Baya: The Tropical Retreat We're Building to Change the Way You Travel
Baya Tropical Bungalows
By Steve Turk
“What if we could build something different?”
That’s the question I asked out loud back in July 2023, before we had a name, a rendering, or even a partner. It wasn’t a polished pitch. It was just a gut feeling that the hospitality world was missing something real. Something that couldn’t be booked on a discount travel site. Something that couldn’t be replicated.
Today, that idea has a name: Baya.
Baya is a first-of-its-kind tropical landscape resort set on 25 acres of exotic fruit farmland, just 45 minutes south of Miami. It blends wellness, agritourism, and purposeful design into an immersive experience that doesn’t currently exist in the U.S…. and maybe not anywhere in the world.
It started as a glamping concept. It’s now become something much bigger.
The Vision Comes to Life
“We’re creating a one-of-a-kind tropical landscape resort,” said my partner, Ben Wolff, on our recent podcast episode. “Tropical bungalows tucked into a fruit forest. Private grottos, plunge pools, a farm-to-table café, and real wellness experiences. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
At Baya, we’re building:
Bali-inspired villas surrounded by longan, banana, and papaya trees
Private grottos with crystal-clear blue water
A wellness center with sauna, café, gym, and spa deck
A fully preserved working farm, producing fruit guests can pick, taste, and learn about
Outdoor gathering spaces designed for connection, reflection, and celebration
This isn’t just nature-inspired design. This is nature-integrated hospitality.
How We Came Together
Two years ago, I started working on this project solo. I had a vision but quickly realized how difficult it would be to do alone—from land use hurdles to zoning approvals to designing something that truly stood out.
That’s when I connected with Ben through The Hospitality Mentor podcast.
“I saw Steve was serious when he got the zoning approval,” Ben shared on the episode. “That’s when I knew I wanted to partner.”
Ben flew in his construction team and modular design expert. We walked the land. We talked through ideas. And we realized we had the same belief: that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly new.
“There was a moment when I thought, ‘Is my vision being taken over?’” I admitted on the podcast. “But I sat with it and realized—everything we’re doing now is better than what I originally imagined. That’s what a great team does.”
Meet the Team Behind Baya
To build something bold, you need people with superpowers. That’s what we have:
Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera, one of the most recognized landscape hospitality brands in the U.S. His projects have reached millions online and exited to public REITs.
Banks Chisum, a seasoned builder behind many of North America’s most ambitious outdoor resorts. Precision, speed, and high design are his signature.
Edward Haynes, modular design expert and co-founder of EJH Distribution. He’s helped shape the future of glamping and creative structures across North America.
Victor Feria, my partner at Tangy Management, and the operational engine behind it all.
And me—bringing 25 years of hospitality experience, from poolside service to luxury hotel leadership, to create something that feels truly personal.
Baya Bungalow
What It Means to Stay at Baya
When guests arrive, we want them to feel the difference right away. It’s not just about being surrounded by nature—it’s about how the experience makes them feel.
At Baya, you’ll pick fruit that ends up in your smoothie. You’ll take a cold plunge after sunrise yoga. You’ll sip coffee by the pool while your kids explore the orchard. It’s built for transformation, not just relaxation.
“We're designing every detail with intention,” I said. “From the sheets to the scents to the sounds you hear at night.”
We’re also bringing the best of our respective companies to the table. Tangy Management will oversee day-to-day operations. Ben’s team at Oasi will lead brand, revenue, and marketing strategy. Together, we’ll operate Baya with the same level of excellence that went into building it.
The Numbers and the Road Ahead
Baya is projected to cost approximately $14 million to develop. It includes 20 luxury units, with construction expected to begin in November 2025 and an opening set for December 2026.
We’ve modeled nightly rates between $600–800 and expect strong occupancy based on South Florida’s year-round tourism and the lack of comparable products. And this is just the beginning. Baya is designed to be a repeatable concept—one we hope to bring to other farms and regions in the years ahead.
Watch the Story Unfold
Ben and I sat down to tell the full story of how Baya came to be—from solo vision to dream team execution.
🎧 Watch the full podcast episode here:
👉 https://youtu.be/xgrBWvJwRQw
Want to Be Part of It?
We’re currently raising the final round of investment and inviting a small group of aligned partners to join us.
If you believe in purposeful travel, meaningful design, and projects that create long-term value, we’d love to talk.
📩 Email me directly or connect on LinkedIn.
Thank you to everyone who’s followed this journey since 2023. You’ve helped bring Baya to life—and we can’t wait to show you what comes next.
Welcome to Baya.
