Daniel Shamoon is a force in the luxury hospitality world, with a portfolio that stretches from Spain to Morocco and now, the Caribbean. As co-owner of Luxury Hotel Partners and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, he’s behind some of the most iconic names in lifestyle travel – including Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Hotel Puente Romano and the Marbella Club. With the upcoming Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda, due to open in the 2026/2027 season, and Hermitage Bay in Antigua, he adds a new chapter to his global vision. We caught up with him to hear more about his plans, his philosophy on hospitality, and what drew him to the twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda.
You have iconic luxury hotels all over the world. What made you come to Antigua & Barbuda?
I’ve always loved the Caribbean. I’ve spent a lot of time here on a boat and we also had a place in the Bahamas, so I used to come down regularly. Barbuda was our first investment and we fell in love with the island at first sight because it was so unspoilt and beautiful. We design our developments to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, working with the natural beauty to create something that feels part of it. The project also fit our investment strategy, as we already have several Nobu hotels, and there was a Nobu restaurant there started by Robert De Niro. We share a similar vision, both appreciating simplicity.
What more can you tell us about Nobu Beach Inn?
We wanted to create a place where, as you arrive by boat, helicopter or plane, you see only trees and vegetation until you get close and notice the small single-storey structures, built in a simple but elegant Caribbean style. Unlike many other developments, the buildings are set back 60 feet from the first line of vegetation to preserve the beach’s natural beauty.
How will Barbuda’s international airport change things for you?
It will be a huge advantage for people coming to the island, especially for shorter visits, as it removes that second leg. It’s also a benefit for locals who want to travel. We’re not aiming for commercial flights with hundreds of passengers, but rather to ensure an easy connection to the island.
What approach are you taking to staffing and training?
We’ve built a small staff village and plan to rotate teams between Antigua and Barbuda. At Hermitage Bay, our team is 100 percent local, but we also bring in international staff for training and send the staff from here to Europe for placements at Cipriani or Nobu in Marbella and Ibiza. My belief is that when you see new things, it opens your mind.
How many hotels do you have in your portfolio?
We have 17 in total. Some have around 20 rooms, while others have up to 300, but our focus is generally on small, boutique hotels. What unites the portfolio is that each one is deeply connected to its location rather than being a replica of the next. Upon waking in the morning, you immediately know where you are.
People want intimacy and the personal attention that comes with staying in a smaller property.
The market is moving in that direction. People want intimacy and the personal attention that comes with staying in a smaller property. At Hermitage Bay, probably the biggest compliment we receive is how well the staff treat the guests.
How did purchasing Hermitage Bay come about?
I was introduced to the previous owner, Andy, through a friend. It was a very personal decision for him, as he and his wife had been with the hotel from its inception 17 years ago and his daughter grew up there. He wanted it to go into the right hands, and among the different suitors, he felt we were best placed to carry forward his vision and maintain the strong family relationship with the staff.
You’ve also recently taken over Jacqui O’s on Valley Church Beach?
Yes. I was driving past one day and thought it was the most beautiful spot on the island. The sea is always perfect, and you have Montserrat right in front of you. We decided to see if we could purchase it, and we did.
Hermitage Bay is a very peaceful environment, and we wanted somewhere a bit livelier where guests could socialise while enjoying international-level cuisine and service. We also wanted to create something for the island itself – a place where people can spend the whole day, similar to what we’ve done in Marbella and Ibiza, although we’re still developing the concept.
What is your favourite place on the island?
Hands down, it’s Pinching Bay. Every time we have guests, we take them there by boat. The sunset is always visible from that spot, and with its natural pools and beautiful beach, it’s magical. Everyone is always amazed and often say it’s the best day of their life.
That for me is luxury. There’s a story about the five stages of luxury: the first is something ostentatious, while the final stage is a return to simplicity and not needing anything else. That’s the purest form of luxury.
What else is essential for you in today’s luxury experience?
The basic elements are crucial. You can have the simplest resort, but you still need an incredible shower and a very comfortable bed. A television should be optional. We want to create the freedom to disconnect and I’ve noticed our guests do that in different ways. For example, one half of a couple might love to relax all day, while the other would go crazy doing that. We offer activities like fishing and hiking for those who want to move, while others can unwind. Hermitage Bay is our only adults-only property, but at our family hotels we create an ambience where children and adults can enjoy themselves together or separately.
What can you tell us about your philanthropic work?
I’ve always had a desire to give back. Since I was very young, I sponsored a child in Africa, and I was always told off by my parents for adopting dogs!
When my daughter was born 13 years ago, I felt to become a father that I wanted to do more. I’d been sponsoring a child through World Vision for years, so I asked how else I could help. They explained they run four-year projects to help communities become self-sufficient. If we raised the first 20 percent, the World Bank or European Bank would contribute the rest. We began organising galas and events and now, 13 years later, we’re on our fourth project. We also support The Children’s Trust in the UK, which helps children with brain injuries, and the Triple A animal shelter in Marbella. We’d love to do more in the twin islands as well.
For me, as well as it being one of the most beautiful islands, it’s the people. I’ve travelled to many other places, and I would genuinely say, without any bias, they’re the nicest people I’ve ever met.