Luxury Locations Magazine Issue 27 Antigua & Barbuda

December 2020 - December 2021. For everything Antigua and the Caribbean lifestyle that we love.

Antigua & Barbuda, July–December 2026 Luxury Locations’ Nadia Dyson and Carly Davies take a deep dive into Antigua’s property market and share their projections for the future LUXURY Considering an investment? ISSUE 27 L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E

info@emcscaribbean.com www.emcscaribbean.com Contact us today, to discuss your project needs

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LUXURY L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E

Antigua & Barbuda, July–December 2026 LUXURY LUXURY LUXURY ISSUE 27 L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E Antigua & Barbuda, July–December 2026 ISSUE 27 L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E Antigua & Barbuda, July–December 2026 ISSUE 27 L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E

Luxury Locations’ Nadia Dyson and Carly Davies take a deep dive into Antigua’s property market and share their projections for the future Considering an investment?

Carlisle Bay: The iconic luxury resort enters its most exciting chapter to date

The launch of Roca marks a bold new step for the award-winning restaurant group Rocks Group: Good taste, reimagined

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What’s inside... FEATURES 5 Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites: Dine or stay, play and unwind 14 Good taste, reimagined: Rocks Group steps beyond restaurants to launch Roca 18 Sammy Williams: Meet the technical expert reshaping how we work 22 The content creators sharing their vision of Antigua with the world 26 Phoenix Jazz: The British-Caribbean singer talks bold moves and big dreams 30 Antigua Sailing Week: Embracing the winds of change 42 Soniya Jones: The Antiguan sprinter on the edge of glory 46 Carlisle Bay: The iconic resort enters its most exciting chapter to date 54 Inside the groundbreaking restoration of Government House 58 Bright young scribes crowned in annual writing challenge

LIFESTYLE 6 Letter from Luxury Locations 29 Gilly Gobinet: Artistry in every style 34 World-class design-and-build pools from Aquatics International 66 Silence is golden on board a solar-electric catamaran 106 Map of Antigua and Barbuda 108 Dr Joseph John: Breaking new ground in healthcare PROPERTY 8 Meet the Luxury Locations team 10 List with Luxury Locations 38 Pearns Point homes bring a fresh new perspective into view 50 Elmsbridge: Building homes designed to last 62 Investment Q&A: We take a deep dive into the property market 70 Buyer’s guide: The road to ownership 72 Hot property: The latest news from the real estate market 74 Properties for sale in Antigua 96 Luxury holidays tailor made for you 98 Vacation homes in Antigua

CREDITS Head Office, Luxury Locations, Portofino Offices, Jolly Harbour, St Mary’s, Antigua Telephone: +1268 562 8174 • info@luxurylocations.com • www.luxurylocations.com

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content. Neither Luxury Locations nor Luxury Locations Magazine endorses any advertisements or opinions expressed. No part of Luxury Locations Magazine can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Villa Management Ltd and Luxury Locations Ltd. Luxury Locations Magazine is published annually and is distributed to a readership of high net worth individuals throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The publication is also distributed to the UK and USA. The next issue will be out in January 2027. For all advertising and editorial enquires please contact info@luxurylocations.com

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FEATURE

Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites Pillars and Boom Restaurants E nsconced among centuries of maritime history, UNESCO- located Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites offers a rich tapestry of experiences from exploring18th century fortresses to hiking coastal trails and dancing to steelpan music at sunset. The family-run boutique hotel, set in the heart of Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, is a leisurely stroll from the shops, nightlife, restaurants and attractions of this cherished, age-old sailing hub. The hotel’s free speedboat, kayaks and paddle boards provide easy access to beautiful Galleon Beach where you can snorkel and swim in the gentle waters. Charter a private yacht for a romantic sunset cruise, or step up the action with sailing lessons or a scuba diving course. Immerse yourself in the area’s nautical lore at the Dockyard Museum and Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre, enjoy live music at iconic Shirley Heights, or explore pretty Mermaid Gardens Rock Pool with a hike along the Carpenter’s Rock Trail. But Admiral’s Inn also has plenty to keep you occupied without leaving the hotel. Its whimsical 18th century buildings and infinity-edged pool, daybeds, terraces and spa offer a spectacular setting for relaxing and unwinding. There are 18 exquisite rooms on the Admiral’s Inn side, and 12 more spacious Dine or stay, play and unwind

