Barbuda, long celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, is about to welcome one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious luxury projects. Scheduled to open in early 2026, Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda will serve as the centrepiece of The Beach Club Barbuda, a $250 million resort co-owned by Robert De Niro, James Packer and Daniel Shamoon. Located directly on the famous Princess Diana Beach, the project aims to combine barefoot elegance with a commitment to preserving the island’s tranquil charm.
The vision for Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda is rooted in a low-impact design ethos. Architecturally discreet, the hotel’s single-storey villas are carefully hidden within lush tropical planting designed by Miami-based landscaper Raymond Jungles. This ensures the property blends seamlessly into its surroundings, remaining almost invisible from the shoreline. Guests can expect privacy and serenity, paired with the hallmarks of Nobu hospitality that have become synonymous with refined living.
Villas and residences
The hotel will feature 17 villas, some spanning as much as 6,000 square feet, each with its own private beach garden, outdoor showers and ice baths. These elements underline the resort’s ethos of understated luxury, where comfort is delivered without ostentation. Beyond the hotel, The Beach Club Barbuda will also offer residential opportunities. Twenty-five fully furnished beachfront villas, serviced by Nobu, are priced from $12 million and can be customised with features such as wine cellars or home cinemas. In addition, 30 plots of up to 5.5 acres are available from $7 million, giving buyers the opportunity to create bespoke island retreats.
This residential element allows Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda to stand out from other Caribbean resorts. It is not only a hotel but a community, where long-term residents and guests coexist within the same environment, sharing access to the island’s rarefied natural setting. For buyers, it offers both privacy and convenience, with services that make arrival and departure effortless.
Amenities and dining
The social heart of Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda will be its open-fronted hotel building, designed to echo the relaxed atmosphere of a private club. Facilities will include a spa, tennis courts, pools and a beach club, creating spaces where guests can gather informally while overlooking the ocean. Dining will be led by the established Nobu Barbuda restaurant, which has already been operating since 2020. Known for its laid-back, toes-in-the-sand ambience, the restaurant serves Nobu’s global staples such as black cod miso, a favourite of De Niro himself.
For visitors, the experience at Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda promises to create a space where hospitality feels both world-class and personal, with a focus on atmosphere rather than spectacle. De Niro has likened the property’s communal areas to the “clubhouse of Tribeca,” referencing his Greenwich Hotel in Manhattan.
Infrastructure and accessibility
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Developing a resort of this scale in Barbuda has required significant infrastructure investment. The island previously lacked a central power grid or reliable water supply. To support the new project, the developers built wells, a reverse osmosis plant and extensive storage systems. The opening of Burton-Nibbs International Airport in 2024 has also been a key milestone, allowing access by private jets and inter-island charters. Guests visiting Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda can arrive by helicopter from Antigua in just 10 minutes, or by speedboat directly onto Princess Diana Beach.
De Niro’s personal role
Robert De Niro remains closely involved in the development, both as investor and resident. Having first discovered the beach three decades ago, he now plans to replace his existing cottage on the site with a new beachfront home. His attention to design detail is evident, from the choice of driftwood tables to bespoke textiles, ensuring that Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda reflects his understated aesthetic. Just as importantly, his global reputation is expected to draw a discerning clientele, further raising the profile of the resort.
A new era for Barbuda
With its combination of hotel, residences and carefully planned amenities, Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda represents a new chapter in the island’s history. By prioritising discretion, natural integration and community, the project promises to offer a form of luxury that respects the landscape while appealing to the world’s elite. For Barbuda, it is both an economic opportunity and a chance to reintroduce the island to travellers seeking authenticity alongside refinement.
Quick summary – Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda
- 🌴 Location: Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda, Caribbean
- 🏡 Accommodation: 17 villas up to 6,000 sq ft, each with private beach garden, outdoor showers and ice baths
- 💰 Residences: 25 Nobu-serviced beachfront villas priced from $12 million / 30 plots from $7 million
- 🍽️ Dining: On-site Nobu Barbuda restaurant serving signature dishes including black cod miso
- ✨ Amenities: Spa, beach club, tennis courts, swimming pools, social clubhouse-style lounge
- ✈️ Access: Burton-Nibbs International Airport for private jets, 10-minute helicopter ride or speedboat from Antigua
- 🎬 Ownership: Developed by Robert De Niro, James Packer and Daniel Shamoon under Paradise Found Barbuda
