Who is behind Baha Mar and why it matters to you. What to know now.
Baha Mar Resort and Casino is one of the biggest and most impressive real estate developments in the Bahamas. It is located in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and is a luxury resort that offers visitors a world-class experience.
But who is behind this massive development?
This massive project is being developed by the by the Chinese company, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. The resort boasts three hotels, a casino, a convention center, and a golf course. The project has been plagued with delays and setbacks, including bankruptcy and legal disputes, but the resort is finally set to open in full in 2021.
It turns out that the company behind that structure is a Chinese conglomerate called China Construction America (CCA). CCA is a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which is one of the largest construction companies in the world.
The development of Baha Mar cost an estimated $4.2 billion and was funded by a combination of bank loans and the Chinese government. This is not surprising given China’s growing influence in the Caribbean region.
So, are there any celebrities involved in Baha Mar? The answer is yes! Baha Mar has partnered with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz was chosen to design the interiors of a section of the resort called The Baha Mar Casino and Hotel. He has injected his signature style into the space, which features bold colors and retro-inspired furnishings.
Overall, Baha Mar Resort and Casino is a true testament to the power of international collaboration. The Chinese developers, in partnership with some of the world’s biggest names in entertainment, have created a destination that is sure to attract visitors from all over the world.
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When Was Baha Mar Built? A Look Behind the Scenes of the Bahamas’ Luxury Megaresort
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Meta Description: Curious when Baha Mar was built? Discover the full history behind the Bahamas’ most ambitious resort project, including its timeline, setbacks, and ultimate grand opening.
The Vision Behind Baha Mar
Baha Mar — the iconic luxury resort located on Cable Beach, Nassau — was envisioned as the largest and most ambitious hospitality project in the Caribbean. It was designed to elevate the Bahamas into a global luxury destination, rivaling places like Dubai, Macau, or Las Vegas.
The vision was originally launched in 2005 by Sarkis Izmirlian, a billionaire investor who founded Baha Mar Ltd. His plan? To create a massive integrated resort with multiple hotel brands, a casino, luxury residences, high-end shopping, and conference centers.
Groundbreaking and Construction Timeline
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🏗 2007 – Groundbreaking began, with a projected cost of $2.6 billion.
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🏦 2011 – Major financing was secured through the Export-Import Bank of China, with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) as the general contractor.
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🚧 2015 – Construction delays and financial disputes halted progress. The project filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S., sparking legal battles.
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💼 2016 – The Bahamian government and EXIM Bank took control of the project. A new developer, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (Hong Kong-based), stepped in.
When Did Baha Mar Open? The Full Timeline of the Bahamas’ Luxury Mega-Resort
Keywords: when did Baha Mar open, Baha Mar opening date, Baha Mar grand opening, Baha Mar timeline, Baha Mar resort history, Bahamas luxury resort
Meta Description: Wondering when Baha Mar opened? Discover the full timeline of the Bahamas’ most luxurious resort—from concept to grand opening, and how it became a Caribbean icon.
So, when did Baha Mar officially open? The answer is a multi-phase story.
Baha Mar Opening Timeline
🔹 April 21, 2017 – The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar opened its doors to the public, marking the official soft opening of the resort complex. This was the first operational hotel of the three planned.
🔹 November 2017 – The resort’s casino, golf course, and conference center became fully functional. More amenities and retail spaces also opened to guests.
🔹 2018 – The luxury hotel SLS Baha Mar opened, followed by the ultra-premium Rosewood Baha Mar, completing the trio of world-class hotel brands under the Baha Mar umbrella.
By late 2018, the full Baha Mar resort complex was operational, transforming 3,000 feet of white-sand beachfront into one of the most prestigious destinations in the Caribbean.
What Does Baha Mar Offer Today?
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🏨 Over 2,300 rooms, suites, and residences
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🎲 A 100,000 sq ft casino, the largest in the Caribbean
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🏌️♂️ A Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course
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🛍 Luxury shopping with brands like Rolex, Cartier & Tiffany
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🍽 40+ world-class restaurants, bars, and lounges
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🌴 Direct beach access, a water park, and spa experiences
It’s not just a hotel—it’s a self-contained luxury ecosystem.
A Look Back: How Long Did It Take to Build?
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🚧 Ground broke in 2007
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💸 Construction stalled and halted in 2015 due to financial issues
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🔄 Project ownership changed hands in 2016
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🎉 Soft opening began in 2017
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🏁 Full grand opening concluded by late 2018
So while the dream of Baha Mar was over a decade in the making, it now stands as a testament to perseverance and luxury vision in the Caribbean.
✅ Invest in the Next Big Opportunity
While Baha Mar has made history, the next wave of opportunity lies in Grand Bahama—a less saturated, high-upside market just a short flight from Florida.
At CPH Invest, we’re building the future of boutique beachfront living and hospitality—offering:
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Tax-free investment zones
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Residency by investment opportunities
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Pre-construction real estate with high ROI potential
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This is your chance to invest before the rest of the world catches on.
Baha Mar Today
Today, Baha Mar includes:
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🌴 Grand Hyatt
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🎲 SLS Baha Mar
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🌊 Rosewood Baha Mar
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🏖 A massive beachfront property with over 2,300 rooms
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💎 A 100,000 sq ft casino — the largest in the Caribbean
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🛍 Luxury retail, golf course, fine dining, and residences
It stands as a $4.2 billion investment, one of the largest private sector projects in Bahamian history.
Conclusion: A Long Road to Paradise
So, when was Baha Mar built? The journey spanned over a decade — from concept in 2005, construction start in 2007, and a grand opening phase between 2017 and 2018. Despite its rocky path, Baha Mar now stands as a symbol of resilience and luxury in the Caribbean.
✅ Want to Invest in Paradise?
CPH Invest is currently developing high-end projects on Grand Bahama Island, just a short hop from Nassau — offering boutique-style investments, residency-by-investment options, and direct access to the same tax-free advantages that make The Bahamas so attractive.
📲 Use the orange WhatsApp button on ChristophAlbeck.com to explore our exclusive real estate opportunities — available 24/7.