The announcement of Aman’s Amancaya in Exuma, Bahamas, feels a bit like discovering a secret passage in a house you thought you knew. For years, the Exumas have quietly dazzled with their bone-white beaches and crystalline waters. When the Aman Group—known for their fiercely private retreats—spotlights these islands, it’s not just another resort opening; it’s a statement. (Once, a kayak trip led me along the Exuma cays, white sand blinding and skies endless—homes built for dreamers, I thought, never for guests. Evidently, Aman begs to differ.)
Exuma Transformed: Why Aman Chose These Cays
The luxury hospitality landscape in the Bahamas is witnessing a significant shift. Aman, the ultra-luxe hotel group known for its exclusive properties, has set its sights on Exuma for its newest Caribbean venture. This isn’t just another resort announcement—it’s a signal that Exuma has arrived on the world stage of elite destinations.
The Allure of Seclusion
What drew Aman to Exuma? The answer lies in two remarkably secluded private cays that will host Amancaya, the group’s first Bahamian property. These islands represent exactly what the brand seeks: untouched natural beauty far from the madding crowd.
The location is no accident. Exuma’s cays are world-renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches and exceptional diving sites. Yet they’ve remained relatively undeveloped compared to other Bahamian hotspots.
For those who’ve visited the region, the choice makes perfect sense. Kayaking through these waters years ago, one could paddle for hours with hardly another soul in sight—the perfect embodiment of Aman’s privacy-centric philosophy.
“We’re committed to delivering transformative, exclusive escapes in the world’s most captivating locations,” says Dona Bertarelli, Swiss investor and partner in the project.
Her words encapsulate exactly why these particular cays were selected: they offer the rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty and genuine seclusion that Aman’s discerning clientele demands.
The Amancaya Vision
The plans for Amancaya reveal Aman’s characteristically restrained approach to luxury. The property will feature just 36 pavilions for the hotel portion—a deliberately low-density footprint that preserves the islands’ natural character.
Select Aman Residences will complement the hotel, offering the ultimate private retreat for those seeking a more permanent escape. All will be fully serviced, with amenities including:
- A marina for yachts and boats
- An exclusive Beach Club
- The signature Aman Spa
- Multiple dining venues spread across both islands
Expanding the Caribbean Portfolio
Amancaya represents Aman’s third Caribbean property, joining Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Turks & Caicos. This strategic expansion strengthens the brand’s presence in one of the world’s most coveted vacation regions.
What’s telling is how carefully Aman has selected its Caribbean locations. Rather than placing properties in overdeveloped tourist hubs, they’ve consistently sought out the region’s more secluded corners.
The pattern is clear: Aman isn’t just building hotels; it’s identifying and elevating destinations that align with its ethos of extraordinary exclusivity.
A Transformation in Progress
Currently under construction with development partner Squircle Capital, Amancaya represents more than just another luxury hotel. It signals a transformation for Exuma itself—from hidden gem to recognized luxury destination.
For a destination that has long existed in the shadow of Nassau and other Bahamian hotspots, Aman’s arrival serves as powerful validation. When a brand that operates 35 properties worldwide—many near UNESCO World Heritage Sites—selects your shores, the world takes notice.
The project also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, with ambitious environmental goals including LEED certification and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Will this development change Exuma forever? Almost certainly. But Aman’s low-impact approach suggests the change might preserve rather than destroy what makes these cays special in the first place.
Luxury, Redefined: What Sets Amancaya Apart
In the realm of ultra-luxury hospitality, few names carry the weight of Aman. The renowned hotel group has now set its sights on the pristine waters of the Bahamas with Amancaya, a development that promises to redefine luxury in the Caribbean.
The Philosophy of Space and Serenity
Amancaya isn’t just another resort dotting the Caribbean coastline. The development embraces a low-density philosophy that stands in stark contrast to the region’s increasingly crowded luxury market. Spanning two secluded private cays in Exuma, the property will feature just 36 pavilions and a limited collection of branded residences.
This intentional sparsity isn’t an oversight—it’s the cornerstone of Amancaya’s vision.
Swiss investor Dona Bertarelli, partnering with Aman on this venture, emphasized this approach when she stated,
“Amancaya is designed to exist in harmony with its unspoiled natural surroundings.”
The result? A retreat where ultra-luxury and minimal environmental footprint coexist. Where exclusivity isn’t just about price tags but about preserving the natural tranquility that drew visitors to Exuma in the first place.
Two Islands, Endless Indulgences
Despite its commitment to low density, Amancaya doesn’t skimp on amenities. Quite the opposite. The property will feature:
- A full-service marina catering to the yachting community
- An exclusive Beach Club with pristine shoreline access
- The signature Aman Spa offering world-class wellness treatments
- Multiple fine-dining venues scattered thoughtfully across both islands
These facilities aren’t concentrated in one area but are deliberately spread across the two cays, ensuring that no single location feels overcrowded. It’s a masterclass in spatial luxury—where having room to breathe becomes the ultimate privilege.
From Explorer’s Haven to Luxury Landmark
For decades, Exuma was primarily known to adventurers, sailors, and those seeking the road less traveled in the Bahamas. Its crystal-clear waters and isolated beaches made it perfect for explorers but seemingly unsuitable for luxury development at scale.
Amancaya changes that narrative.
The development reimagines Exuma not just for the explorer but for the ultra-discerning traveler who demands both authenticity and comfort. The fully serviced Aman Residences offer privacy coupled with the convenience of hotel amenities—a combination previously unavailable in this part of the Bahamas.
A Global Legacy Continues
Amancaya isn’t emerging from thin air. It builds upon Aman’s illustrious portfolio of 35 properties worldwide, 15 of which are situated in or near UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The group already maintains a Caribbean presence with Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos.
Developed with the involvement of Squircle Capital alongside Bertarelli, Amancaya represents not just an expansion but a carefully considered addition to a legacy brand.
When completed, Amancaya will mark Aman’s debut in the Bahamas—a significant milestone for both the brand and the destination. For travelers who have experienced Aman’s signature blend of minimalist luxury and cultural immersion elsewhere, Amancaya promises that distinctive experience in one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular settings.
The waters around Exuma have long been known for world-class diving opportunities. Soon, they’ll be known for something else: redefining what luxury means in the 21st century.
A Blueprint for the Future: Sustainability at the Core
In an era where luxury and sustainability often appear at odds, Amancaya is charting a different course. The forthcoming Aman property in Exuma, Bahamas, is not merely constructing another high-end resort—it’s building a template for responsible luxury that could reshape industry standards.
Setting New Environmental Benchmarks
Amancaya has positioned itself as a pioneer in eco-conscious luxury development in the Caribbean. The property is actively pursuing LEED certification, marking it as the first Aman in the Bahamas to publicly commit to this internationally recognized environmental credential.
What exactly is LEED? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design represents the global benchmark for sustainable buildings. It evaluates everything from energy efficiency to water conservation, rewarding properties that minimize their environmental footprint without compromising quality.
Beyond physical structures, Amancaya is aligning its operational philosophy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This framework addresses global challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity—issues particularly relevant to island ecosystems.
“Our mission is to deliver luxury that respects both people and planet.” – Dona Bertarelli
This statement from Swiss investor and philanthropist Dona Bertarelli, a key partner in the Amancaya project, underscores the property’s commitment to balancing opulence with responsibility.
Sustainable Luxury in Practice
How does Amancaya’s commitment to sustainability manifest in practical terms? The resort employs eco-conscious construction methods that minimize disruption to the delicate Exuma ecosystem. Building across two secluded private cays presents unique environmental challenges, which the development team is addressing through careful planning and innovative techniques.
Once operational, Amancaya will implement comprehensive sustainability practices. These include:
- Energy conservation systems
- Water management solutions appropriate for island settings
- Waste reduction programs
- Sourcing from local and sustainable suppliers
These operational commitments position Amancaya at the forefront of sustainable luxury. The property demonstrates that high-end hospitality need not come at the expense of environmental stewardship.
Preserving Paradise
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Amancaya’s sustainability vision lies in its approach to the natural environment. The Exumas are renowned for pristine waters and vibrant marine ecosystems—assets the property aims to protect rather than simply profit from.
Imagine a zero-footprint scuba adventure—where the coral is as untouched as the sheets at turn-down. This isn’t merely marketing speak; it represents Amancaya’s ambition to create experiences that leave no trace on the fragile underwater environments that make the destination so appealing.
Conservation efforts will extend beyond the property boundaries, with initiatives designed to protect and regenerate surrounding marine habitats. By safeguarding these ecosystems, Amancaya isn’t just preserving natural beauty—it’s securing its own long-term viability as a destination.
As luxury travelers increasingly factor environmental considerations into their decisions, Amancaya’s sustainability blueprint positions it advantageously in the market. This is responsible luxury hospitality for a new era—where indulgence and conservation aren’t competing values but complementary aspects of a truly exceptional experience.
TL;DR: Aman Group is launching Amancaya—a low-density, ultra-luxe resort and limited residences spanning two private Exuma cays in the Bahamas. Expect sophistication, sustainability, and exclusivity woven into every detail, with construction underway for an anticipated Caribbean debut.
