Antigua and Barbuda has long been established as a playground for the rich and famous and 2015 will see the twin-island destination cement its luxury status with the development of more upscale properties and first-class hotels from Yida International, The Resort at Hodges Bay, and film star Robert DeNiro. Antigua and Barbuda has an impressive year-round calendar of events, but also offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind with its fantastic range of spas and leisure complexes.

Yida International Investment Group are investing approximately US$2 billion in a megaresort development on Antigua to be known as Singulari. Construction on the development, which will include several five-star hotels, 1,300 residential units, a hospital, a conference centre, two signature golf courses, an entertainment district, a horse-racing track, plus a marina, commercial, retail and sports outlets and the Caribbean's largest casino, is set to begin in early 2015.

e Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities. Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.e Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities. Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.The existing Hodges Bay Club is undergoing extensive refurbishment and will reopen as The Resort at Hodges Bay at the end of 2015. This new multi-million dollar offering on the north shore of Antigua will be a fully integrated facility offering luxurious hotel and residential accommodation, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities such as three swimming pools, fitness centre and floodlit tennis courts. The signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all of Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.e Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities. Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suiteThe Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities. Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.The Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities.

Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.

THE RESORT AT HODGES BAY: The Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities. Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.The Resort at Hodges Bay is an exciting, integrated facility that will offer luxurious hotel and residential accommodations, inventive dining options and extensive leisure facilities.

Their signature spa is designed to be the most elaborate in all Antigua and will complement the resort's 79 hotel suites.The prime minister of Antigua & Barbuda has appointed actor Robert De Niro as special economic envoy of the twin-island nation. The appointment comes after De Niro signed a memorandum of agreement last November for a $250 million hotel investment in Barbuda. De Niro and Australian businessman James Packer will help renovate and expand a former five-star luxury resort that closed several years ago.

Antigua and Barbuda also has a well-established villa rental market with many villas either available to rent and purchase at upmarket resorts like Nonsuch Bay and Jolly Harbour or individual villas tucked away in the hills for extra privacy. Villas are an affordable way to enjoy luxury accommodation for a fraction of the price of a hotel room and a great starting point to explore the island.

Antigua and Barbuda has one of the most comprehensive events calendars in the Caribbean. The flagship event in the watersports calendar is Antigua Sailing Week (25 April until 01 May 2015, but others such as the International Laser Open (28 to 29 March 2015) and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (15 to 21 April 2015)also attract a wealth of visitors  and participants thanks to excellent conditions and first-class facilities.

For holiday-makers interested in other boating activities the Annual Antigua & Barbuda Marlin Classic joins the Annual Antigua & Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament in June, the Francis Nunes Jr. Sport Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival is in late September, the Barbuda Independence Fishing Tournament is in October, and the Best in the West Fishing Tournament is in November. Anglers are almost guaranteed to land a Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, King Fish, Tuna or Barracuda.

For visitors looking for extra-special souvenirs, luxury brands can be found in Antigua's well-known Heritage Quay Duty Free District, while Redcliffe Quay is favoured for its historic charm, al fresco cafes, independent designers and unique boutiques specialising in one-of-a kind items such as local arts and crafts.

For many, the ultimate in luxury is time spent unwinding in the tranquil surrounds of a spa. Many of Antigua's hotels have in-house spas that offer a range of specialist treatments and facilities. Blue Spa at Carlisle Bay has an exclusive treatment menu,   including couples-focused and West Indian massages, as well as a juice bar, beauty salon and yoga sessions.

Alternatively, the Aveda Concept Spa at Sugar Ridge Resort offers the very latest in holistic therapies including facials, massages and body treatments. The 6000 sq. ft. spa complex also has a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an aerobics and yoga studio.

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About Antigua & 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. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Antigua and Barbuda is the mecca of Caribbean yachting. We boast the best sailing conditions and the finest first class landslide yachting facilities in the region. From refitting and refurbishing to provisioning, expert services with world-renowned reputations are available here.