Tl;dr – There’s been a significant update on the development of a hotel that was first announced back in 2021. Construction has begun on the Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
Way back in 2021 – a different world for sure – we learned that Marriott planned to open a new Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Bahamas. At the time of its announcement, the hotel was set to become just the sixth property in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio. Since then, we’ve seen more additions to the portfolio with the openings of Reserves at Rissai Valley in Jiuzhaigou (2023), Nujuma in The Red Sea Project (2024), and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica (2025). Additionally, back in 2022, Ritz-Carlton Reserve joined the Bonvoy loyalty program, meaning members could earn and redeem points for stays at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties. We recently learned that construction commenced on the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Cotton Bay, as the team behind the project celebrated breaking ground earlier this week.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Cotton Bay – What We Know
Photo by iSAW Company on Unsplash
Details on the Ritz-Carlton remain sparse, but I’m happy to share all that’s been confirmed as planned for the property. The amenities are slated to include “a luxury spa and wellness center, an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, and restaurants, all surrounded by tranquil beaches and tropical flora and fauna.”
Cotton Bay Holdings is developing the property and, as of now, is projected for a 2027 debut.
The Ritz-Carlton Cotton Bay will be located in South Eleuthera, which will actually be Marriott’s second luxury resort in Eleuthera. If you don’t want to wait for the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to open but are fixated on enjoying Eleuthera’s sun-and-fun, I recommend you check out the French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection.
Located in Governor’s Harbor – closer to the center of Eleuthera – this highly-rated Bonvoy property flies way under the radar. I’ve been hush on this property for a bit – pending getting a chance to test the waters out myself – but maybe one of you has been there and can fill us all in on the scoop in the comments.
