Jacobsen Studio has unveiled its architectural vision for Amancaya, Aman’s first resort in the Bahamas, spread across two private cays in Exuma. Meaning “peaceful island” in Taíno, the project places landscape, privacy, and access to nature at the centre of its proposition.
The $260 million development spans approximately 400 acres across two private islands in a region known for crystalline water, white-sand beaches, and some of the Caribbean’s most pristine marine environments. The scheme comprises a 36-pavilion resort alongside a limited collection of Aman Residences, ranging from three to five bedrooms, supported by a marina, Beach Club, Aman Spa, and multiple dining venues. It will become Aman’s first property in the Bahamas and its third in the Caribbean, following Amanera in the Dominican Republic and Amanyara in Turks and Caicos. An opening date has not yet been confirmed.
Designed by Brazilian practice Jacobsen Studio, the project adopts a restrained architectural language built around long horizontal forms, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Stone, woven fibre, and aged wood draw from the tonal qualities of the islands themselves, while villas and pavilions are positioned for privacy and uninterrupted water views. Interiors come from Yabu Pushelberg, landscaping from Raymond Jungles, and the development is being delivered alongside Swiss investor and sailor Dona Bertarelli with a targeted LEED certification.
The broader significance extends beyond architecture. Exuma remains one of the least developed luxury destinations in the Caribbean, a geography where natural capital still outweighs built capital. While many established resort markets have become increasingly dense and commercialised, the appeal of Exuma lies in precisely what has not yet been built. Rather than using remoteness as a marketing device, Amancaya is structured around the idea that privacy, environmental quality, and genuine connection to place are becoming increasingly valuable forms of luxury.
The Aman Residences component extends that proposition into ownership. For buyers, the opportunity is not simply access to a branded residence, but participation in one of the region’s most tightly controlled luxury ecosystems. As branded residential development continues expanding globally, projects combining private island geography, limited supply, and an established hospitality operator remain exceptionally rare. In that context, Amancaya represents more than a new resort. It offers a clear indication of where luxury hospitality, residential ownership, and destination development are increasingly converging. Visit Amancaya here.
