Island of Barbuda: The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret
Barbuda Coastline, Antigua and Barbuda, WI
In a world increasingly defined by digital noise, political instability, and tax uncertainty, true luxury now lies in access, control, and the freedom to choose where and how you live. The island of Barbuda, long known only to yachtsmen and conservationists, is now capturing global attention as one of the last authentic, high-value frontiers in the Caribbean. But Barbuda isn’t just another sun-soaked island—it’s a strategic investment ecosystem quietly taking shape beneath the radar of the mass market.
For decades, Barbuda remained a quiet, isolated sanctuary—untouched by the hotel chains, cruise terminals, and speculative developments that transformed many Caribbean islands. But over the last five years, this 62-square-mile outpost has become something entirely different: a destination tailored to high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and international buyers looking for more than just a holiday home. They’re coming for permanence, privacy, and positioning.
And they’re coming now—because the timing, finally, is right.
History of Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Why the Island of Barbuda Is in a Class of Its Own
Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean between St. Barths, Anguilla, and Nevis, the island of Barbuda is part of the sovereign nation of Antigua and Barbuda. While Antigua has developed a robust tourism economy and thriving CBI real estate sector, Barbuda has remained pristine—partly due to its communal land laws and minimal infrastructure.
That has now changed. With a landmark 2022 Privy Council ruling clearing the way for structured land leasing, over $100 million invested into a brand-new international airport, and some of the world’s most respected developers and hospitality brands moving in, Barbuda is emerging as a boutique destination for those who value security, space, and long-term positioning.
Barbuda Privy Council Lawyers, Chancellor Chambers, Antigua and Barbuda
Timeline of a Transformation
Barbuda’s current trajectory was shaped by a series of pivotal events that repositioned the island from inaccessible outlier to opportunity zone:
2017 – Hurricane Irma
Barbuda was hit hard. While tragic, the devastation prompted a complete rethinking of the island’s development framework and infrastructure needs.2022 – UK Privy Council Land Decision
This clarified that all land in Barbuda is Crown land under the authority of the national government, allowing for leasehold investment through transparent legal channels.2024 – Codrington International Airport (Opening)
A fully modern, jet-capable airport now enables seamless access from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, transforming Barbuda into a viable luxury destination.
This trifecta—legal clarity, improved access, and a renewed vision for sustainable development—set the stage for the current wave of ultra-luxury investment.
Barbuda Coastline, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Legal Framework: What Investors Need to Know
For decades, the biggest barrier to investing in the island of Barbuda was land ownership. The island operated under an unwritten system of communal tenure, where no individual could own property outright. This changed with the 2022 Privy Council ruling that confirmed the government's right to treat Barbuda's land as Crown land—making it legally leasable for up to 99 years.
What does this mean for investors?
You won’t own freehold title, but you can obtain long-term leasehold rights secured by government contracts.
Most resort and residential developments (e.g., Barbuda Ocean Club) are structured with renewable 99-year leases.
These leases are fully compliant with international standards and are mortgageable, assignable, and inheritable.
For investors accustomed to trust structures, private equity, or structured asset portfolios, this is familiar territory. And in some cases, even preferred—offering security without the tax complications of full freehold ownership in a foreign country.
Barbuda Ocean Club, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda, WI
Barbuda Ocean Club: A Private Enclave for the Global Elite
If one project symbolizes Barbuda’s rise, it’s the Barbuda Ocean Club. Developed by Discovery Land Company—known for Yellowstone Club, Baker’s Bay, and Silo Ridge—this 500-acre private enclave offers one of the most exclusive lifestyle offerings in the Caribbean.
Key features:
Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course with ocean views
Custom beachfront villas and golf cottages with design flexibility
Superyacht marina and heliport
Wellness center, farm-to-table dining, private beach club
Invitation-only membership for Discovery’s global community
Barbuda Ocean Club is not a public resort. It’s a members-only community designed for those who already know the Discovery model—and who want a Caribbean base that reflects their lifestyle, values, and net worth. It’s already attracting C-suite executives, tech founders, and private family offices from North America and Europe.
Nobu Barbuda Resturant, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Nobu Barbuda: Where Global Icons Meet Island Tranquility
Few restaurant brands carry as much global weight as Nobu. Co-founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, the brand has built a cult following for its sophisticated simplicity and architectural elegance. Nobu Barbuda, now open and operating along a secluded stretch of pink sand beach, marks a bold statement: Barbuda isn’t coming—it has arrived.
