Above: a rendering of the project (Photos: Resorts World)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Resorts World Bimini is targeting the spring of 2014 for the opening of its planned 350-room luxury hotel in Bimini.

The project will feature 325 standard rooms, 25 garden villa suites, two restaurants, a rootop bar and a meeting space. The project had originally been expected to come on line this month.

Above: a rendering of  the lobby

“Much more than a vacation destination, Resorts World Bimini is also an economic engine for The Bahamas and the islands of Bimini,” said Dana Leibovitz, President of Resorts World Bimini, in a statement. “Our new hotel, paired with the construction of the cruise ship pier and airport expansion, will create hundreds of new jobs and enhance the island’s standing as a destination among visitors from South Florida and around the world.”

Above: a rendering of a suite at the hotel

Resorts World said the project was expected to generate 450 new jobs, with 100 during construction and 350 permanent jobs upon completion.

Also planned are infrastructure improvements to the island, including an expansion of South Bimini Airport’s runway to 6,000 feet from 5,400 feet and a new cruise pier for the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship.

Resorts World currently employs more than 450 people.