What’s new in Antigua And Barbuda for 2023

Antigua and Barbuda continue to record a positive recovery in visitor arrivals, optimism lies ahead for 2023 with continuous growth in visits to the destination.

For those planning ahead, dreaming of sunnier climes and new places to explore, the tropical paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is an authentic corner of the Caribbean which has a vibe to suit everyone and a charm that’s good for the soul.

Minister of Tourism and Investment, the Right Honourable Charles Fernandez, said: “Antigua and Barbuda is thrilled to welcome UK travellers to our twin-island nation in 2023. There has been a resurgence in travel and the tourism outlook for the destination for this year is strong. With a host of exciting new hotel and villa openings, as well as sustainability initiatives such as the Ocean Shot Project coming on stream, there’s never been a better time to visit Antigua and Barbuda.”

The new year marks an exciting time for the paradise destination with the opening of stand-out new accommodation options, from boutique all-suite havens and cosy beach clubs to a super luxe villa development and the arrival of one of the coolest hospitality brands. We’ve rounded up the top news and openings in Antigua and Barbuda set to entice travellers planning a sun-drenched getaway as we enter the new year.

NEW HOTELS

WEATHERILLS HOTEL – NOW OPEN

Antigua’s fascinating history is on display at Weatherills Hotel, a historic 17th century colonial mansion that has been beautifully restored and opened 1 November 2022. Set within 40 acres of picturesque gardens in the north of the island, the extraordinary property is home to a collection of seven boutique bedrooms. Enriched by an impressive, restored working windmill, guests will enjoy carefully crafted menus in an elegant restaurant and create memories in beautiful spaces for magical weddings, energetic meetings, and sophisticated events. The property is owned by an Antiguan family who are carefully and sensitively restoring the property to take it into a new era in 2023.

TAMARIND HILLS BEACH CLUB – NOW OPEN

Officially open from October 2022, Tamarind Hill Beach Club in Antigua is a place where guests can spend long, lost days with their toes in the sand soaking up therapeutic island vibes. Set to be an island hot spot, the beach club occupies a tranquil spot on the water’s edge on Ffryes Beach.

Offering boundless panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and a laid-back aesthetic throughout, guests can enjoy the beach club’s stylish features including The Clubhouse Café and Bar, The Wild Tamarind Restaurant, an infinity-edge, salt-water swimming Pool; all surrounded by the Tamarind Tree Deck, a huge timber deck that flows on to Ffryes Beach. The Clubhouse will serve breakfast, beverages and light bites throughout the day until sunset and the Wild Tamarind restaurant will offer a selection of international cuisine with Caribbean influences.

Guests’ needs are anticipated by the expert butler service on hand to provide drinks and food so that the only choice guests need to make is which sunbed to soak up the sun from.

NOBU BARBUDA – NOW OPEN

Welcoming guests again starting 9 November after its highly anticipated opening in 2021, Nobu Barbuda offers a new hideaway for travellers in the form of a consciously designed beach club, Nobu restaurant, and lounge. The remote hideaway – set on the same location at Princess Diana’s favourite getaway – is designed to create a luxury oceanside experience for those seeking privacy, and a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Five private cabanas are positioned across the stretch of pristine sand, including one with a VIP experience complete with a lounge and private dining. Personal hosts are there to manage guests’ needs. The stylish, intimate setting of the Caribbean style lounge bar offers a retreat where guests can switch from a dip in the sea to sampling Nobu-style dishes featuring local catch and of course, Nobu’s famous miso black cod. Next, Nobu plans to launch the Nobu Beach Inn, a boutique hotel, wellness retreat and organic farm next to the restaurant that will break ground soon.

JOLLY BEACH ANTIGUA – NOW OPEN

Situated on Antigua’s famous southwest coast, this expansive 40-acre property boasts the island’s largest hotel along with the single-best beach of Antigua’s 365 white-sand beaches. This re-injection of energy into the largest hotel in Antigua, one that has always been one of the most storied places to stay in the Caribbean, offers a great value all-inclusive getaway for visitors.

