Two of Antigua’s oldest and most established luxury resorts are hoping they will be able to recapture their clients and also their reputations following extensive refurbishments to spruce up their tired-looking facilities.
Blue Waters reopened last December following much-needed renovations, due to hurricane damage, costing $7m.
The number of rooms has been increased from 67 to 77 and the original rooms have been refurbished and also increased in size.
The once traditionally room-only hotel has also reopened as an all-inclusive.
Meanwhile, the Inn at English Harbour, another stalwart of Antigua’s luxury hotel scene, is also planning improvements since it was sold in July.
The hotel’s new Italian owner plans to invest more than $1.5m over the next two years building a swimming pool, adding between five and 10 more rooms to the 28-room resort and carrying out extensive landscaping.
“Ninety percent of our clients are British and we get high repeat business, but we are a difficult product for UK tour operators to sell,” said the Inn’s general manager, Ali Howard.
“We are an old fashioned, quirky little hotel. Certainly not slick.
“There are no jet-skis or music, but we are in a fabulous location right next door to all the amenities of English Harbour. The hotel is looking tired, however, and in need of refurbishment,” admitted Howard.
Alongside The Inn at English Harbour and Blue Waters, Antigua has a number of other hotels that appeal to an upmarket, discerning clientele, including Curtain Bluff and Jumby Bay Island. Both hotels market themselves as hideaways for stressed out business people and international celebrities.
Jumby Bay, which reopened earlier this year after 18 months of wrangling among its owners, has launched four new themed packages.
These include an Island Escape, a Romantic Escape and an Ultimate Escape. Prices start at $3,220 for the Island Escape, including seven nights accommodation.
Exclusive Galley Bay is one of the few all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean to be featured by very upmarket operators such as Harlequin Worldwide Travel, Carrier and Elegant Resorts. But at just 36 rooms it is certainly not a typical all-inclusive. Sandals Antigua Resort and Spa, at 191 rooms, is one of the group’s most popular resorts with the British market.
On Barbuda, a 15min flight transfer from Antigua, the 40-cottage K Club, is an escapist’s dream, no glitzy nightlife or television, just spectacular sunsets and a well-stocked library.
Palmetto Point, meanwhile, a 24-suite property, has been purchased by Italian company Sose Viaggi.
It is presently closed and undergoing a complete renovation designed to upgrade it to four-star-plus standard.
When it re-opens on November 20 its facilities will include extensive water sports, a swimming pool and horse riding. Hayes and Jarvis is one of several UK operators looking to include the hotel in their programmes.
Barbuda’s only other hotel is the exclusive Coco Point Lodge, located on the southern tip of the island.