Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Island Shipping, S. de R.L., have officially broken ground on the much-anticipated Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Roatan in Honduras. Slated to open in fall 2027, the all-inclusive resort marks a pivotal moment in Roatan’s tourism development. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together dignitaries, local officials, and key stakeholders to celebrate the beginning of this transformative project.
A Celebratory Groundbreaking Event
The groundbreaking ceremony was a vibrant affair, filled with music, food, drinks, and entertainment. Attendees gathered to witness the unveiling of this landmark resort. Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan and Karisma Hotels & Resorts CEO Esteban Velasquez shared their vision for the resort and its impact on the local community and tourism sector. Government representatives also delivered keynote addresses, culminating in a celebratory toast to mark the commencement of construction.
Commitment to Sustainability & Community
Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Roatan will generate 400 permanent resort jobs and an additional 400 indirect positions in construction, hospitality, and support industries. By prioritizing local talent, the project aims to provide stable employment opportunities for island residents. Beyond job creation, the resort is dedicated to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices to preserve Roatan’s natural beauty.
The resort’s development will focus on environmental restoration in Turtling Bay. Efforts include planting native vegetation to create habitats for marine life, including sea turtles. A landscape design based on agroforestry principles will enhance soil health, promote reforestation, and establish an edible forest to support biodiversity. Local residents will actively participate in conservation initiatives through workshops and training sessions, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to Regenerative Tourism and the UN’s 2050 Sustainability Goals.
A Premier Resort Experience
As the third property in Margaritaville’s all-inclusive collection managed by Karisma, Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Roatan will span 8.8 acres along 200 meters of shoreline. The resort will feature 170 guest rooms, including oceanfront suites and honeymoon swim-up accommodations. Guests will indulge in signature Margaritaville dining experiences, including Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria, JWB Steakhouse, The Boathouse Market Dining, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Resort amenities will include the St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, Parakeets Kid’s Club, multiple pools, pickleball courts, and 575 square meters of meeting space. The Sky Wedding venue will offer a breathtaking setting for couples looking to celebrate their special day. Additionally, the resort will introduce the region’s first LandShark Brewery, where guests can enjoy locally brewed craft beers while taking in scenic ocean views from the terrace.
Designed to blend coastal elegance with Roatan’s rich cultural heritage, the resort’s architecture and interiors will be crafted by a distinguished team of designers. Led by Mario Mathieu, SVP of Business Development, Design, and Construction at Karisma Hotels & Resorts, and Edward Ake, Project Director for Island Concrete, S.A. de C.V., the team also includes Eric McBride of The McBride Company, architect Carlos Aguilar of GVA Arquitectos, interior designer Alfonso Maya of AI Arquitectura de Interiores, and landscape planner Juan Pablo Gómez Servín of Estudio ECO. The resort’s design will be inspired by Roatan’s marine life, fishing traditions, and tropical surroundings, creating an immersive and relaxing island retreat.
The Margaritaville Beach Club
The Margaritaville Beach Club will establish Roatan as a prime destination for large-scale events and music festivals. Designed to accommodate up to 800 guests, the venue will feature a covered stage for concerts, VIP cabanas, a commercial retail area showcasing handcrafted goods and local brands, a splash pad, a main pool, and a snack gazebo. Visitors can also enjoy Margaritaville’s signature bars, including 5 o’Clock Somewhere, License to Chill, and LandShark Brewery, ensuring a lively and unforgettable experience.
As Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Roatan takes shape, it promises to redefine luxury travel in the Caribbean, blending relaxation, adventure, and sustainability in a way that will elevate Roatan’s status as a world-class island getaway.
