$2B Bahia Mar to Turn Fort Lauderdale into ‘Mini Monaco’

A $2B overhaul could turn Fort Lauderdale’s largest marina, Bahia Mar, into a ‘Mini Monaco’ with a St. Regis hotel, luxury condo towers, and 88 KSF of commercial space.
The project will combine upscale living with a five-star hotel experience and marina slips accommodating yachts up to 350 feet.
With 65% of visitors to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show coming from overseas, developers are targeting an affluent international clientele.

Key Takeaways

Developers are setting their sights on transforming Fort Lauderdale’s Bahia Mar marina into a top-tier destination with a new multi-billion-dollar redevelopment plan.

The marina already hosts the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a global draw, and the redevelopment could turn Fort Lauderdale into a premier residential and resort hub.

The Detailed Blueprint

According to CNBC, the new and improved Bahia Mar redevelopment in Fort Lauderdale, envisioned by developers including Related Group and Rok Acquisitions, will encompass nearly 40 acres of land and water.

The St. Regis hotel (MAR), set to be part of the redevelopment, will feature around 200 rooms and replace the current DoubleTree hotel (HLT) on-site. The project also includes multiple residential towers marketed by Douglas Elliman (DOUG), with condos starting at $4.4M.

Luxury Amenities: The development will feature a 25-foot-wide pedestrian promenade, a public park along the Intracoastal Waterway, and docking facilities for yachts up to 350 feet.
Public/Private Balance: After years of community opposition to earlier, larger plans, developers adjusted their vision to include more public amenities and scaled-down buildings.

Global Appeal

Nick Perez of Related Group emphasized that, although many global visitors already attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, that’s only a one-time event. South Florida lacks an integrated five-star experience that combines high-end residential living, luxury hotel accommodations, and direct boating access in one location.

The marina redevelopment seeks to fill that niche, positioning Fort Lauderdale as a standout destination for affluent yacht owners and travelers seeking a seamless blend of lifestyle and luxury.

The main goal of the transformation is to draw an international clientele, particularly from Europe and Latin America, where yacht culture is prominent.

Looking Ahead

The Bahia Mar redevelopment is scheduled to open in late 2029, signaling a major shift in Fort Lauderdale’s luxury offerings. Upon completion, the project is poised to redefine the city’s high-end real estate and hospitality sectors, setting a new standard for waterfront living.