It is the start of a new resort development on Antigua and Barbuda as the Ediacaran Group officially broke ground today on its Long Bay Zen Resort, a one-hundred-and-thirteen-key luxury property sitting on one of the island’s most recognised stretches of coastline.

With the full backing of the Antiguan government, the proposed luxury property at Long Bay, valued at 200 million US dollars, is expected to begin demolition immediately with major construction expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

At the launch of the development, Long Bay Resort Developer Sophie Zhong says the resort centres on sustainability, smart technology and what she calls quiet luxury.

Zhong describes the resort as understated and sustainable, with green energy systems, its own desalination plant, and what she calls invisible technology.

That includes an AI butler service, automated transport, and an underwater chapel the developer says will strengthen Antigua’s position as the Caribbean’s premier destination wedding location.

The Ediacaran Group is not a traditional hospitality group.

The company began in gaming and data analytics before North American expansion brought it to Antigua, where it has invested across multiple industries for a decade.

The investors, who obtained citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment programme, was highlighted in Minister Fernandez’s speech as tangible proof of what CIP investment can produce.

He connected the development to the government’s Tourism Vision 2030, pointing to ongoing airport expansion and new airlift routes as drivers of demand for high-end room stock.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was more emphatic in his praise for the development.

He said that with room rates that could reach US $5,000 per night, he hopes that hotel staff will be paid above the liveable minimum wage the government is introducing.

As the government turns the soil on a new resort development on the island, the prospects for more jobs and growth looks to clear on the horizon.