(She famously vacationed on the island several times.)

Courtesy of Nobu Barbuda

Other changes are slowly coming to Barbuda.

But for now, the island retains its relaxed atmosphere.

A beach resort next to the ocean in Barbuda

Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel.Credit:Andre L. Phillip/Courtesy of Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel

This project holds a special place in my heart, he told T+L.

I want it to be that memorable destination that people come back to year after year.

A beach resort and ocean seen from above; a woman reads on a beach chair

The pink-sand beach at Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel.Andre L. Phillip/Courtesy of Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel

Seating at a beachside restaurant; a lobster seafood dish

Nobu Barbuda restaurant, on Princess Diana Beach; Nobu Barbuda’s lobster special.Courtesy of Nobu Barbuda

A hotel room with a view of the beach

The Frigate Bird bungalow at Barbuda Belle.Andre L. Phillip/Courtesy of Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel