Royal Caribbean's New Private Island Project Hits Roadblock

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 9:55 AM ET, Fri January 30, 2026

Royal Caribbean's new "Perfect Day" private island destination in Quintana Roo, Mexico, has hit a snag.

This week, a federal court granted an injunction to the group Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS) over its claim of illegal land use reconfiguration on more than 107 hectares in Mahahual.

According to Riviera Maya News, a hearing to assess the possibility of a definitive suspension will be held in the coming days.

The temporary ruling is significant in that developers will not be permitted to work on the project while the injunction is being resolved.

Citizen Planning Council of Othón P. Blanco head Jaime Aguilar Cheluja claims the change of land use was granted to Royal Caribbean legally, arguing that the municipality was not obligated to hold a public consultation because it "is mandatory only when the municipal planning programs and instruments established in its Article 31 are formulated for the first time or are fully updated."

"We are concerned about publications that suggest opacity in the authorization of a change of land use for Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project due to the alleged lack of public consultation in the process and the provisional suspension granted by a federal judge for the most important private investment project in the history of southern Quintana Roo," said Aguilar Cheluja.

According to Royal Caribbean officials, Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate 21,000 guests daily, hosting 2.6 million to 5 million visitors a year and creating more than 1,000 jobs through 2027.

DMAS said it isn't opposed to the project but rather "in favor of respecting the law, urban planning, and the community’s right to a healthy environment."