Author: Editor

Two islands, one philosophy One property already knows its guests. The other is yet to open. Hermitage Bay in Antigua and Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda sit on different islands, yet share a common philosophy of laid-back luxury and attentive service, shaped by Daniel Shamoon’s background in boutique hospitality, including Puente Romano, Marbella Club and the Nobu hotels in Marbella and Marrakech. On Antigua’s west coast, Hermitage Bay reopened in October 2025 following an extensive refurbishment and investment programme. Long held in high regard by returning guests, the adults-only, all-inclusive resort is now a member of Small Luxury Hotels of…

In Antigua & Barbuda, bigger has never meant better. A tiny nation, albeit with a big voice, the islands have long understood that small can be beautiful. Mass tourism has never set the tone here, and there is no appetite to chase it now. Instead, Antigua & Barbuda attract visitors who value privacy, excellent service, rich culture and, of course, some of the best beaches in the world. The islands reward those who slow down and choose well. Boutique hotels make that easy, which is why they are the places people talk about, return to and recommend long after they…

Since the dawn of time, humans have looked up at the night sky in awe. Ancient navigators charted courses by the stars, and myths and legends were written in their constellations. Civilisations also built monuments aligned with celestial movements. The heavens were once our compass, calendar and storybook all in one. Yet today, for much of the world, that glittering canvas is vanishing behind a growing haze of artificial light. Modern life has wrapped us in a cocoon of brightness. Streets, buildings and billboards glow through the night, offering convenience and safety but also drowning out the universe above. Astronomers…

Daniel Shamoon is a force in the luxury hospitality world, with a portfolio that stretches from Spain to Morocco and now, the Caribbean. As co-owner of Luxury Hotel Partners and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, he’s behind some of the most iconic names in lifestyle travel – including Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Hotel Puente Romano and the Marbella Club. With the upcoming Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda, due to open in the 2026/2027 season, and Hermitage Bay in Antigua, he adds a new chapter to his global vision. We caught up with him to hear more about his plans,…

Gil Bellows is an accomplished actor, producer, and director whose career has spanned over three decades. Recognised for standout performances in projects like The Shawshank Redemption and Ally McBeal, he has built a reputation for versatility and depth, moving seamlessly between film, television, and stage. Beyond acting, Gil has explored storytelling through producing and directing, with notable projects, such as the seven-Emmy-winning Temple Grandin. With a keen eye for compelling narratives and a willingness to take on diverse roles, Gil continues to leave his mark on the industry. After Gil’s recent visit to the islands, The Citizen caught up with…

The ties between Antigua & Barbuda and Africa are not new. They stretch back to the earliest days of the nation’s history, when enslaved Africans were torn from their homelands and forced across the Atlantic. From that brutal passage came a heritage that has never been lost. Antigua’s music, from the drumbeats of benna to the infectious rhythms of soca, carries the pulse of Africa. The national dish of pepperpot and fungi has its roots in West African cooking. Proverbs, dance, spirituality and resilience itself all echo the motherland. For generations, the connection has been cultural and emotional. Today Antigua…

The Caribbean’s aviation sector stands at a defining crossroads. As the region emerges from a period of disruption and transformation, the challenge now is not merely to recover but to reimagine. Inter-island connectivity, infrastructure investment, sustainable growth and technological innovation are no longer optional – they are essential. In this special Aviation CEO Roundtable, we bring together the leaders at the helm of Caribbean airlines to share their vision, voice their challenges and explore what’s needed to keep the region flying high. From long-established carriers to agile newcomers, these executives offer frank insights into the realities of regional aviation and…

What’s driving interCaribbean’s growth? Our growth is driven by unmet demand for reliable inter-island connectivity. We analyse passenger flow data, tourism patterns and economic ties between islands to identify where gaps exist. The Kingston–Barbados route, for example, strengthens the connection between two major Caribbean hubs that were previously underserved. We prioritise routes that enhance regional integration while ensuring commercial viability. It’s about building the network the Caribbean needs, not just what looks good on paper. How are you working with tourism authorities to promote multi-destination travel? We work with tourism authorities across the region to shift the mindset from competition…

With new routes linking Antigua, Dominica, St Kitts and St Lucia, what goals are driving Sunrise Airways’ expansion? Our growth is guided by our “One Caribbean” philosophy: a vision of deep regional integration through practical, people-focused aviation. Operating under three AOCs – Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the OECS – we aim to bridge linguistic and political divides and strengthen mobility for all. Our expansion to new Eastern Caribbean routes supports regional tourism, business and humanitarian logistics, including our bonded warehouse and disaster recovery hub in Port-au-Prince. Every new route supports deeper trade links and regional cooperation – the foundation…

Why is CalvinAir moving from helicopters into fixed-wing, and how will it improve Antigua’s connectivity? It is a natural extension of our commitment to regional connectivity and first-class travel. While our VIP-equipped helicopters are ideal for inter-island hops and scenic experiences, we’ve seen growing demand for charter services that can carry larger groups and cover longer distances more efficiently. Introducing a luxury fixed-wing aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 allows us to meet that need, particularly on routes where helicopters are limited by range or capacity. How is your company working with tourism authorities to boost travel demand? We work closely…