A new resort may be coming to Bermuda but to cater for the needs of seniors rather than tourists.

A consortium of international investors wants to pioneer a unique concept in retirement on the Island, with a $120 million resort accommodating both able-bodied and acute care seniors.

The retirement village will feature up to 150 villas, covering a spectrum of seniors' needs, from independent and assisted living to Alzheimer's care.

The Bentley Development Group is currently considering two locations for the development.

CEO and Bermuda representative Thaddeus Hollis yesterday admitted Dockyard is "possibly" a contender. Most likely this would be Ireland Island South, although Mr. Hollis would not comment further.

"We are awaiting certain documents and certifications before I can comment on a site," he said.

If planning was approved, Bentley which has yet to be incorporated as a company anticipates construction would take 26 months.

"It would be a sizeable construction project, employing many persons," said Mr. Hollis.

"We are very excited about it and think it is just what Bermuda needs, particularly with the growing ageing population."

He said: "Bermuda is the first place in the world that this concept will be manifested. We have looked at retirement models in other countries and want to bring in the very best of what is found in North America and Europe.

"No one has done this particular mix of retirement care and other models before, all of which are patented and privileged."

Mr. Hollis said the "competitively-priced" two-bedroom villas would enable seniors to invite their families to stay over.

"This concept is very much about communities and families," he said.

Bentley's vision is that once someone reaches retirement they can move into a villa on a complex which will look after their needs for the next 20 to 30 years.

"As you age you would not have to move out of your home because all the care facilities would be there," said Mr. Hollis.

"It is a nice resort-style community with all the amenities at your fingertips."

The initial plans include a theatre, shops and restaurants, spa, pool, tennis courts, recreational centre, ampitheatre, chapel, meeting rooms, health clinic and medical rooms.

Herb and flower gardens will also offer opportunities for gardening.

In a statement, Bentley Development Group says: "This continuing care retirement community is a unique concept for Bermuda.

"We are building community; the design of which caters to the whole person, their environment, their spiritual, mental and physical well-being."

Rather than being an institution, the retirement resort will nurture "a vibrant and active community".

"This is a complete holistic approach to living," says Bentley.

"Every client will be asked, 'What would you like?' We will tailor our facility, within reason, to suit their needs. This is our concierge element; we will always be evolving to meet the needs of the client."