Tourism in Antigua was dealt a massive blow following the murder of a British honeymoon couple in 2008, but confidence over safety and security issues has been restored, says Caribtours managing director Paul Cleary, and Antigua is again set to be popular this year.
“We believe the tourist board and security forces have made enormous efforts to address the issue and Antigua is very much back on the map,” adds Cleary.
A key factor driving this growth is the improved accommodation. The island’s Jumby Bay resort reopened last Christmas after a $28 million upgrade. This paradise retreat, set on its own 300-acre private island, is perfect for clients looking for peace and seclusion.
On the west coast, Blue Waters has just opened 24 over-sized Cove Suites and Penthouses. They have flatscreen TVs, DVD players and iPod docking stations, and there are four private infinity pools for exclusive use of Cove guests.
Staying on the west coast, the Sugar Ridge Antigua, a modern-style, four-star boutique resort, opened in December and features two restaurants, two swimming pools and a 6,000sq ft Aveda Concept Spa. Its 60 hillside rooms feature large verandahs and muslin-draped four-poster beds, and the ground floor rooms have their own plunge pool.
The 40-acre colonial-style Nonsuch Bay resort, which had a soft opening in January, has 62 luxury apartments built around a secluded beach with 18 waterfront and hilltop villas. It claims to be the only luxury resort in the Caribbean to offer specialist sailing facilities.
In other news, The Suites at Jolly Beach has been rebranded as Tranquility Bay. Built in 2004, the all-suite resort comprises 64 one and two-bedroom suites with kitchens and large balconies.
