Two islands, one philosophy
One property already knows its guests. The other is yet to open. Hermitage Bay in Antigua and Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda sit on different islands, yet share a common philosophy of laid-back luxury and attentive service, shaped by Daniel Shamoon’s background in boutique hospitality, including Puente Romano, Marbella Club and the Nobu hotels in Marbella and Marrakech.
On Antigua’s west coast, Hermitage Bay reopened in October 2025 following an extensive refurbishment and investment programme. Long held in high regard by returning guests, the adults-only, all-inclusive resort is now a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has set clear ambitions to become the best hotel in the Caribbean. The work was not about changing what people value about Hermitage Bay, but about ensuring its character remained intact while the resort was brought up to date.
Intimacy is built into the design. With just 30 villa suites tucked into the hillside and stretched along the curve of the bay, the resort has always favoured privacy and a relaxed sense of seclusion. Interiors and outdoor living areas have been carefully upgraded, with more private pools added across key categories.
Long held in high regard by returning guests, the adults-only, all-inclusive resort is now a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has set clear ambitions to become the best hotel in the Caribbean.
Public areas have also been refreshed, from the beachfront restaurant and bars to the spa, which now sits closer to the water. Dining continues to focus on Caribbean flavours, local produce and the daily catch, with a new beach club and an afternoon omakase service broadening the dining offer.
What truly defines Hermitage Bay is continuity. General Manager Rachel Browne has been with the property for nearly two decades, supported by a long-serving team whose consistency has fostered deep guest loyalty. Many visitors return year after year, drawn as much by the people as by the setting. It comes as little surprise that Hermitage Bay was recently named the only hotel in Antigua to appear on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.
Across the channel in Barbuda, a very different project is happening. Nobu Beach Inn is under development on Princess Diana Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most unspoilt stretches of sand, as part of The Beach Club, Barbuda, a low-impact resort and residential community planned with minimal environmental impact. Set across nearly 400 acres, the project reflects a long-standing ambition shared by Robert De Niro, James Packer and Managing Partner Daniel Shamoon to develop a destination in keeping with the island.
Nobu Beach Inn will comprise 17 two- and three-bedroom beachfront bungalows, set within lush vegetation and connected by sandy pathways. The single-storey architecture uses natural materials and keeps buildings low to the ground, minimising visual impact. The emphasis is on a barefoot, informal approach to luxury, true to Barbuda’s character.
Nobu Beach Inn is under development on Princess Diana Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most unspoilt stretches of sand, as part of The Beach Club, Barbuda, a low-impact resort and residential community planned with minimal environmental impact.
Nobu Beach Inn will serve as the focal point for the Beach Club, combining hotel accommodation with a limited number of private residences spread across the site. Facilities will include an oceanfront pool and spa, wellness facilities and water-based activities. Construction is well underway, with the hotel scheduled to open in late 2026.
Dining is already central to the story. The Nobu beachfront restaurant, which opened in 2020, has quickly become one of the island’s go-to dining destinations, drawing visitors to Barbuda in its own right. It will be joined by a small number of additional restaurants and bars across the wider Beach Club development.
Together, Hermitage Bay and Nobu Beach Inn represent two distinct expressions of luxury boutique hospitality. One builds on a long-established reputation. The other introduces something entirely new to Barbuda. Different in form, united in philosophy.