Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman & CEO, Baha Mar Ltd. remarks, "We are gathered this morning for the official opening of the new diverted West Bay Street, a road that will establish the footprint and resurgence of The Bahamian Riviera and pave the way for a project that will profoundly impact many, many lives in our community and elevate the bar for tourism in the Caribbean and in this hemisphere." (Photo: Business Wire)

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Baha Mar, the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean, celebrates the opening of West Bay Street, completing the first milestone in the mega-resort construction. The road was diverted from its original location to allow for the 1,000 acre mega resort's innovative design footprint. In partnership with Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank), China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), government authorities and Bahamian workforce and firms, Baha Mar will elevate The Bahamian Riviera to the paramount destination for sophisticated international travelers.

The Chinese partnership with Baha Mar is unprecedented in the hospitality industry. With total assets of approximately $77 billion, CSCEC, the largest construction contractor by market value in China, was commissioned to fulfill Baha Mar's vision of establishing a unique, "destination within a destination" featuring stunning structures that complement the authentic beauty of The Bahamas. Additionally, EXIM Bank, China's leading financial lending institution, invested $2.45 billion for the development.

Although comparable to mega-scale resorts located in Singapore, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, Baha Mar represents the largest single-phase resort ever developed in the Caribbean, and is currently the largest project in development in North America. Baha Mar will be an enclave of authenticity, elegance and excitement only before associated with sophisticated coastal destinations like Monte Carlo, Portofino or Rio de Janeiro -- bringing to life The New Bahamian Riviera.

Those that worked on the project. Photo: Baha Mar Facebook page

The 1,000-acre, $3.5 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex slated to open in late 2014, will boast some of the world's most famous hotel brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, as well as a Casino Hotel, creating more than 2,200 new rooms in these four spectacular new hotels. Within the hotels, Baha Mar will develop 300 highly exclusive residential condos and villas, available for private ownership. Baha Mar's stunning, new 100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean, and one of the most compelling and exciting gaming experiences in North America, comparable only to the best in Las Vegas. Baha Mar will also feature the most advanced and versatile convention center complex in The Bahamas, with a combined 200,000 square feet of space, portions of which can also double as an entertainment and sports venue.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts, chef-branded restaurants and entertainment venues. An Eco Water Park, extraordinary pools and three unique spas, including the most complete spa experience in the Caribbean, will be set on the along 3,000 feet of the most pristine beach in the world. The planned 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is one of a select few such top-tier Nicklaus courses in the world, and will bring a new, true championship course in The Bahamas.

For more information, visit www.bahamar.com