Aiming to bring a slice of the French Riviera to Fort Lauderdale, the Related Group and partners have unveiled a bold $2 billion project to transform the city’s Bahia Mar marina into a world-class destination they’re dubbing a “mini Monaco.” The ambitious plan will add a high-end hotel, luxury condo towers, and an array of restaurants, retail, and a beach club, according to project executives.

“South Florida has long awaited a destination with the allure of Monaco,” said Nick Perez, president of the condo division at Related Group. “This development brings together deep-water access, fine dining, and a five-star resort feel—exactly what the market has been missing.”

Creating a Global Marina Destination

The development, a joint effort between Miami’s Related Group, Tate Capital, and Rok Acquisitions, will span almost 40 acres across land and water. The luxury St. Regis hotel, set to replace the existing DoubleTree on site, will offer around 200 guest rooms, creating an upscale lodging option right on the marina. In addition to multiple condo towers, the project will feature 88,000 square feet of commercial waterfront space, including a public park, a 25-foot-wide pedestrian promenade, and yacht docking facilities for vessels up to 350 feet long.

Douglas Elliman will handle marketing and sales for the residences, with condo prices starting at $4.4 million. The anticipated completion date is late 2029.

Overcoming Challenges, Gearing Up for Global Appeal

The Bahia Mar marina, one of the largest in Fort Lauderdale, has long been a staple of the city’s yachting culture and home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the nation’s largest yacht show, which kicks off Wednesday. The redevelopment, however, has faced years of pushback from local residents and officials who previously opposed large-scale development. To address these concerns, the current plan includes scaled-down buildings and more public amenities.

The vision for the revamped Bahia Mar seeks to tap into a global clientele, with 65% of boat show attendees arriving from Europe and Latin America. Perez believes the project will attract yachting enthusiasts from around the world, promising residents a lifestyle where luxury living and marina access are seamlessly intertwined.

“There’s nowhere else in South Florida where you can dock your yacht in your backyard, enjoy luxury accommodations, and have top-tier dining right next to your residence,” Perez said.

With Fort Lauderdale positioned to become a yachting epicenter rivaling Monaco, the Bahia Mar development marks a new chapter in South Florida’s appeal as a luxury destination. If successful, the project could redefine waterfront living and attract a wave of international yacht owners eager to stake a claim in Fort Lauderdale’s own slice of the Riviera.