The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority has just launched the “Unique Properties GEMS of Antigua and Barbuda Guide”. The guide showcases Antigua's smaller hotels and properties, many of which are owner managed and family owned offering an added value, more personalised stay. 

The unique properties were first formed in 2007 but the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism has taken the initiative to re-brand the collection and produce the guide.  The guide aims to promote independent properties to not only UK consumers but also UK travel agents and tour operators. The full guide can be seen here: http://bit.ly/2fVs4nU 

A stay at one of these intimate gems offers visitors a unique 'home from home' experience and will showcase a new dimension to Antigua and Barbuda for the UK visitor. The stand out elements of these 'gems' is that visitors will be able to get to know their Antiguan and Barbuda hosts and feel the genuine warmth and hospitality of the islands.  The guide allows visitors to choose a property best suited to their requirements, where they can enjoy an authentic intimate home, ranging from the classy and sophisticated to the simple and elegant. The properties also have robust sustainable initiatives in place to ensure an environmentally friendly stay. 

The wide range of properties offer incredible added value with local insight from the owners and authentic experiences available. These range from cooking classes at Villas at Sunset Lane to exploring mangroves at South Point Horizon, free airport transfers and vehicle hire. 

Mrs Dulcie Looby-Greene Compliance and Accommodations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Industry  who spearheaded the  project said, ''I'm delighted to see the rebranding of the Unique Properties - Gems of Antigua and Barbuda come to fruition. I've been involved with these properties from inception and today we have provided them with a platform and the tool to put their properties into the forefront of the U.K. trade and media.'' 

ENDS

Media Information

For media enquiries, please contact The Brighter Group on Antigua@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.

For further information on Antigua and Barbuda please visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Notes to Editors:

About Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew' da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors.  Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty's Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil's Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages.