Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Island Shipping, S. de R.L., officially broke ground on the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan in Honduras. The all-inclusive resort is set to open in fall 2027.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan will be the third property in Margaritaville’s all-inclusive collection managed by Karisma. The family-friendly resort will span nine acres along more than 655 feet of shoreline. It will have 170 guestrooms including oceanfront suites and honeymoon swim-up accommodations.
Signature Margaritaville dining venues include Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria, JWB Steakhouse, The Boathouse Market Dining and Cheeseburger in Paradise. The resort will also be home to the region’s first LandShark Brewery alongside 5 o’Clock Somewhere, License to Chill. Additional facilities will include the St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Center, Parakeets Kid’s Club, multiple pools, pickleball courts and 6,190 square feet of meeting space.
"The groundbreaking of Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resort Roatan marks an exciting moment for both Karisma Hotels & Resorts and the island," Karisma CEO Esteban Velasquez said in a statement. "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."
Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan will create 400 permanent resort positions and an additional 400 indirect jobs in the local economy, including roles in construction, hospitality and support industries. The project will prioritize local talent, providing stable employment opportunities that allow island residents to contribute their skills, according to the company.
The resort’s development is committed to sustainability and environmental restoration, preserving Turtling Bay. Key efforts will include planting native vegetation to create habitats for marine life, including sea turtles. A productive landscape design incorporating agroforestry principles will enhance soil health, promote reforestation, and establish an edible forest to support biodiversity by attracting pollinators and native fauna. Through workshops and training sessions, local residents will be actively involved in conservation efforts, reinforcing the resort’s alignment with Regenerative Tourism principles and the UN’s 2050 Sustainability Goals to build a resilient coastal destination.