Sandals Resorts International is planning a significant expansion of its Antigua property, adding 100 new hotel rooms — including 16 overwater bungalows — according to Antigua News Room, which reported on details shared during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant told the public that Prime Minister Gaston Browne updated Cabinet on recent discussions with representatives of the Sandals Group as the company moves forward with plans to grow its room stock in Antigua and Barbuda.
The proposed expansion would add approximately 100 rooms to the resort's existing inventory, with the 16 overwater bungalows representing a luxury accommodation category that has grown increasingly popular among high-end travellers seeking exclusive Caribbean experiences.
Merchant said Cabinet welcomed the proposal and expressed excitement about the potential benefits the project could bring to the country's tourism sector.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's standing in the luxury tourism market while generating additional employment opportunities and broader economic activity through increased visitor arrivals and tourism spending.
The announcement comes as the government continues to actively encourage investment in tourism, which remains one of the country's primary economic drivers.
As reported by Antigua News Room, no timeline for the project was disclosed during the Cabinet briefing. Merchant indicated, however, that discussions between the government and Sandals are progressing as the company advances its development plans for the destination.
If completed, the additional rooms and overwater bungalows would expand Antigua's upscale accommodation offerings and further enhance the island's appeal to visitors seeking premium resort experiences in the Caribbean.
