Marriott International has inked a deal with Cotton Bay Holdings to introduce a new Ritz-Carlton Reserve property on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Located on the southern end of the island, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Eleuthera is expected to feature a 90-room open-air resort forming part of the community once known as the Cotton Bay Club.

The resort will join Marriot’s portfolio of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves around the world, located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Amenities are slated to include a luxury spa and wellness centre, an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools and restaurants, all surrounded by tranquil beaches and tropical flora and fauna.

Plans also call for the inclusion of 60 Ritz-Carlton Reserve-branded residences, including between two- to five-bedroom villas.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand and service to this pristine island in the Great Bahama Bank,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Marriott’s chief development officer, Caribbean and Latin America.

“We’re excited to partner with Cotton Bay Holdings in developing this luxury resort, where the original Cotton Bay Club was built in 1959.”

De Kousemaeker explained that this deal has been six years in the making and that the project is expected to take four years to complete.

According to Marriott, the vision for the resort is to offer an experience blending seclusion and sophistication with unspoiled natural beauty.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve concept is centred around human connection and brings together elements of the local culture, history, heritage and environment.

“We’re pleased to work with Marriott International to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand and experience to one of the most exotic and secluded destinations in the Caribbean”, said Daniel Zuleta, manager for Cotton Bay Holdings.

“We’re excited to make this project a prime example of business, environmental and social excellence. Our plan for the project takes into strong consideration the role of the local communities and their active participation for its success.”