Studio Hillier to design luxury resort at Long Island in Bahamas

Park Hotels & Resorts has reached a definitive contract to divest two of its properties in the US for $149.0m.

New Jersey-based architectural firm Studio Hillier has been chosen by StarPort Resorts to design Port St George, a luxury resort at Long Island in the Bahamas.

Studio Hillier has won more than 350 design awards.

The 882-acre luxury resort spans two-and-a-quarter miles from Exuma Sound to the Atlantic Ocean.

It will feature a five-star hotel on a peninsula on Exuma Sound.

The key element of this resort will be a 100-acre protected harbour where 640 vessels can be moored. A harbour village will feature retail shops, lodging, restaurants, condominiums and a range of services for the island community.

Its topography slowly extends from the harbour to a cliff next to the ocean.

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The resort will feature a beach club and condominium units on terraced terrain with ocean views. A golf course, tennis courts and sporting fields will be built on the land between the harbour and the Atlantic ridge.

Its architectural style will feature both traditional Bahamian designs and more modern elements.

“Long Island remains virtually untouched, and Port St George will serve as a non-invasive oasis from which to explore its natural wonders.”

The resort will have 515 residences, comprising 500 condominiums and 15 spacious, luxury villas.

Studio Hillier plans to incorporate ‘the best available technology into both the infrastructure and the residential and commercial buildings to meet that commitment’.

It will extensively use photovoltaics and high-tech battery storage systems, rainwater retention systems, and geothermal air-conditioning.

It is claimed that the resort will be built to have a minimal carbon footprint.

Studio Hillier principal Bob Hillier said: “Our plan is to make Port St George the most comfortable, desirable, aesthetically appealing and sustainable destination in the Bahamas. That is a tall order, but possible with the rapid advances in technology and a team dedicated to creating a seamless experience for guests. That is what a vacation should be.”

StarPort Resorts president Duane Gerenser said: “Long Island remains virtually untouched, and Port St George will serve as a non-invasive oasis from which to explore its natural wonders.

“In collaboration with Studio Hillier, we’re creating an environment that not only serves those who choose to visit Long Island, but also those who already call it home. The Studio Hillier plan now very successfully integrates the local community into the project by creating opportunities for sports, education and entrepreneurs.”