The project includes:
A beachfront fine dining restaurant
Future plans for a boutique hotel and branded villas
A fully integrated design built around sustainability and local seafood
Nobu Barbuda is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle anchor. It adds international recognition and culinary cachet to Barbuda’s evolving identity as the luxury destination for those who don’t want to be seen.
Barbuda Ocean Club, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Tom Fazio Golf Course at Barbuda Ocean Club: A Championship-Caliber Experience in the Caribbean’s Most Secluded Setting
At the heart of the Barbuda Ocean Club lies one of the most ambitious and visually arresting golf projects in the Caribbean: an 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio, one of the world’s most celebrated golf course architects. Known for his work at Pinehurst No. 8, Shadow Creek, and Diamante Dunes, Fazio brings a distinct design philosophy rooted in harmony with natural topography, visual drama, and playability for all skill levels.
But what sets the Barbuda course apart isn’t just the name—it’s the setting.
Spread across oceanfront dunes, coral bluffs, and gently rolling terrain, the Fazio-designed course offers:
Sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea from nearly every hole
Strategically placed bunkers and green complexes that challenge precision without punishing less experienced players
Environmentally sensitive routing that preserves mangroves, sea turtle nesting areas, and native vegetation
Walkable layouts with caddie service, on-course refreshments, and concierge scheduling
This is not a resort course. It’s a championship-level track designed for serious golfers and connoisseurs of the sport who appreciate nuance, natural aesthetics, and high-level course maintenance.
Tom Fazio Designed Golf Course, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
The course is exclusive to members and guests of Barbuda Ocean Club, adding to its cachet as one of the most private golfing experiences in the world. With less than 300 memberships planned for the entire community, golfers can expect no tee-time bottlenecks, no overcrowding, and a pace of play that reflects the island’s unhurried lifestyle.
Fazio himself has called the site “one of the most pure and awe-inspiring parcels I’ve worked with.” And it shows.
In many ways, the golf course is symbolic of what the island of Barbuda offers across all sectors: unmatched natural assets, world-class execution, and a commitment to low-impact, high-luxury experiences that simply don’t exist elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Whether you're a scratch golfer, a collector of elite courses, or simply someone who values having access to one of the most unique golf environments in the world, the Tom Fazio course at Barbuda Ocean Club elevates the island from beautiful to exceptional.
Golf Course Under Construction, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Codrington International Airport: Unlocking Global Access to the Island of Barbuda
One of the most significant catalysts for the island of Barbuda’s transformation is the opening of Codrington International Airport—a state-of-the-art facility that is redefining what’s possible in terms of international access, private aviation, and high-net-worth tourism.
Located just minutes from Barbuda’s southern coastline, the new airport is the result of a $110+ million public-private infrastructure initiative aimed at turning Barbuda into a year-round destination for UHNW travelers, second citizenship applicants, and international developers. Construction was accelerated to align with the needs of Discovery Land Company, Nobu Barbuda, and other stakeholders investing heavily in the island’s next chapter.
New Airport in the Island of Barbuda
Key features of Codrington International Airport include:
A 7,700+ foot runway designed to accommodate large commercial jets and Gulfstream-class private aircraft
Dedicated customs and immigration facilities for international arrivals
Helipad and private jet apron for executive arrivals from Antigua, St. Maarten, or St. Barths
Solar power and storm-resilient construction to ensure sustainability and 24/7 operational capacity
Plans for a VIP arrival terminal with concierge services, private lounges, and streamlined ground transfers to Barbuda Ocean Club and other elite destinations
More than just a convenience, the airport changes the very identity of the island of Barbuda. No longer dependent on ferry connections or light aircraft from Antigua, Barbuda now becomes a standalone destination with true international connectivity. For private families, global entrepreneurs, and lifestyle investors, the difference is enormous: You can arrive by private jet, clear customs on-island, and be on the beach in less than 20 minutes.
In real estate terms, this unlocks massive latent value. Properties that were once undervalued due to access issues are now positioned for long-term appreciation. From an investment migration perspective, the airport ensures that Barbuda can support global families looking to relocate part- or full-time under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.
More than an airport, Codrington International is Barbuda’s bridge to the world—and a cornerstone of its rise as a premier global investment destination.
