If the idea of living directly on the waterfront with access to a mega-yacht marina, five-star hotel and luxury residences overlooking the azure seas of Bermuda sparks your sense of wanderlust, then you may want to keep close watch on Caroline Bay, Bermuda, over the next two years. The tropical sanctuary has promised to be “the flagship for a new era of luxury hospitality in Bermuda,” according to Craig Christensen, president and CEO of Morgan’s Point Ltd., the development company behind the much-anticipated project.
The first phase will feature a 79-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort — the first Ritz-Carlton in Bermuda — and world-class amenities such as restaurants, an indoor/outdoor spa and upscale boutiques, a mega-yacht marina with slips for 79 boats and 23 superyachts, and 35 branded waterfront residences represented exclusively by Coldwell Banker Caroline Bay. Adds Christensen: “The first block of residences is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2017, with the remaining blocks to open consecutively, one per month, until all five are completed.”
Nestled in a cove on the island’s west end and bounded by the historic Morgan’s Point peninsula, the residences were designed by San Francisco-based SB Architects, with interiors by global luxury hospitality veterans Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). The intention, say both firms, was to “fully embrace Bermuda’s casually elegant lifestyle” inside and out. Both design teams were careful to make a distinction between Bermuda and the Caribbean, exploring the differences, the beauty and the unique qualities of Bermuda. Explains Miguel Baeza, partner at HBA: “There is a great sense of pride among those who live on the island. We want this project to be something that they can also look at with pride.”
SB Architects applied a contemporary interpretation of British Colonial architecture for the resort, bringing a modern edge to the traditional island vernacular. Seeking to evoke a sense of calm and sophistication in the residences, the San Francisco-based firm designed clusters of crisp, white buildings — ranging from two- to four-bedroom residences with natural wood balconies, situated around three white-sand beaches and a generous planting of palms. The interiors took visual cues from the bay itself, as evidenced by the spectacular plunge pools, outdoor entertaining kitchens and sweeping ocean vistas that grace many of the residences.
“From the very start, we knew that we wanted to make this project about Bermuda,” says Baeza. “The sounds, colors, shapes, scents and culture of Bermuda were going to inspire what we envisioned and designed for the interiors.”
Christensen notes that the homes “were designed with lifestyle in mind.” The two-bedroom floor plans are punctuated by 1,946 square feet of interior space with 476 square feet of outdoor living. The three-bedroom floor plan offers 2,172 square feet with 525 square feet of outdoor living, while the four-bedroom penthouses are the pinnacle of luxury, with 3,203 square feet and 1,063 square feet of outdoor living with private elevator entry. The residences also have access to an owners’ lounge and are fully engaged with concierge service by Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
“When looking at Caroline Bay in Bermuda, I have to say that the entire project is unique … unique to Bermuda,” concludes Baeza. “There is nothing else like it.”
Christensen and team intend to completely transform the Morgan’s Point peninsula into a luxury oasis and sailing destination. In fact, the legendary Great Sound has already been selected as the site for the 2017 America’s Cup sailing competition.
“The Caroline Bay, Bermuda, project has been the vision of my partners and me for many years,” says Christensen. “The hope was to create a world-class resort that will benefit the people of Bermuda and initiate a new era of luxury for the island. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company was the perfect partner to bring this vision to life. Together with our dream team of designers and other key partners, we will deliver unprecedented luxury and sophistication in this most idyllic spot. We anticipate that once completed, Caroline Bay, Bermuda, will be on many people’s bucket list.
By Alyson Pitarre
Caroline Bay, Bermuda
Southampton, Bermuda
2-, 3- and 4-bedroom branded residences starting at $2,500,000
Represented by: Sandra Christensen
Coldwell Banker Caroline Bay
441.247.1861
sandra@carolinebayrealty.com
This article originally appeared in the fall 2016 issue of Homes & Estates.
