The Caribbean will be home to Ki’ama Bahamas, the world’s first sustainable equity club with solar-powered homes and carbon-neutral solar yachts.
Club Ki’ama Bahamas, a new project from EcoIsland Development and Silent Resorts, is set to break ground on Elizabeth Island this month, promising the lowest environmental impact development in the Caribbean once it’s complete.
“Club Ki’ama represents the future for sustainable residential and resort development,” Steve Dering, EcoIsland Development partner, said in a statement.
“It’s incumbent on us to protect Elizabeth Island’s ecologically sensitive environment while thoughtfully creating comfortable spaces where our owners and their guests can enjoy the best of the Bahamas. Our equity club provides abundant owner use while consuming less land with fewer homes and adds an incredible yacht experience. We’re hopeful that our first-of-its-kind club and community will set the standard for eco-conscious development around the world.”
Club Ki’ama Bahamas is Silent Resorts’ first destination. The company is focused on solar-powered communities that can run free from “invasive” infrastructure and diesel. Through its nonprofit, it supports reef and mangrove preservation, and local communities. EcoIsland is the intersection of three real estate operations committed to sustainable development: Equity Residences, Elite Alliance, and Silent Resorts.
Destination location
The new community will be located just minutes from the popular Great Exuma island, home to swimming pigs. The development will offer unique co-ownership opportunities—luxury oceanfront homes and a fleet of crewed solar-powered yachts, electric day boats, a beach club, spa, and restaurant.
“We are thrilled to announce our first community for Silent Resorts,” said Barrett. “Sustainable development has long been a passion of mine and Club Ki’ama will bring this to life with state-of-the-art solar technology and sustainable building practices unlike any in the resort and residential markets. We’re excited for our Club owners and their guests to experience a smart, responsible way to own and a new way to travel.”
Homes in Club Ki’ama Bahamas are outfitted with living roof landscape systems, solar panels, and frames capable of withstanding Category 4 hurricanes. Prices start at $525,000 for a minimum of five weeks per year with ten yacht days. Ownership also includes access to Elite Alliance’s exchange program at more than 120 international locations.
Barrett and the team say the Ki’ama Bahamas will serve as a worldwide example of sustainable development. The development is only using 18 percent of the land parcel, leaving the rest in its natural state.
Structures are being built on piers to avoid land excavation, using carbon-negative engineering and net-zero construction waste. In addition to the solar power running the development, the resort will run its own water purification and wastewater treatment systems.
Sustainable developments
Club Ki’ama Bahamas builds on the growing trend of sustainable developments. In March, Panther National, the Florida-based golf residence coming from Swiss entrepreneur Dominik Senn, announced it would operate on Tesla power. The destination is also built with sustainability in mind, designed by architect Max Strang. The floor plans reflect a sustainability commitment through “ecologically sensitive” construction.
Club Med recently announced a string of new sustainability efforts to enhance its properties and meet climate targets. The resort chain debuted the largest solar panel field in Europe in 1978 at its Club Med des Boucaniers location in Martinique.
Sustainability living is also coming to the high seas. Last year Carl Le Souef, founder of skin-care company Private Formula International and the sustainable tech company Somnio Global, announced Somnio, the world’s largest superyacht expected to set sail in 2024. It will feature 39 permanent residence condos starting at $11.2 million.
“Environmental sustainability is a key focus for Somnio, which is being built with the latest clean engine technology and advanced onboard equipment to help scientists and marine experts conduct research into ocean environments,” the company said in a statement. “Internationally-recognised experts will join Somnio’s itinerary to update Owners on the latest global challenges and solutions on key environmental and philanthropic issues.”
