ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda government has welcomed the start of construction of a US$200 million Long Bay Zen resort, saying that it is moving to further attract high-end luxury developments as part of its overall strategy of expanding the tourism industry and in the process increase government’s intake from the hotels’ increased business.
Developer Sophie Zhong (second from left) Prime Minister Gaston Browne (on her left) Governor General Sir Rodney Williams (centre) Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez (yellow suit) and two associates of Ms Zhong participated in the sod-turning ceremony at Long Bay .Prime Minister Gaston Browne, told the sod turning ceremony that the new resort is being developed along the lines of Hermitage Hotel where guests pay as much as US$3,000 per night, saying “this is where we want them to go.
“Offer service at a premium while at the same time take care of the staff. We want to pursue our development in an integrated way and we want to ensure that these luxury properties can operate profitably while at the same time ensure the staff are well paid,” he said.
Browne reiterated his administration’s philosophy that workers in the hotel sector must receive salaries and or wages that are higher than the country’s lifestyle minimum wage that will be introduced.
“We want to make sure that when you work in the sector you can at least afford the basic mortgage. I believe that those who work in this hotel property that they will be properly remunerated so that they can afford a small mortgage to take care of themselves and their families,” Browne.
He said that the new project had the “full endorsement’ of the government, noting that the principal investor, Sophie Zhong, is not ‘a fly-by-night’ investor and that despite certain set-
backs due to their investments in a financial institution that is experiencing some challenges, the Zen investors have brought new monies into Antigua and Barbuda.
“That’s what you call real commitment!” Browne said, with his Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez indicating that Antigua and Barbuda had taken another significant step toward the advancement of its Vision 2030 tourism and national development agenda.
“This project represents a new direction for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. Long Bay Zen Resort embodies the evolving demands of the modern traveller, one who seeks more than just accommodation, but experience, wellness, authenticity, tranquility and connection.”
Fernandez said that the development comes at a time 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. Developments such as this position us strongly for the future,” Fernandez said, noting 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.
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 told the audience.
The development will feature 113 luxury accommodations and Zong said “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 said, adding that the 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 said.