suites with stunning harbour views and balconies across the water, surrounding the Georgian-era Gunpowder House. Chef Angie serves up daily specials at the hotel’s two restaurants, Pillars and Boom, which are beloved by both hotel and outside guests. Boom’s exceptional harbour views are complemented by its delicious dishes, which include seared ahi tuna or lobster citrus salad, grilled Antigua lobster and catch of the day – all perfect for pairing with your favourite rosé. This relaxed poolside spot is complete with sun-loungers, day beds and an array of artisanal cocktails and offers a limited number of day passes for non-hotel guests. Set amid the historic stone pillars that gave it its name, Pillars, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, is rated in the top 10 percent of restaurants worldwide by TripAdvisor’s millions of globetrotting foodies. Enjoy steelpan and jazz music on Wednesdays and Saturday evenings during high season. An array of restorative massages, treatments and therapies are available at the Powder Room Spa. The spa’s recent ‘healing retreat’ – featuring grounding techniques, yin yoga, voice and art therapy – set the stage for forthcoming getaways, with activities like paint and sip, cooking classes, steel drum sessions, and learning warri – a traditional game. “Admiral’s Inn offers casual elegance in a charming boutique setting, the option of being as active or relaxed as you want and a team that can’t do enough to ensure all our guests are happy,” says Director Astrid Deeth. “That’s why so many of our guests return again and again.” n Book at admiralsinnantigua.com, call +1 268 460-1027, WhatsApp + 1 415 736-1445 or email reservations@admiralsinnantigua.com. Earn 5% room discount for direct bookings.

Pillars

Boom

LUXURY L O C A T I ON S • M A G A Z I N E

Letter from Luxury Locations

S avvy home hunters come to us with more than a dream; they’re armed with a list of questions covering everything from tax implications and the legalities of foreign ownership, to a property’s weather resilience and rentability. It’s usually pretty easy for us to allay any concerns (spoiler alert: most people are pleasantly surprised by the answers). Cut through the noise, however, and the questions can largely be boiled down to just one: what’s it really like to live here? That’s when we stop for a minute and take a breath. Because we love to tell people about Antigua’s intangible qualities, the things that make Antigua Antigua – its welcoming ambience, its rustic charm, the unbridled warmth of its people, its unapologetic authenticity. Whether you credit the pandemic-era rise of digital nomads or a broader societal shift, interest has never been higher in our little island paradise. This year, Luxury Locations has seen more sales than any before. What we’ve also been struck by is that more and more people are seeking to make the relationship with Antigua & Barbuda permanent by inquiring about citizenship by investment. Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for ROI. They want a lifestyle change and ultimately a legacy property – one they can pass to their children, free from the strains of inheritance tax and capital gains. Don’t miss our special investment feature on page 62 which will answer many of your burning questions – and several more. Jazz singer Sekeena Simon-Siddique may have Antiguan heritage but she didn’t come here to trace her roots. Like many of us she visited on vacation, only to fall in love with the island’s insouciant vibe and opt to stay. Read the full story of her journey – and how she’s lighting up venues nationwide with her soulful

