.
Source: Concepts Marketing Solutions
