Antigua is known for its 365 beaches – one for each day of the year, they say. As such there is no shortage of hotels and resorts on the island, and neighbouring Barbuda, where visitors can spread out their beach towels or find a shady spot under a sun umbrella. Here is some of the latest news from the islands’ accommodation sector heading into a new winter season.
Curtain Bluff: The hotel has reopened for its 62nd season after being closed since the end of May 2023 for refurbishment. The hotel’s two Hulford Collection Suites, Morris & Grace Bay Pool Suites and a selection of Junior Suites have been completely refurbished, unveiling lighter and more modernized rooms. There’s also a newly expanded Wellness Area, which further elevates its current health and wellness offerings as an area exclusively for adult guests. The property plans to extend further for their summer 2024 season with additional room enhancements, among other design improvements, with an additional £1.6 million investment.
Hawksbill Resort: The Hawksbill Resort reopened Oct. 28 after an extensive renovation. Now managed by the Caribbean Beach Cottage Collection which currently operates Cocos Hotel and Keyonna Beach Resort, the resort was closed in April 2023 and sees many improvements while maintaining its simple charm. A new Infinity Pool with multiple lounging decks and a bar has been constructed on the hillside overlooking Sea Grapes Beach. Guests can expect all fixtures, fittings, and furniture to be in perfect condition while the solid doors and windows on beachfront and sea-view rooms have been replaced with glass panels, so the beaches and ocean are always in sight.
Royalton CHIC Antigua: Set to open in April, 2024, the adults-only Royalton CHIC Antigua is located on the northwest coast of Antigua on Dickinson Bay Beach, 20 minutes from the airport. The brand-new resort will feature 235 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, five bars and dining entertainment, sports and fitness facilities and The Royal Spa. Royalton Chic Antigua offers guests 15% off their stay when booking (available now) before the opening.
Great House Antigua: Opera enthusiasts and music lovers will enjoy intimate music performances blended with a historical ambience and natural beauty at Great House Antigua’s first-ever Opera Week, June 3-9, 2024. Featured performer Miranda Heldt is a German singer and actress who is a regular performer a The Ritz London. The performances will occur in various atmospheric locations, including the Georgian drawing room, a sea-facing deck, and beneath the shade of trees across the expansive grounds.
The Verandah Antigua: Reopened Nov. 17 as an adults-only hotel, The Verandah Antigua (photo) has undergone an extensive renovation with new facilities, including a new restaurant with a Michelin three-star inspired menu crafted by the resort’s chef; four new pickleball courts and the most extensive 18-hole mini golf course in the Caribbean. The hotel has also introduced dine-around privileges, allowing guests to explore the culinary offerings of sister resorts, Pineapple Beach Club and St. James’ Club & Villas.
St. James’ Club & Villa: Elite Island Resorts’ family-friendly, all-inclusive resort is offering one free place for children aged 11 and under staying with two or more adults in all room categories until January 2025. All food, beverages, activities on site and non-motorized water sports are free for the child for the duration of the stay.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa: The resort has added a new premium boat service to Barbuda. The adult-only exclusive ‘champagne sunset cruise’ takes place every Friday. Blue Waters also invites children aged 5 to 12 to experience the resort’s private kid’s club. Preschool teacher Ainsley Smith leads the sessions with over 15 years of experience in early childcare. Centred around an indoor play area and shaded secret garden, kids are invited to catch lizards, fish off the rocks, and design Antiguan shak-shak paintings.
Sandals Antigua: Sandals Resorts International will launch a new destination wedding program in 2024 where guests can get closer to the Caribbean with authentic island-inspired weddings. Each package comes complete with a bespoke wedding planning team that manages all the details every step of the way.
Moon Gate Antigua: Ongoing renovations at the exclusive 49-suite all-inclusive hotel & spa located at Half Moon Bay and known of for its “barefoot chic” lifestyle will be complete in December with 40 units ready to be occupied.
Carlisle Bay: The hotel will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December with a series of events for guests and staff at the hotel. Located on the idyllic southern coast of Antigua, the luxury resort boasts turquoise waters, a powdery white sand beach, a lagoon, and lush tropical gardens. Comprised of 87 contemporary luxury suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace leading directly to the beach, the hotel also offers guests four diverse restaurants and bars with a varied choice of global cuisine using locally grown produce.