By James Whitfield · Caribbean Property Correspondent
The Abacos — a chain of cays and barrier islands in the northern Bahamas — are known for some of the most protected sailing waters in the Atlantic. Montage Cay is a 55-acre private island within this archipelago, acquired by Montage Hotels & Resorts and its development partner for a complete reinvention as a luxury residential resort. It represents one of the boldest hospitality-anchored real estate plays in the Caribbean in recent years.
Developer: Montage Hotels & Resorts
Montage Hotels & Resorts — founded by Alan Fuerstman, who previously led Bellagio — operates five-star hotels in Deer Valley, Laguna Beach, Kapalua, and Beverly Hills. Its residential programme has delivered strong resale track records at Montage Healdsburg and Montage Big Sky, where owners achieved 30–50% appreciation within three years of purchase.
For Montage Cay, the hotel group has partnered with an infrastructure developer to build a private airstrip (able to receive Gulfstream-class jets), a full-service marina with 40 slips, and a desalination and power plant — making the island genuinely self-sufficient. Construction began in 2023, with Phase 1 delivery expected in 2026.
Unit Types and Pricing
- Beach Villas (1–2 bed) — From $2.5 million, on-grade beachfront with private plunge pool.
- Hillside Residences (3–4 bed) — $4 million to $7 million, elevated positions with panoramic water views.
- Estate Homes (5–6 bed) — $9–$14 million, largest parcels with greatest privacy and dedicated beach sections.
Bahamas ownership: Foreign nationals can own freehold property directly in the Bahamas — no trust or special corporate structure required. A one-time government stamp duty of 2.5% applies to the purchase price. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no income tax in the Bahamas, making it one of the most tax-efficient ownership jurisdictions in the hemisphere.
Amenities and Destination Appeal
The island will have three restaurants, a Montage spa, two pools, a dive school, and a children's programme. The private airstrip eliminates the logistics that have historically limited private island purchases to the ultra-wealthy — Montage Cay will be reachable by charter jet from Miami in under 90 minutes.
The Abacos suffered severe damage from Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which initially depressed land values in the chain. Montage's commitment to rebuilding here with Category 5-rated construction standards has helped restore confidence in the market. The Bahamian government's permanent residency programme (available to buyers of property exceeding $750,000) adds a further incentive for non-US buyers seeking a Western Hemisphere residency option.
Verdict: A genuine trophy property for high-net-worth buyers. The private airstrip and Montage brand make this rare among Caribbean island developments. Construction risk remains (pre-delivery purchase) but the developer's track record is reassuring.