Robert De Niro is turning a quiet Caribbean beach into one of the most exclusive resorts on Earth. His latest project, The Beach Club Barbuda, is a $250 million luxury escape being built on Princess Diana Beach, a spot that once stole the late royal’s heart. Now, it is about to be a magnet for ultra-wealthy travelers and serious A-listers.

De Niro, 82, has a long personal connection to this stretch of sand. He first visited decades ago and never forgot the view. He said it straight: “I never forgot the beach. I thought that if I ever did a resort, this could be the place.” Now, he is making that vision real, teaming up with billionaire James Packer and entrepreneur Daniel Shamoon to turn the old K Club site into a one-of-a-kind destination.

A Billionaire Playground on Princess Diana’s Beach

Princess Diana Beach, once known only to a lucky few, is about to become the Caribbean’s newest hotspot. It is tucked away on Barbuda, the lesser-known sister island to Antigua. The beach is famously quiet, untouched, and ridiculously beautiful. Diana used to visit to get away from everything.

That same vibe is the heart of the new resort. But make no mistake, this isn’t a casual getaway. The Beach Club Barbuda is being built for serious luxury. Private villas, personal chefs, beach gardens, and million-dollar views - it is next-level. The developers want it to feel natural and laid back, but still offer everything you would expect at a top-tier destination.

Inside the $250 Million Dream

The main hotel is called the Nobu Beach Inn, part of the Nobu brand that Robert De Niro co-founded. It will have just 17 private villas. Some will be massive, close to 6,000 square feet, with their own gardens, outdoor showers, and even ice baths.

Each one is being built for total privacy and insane comfort. Think of it as a luxury that doesn’t scream for attention.

The News / IG / Alongside the hotel, the developers are offering beachfront villas for sale. There will be between 25 and 55 of them, depending on final plans.

Prices start at $12 million, and each one comes fully loaded. We are talking home cinemas, wine cellars, custom finishes, and views that stretch for miles.

Everything is being built with care. The team wants the resort to feel like it belongs on Barbuda, not something shipped in from the outside. That means eco-conscious design, native materials, and a real respect for the land.

Not Everyone Is Applauding

Of course, a project this size comes with drama. Some Barbuda residents aren’t thrilled. A group has taken legal action, claiming the developers got too much land for too little money. They are calling it a "giveaway" and challenging the lease terms in court.

De Niro FP / IG / he government of Antigua and Barbuda is backing the project hard. They see it as a huge economic win, like jobs, tourism, and global attention.

For a tiny island like Barbuda, that kind of investment is rare. Officials argue that the resort will bring real opportunity to locals, from construction to hospitality and beyond.

The "taxi Driver" icon has built an empire. His stake in Nobu, now worth over $1 billion, shows he knows the hospitality game. Add that to a film career still going strong after 60 years, and it is clear he is not slowing down. His net worth sits around $500 million, and he is putting it to work in smart ways.

Despite all this, his own place on Barbuda is pretty low-key. No mansion. No staff of 20. Just a peaceful retreat on the beach he fell in love with years ago. The resort might be a global destination, but De Niro’s connection to the island is personal.

The Beach Club Barbuda is set to open in early 2026. By then, it could be one of the most exclusive resorts in the world.