vocals – on page 26. The 27th edition of our biannual magazine is once again bursting with stories of local people doing incredible things. Take Soniya Jones. The Antiguan sprinter has battled both chronic injury and crushing self-doubt to fly the nation’s flag on the world stage. Learn more on page 42. On page 54, we delve into the painstaking restoration of Government House, a heartwarming collaboration between historians and heritage aficionados, engineers and cultural experts. The work has totally transformed the centuries-old landmark, helping ensure its important stories continue to be told for generations to come. Within these pages you can also read about the influencers showcasing Antigua like never before, take a retrospective look at Antigua Sailing Week over the decades, and find out why solar- electric superyachts are currently the hottest thing on the water. Towards the back you can browse a selection of the sublime properties we have for sale and rent, including those that offer the option of a passport. And finally, at the very end, we touch on one more of those critical questions investors often ask us: healthcare. Dr Joseph John is known as a titan in the region’s medical arena. Earlier this year he revolutionised the field further by opening the country’s first fully-fledged private hospital. He gives us the scoop on its services – and takes us all the way back to when it was just a seed of a dream. n

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L O C A T I O N S LUXURY R E A L E S T A T E

Meet the Team

H ere at Luxury Locations Antigua and Barbuda, we pride ourselves on being one of the best real estate agencies in this glorious dual island nation we call home. With a trusted reputation for exceeding client expectations, we are committed to ensuring consistent, quality service. Our company ethos is built on a foundation of local knowledge, business expertise, honesty and transparency. This is really at the heart of our success, and the reason for our loyal client base and strong relationships with our professional partners. It is also the reason we are an award-winning real estate agency and property development consultancy.

Luxury Locations is part of the Luxury Locations Group which includes three other associated companies – Villa Management, Tailor Made Antigua and LL Publishing – all working together with the aim to achieve our clients’ goals through every stage of their property purchase. From the initial property or land sale, through construction or refurbishment, to management of the property and on to ensuring a return on investment through rental income.

NADIA DYSON Nadia Dyson, founder of Antigua’s premier real estate agency Luxury Locations, has grown her boutique business into one of the island’s largest and most respected. With almost two decades of experience, Nadia is celebrated for her deep knowledge of Antigua and Barbuda’s property market, land development, and rentals. Her values of integrity, professionalism, and personalised service set her apart from the competition and she has developed a strong network of professional partnerships and garnered a great deal of industry respect. Nadia is dedicated to ensuring all of her clients receive unparalleled service, and her expertise combined with her determination, commitment and innovation make her the go-to expert for all things property related in Antigua and Barbuda.

CARLY DAVIES Carly brings structure, precision and refined understanding of buyer expectations. Before joining Luxury Locations, she spent more than eight years as an Executive Assistant to CEOs within a fast-paced structural engineering design firm, operating at the centre of complex, multi-disciplinary projects. This environment honed her ability to anticipate needs, manage high-level operations, and deliver with exceptional detail. Her experience across design-led development has given her a strong appreciation for how vision translates into built form, alongside outstanding organisational and client management capabilities. Now with over three years at Luxury Locations, Carly has developed a sharp instinct for what resonates with today’s discerning buyers in an ever-evolving market.

JOVANNA DECEMBER Jovanna excels in property management and guest satisfaction at Luxury Locations Group, ensuring properties are impeccably maintained for exceptional client and guest experiences. With a background as an administrative assistant in various Antigua- based companies, she has honed outstanding organisational, communication, and customer service skills. Jovanna’s quick thinking and problem-solving abilities under pressure make her an invaluable team member, ensuring seamless and stress-free client interactions as she brings energy and enthusiasm to all she does.

Our offices in the Portofino building, Jolly Harbour, are open Monday to Friday.

JOELLE SPENCER Born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Joelle has over 17 years of experience in tourism and hospitality. Joining Luxury Locations as a receptionist, her dedication and determination quickly elevated her role within the team. Joelle expertly manages accounting and administrative tasks, leveraging her deep understanding of operations to support the company in multiple capacities. As one of the longest-serving team members, she has grown with the company over the last six years, becoming a trusted and indispensable asset through her loyalty, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

JERMAINE BOWEN Jermaine brought a diverse background in entrepreneurship, accounting, tourism, and marketing to Luxury Locations. His experience in customer-facing roles has honed his skills in customer satisfaction, proactive thinking, and service facilitation, making him ideal for overseeing property maintenance and guest coordination. Additionally, Jermaine is a talented portrait, event, and corporate photographer and videographer. His multifaceted expertise and dedication have made him a valuable asset to the team.

