ROATAN — Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts have officially broken ground on the highly anticipated Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan.

Set to open in fall 2027, the all-inclusive resort marks a major development milestone for the Honduran island. Dignitaries, government officials and industry leaders gathered on March 4 to celebrate the start of construction on what is expected to be a transformative project for Roatan’s tourism sector.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan

The groundbreaking event featured live music, food and entertainment as attendees commemorated the occasion. Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan and Karisma Hotels & Resorts CEO Esteban Velasquez spoke about the resort’s potential to elevate Roatan as a world-class destination.

“The groundbreaking of Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan marks an exciting moment for both Karisma Hotels & Resorts and the island,” said Velasquez. “Beyond creating a world-class resort, this project will offer immersive experiences, boost Roatan’s global appeal, and enhance the island’s infrastructure. With efforts like native vegetation planting, we’re fostering long-term prosperity for the community and the environment.”

A COMPLETE RESORT EXPERIENCE

Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan will be the third property in Margaritaville’s all-inclusive portfolio managed by Karisma. Spanning 8.8 acres along 200 metres of shoreline, the resort will feature 170 guest rooms, including oceanfront suites and honeymoon swim-up accommodations. Dining options will include signature Margaritaville restaurants such as 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 Centre, Parakeets Kid’s Club, multiple pools, pickleball courts and 575 square metres of meeting space. The Sky Wedding venue will offer couples a stunning setting for destination weddings, while the region’s first LandShark Brewery will provide locally brewed craft beer and a relaxed terrace setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

MARGARITAVILLE BEACH CLUB

As part of the development, the Margaritaville Beach Club will position Roatan as a prime destination for large-scale events and music festivals. The venue, which will accommodate up to 800 guests, will feature a covered stage for concerts, VIP cabanas, a commercial retail area with local artisans, a splash pad, a main pool and a snack gazebo. Guests can also enjoy Margaritaville’s signature bars, including 5 o’Clock Somewhere, License to Chill and LandShark Brewery.

Lobby bar

SUSTAINABILITY & ECONOMIC IMPACT

The resort is expected to generate approximately 400 permanent jobs, along with 400 additional positions in construction, hospitality and related industries. A focus on hiring local talent will ensure stable employment opportunities for island residents.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the development will emphasize environmental conservation efforts, including reforestation and the protection of marine habitats. Key sustainability initiatives include the planting of native vegetation to create habitats for marine life, particularly sea turtles, and the implementation of agroforestry principles to improve soil health and biodiversity. Additionally, local community members will have access to training and workshops on conservation practices, aligning with the UN’s 2050 Sustainability Goals for resilient coastal destinations.

For more information, visit www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-island-reserve-resort-Roatan.