Tax Incentives for Wealthy Individuals
A Global Haven for Tax-Efficient Living and Investment
One of the most powerful draws to the island of Barbuda—and to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda more broadly—is its internationally recognized low-tax environment. For global families, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking strategic asset protection and long-term tax efficiency, this is not just a perk—it’s a core part of the country’s value proposition.
Antigua and Barbuda imposes:
No personal income tax
No capital gains tax
No inheritance or estate taxes
No tax on foreign-sourced income under its International Business Company (IBC) regime
This framework makes the jurisdiction ideal for structuring offshore holdings, global trusts, and family wealth management platforms. Whether you're relocating your primary residence, acquiring a second passport, or simply diversifying your global exposure, Antigua and Barbuda delivers the legal simplicity and financial clarity required by today’s HNW investors.
But tax is just the beginning.
The country also boasts a stable parliamentary democracy, adherence to English common law, and a well-regulated financial sector. These elements combine to create a highly secure environment for cross-border investments. The workforce is English-speaking, well-educated, and increasingly tech-savvy—making it an attractive base for those establishing regional headquarters or high-end service businesses.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
Citizenship by Investment: A Dual Benefit for Families
Antigua and Barbuda offers a highly regarded Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), which allows qualifying applicants to obtain a second passport in just 3–5 months. Real estate in Barbuda—including in CBI-approved developments—qualifies under the program.
Benefits include:
Visa-free travel to 150+ countries
Full family eligibility (spouse, dependent children, parents, siblings)
No minimum residency requirement
Favorable tax treatment for citizens and IBC owners
For global families seeking a Plan B, a Caribbean tax domicile, or expanded mobility, Barbuda’s real estate provides the added utility of dual citizenship.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth, Not Mass Tourism
Barbuda is committed to long-term ecological integrity. Over 60% of the island remains protected by environmental covenants and land-use restrictions. Developments are:
Low-density by design
Required to integrate sustainable systems for water, waste, and energy
Prohibited from overbuilding coastlines or altering fragile ecosystems
The island’s frigatebird sanctuary, coral reefs, and pink sand beaches are not marketing features—they’re national treasures. And any investment that threatens them won’t get approval. For ESG-minded investors, this is a welcome sign that Barbuda’s growth will be intentional, not extractive.
Palmetto Point, Barbuda Ocean Club, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda
Final Thoughts
The island of Barbuda offers more than white sand beaches and turquoise seas. It offers a rare convergence of global opportunity—where real estate, lifestyle migration, and tax optimization meet in one of the last truly underdeveloped, investment-grade destinations in the Caribbean.
This is not about chasing yield or flipping villas. It’s about long-term positioning:
A second citizenship that unlocks mobility and peace of mind
A physical asset that holds and grows value in a scarcity-driven market
A jurisdiction that aligns with wealth preservation, legacy planning, and offshore structuring
With a landmark international airport now open, billion-dollar developments underway, and legal frameworks aligned with global investor expectations, Barbuda has entered the global conversation—not as a resort, but as a long-term wealth strategy.
For families thinking generationally, for investors seeking control in uncertain times, and for those who value privacy as the ultimate luxury, the island of Barbuda is no longer a secret.
And the window is now.
Bio
Dan Merriam
Caribbean Real Estate Investor
Advisor @ Sotheby’s International Realty
Partner @ InvestCARICOM
Helping high-net-worth investors and global families buy and sell Caribbean real estate, navigate citizenship by investment programs, and implement cross-border strategies for offshore residency, tax optimization, and long-term asset protection. Dan specializes in luxury development opportunities across the region, with a special focus on the island of Barbuda—where world-class resorts, low-tax policies, and natural beauty are transforming it into one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive investment frontiers.
Schedule a personalized 1-on-1 consultation with Dan Merriam to explore real estate in the island of Barbuda, second citizenship, or international wealth planning. As a representative of Sotheby’s International Realty and partner at InvestCARICOM, Dan brings trusted access, on-the-ground insight, and deep Caribbean expertise to help clients build freedom and long-term value across borders.
Writer on Tax Reduction, International Tax Planning, Citizenship by Investment, Second Residence, Caribbean Living, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Nobu Barbuda, Caribbean Real Estate, Pre-Construction Caribbean, Real Estate Investing, Asset Management, Lifestyle Planning, Company Formation, Offshore Banking, Asset Protection, Technology, Entrepreneurship
This article is for informational purposes only; it should not be considered financial, tax planning or legal advice. Consult a financial or investment professional before making any major financial decisions.
