Bulgari Hotels & Resorts is making its first foray into the Caribbean, unveiling the Bulgari Resort & Mansions Cave Cay, which is scheduled to open in 2029 in the Bahamas.
Located in the Exumas, a relatively untouched group of islands, Cave Cay is a 220-acre private island known for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and -- as you might expect -- its caves.
The resort will feature 64 luxury suites and seafront villas, along with 48 branded private mansions and estates available for purchase.
Cave Cay's natural beauty and exclusivity made it an ideal location for Bulgari's first Caribbean resort.
"The Exumas remain relatively unspoiled compared to other islands, with extraordinary water quality and beaches. Each island is different, and Cave Cay, in particular, has unique characteristics: its size, the number and quality of its beaches and its stunning caves," said Silvio Ursini, group executive vice president of Bulgari. "When we envision the community of hotel guests, property owners and friends populating this island, it's clear we are creating something ambitious."
With its Italian heritage, Bulgari Hotels has always sought to integrate Mediterranean influences into its hospitality concepts. Ursini noted that Cave Cay's natural landscape evokes a Mediterranean feel that seems to match Bulgari's overall aesthetic. "It reminds us of some islands in the Mediterranean, so bringing Italian design and culinary traditions here feels natural," he said.
Inside the Cave Cay resort
Resort amenities include an expansive spa and wellness center, a multisports enclave, a kids' club and the Bulgari Bar. Dining experiences will be curated by chef Niko Romito, a recipient of three Michelin stars, and will feature Il Ristorante -- Niko Romito, alongside other international culinary concepts. The resort's signature beach club, La Spiaggia, will also be part of the project.
Cave Cay is a 220-acre private island in the Bahamas’ Exumas archipelago. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bulgari Hotels
The Cave Cay project is weaving in sustainable concepts as part of the overall strategy. The island's existing infrastructure, including an unused airstrip, will be redesigned with the natural environment in mind.
"Rationally, you'd think the airstrip is an asset, but it disrupts the island's beauty and silence with airplanes coming and going," Ursini said. "Our plan is to get rid of the airstrip and ensure transportation with seaplanes, boats and helicopters. We will renature the land and put back what was there before in place of the airstrip."
Electric transportation will be the standard of the island, as well.
"When you have a blank canvas like this, you can push the envelope in terms of sustainability," Ursini said. "We want to restore what can be restored and build in a way that respects the natural surroundings."
Rather than a standalone hotel, Cave Cay will be developed as a luxury community.
"We've realized that creating a small hotel isn't enough. Instead, we're building a village -- an enclave that includes residences, a variety of dining options, a massive spa and a marina," Ursini said. "This approach allows us to offer a significant range of experiences, from wellness and fitness to dining and retail."
The marina, a key feature of the development, will not only serve property owners and visiting yachts but also act as a hub for watersports and excursions. Guests can expect activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and visits to nearby sandbanks that emerge from the ocean at low tide.
Deliberate growth plans
Bulgari Hotels has locations in Milan, London, Bali, Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Tokyo and Rome. The company also has upcoming openings in the Maldives, Miami Beach and Bodrum, Turkey. The Bahamas project will bring the brand's portfolio to 13 properties.
"This collection has a vision for very limited development going forward. It has taken us more than 20 years to establish nine hotels, and we have a plan for the next decade to add only a handful more," he said. "We know that Europe is well covered, as are Asia and the Middle East with Dubai. But the Americas, particularly the northern Caribbean, presented a unique opportunity for us to expand our ultraluxury offerings."
While Cave Cay marks Bulgari's debut in the Caribbean, the brand is not planning rapid expansion in the region. "For the time being, we are focusing on this project," Ursini said. "It will take time, but it's worth it given the vision and ambition behind it."
Despite growing interest in luxury travel destinations like Mexico's Los Cabos, he said Bulgari remains highly selective in its approach.
"We move slowly, ensuring that each project aligns with our brand's identity and vision," Ursini said. "That's why we've maintained an exclusive and well-curated collection. If we wanted, we could have had 50 hotels by now. But our goal is to remain a 150-year-old jewelry company first and foremost.
"By keeping the hotels small and consistent and developing them with time, care and love, it allows the collection to be exclusive and well curated."