International developers are describing The Family Islands as “blank canvases” on the brink of world-wide celebrity.
David Barlyn, owner of the Eleutheran bistro Tippy’s, said even the rich and famous are vying for their slice of paradise.
“I’ve built hotels all over The Caribbean and this is one of the most beautiful beaches out there,” said Mr Barlyn, in a New York Times Article entitled “The Flip Side of The Bahamas.” It’s an untold hidden gem.
“Not to name-drop,” he continued, “but the people who purchased homes up the road include, Leon Levy, who started the Oppenheimer Fund; Luci Baines Johnson, the daughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson; and the granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India. It’s people with that kind of stature. Patti LaBelle and Lenny Kravitz are also here.”
According to The New York Times article, more and more developers are beginning to see The Family Islands as profitable, especially after the opening of Four Seasons on Great Exuma Island two years ago. The successes of Four Seasons, it claims, have attracted big name hoteliers like Amanresorts, Conrad Hotels and Starwood’s Luxury Collection.
“It’s wonderfully underdeveloped,” said Tony Larino, a Senior Vice President of International Development for Starwood’s Luxury Collection. “As I look around The Caribbean, this really is a blank canvas that’s on the verge of being discovered.”
But according to the article, the rapid development of Family Islands such as Eleuthera, has left some residents feeling uneasy, despite assurances from developers that they will preserve the island’s character.
Also not convinced, the article added, are long-time visitors who worry that the new resorts will sap the island of its “rustic and backward feel.” They singled out the arrival of the Four Seasons to Exuma, which is about 70 miles south of Eleuthera.
Nancy Bottomley, an American expatriate, said she is beginning to feel like a stranger in her adopted land.
“Four Seasons has rearranged the social structure of the island,” said Ms. Bottomley, who runs the Regatta Point, a six-suite guest-house near George Town. “We’ve always had wealthy people, but they came here to enjoy the simple life.
“Now I have to tell people not to expect Godiva chocolates on their pillows,” she added, “This is not a five-star island.”
Meanwhile, since becoming the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Progressive Liberal Party has announced a slew of developments on the Family Islands. The most recent being Ginn’s $3.7 billion development in West End, Grand Bahama. The resort is expected to boost the hurricaine-ravaged island’s economy.
By JASMIN BONIMY, Guardian Staff Reporter
