New ownership to deliver thoughtful upgrades to guest amenities while preserving historic charm and strengthening community ties.
GREEN TURTLE CAY, Bahamas, Dec. 17, 2025 — VIP Marinas announced today it has acquired the historic Bluff House Resort & Marina on Green Turtle Cay. The company said it will maintain the resort’s distinctive Bahamian character while pursuing targeted improvements to elevate comfort, service and the overall guest experience.
Bluff House Resort has long been an iconic destination with deep-rooted Bahamian heritage and is widely regarded as the first and oldest resort in the Out Islands. What began in the 1950s as a private residence soon evolved into one of the most sought-after resorts in the Abacos, celebrated for its timeless charm, historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
VIP Marinas’ owners have a clear, carefully curated vision for the resort’s future, ensuring a seamless transition and introducing renovations and expansions in thoughtful phases. Their approach centers on protecting the property’s historic charm while enhancing the guest experience and respecting both the local community and the island’s natural environment. Their personal connection to the resort is guiding these decisions.
“I don’t see this as a business transaction, but a dream come true. I’m pouring pure passion into making a place I already love even better, without ruining what made me fall in love with it in the first place,” said Austin Cameron, co-owner and CEO of VIP Marinas. Co-owner Jenny Cameron added, “This has been our family’s favorite vacation spot for years, and we’re honored to help preserve its character while enhancing the experience for others as if it were our home.”
While the owners are eager to enhance the property, they remain equally committed to supporting a vibrant local community and providing opportunities for the resort’s current and future staff. These renovations and expansions are expected to generate new opportunities for local businesses and contractors while also increasing the resort’s staff, supporting job growth and strengthening the island’s economy.
“This is good news for all of Green Turtle Cay, and even more so for my staff,” said resort manager Molly McIntosh. “While the idea of new ownership initially felt uncertain, I’ve spent personal time with the new owners, and it didn’t feel like a large corporate takeover. It felt more like welcoming a new member into our Bluff House family, one that cares about its employees and community.”
The Bluff House’s iconic charm was shaped not only by its storied past but also by the unforgettable influence of one of its prior owners, Chuck. With an intriguing life story, a warm and welcoming personality, and a natural gift for connecting with everyone he met, Chuck became as much a part of the resort’s character as its beachfront views and historic architecture. His dedication, alongside the commitment of the Bluff House staff, helped create the personal, welcoming atmosphere that guests have cherished for decades.
“At VIP Marinas, our mission is ensuring our guests create positive memories that last a lifetime, and Bluff House is no exception,” said COO and co-owner Felecia Ongley. “I believe great experiences start behind the scenes with solid systems, thoughtful processes and a team that feels supported. It is one of our highest goals to embrace the legacy left by prior owners by ensuring our staff can shine and our guests feel the difference the moment they arrive.”
The new ownership will first focus on renovating the resort’s existing accommodations, dining venues and social gathering spaces, along with upgrades to the marina, pool and private beach area. Work will emphasize preserving the property’s historic character by protecting mature trees, maintaining native plants and using the island’s natural topography to support ecological balance. The architecture and style of the existing buildings will also be carefully maintained to ensure any upgrades complement the Bluff House’s timeless look and feel.
Long-term plans include an eight-unit boutique hotel, over-water honeymoon bungalows and a redesign of the hilltop residence that gave the resort its name, restoring the landmark to its former prominence. Other improvements under consideration include expanding the wedding and event pavilion and adding accommodations, dining experiences, additional pools, and introducing a new signature restaurant.
Details on future phases will be announced later.
About the Resort
The Bluff House Resort sits on Green Turtle Cay in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, a renowned out-island destination known for turquoise waters and laid-back charm. The resort occupies the island’s highest point on a lush 12-acre property and features a 46-slip marina welcoming international boaters seeking an authentic Bahamian experience. Guests can choose from private one- to five-bedroom villas or one of eight signature waterfront suites, and enjoy two restaurants, a poolside bar, a beachfront patio overlooking the Sea of Abaco, a private beach, a swimming pool and a pickleball court. The resort is a sought-after venue for weddings and other celebrations.
The resort is open from Nov. 1 through Aug. 31. For more information, visit bluffhouse.com.
Company Overview
VIP Marinas is an independently owned, family-led operator of premier marina destinations across the southern United States and the Bahamas. Since acquiring its first property in 2009, the company has grown to 14 award-winning locations known for world-class facilities, a hands-on, small-company approach, and exceptional customer service. Guided by its vision to create destination marinas where people make positive memories that last a lifetime, VIP Marinas invests in irreplaceable waterfront properties, elevates them to top-tier standards, and fosters vibrant communities where every boater feels like family.
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