NISA NOLASCO As Property & Guest Services Coordinator, Nisa is dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences from arrival to departure, and takes pride in ensuring every guest enjoys a beautifully memorable stay. Nisa serves as a key point of contact for guests, assisting with everything from excursion recommendations and bookings to resolving villa-related concerns quickly and efficiently. Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach ensure guests feel supported throughout their vacation. Nisa’s warm personality, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to outstanding service make her a valued member of our team.

9 The team can also be reached by emailing info@luxurylocations.com or calling +1 268 562-8174.

List with Luxury Locations L O C A T I O N S LUXURY R E A L E S T A T E

A t Luxury Locations, we know selling your property can be emotional and complex. That’s why we offer personalised, stress-free service from listing to closing. Understanding every property is unique, we provide flexible listing options and tailored strategies to achieve the best results. Transparency is key, which is why we offer honest insights on market conditions, property value, and our marketing approach.

With Luxury Locations, you’ll benefit from maximum exposure, expert guidance, and exceptional service, making the process seamless and efficient. Choose Luxury Locations Real Estate for a smart, stress-free selling experience that prioritises your needs and ensures the best possible outcome.

Our offices in the Portofino building, Jolly Harbour, are open Monday to Friday.

L O C A T I O N S LUXURY R E A L E S T A T E

Listing exclusively with Luxury Locations means you not only benefit from: Why list with us exclusively?

You will also receive: n Complimentary aerial photography and videography. n In-person video walkthroughs. n Online and Social Media Marketing. n Inclusion in our popular on island biannual property and lifestyle publication Luxury Locations Magazine.

n Unparalleled real estate expertise. n Extensive marketing reach. n Personalised service ensuring a stress-free experience. n Transparency, honesty and clear communication.

The team can also be reached by emailing info@luxurylocations.com or calling +1 268 562-8174.

Broaden your reach by advertising in the next edition of Discover 365 OUT NOVEMBER (ABHTA), and in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, is the pinnacle of tourism publishing in the Caribbean and will be the in-room magazine for the country’s leading hotels. The magazine provides an in-depth view with a unique perspective for those visiting Antigua and Barbuda from those who were once tourists themselves. DISC VER 365 ANTIGUA & BARBUDA I magine a magazine that doesn’t just tell you about Antigua and Barbuda but rather embraces you in a journey through paradise. ‘Discover 365’ is not merely a publication; it is an immersion, a 365-day ticket to the soul of Antigua and Barbuda, written from the perspective of those who have been there and done it all. The latest magazine published by Luxury Locations, on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association

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15 YEARS ON THE ROCKS Celebrate The Rocks Group legacy and discover what’s next for these gastronomic icons!

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FEATURE

Good taste, reimagined With the launch of Roca, Rocks Group steps beyond restaurants and into an entirely new phase of growth; one that may say as much about Antigua’s future as it does its own

F or over 15 years, Rocks Group has occupied a distinctive position within Antigua’s hospitality landscape – not simply operating restaurants, but helping shape the way both residents and visitors experience the island itself. The trajectory has never been accidental. What began with Sheer Rocks, the now-iconic and heavily decorated clifftop restaurant at Cocobay Resort that helped redefine destination dining in Antigua, evolved steadily rather than rapidly, each successive concept broadening the group’s reach while sharpening its identity. Catherine’s Café brought an altogether different sensibility to Pigeon Point: timeless rather than trend-led, elegant without formality, the sort of place that becomes woven into the rituals of island life.

Rokuni expanded the conversation further still, introducing a more design-driven, contemporary approach that reflected an increasingly ambitious culinary landscape emerging across Antigua. More recently, Fat Urchin marked another shift entirely. Set within Jolly Harbour Marina Village, its arrival signalled an understanding increasingly central to Rocks Group’s thinking: that hospitality need not always live within fine dining or occasion-based experiences. Sometimes it lives within familiarity. Fish and chips after a day on the water, a local pint, a place people return to not because it stands out, but because it quietly becomes part of everyday life. Viewed collectively, the portfolio reveals something larger than growth alone. Over time, Rocks Group has developed a

reputation not simply for operating successful venues, but for identifying spaces within Antigua’s hospitality landscape that have yet to fully exist, and then building them thoughtfully, with equal consideration given to concept, atmosphere, design, operational precision, and the intangible quality that transforms somewhere people visit into somewhere people belong. Roca represents perhaps the clearest expression of that philosophy yet. Located at Sugar Ridge on Antigua’s west coast, the concept marks Rocks Group’s first significant move beyond traditional hospitality and into retail, lifestyle, and curated everyday experience; an expansion that feels less like a departure from the company’s foundations and more so an extension of them. The question underpinning Roca appears deceptively simple: what happens when restaurant hospitality is removed from the confines of the restaurant itself? Increasingly, luxury hospitality no longer begins when guests sit down at a table, nor ends when they leave it. It exists within smaller moments. The quality of coffee that begins a morning. The bottle chosen for dinner. A carefully assembled villa fridge awaiting arriving guests. A gift selected for a host. The ingredients that shape an evening shared with friends. Modern hospitality has become less transactional and more integrated into daily life. Roca enters precisely that space. The offering itself reflects both breadth and precision. House- made pastries emerge from the bakery each morning alongside fresh sourdough, sausage rolls, thoughtful coffee blends developed in partnership with local business, Carib Bean, and grab-and-go options designed as comfortably for school runs and busy mornings as they are for villa guests or yachts preparing for a day at sea. Fresh sushi, salads, sandwiches, prepared foods, premium meats and fish, charcuterie, pantry essentials, frozen goods, preserves, artisanal products, spirits, alcohol-free alternatives, gifting offerings, household essentials, and one of Antigua’s most ambitious wine selections sit side by side within a space designed to reward curiosity rather than efficiency. Increasingly, luxury hospitality no longer begins when guests sit down at a table, nor ends when they leave it. It exists within smaller moments. The quality of coffee that begins a morning. The bottle chosen for dinner.

FEATURE

Children arrive for house-made waffle cones and ice cream. Wine enthusiasts linger over recommendations from personable specialists in the industry. Samples appear generously throughout the store. Conversations emerge naturally between team members and guests, carrying forward the same service philosophy that has long defined Rocks Group restaurants: expertise without pretension; quality without intimidation. Importantly, Roca also addresses something more practical, and perhaps

markets, some of the industry’s most successful operators are no longer building restaurants alone; they are building ecosystems. Roca Lab offers an early indication of that thinking. Private after-dark tastings. Bespoke dining experiences. Curated intimate events. Test kitchen concepts. Personalised wine programming. Spaces designed not around fixed formats, but adaptability and

hospitality capable of responding to changing expectations and increasingly authentic and guest-led experiences. Alongside a growing events division, expanding lifestyle offerings, private hospitality experiences, curated gifting, and retail, Roca begins to reveal a larger ambition taking shape: extending the Rocks Group experience beyond destination dining and into the broader rhythms of island life itself. For Antigua, that evolution feels

more consequential, within Antigua’s retail landscape. For years, premium grocery and specialty retail offerings have existed largely as fragmented experiences, limited by typical island challenges and often accompanied by pricing that reinforces exclusivity rather than accessibility. Roca challenges that assumption. Rocks Group have cut out the middleman, hand- selecting farms, vineyards, family businesses, and producers with a purpose, story, and

