Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts is set to create a stunning gold-and-glass private island in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Eagle Hills, with a targeted opening in 2030. This luxury development will include 60 hotel rooms and suites, 30 beachfront villas, and 90 private mansions, combining Italian design with Middle Eastern aesthetics. Bvlgari describes this project as its most ambitious undertaking to date.

Credit: Gulf News

The island will be designed in a horseshoe shape and will offer picturesque views of the open sea and the iconic Qasr Al Watan. Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin shared with Gulf News that the project aims to provide a unique experience. He stated, “We’re creating something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world—a private island retreat offering complete intimacy, yet just a few hundred metres from downtown Abu Dhabi.”

Developed by the Abu Dhabi-based real estate firm Eagle Hills, founded by Mohamed Alabbar, the project will be designed by Milanese architects ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The striking design will feature gold and glass rising from the sand, paying tribute to both Rome’s architectural grandeur and the region’s rich culture. Babin noted that the facade aims to be contemporary while also reflecting the local appreciation for luxurious materials.

Bvlgari’s resort will showcase a flagship Bvlgari Villa encompassing five bedrooms and spanning 1 200 square meters. It will also include a private marina, a 40-berth yacht club, and a diverse selection of dining options such as Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and the Japanese concept Hōseki. Babin emphasized that privacy and scale were critical elements in the design, ensuring that each of the 90 mansions will be spacious, with some exceeding 2 500 square meters.

The resort will feature a 2 000-square-meter spa, a 25-meter lap pool, and a fitness center. For high-profile guests, the promise of privacy is as luxurious as the amenities. Babin remarked, “If I were a celebrity, this is exactly where I would go,” highlighting that the island is fully private and accessible only to resort guests or mansion owners, ensuring no through traffic.

Bvlgari is expanding its hospitality presence with existing properties in Milan, Paris, London, and Tokyo, and plans for locations in Miami, Maldives, and Bodrum. However, Babin clarified that the brand is not focused on quantity. He stated, “We’re not building dozens of hotels. We’re creating a global community—intimate, loyal, and refined.”

Babin also recognized Abu Dhabi’s growing cultural significance, noting that the project aligns with the city’s evolution. He expressed that this development will become a landmark, both architecturally and emotionally. As for potential expansion into Saudi Arabia, he acknowledged the country’s allure but emphasized the need for careful consideration before making any decisions.

With all eyes on Abu Dhabi, Bvlgari’s gold-and-glass island is poised to redefine ultra-luxury in the Middle East.