Robert De Niro’s major planned resort on the island of Barbuda is “very much on track,” according to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael.
The project, which was announced at the end of 2014, is the brainchild of developers De Niro and James Packer, both of whom are frequent travelers to Antigua and Barbuda (De Niro is a frequent guest at the Jumby Bay private island resort).
The $250 million resort project is at the site of the former K-Club resort, and will be branded as the Paradise Found Hotel.
“Since these developers have announced their project in Barbuda, it has generated huge amount of free publicity for our destination,” Michael said. “It has also attracted other high net-worth investors such as former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg who recently visited Antigua and Barbuda and later had his own private seaplane join him here in exploring both our islands.”
When the project was first announced, De Niro was named a special economic envoy for the country, and has helped pitch investment for the country in the United States.
It’s not the first hotel project for the Hollywood legend, who has developed several hotels under the Nobu brand with restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa.
“Both developers Robert DeNiro and James Packer stayed here for Christmas in a demonstration of their love for our country and their wholehearted committed to this project,” Michael said.
Indeed, Packer stayed in Antigua recently with his fiancee, Mariah Carey.
“In spite of the delays and roadblocks, presented by the naysayers, the project continues,” Michael said.