Abandoned Four Seasons Barbados Site Gets New Owner

First conceptualized in 1988, and entering the planning stages in 2004, the Four Seasons Barbados was a mega project expected to bring about significant job creation during both the construction and operations phases, along with significant foreign investment, bumping the Caribbean island a few notches up the luxury ladder.

The Paradise Beach project unfortunately never saw the light of day as the development of the hotel complex and residences faced significant cost overruns due to numerous delays, theft, and lack of investor confidence following the 2008 financial crisis.

Construction of the 110 guest suites and 35 residences began in 2008, but came to a grinding halt in 2009 after the developers ran out of money. Fast forward to 2025, and the site is still home to the remnants of “what-ifs”, with the shell of the residences standing as a reminder of what could have been.

Over the past 20 years, the property has changed hands a few times, but it seems one company may finally be able to make something of it.

A recently-registered investment group called CBL Developments SRL announced via a release that they have successfully acquired the 56-acre beachfront property, with plans for further development.

“Subject to the necessary approvals, CBL Developments fully intends to adhere to established requirements and guidelines throughout both the application and development phases, including securing all relevant permits and authorizations. The group is dedicated to collaborating closely with the Planning and Development Department as well as other stakeholders, ensuring that the proposed project aligns with local regulations and delivers value to the community and the island of Barbados as a whole.”

They have not explicitly stated what they plan to do in the long run, but being that it’s located on prime beach front, it won’t be surprising it it’s another hotel development. CBL Developments does not plan to make use of the current infrastructure, announcing demolition and clearing works. They will cordon off the site, while still allowing public access to Paradise Beach.

Will this be another high profile Four Seasons-like hotel? Or something more generic? We will just have to wait and see what they eventually present. As for who CBL Developments SRL is? That’s another mystery. According to the Barbados’ Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office, the company was registered in April 2024 as a Society with Restricted Liability. This category allows for up to 100% foreign ownership, privacy and tax benefits, and is the favored type of registration for real-estate and tourism development companies in Barbados.

If you’re interested in the history of this development, here’s a pretty good short film worth watching.

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