Galveston, Texas, November 27, 2025
A $700 million Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to break ground on Galveston’s East Beach, featuring a 334-room resort and 278 privately owned cottages. This project promises to boost local tourism and the economy while offering diverse amenities, including a water park and an entertainment center. The resort, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, aims to enhance the visitor experience and create job opportunities in the area.
Galveston, Texas
Major Investment Coming to Galveston with New Margaritaville Resort
A $700 million Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to break ground soon on Galveston’s East Beach, which promises to be a significant boost for local tourism and the economy. This ambitious project, developed by RREAF Holdings in collaboration with Innisfree Hotels, will feature a 334-room resort and 278 privately owned cottages, strategically located over 95 acres at the eastern tip of the island.
The resort is projected to include a variety of amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. Among them is a 2.5-acre elevated water park featuring a large pool, water slides, and a lazy river stretching 350 feet. Additional facilities will include a ballroom, pickleball courts, and a family entertainment center complete with an arcade, further diversifying the offerings to vacationers. This initiative underscores the potential for limited regulation to create a vibrant business climate and the entrepreneurial spirit that is vital to economic growth.
Impact on Local Tourism
The Margaritaville Beach Resort aims to significantly influence Galveston’s tourism sector, which welcomed approximately 8 million visitors in 2022, contributing around $1.2 billion in visitor spending. This project is expected to create numerous job opportunities and draw even more visitors to the area, enriching the local economy and providing sustainable growth. Such developments showcase the resilience and innovative spirit of small businesses in the hospitality industry, especially in a post-pandemic landscape.
Project Developers and Their Vision
The collaboration between RREAF Holdings, a robust Dallas-based development firm, and Innisfree Hotels, known for operating beachfront hotels and resorts in the Southeast, brings expertise and vision to this project. This will mark the second Margaritaville Beach Resort in Texas, following the first opening on South Padre Island in 2024. The expansion of the Margaritaville brand reflects a broader trend of increasing investment in the hospitality sector, a shining example of how private investments can spur economic activity.
A Glimpse at Amenities
Guests at the Margaritaville Beach Resort will enjoy high-quality amenities, including:
- 334 resort rooms and 278 privately owned cottages
- A 2.5-acre elevated water park with various attractions
- Pickleball courts and a family entertainment center
- Spacious cottages ranging from two to six bedrooms
- What is the Margaritaville Beach Resort Galveston project?
- The Margaritaville Beach Resort Galveston is a $700 million development featuring a 334-room resort and 278 privately owned cottages, set to break ground soon on Galveston’s East Beach.
- What amenities will the resort offer?
- The resort will include a 2.5-acre elevated water park with a large pool, water slides, and a 350-foot lazy river, as well as a ballroom, pickleball courts, and a family entertainment center with an arcade. The cottages will be furnished and connected to the resort via an elevated boardwalk.
- When is the resort expected to be completed?
- The development is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
- How will the resort impact Galveston’s tourism sector?
- The resort aims to enhance Galveston’s tourism sector, which attracted approximately 8 million visitors in 2022, contributing around $1.2 billion in visitor spending. The development is anticipated to create new jobs and increase visitor traffic to the area.
- Who are the developers behind the project?
- The project is a collaboration between RREAF Holdings, a Dallas-based development firm, and Innisfree Hotels, an operator of beachfront hotels and resorts in the Southeast.
- Where else is the Margaritaville brand expanding?
- The Margaritaville brand has been expanding its presence in various locations, including Kansas City, Orlando, and Honduras, with plans for additional resorts in Panama and Alabama.
This diverse array of options caters to families, couples, and groups seeking diverse vacation experiences, enhancing Galveston’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Completion Timeline
The Margaritaville Beach Resort is anticipated to reach completion by the first quarter of 2026. As construction begins, the local community can expect to see economic activities spike, with potential job growth in construction, hospitality, and ancillary services emerging as a direct result of this investment.
Margaritaville’s Expanding Brand
The Margaritaville brand, inspired by the ethos of musician Jimmy Buffett, has been experiencing notable expansion across various locations, including Kansas City, Orlando, and international destinations like Honduras. With prospective new resorts planned for Panama and Alabama, it is clear that the brand is positioning itself as a dominant player in the leisure and hospitality market.
The new Margaritaville Beach Resort in Galveston not only signifies an important development for the area but also demonstrates how strategic investments can yield substantial economic benefits. This pioneering project highlights the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation thriving in Texas, making it an exciting time for both investors and residents.
Conclusion
The Margaritaville Beach Resort promises to redefine the landscape of Galveston’s tourism sector. With an expected completion in 2026, it is a compelling example of how business innovation, such as this partnership, strengthens local economies and creates dynamic job opportunities. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to support local businesses and invest in Galveston’s future, fostering a thriving economic environment for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Margaritaville Beach Resort Galveston |
| Location | Galveston’s East Beach, Texas |
| Investment | $700 million |
| Resort Rooms | 334 rooms |
| Cottages | 278 privately owned cottages |
| Resort Amenities | 2.5-acre elevated water park, large pool, water slides, 350-foot lazy river, ballroom, pickleball courts, family entertainment center with arcade |
| Cottage Sizes | Two to six bedrooms, 780 to 4,500 square feet |
| Completion Date | First quarter of 2026 |
| Developers | RREAF Holdings and Innisfree Hotels |
| Other Margaritaville Expansions | Kansas City, Orlando, Honduras, Panama, Alabama |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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