Who Owns The Beach Tower?

During its operational period, The Beach Tower participated in Atlantis Paradise Island's sustainability programs. Atlantis has been recognized for marine conservation leadership, including the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 that supports marine species and habitats throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean seas.

Atlantis eliminated single-use plastic bottles, styrofoam containers, utensils, and plastic bags across the resort. The resort received Virtuoso's Sustainable Leadership: Protecting the Planet Award for its commitment to marine life conservation and responsible tourism.

The redevelopment of The Beach Tower, if it proceeds, represents adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure rather than demolition, which aligns with sustainable development practices. No Leaping Bunny, PETA, Vegan Society, or B Corp certification applies to The Beach Tower or Atlantis Paradise Island.

The Beach Tower did not receive individual awards during its operational period but benefited from Atlantis Paradise Island's broader recognition:

• Virtuoso Sustainable Leadership Award: Atlantis received Virtuoso's Sustainable Leadership: Protecting the Planet Award for marine conservation
• Record Visitation: Atlantis achieved record visitation in 2024 and 2025, the highest in the resort's history
• Atlantis Blue Project Foundation: Recognized for scientific research contributions and marine conservation programs

The Somewhere Else project, if completed, could potentially receive recognition for sustainable design and innovative hospitality concepts, but no awards have been given as the project remains stalled.

Employee Redundancy (2021): Approximately 700 employees were made redundant at Atlantis Paradise Island in 2021, including many from The Beach Tower. The Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) expressed concern about the staff reductions and the adequacy of communication with affected workers.

Project Delays and Uncertainty: The Somewhere Else project was announced with a planned 2024 opening. Demolition began in late 2023, and Atlantis targeted an April 2024 soft opening. However, the project faced significant delays and construction was paused. As of mid-2026, no official opening date has been provided, creating uncertainty about the property's future.

Vici Properties Interest: US casino developer Vici Properties Ltd. expressed interest in Atlantis Paradise Island with a $382 million consideration, related in part to the stalled Beach Tower redevelopment. This raised questions about the project's financial viability and whether alternative development approaches might be pursued.

Union Relations: The BHCAWU expressed cautious concern about the Somewhere Else partnership, noting it was "definitely something to keep an eye on" from a labor perspective. Questions about staff complement, working conditions, and union representation in the new hotel remain unresolved given the project's stalled status.

Celebrity Partnership Questions: While government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper hailed the Somewhere Else partnership as affirming investor confidence in The Bahamas, some industry observers questioned whether celebrity-driven development would prioritize luxury positioning over employee welfare and community benefits.