Pharrell Williams expands his hospitality empire.
The multifaceted mogul is once again teaming up with nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman to build a brand new resort in the Bahamas. Somewhere Else will be part of Atlantis Paradise Island and is expected to open in January 2024 and will consist of 400 rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars and bungalows with recording studios.
The hotel will have a more contemporary feel, described as “tropical modernism” with cascading pools and multicolored room concepts. It’s anchored by a flamingo-pink trimmed building previously known as The Beach, which is being renovated from head to toe. The New York architectural firm Rockwell Group will lead the design.
“When you talk about tropical aesthetics, you’re often reminded of a different time,” Pharrell told CNN of the Design Forward project. “It’s like, ‘Man, let’s be this time.’ We are going into the future here.”
Somewhere Else is the second hotel from Williams and Grutman, who are partners of the Goodtime Hotel, which opened in Miami last year. They also own the Miami-based restaurant Swan.
“We want to do this differently than what you’ve come to expect from Pharrell and I,” Grutman said. “We attach great importance to the nature and experiences that you can have on the premises of the property, be it in a fun sense or to find a quiet corner to relax.”
Meanwhile, Pharrell continues to conquer the fashion world. The Neptunes producer is collaborating with Tiffany & Co. on an upcoming project. “You know, Tiffany and I are engaged,” he told WWD this week. “It’s a partnership … It’s about seeing things differently.”