this holistic, beachfront retreat in the bahamas is designed for guests to disconnect

on bimini, the closest bahamian island to the united states, a beachfront eco-chic resort is taking shape, featuring sprawling residential villas and a five-star boutique hotel. set on 40 acres and spanning over three private islands, illa bimini resort & residences — designed by caribbean real estate development firm island developers, oppenheim architecture + design, and raymond jungles — is intended for discerning travelers seeking a paradise infused with adventure. with the atlantic ocean to the west, bimini bay to the east, and waterway between, every one of illa’s residential villas offers panoramic water and awe-inspiring sunset views.

‘we wanted to create an environment that encourages residents and guests to turn off their phones, disconnect from the modern-day chaos and fully immerse themselves with the simplest pleasures of life,’ said alejandro capo, co-founder and a principal of island developers. ‘the property is designed to complement the laid-back caribbean vibes alongside the luxury of unplugging.’

illa bimini resort & residences is a vision of natural beauty and features 54 three- and four-bedrooms residential villas, as well as a 49-key, five-star hotel. the development seeks to offer residents and guests the space and amenities to connect with their inner self and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. private residential villas boast floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden textures, outdoor decks and terraces with plunge pools. 

‘the ultimate goal for illa was to create an eco-luxury development that builds with the land, not on the land,’ said chad oppenheim, principal and lead designer of oppenheim architecture + design. ‘from the landscape, individual villas, materials to services, we designed a holistic retreat with environmental sustainability and community development at the forefront.’

each amenity has been thoughtfully curated to inspire residents and guests to experience living in the moment — including tropically landscaped gardens by raymond jungles, a beachfront pool, bar and lounge, restaurant, library, fruit gardens, tennis pavilion, volleyball and bocce ball courts, water sports kiosk, water taxi, and much. and if that’s not enough of a draw — owners and guests will even be able to park a yacht in their backyard, as the villas have marina access to fit vessels up to 90-feet long.

spirit of place, the first monograph dedicated to the work of oppenheim architecture, has recently been published by tra publishing. the book includes 120 stunning photographs cataloging seven of the firm’s projects, ranging in scale and location from homes designed in the bahamas, to a resort in the jordanian desert.