Club Med returns to U.S. shores with property in St. Croix

Club Med and VICI Properties Inc. have announced the acquisition and planned redevelopment of the Carambola Beach Resort, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking the return of Club Med to U.S. shores.

The future Club Med St. Croix will reinforce the hospitality brand's leadership in the premium all-inclusive category, while bringing “a renewed spirit” to the historic beachfront property, reads a press release.

The project stems from a partnership between Club Med and VICI.

Following VICI's acquisition of Carambola Beach Resort, the company signed a long-term triple-net lease agreement with Club Med and committed funding for a comprehensive redevelopment of the property.

According to the release, the renovation will upgrade the resort to Club Med's Exclusive Collection standards.

Once completed, Club Med will manage operations of the historic 150-room resort, repositioning it as a premier all-inclusive destination that emphasizes sustainability, cultural authenticity and elevated hospitality in the region.

"The U.S. Virgin Islands represent an exciting new chapter for Club Med," said Carolyne Doyon, president and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean, in a statement.

"For more than seven decades, we've welcomed North American travellers 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."

John Payne, president and COO of VICI, added: "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.”

“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. We have tremendous respect for what the Club Med team has built, and we look forward to opportunities to support their continued growth across North America for years to come."

An iconic setting, reimagined

Originally built in 1986 by philanthropist and conservation pioneer Laurance Rockefeller, Carambola Beach Resort reflects his enduring vision for the U.S. Virgin Islands, where hospitality and preservation exist in balance.

Club Med's redevelopment plans envision a comprehensive renovation that preserves the property's natural beauty and historic roots.

The resort, nestled between a crescent beach and tropical rainforest, will be part of Club Med's Exclusive Collection, the brand's most refined portfolio of premium all-inclusive resorts.

A flagship destination and a U.S. homecoming

Club Med St. Croix will mark the brand's reentry onto U.S. soil and aims to attract travellers from the United States, Canada, and around the world seeking a high quality, all-inclusive experience in a unique island setting.

Beyond its touristic appeal, the resort will act as a key economic driver for St. Croix and the broader Virgin Islands, fueling job creation, local partnerships, and sustainable growth across the territory, the company says.

Aligned with Club Med's Happy to Care sustainability commitments, the project will target BREEAM and Green Globe certifications—benchmarks of environmental design and operational responsibility.

"The arrival of the Club Med brand to the U.S. Virgin Islands marks another significant milestone in the continued economic growth and revitalization of our islands — particularly St. Croix — where tourism remains a key driver of opportunity and investment," said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in a statement.

"We are proud to welcome the Club Med team to the territory and look forward to growing this partnership as we continue elevating the U.S. Virgin Islands, celebrating our people and culture, and welcoming new and returning visitors to our beautiful shores."

Once complete, the redevelopment is projected to generate approximately 200 direct jobs along with at least as many indirect opportunities.

Club Med says it plans to continue to engage with the local community in the upcoming months to share further details of the project.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, followed by a targeted reopening in Q4 2027.

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