MIAMI — The SLS Baha Mar hotel is now open within Baha Mar, the US$4.2 billion beachfront resort destination in Nassau.

In keeping with SLS Hotel brand tradition, a ‘Ringing of the Bell’ event took place on property on Nov. 17 to mark the official opening of the fifth SLS property.

SLS Baha Mar marks the first international venture for SLS Hotels, joining sbe’s growing international portfolio and closely following the opening of Mondrian Doha in Qatar. Baha Mar is the fifth SLS hotel overall, adding to its portfolio of properties currently open in Beverly Hills, South Beach, Brickell and Las Vegas, and coming soon to new international markets.

“This is an exciting time for The Bahamas and our sbe team, as the international expansion of our SLS footprint is a huge step for the brand, along with the 11 additional SLS properties in the pipeline,” said Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO of sbe. “We are thrilled to open our doors at SLS Baha Mar … through every detail, we are highlighting the beauty of the Bahamian culture and disrupting the way guests and travelers view lifestyle hospitality experiences.”

Added Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar: “The opening of SLS Baha Mar marks a meaningful milestone in the evolution of Baha Mar and our commitment to the Bahamian people and our guests to offer a true luxury of choice in accommodations and experiences.”

SLS Baha Mar features 299 rooms and suites as well as dining and nightlife venues. Baha Mar’s shared amenities complete the luxe experience with guest access to the beach and shared pools, the Caribbean’s largest casino, 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf course, a flagship ESPA spa, and a wide variety of restaurants and lounges.

On-property the group currently operates Cleo, Monkey Bar (the signature SLS lobby bar) and Bungalow Pool Bar & Grill. Looking ahead, Privilege will open in December and Skybar will follow in early 2018. On the Baha Mar Casino floor, Katsuya (sbe’s modern take on classic Japanese cuisine) opened in mid-August, and Fi’lia by Chef Michael Schwartz is slated for a mid-December opening.

The long awaited Baha Mar officially opened its doors in April 2017 with the debut of the Grand Hyatt Baha. In late 2016, almost exactly two years after its planned launch date, Baha Mar Resort was sold to Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) for a reported US$3.5 billion. Baha Mar was initially scheduled to open in December 2014 but declared bankruptcy in June 2015 following construction delays.