Royal Oasis Resort & Casino Freeport Bahamas

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THE ROYAL OASIS GOLF RESORT AND CASINO
The Holiday Inn Sunspree and the Crowne Plaza Resorts
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island the Bahamas

Golf, Swimming Pools, Casino Gambling, International Bazaar Shoping..

The Royal Oasis Golf Resort and Casino is comprised of two properties, the Holiday Inn SunSpree and the Crowne Plaza. The entire resort complex (including the two hotels, seperate pools for each hotel, a combined pool, the country club, casino, golf courses, tennis courts, etc.) is nestled amid 1,000 acres of lush tropical gardens. The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort encompasses the country club and golf center, and is located on one side of the complex, with the Crowne Plaza across the street, adjacent to the Casino and the famous International Bazaar. Unifying both Resorts is a new million gallon ‘beach’ pool with two water slides, a health spa, a fitness center and a children’s playground area.

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This new pool is the centerpiece of the resort. It is the first ever million-gallon, freshwater, “beach sand” pool with a gentle slope to wade and deeper sections to go out deeper for swimming, a soft sand bottom and a nice sandy beach. Just like being at the beach, but it’s a freshwater swimming pool.The resort is not located on the beach, so the “beach” sand pool, brings the beach to the resort. And it’s better than the real beach (in some respects), filtered freshwater, no waves to knock over the little ones, no sharks, jellyfish, crabs, or other ocean life to have to worry about.

Enjoy the tropical setting of all of the Royal Oasis pool areas, combined, they resemble intimate grottos of lush, deserted islands. A great place to relax after a day of golfing, shopping, business meetings, sightseeing, or adventuring, just the thing to get you refreshed and ready for another exciting evening of gaming, dancing or just enjoying the tropical evening air of Grand Bahama Island!

All guests staying at either the Holiday Inn Sunspree or the Crowne Plaza will be able to enjoy the complete facilities of the Royal Oasis complex including signing privileges anywhere on the Resort.

Resort Transportation: A free shuttle travels to Xanadu Beach every half hour (about a 10 minute trip).
The resort offers a colorful “Trolley” to transport guests around the resort.

Miscellaneous Information:
Formerly the Bahamian Princess
Freeport International Airport (FPO) is 5 miles away.

“it’s better in the Bahamas“

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Revitalization Efforts at the Former Royal Oasis Resort, Freeport

Exciting developments are underway in Freeport, Grand Bahama, focusing on the redevelopment of the former Royal Oasis Resort and the surrounding areas. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the region, boosting both tourism and local commerce.

Key Redevelopment Highlights:

• Road Reopening:
  • A significant step in the revitalization process is the reopening of the road leading to the Royal Oasis Resort. This road, which has been closed for several years, will once again provide access to the property.
  • This reopening is crucial for improving accessibility and encouraging future development within the resort area.

• Broader Downtown Freeport Revitalization:
  • The Royal Oasis redevelopment is part of a larger plan to rejuvenate downtown Freeport.
  • This plan includes various projects designed to enhance the area’s appeal and functionality.
  • Examples of these projects are the establishment of the new Solomon’s Fresh Market, and the relocation of government offices.
• New Sports and Recreation Facilities:
  • The redevelopment includes the construction of a multi-purpose sports complex shelter.
  • This complex will feature an indoor swimming facility, providing recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
• Economic and Cultural Revival:
  • The overall redevelopment initiative is a component of a comprehensive strategy to stimulate commerce and restore the cultural, tourist, and historical significance of Grand Bahama Island.
  • The goal is to bring back the vibrancy of Freeport.
• Potential Xanadu Beach Hotel Development:
  • Royal Caribbean is exploring the possibility of acquiring the Xanadu Beach Hotel in Freeport.
  • This potential acquisition is part of their broader vision to create a resort and water park destination, further enhancing the island’s tourism offerings.

In Summary:

The ongoing redevelopment projects in Freeport, particularly at the former Royal Oasis Resort, signify a promising future for Grand Bahama. These initiatives are designed to revitalize the area, attract tourists, and stimulate economic growth, bringing renewed energy to this beautiful island.

The Royal Oasis Resort in Freeport: A History of Redevelopment Efforts

The Royal Oasis Resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama, has a complex history of ownership and redevelopment attempts. Here’s a look at the key events:

Acquisition and Initial Plans:

• 2007 Purchase:
  • Harcourt Developments acquired the hurricane-damaged Royal Oasis hotel, casino, golf course, and timeshare complex for €25 million in November 2007.
  • The company initially pledged to invest approximately €250 million in redevelopment and reopening the resort.
• Initial Vision:
  • Plans included a comprehensive upgrade of the facilities, with the aim of restoring the Royal Oasis to its former glory.

Challenges and Setbacks:

• Economic Downturn:
  • The global property market collapse significantly impacted Harcourt’s ability to proceed with its redevelopment plans.
  • As a result, the resort has remained closed.
• Seeking New Ownership:
  • Recent reports indicate that Harcourt has engaged in discussions with potential buyers.
  • However, as of now, no firm offers have been received.
• Government Interest:
  • The Bahamian government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, is keen to see the Royal Oasis redeveloped and reopened.
  • The government recognizes the resort’s potential for job creation and its importance to the local tourism industry.

Historical Context:

• 2004 Closure:
  • Hurricane damage forced the previous owner, Freeport Driftwood, to close the Royal Oasis in 2004.
  • The Bahamian government had to provide financial assistance to displaced employees.
• Timeshare Disputes:
  • Timeshare investors threatened legal action against Freeport Driftwood, delaying the property’s sale.
  • This legal action was not against Harcourt, but did delay the final sale of the property to Harcourt.
• Original Job Creation Estimates:
  • In 2007 Harcourt estimated the re-development would create 1,000 jobs.
• Resort Features:
  • The facilities would feature conference centers, golf, a spa and fitness centers.
  • The Royal Oasis has two championship golf courses.

Harcourt Developments:

• Company Profile:
  • Harcourt has a diverse portfolio of projects in Ireland, Europe, the US, and the Caribbean.
  • Nama, Ireland’s bad bank, now owns loans to the company.
  • The company was founded by John Doherty.
  • Directors include Mike Murphy and Andrew Parker Bowles.

Current Status:

• Website Listing:
  • Harcourt’s website still lists the Royal Oasis as one of its hotel properties, indicating ongoing upgrade efforts.

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