Bulgari Hotels & Resorts is stepping into the Caribbean for the first time with a bold and immersive project that blends luxury, sustainability, and Italian sophistication. The upcoming Bulgari Resort & Mansions Cave Cay, set to open in 2029, promises to be a jewel in the Bahamas’ Exumas archipelago a chain of islands celebrated for their untouched natural beauty and crystalline waters. Cave Cay itself, a 220-acre private island, will become home to a meticulously designed enclave that goes far beyond the traditional resort concept.
With a layout that includes 64 luxury suites and seafront villas, as well as 48 branded private mansions available for purchase, Cave Cay is envisioned as more than a vacation destination it’s a curated community. Bulgari’s Group Executive Vice President, Silvio Ursini, emphasized the island’s unique features as the driving force behind the decision to build there. From its pristine beaches to its intricate cave systems, Cave Cay provides a rare opportunity to harmonize natural wonder with high-end hospitality. According to Ursini, the Exumas remain largely untouched compared to other parts of the Caribbean, lending an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and authenticity to the venture.
A hallmark of Bulgari’s hotel philosophy is the integration of its Italian heritage into each property, and Cave Cay is no exception. Ursini noted the island’s resemblance to Mediterranean landscapes, making it a fitting canvas for Bulgari’s signature design aesthetic. The resort will draw on these cultural ties through architectural styles, service ethos, and cuisine. Culinary experiences will be overseen by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, who will bring his signature restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, to the island, complemented by a selection of international dining venues.
Beyond food and lodging, the resort’s offerings include a full-service spa and wellness center, a multi-sport area, a kids’ club, and the stylish Bulgari Bar. The beach club, La Spiaggia, will provide a relaxed yet refined atmosphere for guests to enjoy the island’s breathtaking coastline. However, what sets this development apart is its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Rather than capitalizing on preexisting infrastructure like an old airstrip, Bulgari plans to remove it entirely, restoring the land to its natural state. Transportation to and from the island will be managed through boats, helicopters, and seaplanes, avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the landscape.
Electric vehicles will be standard for island transport, and the design ethos leans heavily toward preservation and minimal environmental disruption. Ursini described the opportunity as a “blank canvas,” one that allows Bulgari to push boundaries in sustainable luxury. The emphasis on nature doesn’t end with the resort itself; the island’s marina is expected to be a vibrant center for yachting, diving, fishing, and other water-based excursions, further anchoring Cave Cay as a destination rooted in its surroundings.
Bulgari’s strategy remains firmly grounded in quality over quantity. With properties already established in global capitals like Milan, London, and Tokyo, as well as resort destinations such as Bali and Dubai, the brand has expanded slowly but with purpose. Cave Cay will be one of only a few additions planned for the next decade. While other luxury brands rush to claim territory in trending locations, Bulgari has remained deliberate and discerning in its growth, prioritizing timeless elegance and brand integrity.
This careful curation aligns with Bulgari’s roots as a 150-year-old jewelry house, not merely a hospitality company. By focusing on detail, scale, and emotional resonance, the Cave Cay project reflects Bulgari’s philosophy that true luxury is not mass-produced. Instead, it is something nurtured over time crafted with care, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
