Bulgarian hotels and resorts will make their first foray into the Caribbean, unveiling the unveiling of the Bugali resort and mansion Cay, which is scheduled to open in the Bahamas in 2029.
Located in Exumas, Cave Cay is a relatively untouched island, a 220 acre private island known for its white sand beaches, clear waters, and as you might expect – its caves.
The resort will feature 64 luxury suites and beachfront villas, as well as 48 branded private mansions and estates available for purchase.
The natural beauty and exclusivity of Cave Cay makes it the ideal place for Paulial’s first Caribbean resort.
“Exumas is still relatively unspoiled compared to other islands, with extraordinary water quality and beaches. Each island is different, especially Cave Cay has unique characteristics: its size, the quantity and quality of the beaches, and its amazing caves,” said Silvio Ursini, Executive Vice President of Bulgari Group. “When we envision a community of hotel guests, owners and friends living on this island, it’s clear that we are creating something ambitious.”
With its Italian heritage, Bulgaria Hotel Always attempted to incorporate Mediterranean influence into its hotel concept. Ursini notes that Cave Cay’s natural landscape evokes the Mediterranean feel, which seems to be consistent with Bulgari’s overall aesthetic. “It reminds us of some of the islands in the Mediterranean, so it feels natural to bring Italian design and culinary traditions here,” he said.
Inside the Cave Reef Resort
Resort facilities include a vast spa and wellness centre, a multi-sports enclave, a children’s club and Bauergary Bar. The dining experience will be curated by chef Niko Romito, the recipient of three Michelin stars, and will feature other international culinary concepts Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. La Spiaggia, the resort’s iconic beach club, will also be part of the project.
Cave Cay is a 220-acre private island in the Exumas Islands of the Bahamas. Image source: courtesy of Bulgaria Hotel
As part of the overall strategy, the Cave Cay project is weaving it with the concept of sustainability. The island’s existing infrastructure, including unused airplane runways, will take into account the natural environment.
“Rationally speaking, you would think that the runway is an asset, but it destroys the beauty and silence of the island as the plane is approaching,” Essini said. “Our plan is to get rid of the runway and make sure to be transported with seaplanes, boats and helicopters. We will re-cultivate the land and put it back to the previous runway.”
Electric transport will also be the standard on the island.
“When you have a blank canvas like this, you can push the envelope in terms of sustainability,” Ursini said. “We want to restore content that can be restored and built in a way that respects the natural environment.”
Cave Cay is not an independent hotel, but develops as a luxury community.
“We’ve realized that creating a small hotel isn’t enough. Instead, we’re building a village – an enclave that includes residences, a variety of dining options, large spas and marinas,” Ursini said. “This approach allows us to provide a large number of experiences from health and fitness to dining and retail.”
The dock is a key feature of the development and will not only serve owners and yachts to visit, but will also serve as a hub for water sports and excursions. Guests can expect activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and visiting nearby sandbanks that appear from the ocean at low tide.
Intentional growth plan
Bulgaria hotel in Milan, London, Bali, Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Tokyo and Rome. The company is also about to open in the Maldives. Miami Beach and Bodrum, Türkiye. The Bahamas project will bring the brand’s portfolio to 13 properties.
“The series has a vision for development that is very limited. We spent more than 20 years building nine hotels and we have a plan to add only a small amount over the next decade,” he said. “We know that Europe and Asia and the Middle East are covered with Dubai. But the Americas, especially the Northern Caribbean, offer us a unique opportunity to expand our super-armed products.”
Although Cave Cay marks Bulgari’s debut in the Caribbean, the brand does not plan to expand rapidly in the region. “For the time being, we are focusing on this project,” Essini said. “It will take time, but it’s worth it given the vision and ambition behind it.”
Despite growing interest in luxury travel destinations such as Los Cabos in Mexico, he said the Bulgarian approach is still selective.
“We act slowly to make sure every project is in line with our brand’s identity and vision,” Ursini said. “That’s why we have an exclusive and well-curated collection. We can now own 50 hotels if we want. But our goal is to be a 150-year-old jewelry company first.”
“By keeping hotels smaller, consistent, and developing them over time, care and love, it can make the series exclusive and well-curated.”
