Inside Bvlgari’s Upcoming Gold Island Retreat in Abu Dhabi: Ultra-Luxury Villas, Mansions & Marina
Abu Dhabi is set to welcome a dazzling new addition to its luxury landscape as Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts partners with Eagle Hills to create a private island destination like no other. Slated for a 2030 opening, this ambitious development will feature 60 hotel suites and rooms, 30 beachfront villas, and 90 exclusive mansions—a fusion of Italian design elegance and Middle Eastern sophistication.
Shaped like a horseshoe and offering panoramic views of the open sea and Qasr Al Watan, this private island promises a blend of seclusion and convenience. Positioned just a short distance from downtown Abu Dhabi, the island is described by Bvlgari’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, as a natural sanctuary nestled within an urban capital. He emphasized that the project will deliver a one-of-a-kind retreat—a space offering unmatched privacy, yet minutes away from the city’s heart.
This visionary destination is being brought to life by Eagle Hills, a UAE-based real estate developer founded by Mohamed Alabbar, with architecture and design by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel from Milan. With its gold-and-glass facade, the development seeks to reflect both the grandeur of Roman architecture and the regional appreciation for opulence. According to Babin, the aim was to create a design that is modern yet rooted in cultural richness, aligning with both the Bvlgari brand and Abu Dhabi’s aesthetic.
Set to be the brand’s most significant resort to date, the retreat will feature a signature five-bedroom Bvlgari Villa spanning 1,200 sqm, along with a private marina, 40-berth yacht club, and a curated selection of fine dining experiences. Among them: Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Hōseki (Japanese cuisine), a luxurious Turkish restaurant, and the vibrant Bvlgari Bar.
Privacy and spaciousness are at the heart of the resort’s concept. Each of the 90 private mansions is being designed with dramatic architecture, soaring ceilings, and generous layouts, some extending over 2,500 sqm with private docks or beachfront access. The architectural ambition, Babin noted, is to capture a sense of monumental beauty—akin to a Roman temple, adapted for modern living.
Additional amenities will include a 2,000 sqm luxury spa, a 25-metre lap pool, and a fully equipped fitness center. Designed with high-profile guests in mind, the island ensures complete discretion and exclusivity. Babin highlighted that the island will have no public access or through-traffic, meaning that only resort guests and property owners can enter the private zones.
Even within the Yacht Club, access will be selectively restricted—casual visitors may enjoy the dining and beach offerings, but the core hotel and residential areas remain fully private, ensuring peace and a sense of escape.
The new Abu Dhabi development continues Bvlgari’s careful global expansion, with current properties in major cities like Milan, Paris, London, and Tokyo, and future sites planned in Miami, Maldives, and Bodrum. Babin reaffirmed that Bvlgari isn’t focused on volume but on crafting a refined, close-knit global community—where each destination is not just desirable, but essential for its clientele.
He also acknowledged Abu Dhabi’s growing cultural influence, noting its role in hosting international events, attracting major film productions, and the arrival of global entertainment leaders like Disney. This project, he added, is a reflection of the capital’s vibrant evolution and cultural momentum, serving as both an architectural and emotional landmark.
As for potential expansion into Saudi Arabia, particularly the Red Sea region, Babin mentioned that while the area holds promise with its natural marine beauty, the brand is still evaluating the market, connectivity, and customer base to ensure a perfect fit when the time comes.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Abu Dhabi, as Bvlgari’s shimmering gold-and-glass island promises to redefine ultra-luxury living in the Middle East.