Antigua and Barbuda took another significant step toward the advancement of its Vision 2030 tourism and national development agenda with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Long Bay Zen Resort on Antigua’s eastern coastline.
The luxury development, valued at approximately US$200 million, is expected to redefine wellness and experiential tourism within the destination while contributing to sustainable economic growth, employment creation, and tourism diversification.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Hon. Charles Fernandez, described the project as a transformative investment aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s evolving tourism vision.
“This project represents a new direction for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda,” Minister Fernandez stated. “Long Bay Zen Resort embodies the evolving demands of the modern traveler — one who seeks more than just accommodation, but experience, wellness, authenticity, tranquility and connection.”
The Minister noted that the development arrives at a pivotal time for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector, as the country continues expanding its international airlift capacity and tourism infrastructure.
“As our airport expansion continues and as we aggressively pursue increased airlift and new international routes into Antigua and Barbuda, the demand for quality room stock continues to grow,” Fernandez explained. “Developments such as this position us strongly for the future.”
Minister Fernandez further emphasized that the resort aligns directly with the Government’s broader Tourism Vision 2030 strategy.
“This project forms part of our broader Tourism Vision 2030, a vision focused on sustainability, innovation, luxury development, community involvement and long-term economic resilience,” he said.
Developer Sophie Zhong described the project as a direct response to the Government’s vision for a smarter and more sustainable Antigua and Barbuda.
“Antigua and Barbuda is already a champion of sustainable tourism. Prime Minister Browne has taken that further. He has set a bold vision for a Smart Island future — where renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and climate resilience shape how this nation welcomes the world. Long Bay Zen Resort is our answer to that call,” Zhong stated.
The development will feature 113 luxury accommodations designed around the concept of “quiet luxury,” emphasizing understated elegance, wellness, and deep integration with the surrounding natural environment.
“With rising visitor numbers and record air connectivity, demand for the very best Antigua has to offer has never been stronger. We are responding with 113 luxury keys, built in the spirit of quiet luxury — understated, refined, and deeply connected to this landscape,” Zhong said.
Among the resort’s signature features will be an on-the-water chapel intended to further strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position within the destination wedding market. “I believe it will further cement Antigua’s reputation as the Caribbean’s premier destination wedding location,” she added.
Long Bay Zen Resort will also incorporate extensive sustainability and smart technology features, including renewable energy integration, low-carbon operational systems, intelligent guest services, and automated transportation solutions.
“At the heart of this resort is our commitment to sustainability. We rely heavily on green energy, with low-carbon operations designed to leave the lightest possible footprint on this protected coastline,” Zhong explained.
Construction activity is expected to move forward rapidly, with demolition works already underway and major construction scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.