Expect to hear a lot about Equatorial Guinea in the upcoming years. For once, it won’t be bad news about the Central African country. Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country, sandwiched between Cameroon and Gabon, is a big oil producer. Due to its corruption and abysmal human rights record, it’s one of the least-visited countries in the world. That’s about to change.

Equatorial Guinea is getting its first five-star hotel. The property was announced two years ago and is currently in the works on the island of Corisco. It will bring jobs, tourism, and (hopefully) changes in government policies to an area that desperately needs it. While travelers will finally have the chance to see a part of the world that’s long been hidden.

Corisco sits in the Gulf of Guinea, 18 miles southwest of the Río Muni estuary that separates Equatorial Guinea from Gabon. The land was disputed by the two countries due to its oil prospects. Before that, it was a valuable trading spot between the Benga people and European sailors, and then an important area when Equatorial Guinea gained its independence from Spain.

The small island is beautiful. It’s home to prehistoric burial sites, one of the oldest cemeteries in Africa, and ruins of Spanish missionaries. Beaches have pure white sand and crystal-clear water. They’re picturesque and untouched. Plus the weather is warm and pleasant all year.

The island already has a small international airport. Its first resort will soon open. Scuba divers and beach bums will shortly follow. While Equatorial Guinea is positioned to change the way the world perceives it. Get ready to explore a new corner of Africa.