WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Jamaican-born architect Gordon Gill, founding partner of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, has unveiled plans for what has been touted as a groundbreaking eco-resort set to become the Caribbean’s most ecologically advanced hospitality development.

Nestled on 420 acres near Smithfield and Bluefields Bay in Westmoreland, Paradise Park will feature a low-density layout that includes a boutique hotel, wellness facilities, luxury villas, and immersive cultural spaces, according to a press release.

The development moves away from the traditional all-inclusive model, embracing a design that harmonises with the natural landscape to offer an authentic and environmentally responsible alternative in the region’s tourism sector, the release stated.

“Paradise Park is not about excess; it’s about balance,” said Gill, whose global portfolio includes high-profile projects in Dubai, China, and New York’s Central Park.

“We’re building on less than five per cent of the land. The rest is being preserved, restored, or thoughtfully programmed to respect the ecosystem,” he added.

Born in Jamaica and a frequent visitor to the island, Gill emphasised the project as a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge architectural design with world-class sustainability.

Designed to meet the highest environmental performance standards, the resort will feature a dedicated solar farm, state-of-the-art water recycling and wastewater treatment systems, and measures for coastal and terrestrial biodiversity preservation. The project also prioritises the use of local materials and labour wherever possible, Gill said.

A key feature of Paradise Park will be a conservation nursery for native plant species, along with infrastructure engineered for climate resilience and ecological sensitivity.

According to Gill, what truly sets the project apart is its deep commitment to community engagement. The resort will prioritise local employment and supply chains, with approximately 900 jobs expected during construction and more than 1,200 permanent positions across hospitality, operations, agriculture, and the creative industries. These numbers are projected to grow as the development expands, the release stated.

It added that the new South Coast Highway will further boost accessibility, linking Paradise Park to Jamaica’s expanding road network and improving connectivity to the island’s western region.

“This project is about legacy. It’s about raising the bar, not just for how we build, but for how we build together. From the very beginning, we’ve designed Paradise Park to benefit both the environment and the people who call this part of Jamaica home,” said Gill.