Pharrell Williams to launch tropical Bahamian beach resort
by Megan Whitby | 26 Jan 2022
Multi-Grammy award-winning musician and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams is creating a beachfront resort in The Bahamas in partnership with Miami Beach-based hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman.
Named Somewhere Else, the project marks the duo’s third hospitality project. Their portfolio already includes an indoor-outdoor dining concept, called Swan, as well as the Goodtime Hotel, both of which are based in Miami.
The upcoming beachfront resort will open in January 2024 on the Bahamas’ famed Atlantis, Paradise Island and find its home within the complex’s existing The Beach hotel, following a comprehensive refurbishment.
The Beach was the island’s first resort and was designed by the late architect Morris Lapidus who’s celebrated as one of the original pioneers of the neo-baroque Miami Modern era during 1950-60.
Williams and Grutman are looking to enhance and build on Lapidus’ creation as they breathe new life into the location. They plan to create a destination characterised by a sense of tropical modernism, lushly landscaped grounds, a pink palette and an indoor-outdoor design approach.
Somewhere Else will feature 400 rooms and is being refreshed with input from New York-based architecture firm The Rockwell Group.
With regards to wellness, guests will be able to visit Paradise Island’s existing 30,000sq ft Mandara Spa offering both Asian-inspired and European-style wellness experiences.
Williams and Grutman haven’t outlined plans for in-house wellness facilities at their resort, however, Williams is no stranger to the world of wellness having launched his eco-conscious inclusive body and skincare brand Humanrace in 2020.
The collection is designed to benefit mind, body and spirit and is an extension of Williams’ passion for prioritising mental and physical wellbeing.
Having already dipped his toe into the sector, this could suggest Williams may weave wellness into the resort concept and offering.
Additional facilities at Somewhere Else will include bungalows with recording studios, a selection of dining concepts, multiple pools and leisure amenities.
Pharrell Williams Rockwell Group David Grutman
Credit: Groot Hospitality
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Multi-Grammy award-winning musician and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams is creating a beachfront resort in The Bahamas in partnership with Miami Beach-based hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman. Named Somewhere Else, the project marks the duo’s third hospitality project. Their portfolio already includes an indoor-outdoor dining concept, called Swan, as well as the Goodtime Hotel, both of which are based in Miami. The upcoming beachfront resort will open in January 2024 on the Bahamas’
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