Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the Azura Bermuda Development continues to see success as it moves toward the final launch, with the Azura Hotel currently open for business.
A spokesperson said, “By the arrival of Covid-19 in March, the Azura Bermuda Development on South Shore in Warwick had sold 85% of its Phase 1 and 2 Hotel Residences. The grand opening launch for the Hotel was planned for May and the Azura reservations team had accepted a very encouraging number of bookings for the 2020 summer season.
“Due to ensuing Covid-19 travel restrictions, the Azura Hotel management team has had to be nimble and shift to an alternative operating plan.
“The Hotel team decided to continue welcoming guests by extending its soft opening status over the summer, focusing its amenities offering to the stunning pool and pool terrace, private beaches, and new fitness center.
“Bar and catering services are still by private events arrangement, though because of strong local staycation demand, the newly finished Azura Bar will open Saturday nights in July and August from 5-9pm for sunset happy hour.
“Azura’s Real Estate sales remain very healthy, with 90% of all available Hotel Residences sold and continuing high levels of interest in the new phase of Residences from both local and overseas buyers.
“Phase 1 construction completed at the end of 2019 and included 15 Hotel Residences, providing up to 29 bedrooms for the Azura Hotel. Among these only one residence remains available, a 2 bedroom, with 12 foot high tray ceilings and stunning ocean views, fully furnished and ready for immediate occupancy.
“Construction on Phase 2, which consists of the 8 Hotel Residences in Azura’s new oceanfront Edgewater Building, continues steadily with a planned completion date of April 2021.
“When combined with Phase 1 this will provide 50 potential rooms or ‘keys’ for the Azura Hotel. Each residence in this spectacular clifftop building includes open plan kitchen/living rooms and all bedrooms or ‘hotel keys’ have 9-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, private terraces – all looking out directly over Azura’s private beach and the stunning South Shore ocean and reefs. All available Edgewater Residences have been sold either pre-construction or during construction.”
Bermudian Developer John Bush commented, “Due to current circumstances we were not able to fully launch the Azura Hotel as planned this spring, but that has not deterred us from forging full steam ahead to complete the resort. We have continued to focus our energy and investment on completing the last of the resort amenities and the final Hotel Residence condominiums.
“When Azura is finished there will be 29 Hotel Residences providing up to 65 Hotel rooms. A key aspect of the Azura business model is that there will be no debt on the project at completion. The development debt has already been largely repaid by the Azura sales to date. This financial position provides exceptional operating flexibility for Azura going forward and will ensure that it can be a sustainable hospitality asset for its purchasers and for Bermuda well into the future.”
Head of Sales & Marketing, Betsy Robbins-Mutch stated, “Despite what has turned out to be a tough year globally, Real Estate at Azura continues to experience strong demand. During the quarantine period in in April and May, we saw a jump in international interest in particular and accepted reservation deposits on two oceanfront residences from buyers overseas.
“We were able to send them detailed aerial and construction photos and videos of interiors and views. Ultimately, the purchasers decided to proceed with the sales process based on what they saw of Azura, their knowledge of and affection for the island, and ultimately their confidence in Bermuda’s future.”
“Azura’s final real estate phase includes 6 residences, perched at the highest point of the property with exceptional views overlooking the ocean and featuring an infinity-edge rooftop pool. Architectural work by CTX Design Group is nearing completion and floorplans are being released to the market this week. There are 2, 3 & 4 bedroom options available for purchase.
Betsy Robbins-Mutch explained, “Similar to the Edgewater residences, all of these final phase units will have gorgeous contemporary design and panoramic views of the ocean through glass walls. Each bedroom can lock off as a hotel key when not in use so that owners have maximum flexibility in the way they use their residence.
“They will offer a beautiful new home with hotel amenities when on island, and an income opportunity overseen by hotel management according to their personal schedules year to year. We expect to begin construction as soon as the end of the year and I predict that the two penthouse residences on the level of the infinity pool will not be on the market for long.
“Each penthouse residence also has the option of a private rooftop “sky pool” and veranda with majestic Atlantic views. And for the purchaser who wishes a beautiful 2 bedroom residence ready for immediate occupancy, we can still offer the last fantastic Phase 1 opportunity.”
John Bush said, “We remain optimistic about the future of Azura and the hospitality industry here. I believe Bermuda is well-poised to benefit from the post-Covid 19 era of travel. Bermuda can and should be seen as an ideal haven for a variety of visitor categories.
“It has short flight times from the north east coast, an amiable climate year-round, a small population combined with low Covid-19 cases and strong health and safety standards in place. Overseas visitors may well opt for a vacation in Bermuda, or a new residence here, over other destinations that are further-a-field or are large cities where crowds are the norm.
“In the last two months, Azura has also had a big increase in interest from ‘digital nomads’ and visitors looking for extended stays. Ultimately, we have to look at this new landscape as opportunity and position all that we have to offer creatively during these times of rapid change.”
He continued, “Azura’s initial hotel guests, both overseas and ‘staycationers’, have been very complimentary of the property, the rooms quality and the Azura staff – even though services are presently only at a pre-opening level. We look forward to the day when we can fully launch the Hotel with all hotel services including a destination bar and bistro in daily operation.
“But for now, we are using the bar for festive summer events and are pleased that we can offer local residents a new staycation destination and continue to grow our Azura Hotel brand. Azura is a stunning property. Its convenient central location, views, beach terraces, and exceptional natural setting make Azura unique within the Bermuda market.”
A spokesperson added, “The Azura Hotel is open for business and is actively taking bookings for the remainder of 2020. There are ocean view and king rooms, 1-to-3 bedroom suites and stand-alone villas. All 1 bedroom and larger suites have full kitchens.
“For this summer, Azura is a great option for Bermudian residents or small groups of family or friends looking for a bespoke staycations at a local’s discount of 25%. Azura’s experienced events team can help plan special occasions and Azura has already proven to be a favourite spot of local luxury private events companies for picnics, summer beach BBQs, wine & rum tastings, and other catered events.
For general information or bookings, please visit www.azurabermuda.com or call 441-232-9000. For real estate sales inquiries, please get in touch with Betsy Robbins-Mutch at betsy@azurabermuda.com or on +1 441 599 2525.
