Silent Resorts has announced the world’s first fully sustainable, zero carbon, solar-powered yacht and residence club in the Bahamas. Jenny Southan reports
Club Ki’ama Bahamas by Silent Resorts is located within the new Ki’ama Bahamas enclave on Elizabeth Island, minutes from Great Exuma.
It represents a “one-of-a-kind co-ownership opportunity” that combines luxurious solar-powered, oceanfront homes with a fleet of solar-powered and crewed yachts, as well as electric day boats, a beach club, spa and restaurant.
Construction began in June 2022 and is expected to have the lowest environmental impact of any development in the Caribbean, thanks to the use of “linear designs that complement the natural topography of the island, minimising disruption to the natural landscape”. 
When complete, there will be 16 four-bedroom residences and eight yachts, in addition to eight whole-ownership residences that include a share of a Silent Yacht.
When complete, there will be 16 four-bedroom residences and eight yachts, in addition to eight whole-ownership residences that include a share of a Silent Yacht.The introductory ownership price is US$525,000, and owners will get a minimum of five weeks of vacation annually, including ten yacht days.
These will will be spent aboard crewed and fully catered, solar-powered Silent Yachts catamarans that measure 60 to 80-feet in length. What’s more, they don’t have the noise, environmental impact, high operating costs or expensive maintenance of other yachts.
“Club Ki’ama represents the future for sustainable residential and resort development,” says Steve Dering, EcoIsland Development partner and global pioneer of the residence club co-ownership model.
“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 sure that our first-of-its-kind club and community will set the standard for eco-conscious development around the world.”
The single-storey Club residences will feature ten- to 12-foot ceilings for enhanced ventilation and light, “living roof” landscape systems, solar panels, and structural timber frames designed to withstand a Category 4 hurricane.
The pre-engineered building system allows for the bulk of construction to take place off-island, minimising disruption to the natural landscape and reducing construction delays and costs.Barrett says: “We are thrilled to announce our first community for Silent Resorts. 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 silently explore the pristine waters of the Bahamas.”
The Ki’ama Bahamas community will serve as a worldwide example for sustainable development. Much of the resort will be constructed on piers to avoid land excavation or fill using “carbon negative” pre-engineered building structures with near-zero construction waste.
All residences, yachts, buildings and amenities will be fully and independently solar powered. The resort also utilises highly efficient, advanced water purification and wastewater treatment systems.
In addition to its environmentally friendly energy, water and building systems, only 18 per cent of the total land area will be developed, leaving most of the Ki’ama property undisturbed and left in its natural habitat.
The eco-conscious island will feature the oceanfront Club Ki’ama Beach Club, Spa and Restaurant. At the heart of the community, the Beach Club will be uniquely constructed in “tent and timber,” utilising the highest quality natural fabrics, bamboo and timber with very little impact to the environment. Whole ownership estate homes will be added in a second phase.
Club Ki’ama will be spread across 36 acres on Elizabeth Island, a private island in Elizabeth Harbour, with a two-acre protected marina and six private beaches. Upon flying into Exuma International Airport, owners take an electric water taxi from George Town Dock to the island, a ten-minute ride.
Silent Resorts creates communities that are 100 per cent powered by the sun and free from invasive infrastructure or diesel generators.
Its proprietary relationship with Silent-Yachts and its integration of the world’s first fully solar yachts with pre-engineered, carbon-negative, low-impact, land-based infrastructure allows owners and guests to experience the planet’s most pristine and undiscovered destinations without harming the environment.
Through its global nonprofit organisation, Silent Catch, Silent Resorts destinations support the electrification of the local artisanal fishing fleets, preserve mangrove habitats, fund reef restoration and engage with local island communities.