Club Med and VICI Properties Announce Redevelopment of Iconic Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix
Club Med, the global pioneer of the all-inclusive resort concept with nearly 60 destinations worldwide, and VICI Properties Inc., an S&P 500 experiential real estate investment trust, have announced the acquisition and planned redevelopment of the historic Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The project represents a major milestone for both companies and marks the return of Club Med to U.S. shores. The future Club Med St. Croix is expected to bring a new level of premium all-inclusive hospitality to the region while revitalizing one of the island’s most recognized beachfront properties.
Through a strategic partnership between Club Med and VICI Properties, the resort will undergo a significant transformation designed to meet Club Med’s Exclusive Collection standards. Following VICI’s acquisition of the Carambola Beach Resort, the company has entered into a long-term triple-net lease agreement with Club Med and will provide funding for the property’s redevelopment.
Once completed, Club Med will operate the redesigned resort, creating a destination focused on upscale all-inclusive experiences, sustainability, cultural connection, and authentic Caribbean hospitality. The redeveloped property will feature approximately 150 keys and is expected to become a flagship example of modern resort development in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The redevelopment of Carambola Beach Resort reflects the shared vision of both companies to create a unique hospitality experience that celebrates the natural beauty, heritage, and community identity of St. Croix. The project aims to preserve the spirit of the historic beachfront location while introducing enhanced amenities, services, and experiences for future guests.
Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean, said the project represents an important step in the company’s continued growth strategy.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands represent an exciting new chapter for Club Med,” said Doyon. “For more than seven decades, we’ve welcomed North American travelers to our destinations around the world, and now we’re bringing that experience back home. With St. Croix’s natural beauty, strong community spirit, and deep cultural roots, together with the longstanding legacy of this hotel, this project reflects our vision for thoughtful growth, and meaningful connection across the Americas.”
The return of Club Med to the United States highlights the company’s continued expansion within the premium all-inclusive hospitality market. Known for combining accommodations, dining, activities, entertainment, and cultural experiences into one destination, Club Med has built a global reputation for creating memorable vacation experiences.
The future Club Med St. Croix is expected to strengthen the island’s tourism offering by attracting travelers seeking high-quality resort experiences while supporting the local economy through investment, employment opportunities, and increased visitor engagement.
For VICI Properties, the project represents an opportunity to expand its relationship with a leading global hospitality operator. The company specializes in owning experiential real estate assets and partnering with established brands to support long-term growth.
John Payne, President and COO of VICI, highlighted the importance of the new partnership with Club Med and the potential for future collaboration.
“We are very excited to begin our partnership with Club Med, a true pioneer of the premium all-inclusive resort experience and the brand leader in the category,” said Payne. “Club Med’s approach to growth aligns directly with how VICI partners with best-in-class experiential operators, and Carambola Beach Resort is an ideal asset to launch our relationship.”
Payne added that VICI values Club Med’s expertise and operating model, noting that the partnership creates opportunities to support the hospitality brand’s continued expansion across North America.
The redevelopment project reflects broader trends in the travel and hospitality industry, where demand continues to grow for immersive destinations that combine comfort, convenience, and unique local experiences. By combining Club Med’s operational expertise with VICI’s real estate investment capabilities, the companies aim to deliver a resort that balances luxury, sustainability, and regional authenticity.
The transformation of Carambola Beach Resort is expected to reinforce St. Croix’s position as a premier Caribbean destination while creating a renewed hospitality experience for visitors from around the world.
With its beachfront setting, cultural significance, and future-focused redevelopment plans, Club Med St. Croix represents a new chapter for one of the island’s most iconic properties and a significant step in expanding premium all-inclusive travel options in the Americas.
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