A former sand extraction station in the Bahamas is to be transformed into a luxury private island featuring bars, restaurants, sports facilities and an exclusive spa and wellness sanctuary.
The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – located 65 miles (104.5 km) east of Miami, Florida – has been launched by MSC Cruises, who have partnered with ecologists and the government of the Bahamas to create a US$200m (€182.7m, £139m) “flourishing natural haven."
More than 80 indigenous Caribbean trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs will be planted across the island’s 5 acres (38.5-hectares), and six separate beaches and an inland lagoon will be created.
Built features will include an architecturally faithful Bahamian village, private bungalows and shops, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre and a zip-wire crossing the island. The spa and wellness centre will feature the brand’s Balinese spa concept Aurea.
MSC Cruises guests will be able to step straight off their ship and onto the island via a purpose-built pier.
“This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean,” said MSC executive chair Pierfrancesco Vago. “It will be an industry-unique experience.”
Construction will begin in March 2016, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will open to guests in November 2017. Details about the architects and designers involved in the project have not yet been disclosed.
