Florida’s affluent Wall Street South crowd is set to experience a new upscale retreat — and they can spare themselves a trip to the Palm Beaches to do so. Developer Rafael Reyes, owner of Rockwell Island Development Group, is transforming Bimini, a Bahamian island just 48 nautical miles from the Florida coast, into a luxurious escape for Miami’s elite, Bloomberg reports . Miami, now ranked 33rd globally for its millionaire residents, is becoming home to an increasing number of wealthy professionals.
For the approximately 4 million Miamians with boats, according to Reyes, the journey to Bimini can be as short as 40 minutes. A high-speed ferry matches this time, while standard ferries take about 90 minutes. A helicopter ride with a local charter like HeliFlite shortens the trip to 25 minutes.
Currently, Bimini lacks 5-star amenities, but Reyes is rapidly changing that. His ambitious plans include a series of dining and beach clubs, such as an outpost of Bonito from St. Barts and Aspen’s Betula.
Following this, 54 waterfront mansions have a starting price of $3.5 million — each featuring a pool, a 90-foot dock and custom garages for Moke Jeeps — are set for early 2025 completion. A beach club by Sir Richard Branson to cater to Virgin cruise guests has joined the lineup.
The centerpiece is slated for 2026: a Banyan Tree resort featuring the country’s first overwater villas — an aesthetic very reminiscent of the Maldives — priced from $3,000 per night, spread acr.
