By the Caribbean Journal staff

Four Seasons is expanding its Caribbean portfolio with one of the region’s greatest luxury resorts.

The former One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas will become The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas following the company’s appointment by Access Industries.

The hotel will officially rebrand on Nov. 30.

“Four Seasons shares our vision for a truly personalised luxury experience, with special sensitivity to the unique aspects of historic properties,” says Jonah Sonnenborn, Head of Real Estate, Access Industries, which also owns Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel and other premier hotel properties.  “The Ocean Club, like Access’ other iconic hotels, offers its guests an unparalleled location and boundless possibility for their experience at the resort.”

Access acquired the Ocean Club in 2014.

“Four Seasons was the natural choice to help elevate The Ocean Club to even greater renown,” Sonnenborn said.

Current manager Kernzer International issued a statement opposing the move.

“We can confirm that Kerzner International received communication from Access Industries alleging termination of our resort management agreement for One&Only Ocean Club,” Kerzner International said. “We object to the grounds of the termination and intend to vigorously oppose it through the standard process and protocols.

The property, which first opened in 1962, recently underwent a multimillion-dollar enhancement project that included room renovations and a new oceanfront pool. It has long been the unquestioned leader among Paradise Island hotels.

“The Ocean Club has long been one of the world’s great resorts and will be an extraordinary addition to our global portfolio as we extend our presence in the Caribbean,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.  “We are proud to work in partnership with Access to bring luxury travellers a Four Seasons experience in the Bahamas. The genuine warmth of the Bahamian people matches perfectly with the personalized service that only Four Seasons can deliver, creating a truly authentic Caribbean experience unlike anything else on Paradise Island.”