Above: the former Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

By Alexander Britell

Melia Hotels International will be opening its first all-inclusive resort in the English-speaking Caribbean at the Baha Mar in the Bahamas.

Melia Hotels and the Chairmen of Baha Mar, Ltd announced the signing of an agreement to operate an all inclusive property at what is the largest resort project in the Caribbean.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2013, Melia will take over operations at the current Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort at what will be called the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. The 694-room Bahamas all inclusive will be executing a renewal plan that will be completed in December of 2014.

After a series of renovations, and upon the launch of the Baha Mar in late 2014, the hotel will be rebranded as Melia at Baha Mar.

“Meliá brings a wonderful, upscale name with global recognition and exceptional values to our brand portfolio at Baha Mar,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The company’s expertise in the European, Latin American and Russian markets will further support Baha Mar in attracting a worldwide clientele. In addition, Baha Mar will be proud to offer Meliá’s all-inclusive resort experience, which is a leader in one of the fastest-growing segments in vacation travel.”

The hotel will join a collection of resorts including properties from Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mondrian and Grand Hyatt. Baha Mar will also include an eponymous property with a casino.

“The addition of the new Meliá Nassau Beach and the prospect of the future Meliá at Baha Mar being part, within a year, of one of the most ambitious hotel and leisure projects in recent decades, is a new source of pride for our brand, already present in 40 countries,” said Gabriel Escarrer, chairman of Melia Hotels International. “Opening our first hotel in the English-speaking Caribbean, complementing our presence in the best vacation destinations around the world, is also a major achievement for Meliá Hotels International.”

The former Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is adjacent to the Baha Mar development.

“Our Ministry is pleased to welcome Meliá Hotels International to the Bahamas, where it will help to attract international visitors who prefer the convenience of an all-inclusive resort,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe. “Meliá Hotels International’s global reputation for quality and guest service will be a tremendous asset as The Bahamas seeks to increase international air lift.”