Guests can throw themselves into the all-inclusive fun at the signature swim-up main pool bar, relax with a spa day, play a little beach volleyball, kayak in crystal waters or simply sit back and relax. Within the resort’s 40 acres of lush tropical gardens are 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 swimming pools, a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, volleyball court, games room, coffee shop, gift shop and a wide variety of non-motorized water sports. A distinguishing feature of the resort, the deluxe all-inclusive offering is available to all guests with this unique room-only booking option, and includes accommodation, room taxes & service charges, 3 daily meals, unlimited house-brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by the glass, non-motorized water sports including kayaking and paddle boarding, activities and entertainment.

MOON GATE ANTIGUA – OPENING WINTER 2023

Marking a new generation of bespoke boutique-style hotels on the island, the opening of Moon Gate Antigua is the perfect choice for free spirited travellers seeking simplicity and luxury combined. Slated to open Winter Season 23/24, the 49-suite boutique hotel and spa offers barefoot chic authentic island living. Located at Half Moon Bay, tucked into Antigua’s South East coast, known for its breath-taking beauty, the cleverly designed property extends its modern interiors to outdoor spaces, with the suites capturing stunning views of the ocean. The suites are among the most spacious in Antigua and Barbuda; measuring up to 1,000 sq. ft, the Penthouse Suites have their own private plunge pool and fully equipped kitchen.

Operating an all-inclusive basis, guests can enjoy the luxury of convenience throughout their stay with access to an a la carte restaurant, cocktail lounge, spa, and clubhouse. Whether guests choose to spend the day by the pool, on the beach or in the wellness spa, Moon Gate Antigua provides an idyllic retreat with comfort and elegance at its core.

THE ROYALTON CHIC RESORT ANTIGUA – OPENING 2023

Located on the idyllic Dickenson Bay Beach, this new 227 room five-star beachfront resort will bring a unique adults-only getaway to Antigua, where singles, couples, friends, and groups can expect day-to-night activities such as themed pool parties and DJ sets, as well as a range of gourmet dining experiences across five fascinating bars with mixology and six reservation-free dining restaurants.

A distinct feature of this resort will be an overwater themed restaurant, exclusive to Royalton CHIC Antigua. This restaurant will be custom built over the glistening sea, providing guests with a thrilling mix of entertainment in a picturesque setting with refined dining. The completely renovated resort is full of vivacious offerings making it the ultimate destination for adult getaways.

NEW VILLAS

PEARNS POINT – DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES INTO 2023

Located on the west coast of Antigua, Pearns Point is the highly anticipated beach and ocean front development where luxury living meets a place of outstanding natural beauty with green fringed hills, stunning sandy white beaches and endless ocean views. The development pays the utmost respect to the island’s native fauna and flora, utilising natural resources and locally sourced materials wherever possible. For those looking for the ultimate luxury home, at Pearns Point investors can design and build their very own dream villa. The community of luxury homes are designed to be energy efficient, reducing power consumption for air conditioning and pool systems. Solar panels established around the development will provide a ready source of renewable energy for the residences.

Following the recent completion of the first villa – Pearns Bay House – the new year will see the development of further luxury villas and the Pearns Point Owners Club, which will be at the heart of the community offering a place to socialise, relax and be active. Facilities will include tennis courts, a high-tech fitness centre, a boat jetty, and a beach bar/restaurant.

Both secluded and yet conveniently close to some of the island’s main attractions. The restaurants and shops of Jolly Harbour are just 5 minutes’ drive away, the capital St John’s is just 20 minutes’, whilst the international airport is just 30 minutes.

NEW SUSTAINBILITY INITIATIVES

THE OCEAN SHOT PROJECT – TAKING ACTION FOR OUR OCEANS

Antigua and Barbuda is known for sparkling white beaches, making the destination a global tourist hotspot. The Ocean Project is a new initiative that will help protect and replenish those glorious beaches by using technology that mimics the design and shape of natural reefs to provide opportunities for colonization by coral and other marine life. These reefs will mitigate sand flow to beaches as well as providing food for important local species. What’s more is that the constructed reef modules will also help protect nearby coastal communities from storm surge and sea-level rise.

The project is supported by PADI, as the leader in the dive industry. PADI’s engagement and partnership helps the wider reach of this initiative and ensures that it will be embedded in dive practices, ensuring tourists can explore the destination responsibly.