Hard Rock International is doubling down on the Caribbean with plans for a major new $850 million integrated hotel, casino, and residential resort—one of the largest single hospitality investments announced in the region in recent years. The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will rise on a waterfront site in San Juan, adding a high-profile anchor project to the northern Caribbean. Construction is...
barbados business
The world of branded real estate has been evolving quickly, with luxury names extending far beyond fashion and hospitality. In recent years, automotive giants such as Aston Martin and Porsche have successfully entered the residential market, placing their design identity on high-end condominium towers in destinations like Miami. Now, that trend is making its way into Caribbean resort hospitality for...
Pearns Point, Antigua’s premier beachfront and oceanfront community, has introduced a striking new villa design as part of its Plot & Plan Programme, developed in collaboration with James Hamilton Architects. The programme allows buyers to secure a fully designed villa at a fixed price, providing convenience, peace of mind, and access to the expertise of an experienced design and construction...
Marriott International is completing a long-awaited chapter in its Barbados expansion, confirming that two well-known beachfront resorts — Turtle Beach and Crystal Cove — will reopen in 2026 as all-inclusive properties under its Tribute Portfolio brand. The relaunch marks a significant milestone following Marriott’s 2019 acquisition of Elegant Hotels, a deal that not only reshaped Barbados’...
Barbados’ financial system continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by solid regulation, improving global credibility and steady progress in modernising its payments infrastructure, according to recent assessments by the Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission. These themes were underscored in July, when the two regulators hosted a roundtable to launch the 2024 Financial...
The Caribbean Export Development Agency has officially joined the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) as an International Network Partner, marking a significant step in deepening commercial and innovation links between the Caribbean and Europe. The partnership opens new avenues for businesses on both sides to access partnerships, market intelligence and investment opportunities. The milestone was...
Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited have announced plans to merge under a new regional holding structure, a move expected to create one of the Caribbean’s largest and most diversified financial services groups. Under the proposed arrangement, both entities will be combined into a single holding company known as Sagicor Group Caribbean, bringing together nearly US$7 billion in assets...
Barbados is gearing up for one of its largest tourism investment surges in decades, with more than $2 billion (US$1 billion) projected to enter the sector in 2026. According to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), a wave of major hotel developments—spanning the south coast, west coast, and the capital—will dramatically reshape the island’s tourism landscape over the next three...
Barbados and Dominica have joined forces to create a stronger, more immersive tourism experience for visitors, unveiling a collaborative strategy that promotes both destinations through new multi-island travel packages. The initiative—announced at a press conference at the Island Inn Hotel—builds on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that enables full free movement between...
Grand Cayman is set to debut one of the region’s most ambitious wellness projects yet: Meraki Wellness, a purpose-built sanctuary dedicated entirely to restoration and modern wellbeing. Opening February 1, 2026 just steps from Seven Mile Beach, the new 16,000-square-foot facility introduces a level of intentional design and therapeutic depth rarely seen in the Caribbean. A Wellness Environment...