A Caribbean island once loved by Princess Diana is seeking to reinvent itself as the world’s greenest luxury retreat. Nevis — the 36-square-mile island in the Caribbean sea famed for its unspoilt beaches, lush scenery and old-world charm — became Diana’s sanctuary in 1992 when she retreated there with Princes William and Harry at the height of speculation over the state of her marriage to the then Prince Charles.

Chosen for its seclusion, Nevis offered Diana the rare chance to relax away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. The trio stayed at the Montpelier Plantation Estate, a visit that is still fondly recalled by locals. Now more than three decades later, Nevis is hoping to turn its royal connection into a powerful draw for a new generation of high-end travellers. Unlike many destinations that court wealth purely with glamour and extravagance, Nevis is seeking to place sustainability at the heart of its reinvention.

In August, lawmakers passed the Special Sustainability Zone Act 2025, unlocking significant levels of development on the island’s largely untouched south coast. The legislation paves the way for eco-resorts, luxury villas and sustainable hotels — all designed to attract investors, billionaires, jet-setters and influencers while preserving Nevis’s fragile natural beauty.

Premier Mark Brantley described the project as a “turning point” for the island, calling the proposed zone “a world leader in every regard due to its sustainable nature.” He added: “It has the potential to be the greatest economic development in Nevis’s recent history.

“We are proud of our rich history and the fact we were the destination of choice for Princess Diana. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and fans of the British Royal Family from the UK and further afield to experience everything our island has to offer.” The plans will likely strike a chord with the Royal Family, as many of its members have long advocated for a greener future.

King Charles III has pioneered organic farming and renewable energy for more than 50 years. He, along with sons William and Harry, has also long warned of the dangers of climate change. Officials on the island hope that the transformation will allow it to carve out a niche as a glamorous but eco-conscious alternative to Dubai and Monaco.

Projected annual revenues from the new sustainability zone are expected to exceed £80 million, with promises that much of this will be reinvested into vital infrastructure. Plans include expanding Vance Amory International Airport, enabling direct flights from key US airports for the first time, and upgrading local hospitals and schools.

Currently, visitors must fly to neighbouring islands before transferring over — an inconvenience that has long deterred some travellers.

“Enhancing our island’s infrastructure – hospitals, schools and our airport – is central to our goal to become a regional Caribbean leader,” Mr Brantley said. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our unique body of land.”

For many, however, the project is about prestige as much as economics. By courting billionaires, international investors and influencers, Nevis hopes to capture the allure of Monaco’s yacht-lined harbours and Dubai’s opulent skyline — but in a greener, more sustainable way.

Mr Brantley added: “Much like with our pioneering of Citizenship By Investment, people will look to the little island of Nevis for inspiration during a very turbulent economic moment.” The ambition is to bring in billions in foreign investment, create thousands of jobs, and tempt back Nevisians who have moved abroad. By anchoring its identity in sustainability, the island hopes to stand apart in a crowded luxury travel market.