I’ve lived in South Florida most of my life, yet I’m still awestruck when I see it from above.
On this particular trip, I’m flying about 1,000 feet over Biscayne Bay’s undulating emerald waters in a compact seaplane roaring east toward Bimini. In the time it would take me to get from Mizner Park to the turnpike in rush hour traffic, I had flown through fluffy clouds and softly floated onto the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. I recommend the thrill if you’ve never landed on the water in a seaplane.
After a breezy customs welcome (pro tip: don’t forget your passport!), we zipped past the Resorts World Bimini compound in an adorable electric Moke car on our way to our final destination. Just a few feet beyond the seaside helipad and security checkpoint, we enter Rockwell Island Development Group’s (RIDGE) sophisticated world of island living. The 750-acre property developed by Rafael Reyes is located on Rockwell Island, a peninsula surrounded by calm, glistening water, powdery white sand, mangroves and other lush foliage.
Reyes’ first step in delivering a five-star experience was to partner with Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture to master plan and develop the 750-acre property. Then, he brought on the global hospitality brand Banyan Tree to manage the resort and residences.
While some of the 54 luxury private homes have already been built and sold to happy islandgoers, and residences are still available (prices start at $3.5 million, including a private dock), I was most excited to check out the already opened Bonito Beach Club and the future locations of the 50-key hotel with its posh overwater bungalows, the superyacht marina and the 18-hole golf course.
Known for its lively concepts, including Bonito St. Barth, The Juvia Group was tapped to deliver that same VIP experience to current residents and future resort guests. Sinking my toes into the warm sand while sipping a chilled glass of rosé and watching pelicans nosedive for their lunch, I could feel myself relaxing into the island life.
The trip’s effortlessness afforded me a stress-free voyage—something that feels inconceivable nowadays, whether I’m traveling by car or plane. It was enough for me to want to come back. However, after spending just a few hours on Rockwell Island, I’m enamored by how it made me feel: comfortable, at ease, and well taken care of.
I can’t wait for the next time I can trade a 30-minute rush hour debacle for a swift seaplane trip to experience RIDGE’s take on island living and Banyan Tree’s hospitality.
For more information, visit banyantreeresidencesbimini.com
