Despite their popularity in destinations like the Maldives and Bora Bora, overwater bungalows in the Bahamas remain a rarity. The allure of waking up to the ocean gently lapping beneath your feet cannot be understated, and there’s a high demand for such accommodations in the Bahamas. However, several formidable barriers prevent the development of overwater bungalows in the Bahamas. This article explores the main reasons why these dreamy accommodations haven’t taken root in this island paradise.
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Now that we have that out of the way, let’s hop back into the real reason that you are hear right now. The interesting phenomenon of Bahamian overwater bungalows, or the lack thereof.
Tough Environmental Regulations for Overwater Bungalows in Bahamas
The Bahamas has stringent environmental regulations designed to protect its pristine marine ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining the natural beauty that attracts millions of tourists each year. Overwater bungalows in the Bahamas would require extensive marine construction, which could disrupt coral reefs, marine life habitats, and water quality. The Bahamian government prioritizes ecological preservation over new developments, particularly those that could pose a risk to its delicate environmental balance.
We must acknowledge that overwater bungalow construction can alter the marine habitat in the immediate area. This can be a good or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. In some ways, it might bring in life that wasn’t there before. But, this might push out native species known in the area.
The Bahamas is Prone to Devastating Hurricanes
Another significant barrier to the construction of overwater bungalows in the Bahamas is the high risk of hurricanes. The archipelago is frequently in the path of these devastating natural disasters, which can cause immense damage to structures not built to withstand such forces. The transient nature and exposed positioning of overwater bungalows would make them particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, deterring investment in such risky ventures despite the high demand.
Hurricane Dorian in 2019 absolutely devastated some parts of the Bahamas. It ravaged the economy, and locals livelihood in certain regions of the Bahamas. This is the type of hurricane that would have destroyed any overwater bungalow in it’s path.
Lack of Necessary Infrastructure
The specialized infrastructure required to support overwater bungalows in the Bahamas is not currently in place. Constructing overwater accommodations involves not only the bungalows themselves but also the need for robust utilities such as water, electricity, and waste management systems that can operate over water. The investment and technology required to establish and maintain this infrastructure on a scale necessary for such developments are substantial, further complicating potential projects.
Despite being incredibly close to the United States, the Bahamas still does not have what it takes to properly support a luxury overwater bungalow resort
Lack of Affordable Labor
The cost of labor in the Bahamas is another hurdle. While there is a high demand for overwater bungalows, the expense of building and maintaining them in remote and challenging environments drives up costs. Skilled labor is necessary for such specialized construction, and sourcing this labor locally can be difficult and expensive, thereby inflating the overall expenses associated with overwater bungalow projects in the Bahamas.
One of the many reasons that overwater bungalows are so cheap in the Maldives is because they can legally import construction workers from Bangladesh, India, Africa, and other poor regions. It is a well known open secret that these workers are getting paid miniscule amounts of money and working much longer hours than would be allowed in the Bahamas. There is also the logistical component. Even if Bahamian developers could do something like this, it would be much more challenging getting the workers to the Bahamas.
Why There Are No Overwater Bungalows in the Bahamas: Conclusion
In conclusion, while overwater bungalows in the Bahamas would undoubtedly fulfill a fantasy for many tourists, significant obstacles stand in the way. From tough environmental regulations and the threat of natural disasters to the lack of necessary infrastructure and affordable labor, these factors collectively explain why overwater bungalows have not developed in the Bahamas. For now, visitors must satisfy themselves with the many other luxuries that these beautiful islands have to offer.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think that the right developer can overcome the obstacles that come with building an overwater bungalow in the Bahamas? I know I would love to stay there.
