By Patrick Koune
There are places that not only enter the world yachting map but redefine its coordinates. South of Abaco, in the ethereal light of the Bahamas, Habacoa is poised to become one of the most strategic addresses of the next decade. Designed to accommodate the largest superyachts ever built, conceived as a complete ecosystem blending marina, signature residences, and experiences lifestyle, the project led by Ra'anan Ben-Zur It transcends the notion of a port to establish itself as a destination. By 2030, this enclave could embody the new Riviera of the Americas.
Ra'anan Ben-Zur belongs to that generation of international developers capable of conceiving projects on a territorial scale. A seasoned entrepreneur with a discreet demeanor, he has established himself over the years as a recognized figure in the development of complex destinations combining real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure.
His method is based on a long-term approach, where the economic dimension is never separated from a vision of use. For him, a marina can no longer be a simple mooring point: it must become a living space, a hub of attraction, and a complete experience. Habacoa embodies this philosophy. Eight years were needed to obtain the necessary permits, structure the project, and integrate environmental requirements, a sign of a strategy based on sustainability and long-term credibility rather than speed of execution.
An infrastructure designed for the giants of the seas
South of Abaco, in one of the most strategic nautical corridors between Florida and the Caribbean, Habacoa is already emerging as one of the most ambitious projects of the next decade in the world of international yachting. Conceived as a comprehensive destination and not simply as port infrastructure, this development redefines the very notion of a superyacht marina, transforming it into a territory of experience, architecture, and... lifestyle.
The idea stemmed from a geographical reality. In a region where the United States represents the world's largest yachting market, infrastructure capable of accommodating very large vessels remains extremely scarce. Upon discovering a vast 500-acre plot with over a mile of coastline, Ra'anan Ben-Zur immediately understood that the site possessed all the qualities to become a major nautical hub, located on the natural route connecting North America to the Caribbean.
Habacoa's unique feature lies in its capacity to accommodate the largest existing and future vessels. In an area where the seabed is generally shallow, the project offers a depth of water that allows for yachts far exceeding current standards. This technical characteristic transforms the marina into a natural anchorage for very large fleets sailing between the American East Coast and the Caribbean.
But the port infrastructure is just one element of a much larger whole. Habacoa is designed as a destination in its own right, featuring ultra-exclusive residences, top-tier hospitality, nautical experiences, and a range of offerings. lifestyle They are situated in a deliberately low-density environment, guaranteeing both privacy and integration into the landscape.
Architecture as a signature
To translate this ambition into space, the project relies on a spectacular architectural style, notably through the collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects for the iconic spaces of the resort and yacht club. This sculptural dimension places Habacoa within the language of major contemporary destinations, where design becomes a marker of identity as much as a driver of international appeal.
Far from the high-density development seen in some port areas, the choice of low density gives the project a rare sense of openness in the world of coastal luxury. This relationship to space directly contributes to the value of the location and its positioning in the ultra-premium real estate market.
A marina built around sustainability
One of the project's cornerstones lies in its environmental approach. The marina is excavated inland before being opened to the ocean in order to preserve existing marine life as much as possible—a more expensive but infinitely less intrusive method for the ecosystem. This strategy is accompanied by a set of measures integrating renewable energy, responsible water management, and financial support for local environmental protection initiatives.
This vision is part of a profound evolution in international yachting, where environmental performance is becoming as important a criterion as the level of service or the quality of infrastructure.
A destination destined to transform Abaco
Beyond its nautical dimension, Habacoa represents a catalyst for economic transformation on Abaco Island. The project generates jobs, modernizes infrastructure, and firmly positions the region on the map of major international destinations. It is less an isolated development than the creation of a new ecosystem capable of attracting yacht owners, international residents, and travelers seeking exclusive experiences.
The marina of the future, starting today
For Ra'anan Ben-Zur, Habacoa is not just a real estate or port project. It is a prototype of what marinas should become in the coming decades: complete, technologically advanced destinations, integrated into their environment and imbued with a cultural vision. lifestyle.
By 2030, when the entire resort is completed, Habacoa is expected to function as a vibrant, year-round, contemporary port city dedicated to superyachts. A destination where people come as much to live as to moor their yachts, it could well redraw the map of nautical luxury in the Atlantic.
Photos: Habacoa
