WOW Resorts - Way of Water

Huahine’s first wild boutique reef resort, blending sustainable luxury with authentic Polynesian cultural immersion.

Client :

Way of Water

Location :

Huahine

Services :

Residential design

Date :

Budget :

$8,000

Project Description

The project involves the strategic acquisition, renovation, and expansion of the former Royal Huahine Hotel into the Way of Water (WOW) Resorts, a 5-star "Wild Boutique Reef Resort" in Huahine, French Polynesia. This venture introduces a pioneering hybrid business model that merges traditional luxury hospitality with a blockchain-based fractional ownership program. Located on a prime site featuring 11.5 hectares of land and a 1.5-hectare maritime concession, the project aims to revitalize a distressed asset into a sustainable, high-yield eco-destination.

Project Objectives

  • Asset Revitalization: To redevelop a distressed property into Huahine’s first true 5-star luxury boutique product, capturing a rare first-mover opportunity in a less commercialized market.

  • Hybrid Revenue Model: To combine two engines of growth: luxury hotel operations for recurring revenue and a tokenized timeshare program to generate immediate treasury inflows and liquidity.

  • Market Positioning: To offer an authentic Polynesian experience with Average Daily Rates (ADRs) positioned 30-40% below Bora Bora benchmarks, attracting both aspirational travelers and smart investors.

  • Sustainability Leadership: To establish a Green Key certified resort anchored in ESG principles, featuring solar power, waste recycling, and marine conservation initiatives.

Services Provided

  • Real Estate Development: Renovation of 41 existing bungalows (Garden, Beach, and Overwater) and the construction of 40 new premium villas for a total of 83 units.

  • Infrastructure & Access: Construction of a new dedicated jetty in Fitii, road connections to the resort, and installation of renewable energy systems including a 200 kWc solar plant.

  • Tokenization & Sales: Management of the "WOW Tokenization Framework," offering blockchain-secured fractional ownership (timeshare) with transparent treasury management and re-buy liquidity options.

  • Hospitality Operations: Delivery of full luxury resort services, including farm-to-table dining, a Wellness & Yoga Academy, and curated marine/land excursions.

Project Timeline

  • Phase 1: Renovation & Reopening (2026 – 2027)

    Renovation of all 41 existing bungalows, modernization of core facilities (restaurant, pool, reception), and completion of infrastructure upgrades (jetty/road). Pre-opening marketing under the "Huahine Reborn" theme.

  • Phase 2: Expansion & Upscaling (2028 – 2029)

    Construction of 40 new premium villas, a second fine dining restaurant, and the Wellness & Yoga Master Academy. Expansion of the tokenized treasury.

  • Stabilization (2029 Onward)

    Full operational maturity with a projected cumulative AUM (Assets Under Management) treasury of USD 110–115 Million and stabilized EBITDA margins of 35-40%.

Budget Estimate

The project requires an initial investment of approximately USD 13 Million, with a total treasury potential exceeding USD 100 Million through token sales.

  • Phase 1 CAPEX (Renovation): ~USD 7.84 Million (Includes ~USD 4.54M for villa renovation and ~USD 1M for infrastructure).

  • Phase 1 CAPEX (Purchase): ~USD 7.29 Million.

  • Phase 2 CAPEX (Expansion): ~USD 7–8 Million.

  • Projected Revenue (Phase 1): ~USD 6.2 Million annually from hotel operations.

Key Project Team

  • CEO & Founder (Gianluca Bin): Visionary entrepreneur based in Dubai and Tahiti, founder of Rakstar Solutions and WOW Resorts, specializing in bridging innovative ventures with strategic opportunities.

  • Financial Strategy (Paolo Siligoni): Founder of Swiss Crowd SA, overseeing treasury management, tokenization technology, and investor relations.

  • Local Partner (Toanui Llaona): Digital entrepreneur ensuring cultural authenticity and community engagement within French Polynesia.

  • Architecture & Design (Dan Ameresekere): Founder of Design One Studio, responsible for integrating Polynesian authenticity with boutique luxury design.

  • Commercial Director (Antonio Stimoli): Expert in digital marketing strategies and international sales funnels.

  • Luxury Advisor (Summer Sayed): CEO of Luxuria, providing access to UHNW travel networks and VIP guest experiences.

Additional Features

  • Blockchain-Backed Ownership: The resort is the world's first tokenized wild-boutique resort, allowing investors to purchase "tokens" representing 2-week usage rights, secured by blockchain technology.

  • Liquidity Mechanisms: A "Re-Buy Clause" allows token holders to sell their tokens back to the resort at market price minus 20% or utilize a Rent-to-Buy model after Year 5.

  • Green Key Certification: The project is designed to meet strict environmental standards, utilizing an eco-digester, solar energy, and local hiring practices (50%+ local employees).

  • Dual-Revenue Resilience: The business model reduces financial risk by combining recurring hotel income with substantial upfront capital from the timeshare treasury.