Robert De Niro is developing a tropical haven. A secret recording captures a planning session.
**Robert De Niro's Luxury Retreat in Barbuda: A Harmony of Nature and Exclusivity**
Robert De Niro, the Hollywood titan known for his iconic roles in Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas, has set his sights on a new project in Barbuda - a tropical paradise known for its pink and white sand beaches. De Niro, co-founder of Nobu Hospitality and co-owner of New York's The Greenwich Hotel, is spearheading the development of The Beach Club - a luxury resort that includes private homes, a 17-key hotel (Nobu Beach Inn), and a beachfront restaurant (Nobu Barbuda).
The design for the Nobu Beach Inn Residences seamlessly integrates luxury and exclusivity with the island's natural beauty. Inspired by De Niro's long-standing interest in the site, the project aims to create an exclusive and refined living experience. The collaboration between Ward & Co, landscape architect Frederica Fantoli, and architect Mark Cooney brings together a team of leading designers to achieve this vision.
**Key Design Elements**
Luxury and exclusivity are at the heart of the project, with the Nobu Beach Inn offering an ultra-luxurious lifestyle to its clientele, who arrive by private jet, helicopter, or yacht. The development incorporates the island's stunning natural features, such as over two miles of pristine beachfront and 391 acres of mangroves, lakes, and lagoons, ensuring a harmonious blend of luxury and nature.
De Niro's personal design preferences are not extensively detailed, but his involvement suggests a focus on creating a unique and memorable experience that reflects the exclusive and refined qualities associated with the Nobu brand. However, the development has been criticised for being part of broader luxury resort developments that have raised concerns about the impact on local communities and land ownership structures.
During a recent visit to Barbuda, De Niro expressed concerns about the practicality and aesthetics of certain materials. He recommended reducing the filling in overstuffed cushions by 40% and favoured solid wood kitchen cabinets over veneer. De Niro also showed his approval for a pair of built-in bunk beds, which he saw as a practical solution for multi-purpose rooms like a gym or office.
The Nobu Beach Inn is scheduled to open next year, with the residential component expected to be completed in 2027. As De Niro waved his hand across the dramatic view, he expressed satisfaction with the project's progress and respect for the existing nature of the island. He referenced Soho Farmhouse, Como Shambhala, and Parrot Cay as design inspirations for the project.
De Niro's personal residence on the site features open-plan interiors with a focus on ocean views. The design team provided him with a weighty sample of the stone for his residences, reassuring him that its sandblasted texture will serve as a non-slip surface, addressing his concerns about the glossy limestone floor for his residences on Barbuda, fearing it may be slippery for children.
De Niro emphasised the importance of consistency in intentions and expressed his disapproval for tall metal screens, finding them too fussy for defining living spaces. Instead, he champions a seamless link between indoor and outdoor living in the guest houses.
The meeting took place in an airy office overlooking one of the world's most extraordinary pink- and white-sand beaches. As De Niro walked barefoot to the meeting from his own beachfront property, one of the only houses currently on-site, it was clear that his passion for the project and the island is undeniable.
[1] Source: Barbuda Breeze (2021) [5] Source: The Guardian (2021)
- Robert De Niro's luxury retreat in Barbuda, The Beach Club, aims to offer an exclusive and refined lifestyle, blending elegance with the island's natural beauty, making it a perfect home-and-garden setting.
- Recognized celebrities, like De Niro, often look to set up homes and vacation spots that replicate the entertainment-centric lifestyles they lead, incorporating elements of luxury, exclusivity, and a harmonious blend of nature to create an ideal home-and-garden and lifestyle setting.
