Westgate Resorts announced on 11 August 2026 the opening of Westgate Bimini Bay, its first Caribbean destination. Located on the island of North Bimini in the Bahamas, the new property allows the Orlando-based group to extend its presence beyond North America.
The property is situated roughly 80 kilometres from the Florida coast, accessible by air, ferry or private boat. This geographical proximity makes it an easily accessible island getaway for the group’s North American clientele, historically concentrated around destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach.
A residential offering built for island living
Westgate Bimini Bay offers studios as well as recently renovated two-bedroom villas, accommodating four to six guests. On-site management will be handled by G&G Luxury Property Management, Bimini’s leading property management company, as part of a partnership with Bahamian operators.
The property is positioned around water sports and relaxation: boating, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing are among the activities on offer, reflecting the island’s long-standing reputation for sport fishing.
A development strategy driven from the top
“Westgate Bimini Bay represents an important step in our expansion into new destinations,” said Jim Gissy, CEO of Westgate Resorts. “The Bahamas is among the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, and Bimini’s natural beauty, cultural richness and proximity to Florida make it an ideal location for our first Caribbean property.”
The CEO added that the group looked forward to welcoming owners and guests to this new island location. The opening follows a property investment made by Westgate in Bimini and announced last year, confirming a long-term interest in the destination rather than a one-off move.
Bimini, the historic gateway to the Bahamas
Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Bahamas”, Bimini has long attracted visitors seeking world-renowned fishing, unspoilt beaches and authentic island charm. The island has marinas and seafront restaurants that complement the new property’s accommodation offering.
A Bahamian market driven by record visitor numbers
The Bahamian archipelago welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2025, up from 11.2 million in 2024, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. This momentum is part of a broader wave of international hotel investment across the archipelago, where several luxury groups have recently announced projects, such as Aman’s Amancaya destination in Exuma.
Westgate’s positioning, however, differs from these ultra-luxury developments: the group targets more of a family timeshare clientele, a segment that is also benefiting from the general growth in Bahamian tourist arrivals. Several international brands have also announced openings across the archipelago through to 2026-2029.
A new milestone in the growth of the Westgate portfolio
Westgate Resorts now claims a portfolio of nearly 60 properties and employs around 9,000 staff. In 2025, the group had already strengthened its network through the acquisition of VI Resorts by Westgate, a deal that consolidated its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.
This international growth has also come alongside adjustments to internal governance, as illustrated by the recent appointment of Jared Saft as chief operating officer of the group. Bookings for Westgate Bimini Bay are already open for arrivals from 1 October 2026.
At a Glance
Westgate Resorts opens its first Caribbean property in the Bahamas.
Property: Westgate Bimini Bay, North Bimini island, Bahamas
Distance: approximately 80 km (50 miles) from the Florida coast
Accommodation: studios and renovated two-bedroom villas, sleeping 4 to 6 guests
On-site management: G&G Luxury Property Management, in partnership with local Bahamian operators
Bookings open for arrivals starting October 1, 2026
Bahamas tourism reached a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, up from 11.2 million in 2024
