The Caribbean isle is renowned for its impressive 365 beaches. Discover why Antigua is becoming increasingly popular for luxury living with a sustainable edge.
Caribbean island duo Antigua and Barbuda famously has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. While the likes of the Bahamas, St. Barths and twin island Federation, St Kitts and Nevis, have long pulled loyal crowds seeking baked beaches and turquoise waters, Antigua now appears to be having its moment in the spotlight, fast becoming a sought-after destination for thrill seekers and sun worshippers alike.
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A handful of celebrities have even chosen to invest in Antigua’s housing market, with Oprah Winfrey reportedly said to be among those with a vacation home on the pristine isle.
Aside from its vibrant culture, stunning natural landscape and mouth-watering cuisine, Antigua is proving popular thanks to its focus on sustainable tourism. In 2017, the island launched ‘The Green Corridor’ initiative during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism.
The designated area, located on the southwest coast, is a space where businesses, both directly and indirectly related to tourism, have pledged to follow a set of principles based on "respect for local culture, positive influence on the local community, local economic benefits and environmental stewardship".
Beyond this, the island has also witnessed a rise in the number of eco-friendly luxury homes, with Pearns Point on the western coast offering some of the most exclusive properties. Since the start of this year, the development - comprising 71 luxury beach and oceanfront homes - has noted an uplift in buyer demand for its eco-friendly properties - a move which highlights the growing trend of high-net-worth individuals prioritising sustainable assets in their investment strategy.
Adam Gobat, Sales Director at Pearns Point, said: “The global objective for a more sustainable future is having an evident impact on the investment strategy of high-net-worth individuals which is inevitably redefining the luxury property landscape. Whilst developers have begun incorporating eco aspects into their design, we foresee this only intensifying over the coming years in order for homes to remain an attractive investment vehicle.
"Compared to last year, we have registered more buyers who have made the eco-credentials of their properties a deciding factor. Whilst lifestyle buyers appreciate lower running costs, investors know that a sustainable property can generate higher rental returns amid a steady increase of eco-conscious travellers who favour accommodation with sustainable certification.”
Notable sustainable features include using natural resources such as shingles and stones, the incorporation of a solar path analysis to study the sun’s location throughout the day and to create shade in the house, and the collection and treatment of rainwater using coconut shells to then irrigate the surrounding flora. Beyond this, buyers also have the option for their property to store energy in battery packs and solar heaters, thereby taking pressure off government energy suppliers, and also enabling properties to sustain themselves, particularly during power failures.
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