notable. Few hospitality companies reach a stage where growth becomes less about opening additional venues and more about expanding influence and recognising not simply where guests dine, but how they live. Years ago, Rocks Group helped shape where Antigua ate. Roca suggests the next chapter may centre on something broader altogether. Not simply hospitality as destination – hospitality as lifestyle. And for a company whose story began with an ambitious restaurant perched quietly above the Caribbean Sea, that feels less like reinvention than the natural progression of a vision that has always looked beyond the table. n

product that resonated. Alongside products previously difficult to source locally sits a deliberate effort toward value. Premium offerings positioned competitively, often surprisingly so, creating something relatively unusual within luxury retail: aspiration grounded in practicality. This step into retail alone does not fully explain why Roca matters. What makes the project significant is what it suggests about where Rocks Group is heading next. Increasingly, the boundaries separating hospitality, retail, lifestyle, events, and experience have begun dissolving. Across global hospitality

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FEATURE

Meet the technical expert reshaping how we work Nadia Dyson in conversation with Sammy Williams The Montserrat-born ‘solution architect’ has been busy behind the scenes of Luxury Locations’ multifaceted operations, implementing smart IT mechanisms to streamline and enhance everything from customer service to efficiency

I have written before about how a new view changes everything. About how the right environment reorders our priorities. About how a different way of seeing can unlock a different way of living. This piece is about a different kind of view – the one I have been gaining gradually, by sitting across the table from a man who sees our business the way I’ve always wished more people did. His name is Sammy Williams. And he is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting solution architects working in this part of the world. You meet Sammy and the first impression is, almost paradoxically, an absence. There is no rush in him. No need to fill the silence. He arrives early, takes his time, listens longer than

He has a phrase for it himself. The iceberg. “People meet me,” he told me once, “and they think — relaxed guy, laid back, Caribbean. That’s what’s above the water. What they don’t see is everything happening underneath. The thinking. The listening. The watching.”

feels natural to most of us, and only then begins to speak. He has a phrase for it himself. The iceberg. “People meet me,” he told me once, “and they think — relaxed guy, laid back, Caribbean. That’s what’s above the water. What they don’t see is everything happening underneath. The thinking. The listening. The watching.” It would be easy to mistake his calm for ease. It is, in fact, the opposite. By the time he is in a real conversation with you, he has already mapped six versions of where it might go. He is, in every sense, an architect – by trade, by training, by temperament. When I first sat down with Sammy, I was prepared for the conversation most technology people have wanted to have with me over the years: ‘Here is what is broken. Here is what we can fix. Here is the platform you should buy.’ That conversation did not happen. Instead, he asked questions. About the team. About our clients. About what we did well, and where the strain showed. He took notes I never saw. And at the end of our first meeting he said something I have not forgotten. “The bottleneck isn’t your sales,” he said. “The bottleneck is that every enquiry has to go through a human, every time, for every detail. That’s not a flaw. That’s exactly what makes you what you are. But it’s also a ceiling.” He was right. Twenty years of careful work has given Luxury Locations a property book, a network and a level of trust that few others in the region have. Every one of those things runs through people. And people, no matter how exceptional, are finite. What Sammy proposed was not a platform that would replace what we do. It was something subtler. “I never build anything

that takes a moment of human connection away,” he told me. “Only things that give the human more space to be human.” That sentence is, I think, why I knew we would work together. Sammy has a way of working he comes back to, over and over. Five phases. Discover. Think. Plan. Deliver. Operate. On paper it reads like a process diagram. In practice it is closer to a way of moving through the world. Discover is the long, listening phase. The one most projects skip, and most projects regret. Think is where the principles get set — the rules a system will live by long after anyone remembers writing them. Plan is the sequencing. What gets built first, what waits, what doesn’t need to be built at all. Deliver is the visible part — the part most people associate with the word technology. In Sammy’s hands, it is the smallest of the five. And Operate is the longest. Because the day a platform launches, he tells me, is the day it begins to earn its place. The work after that — the refining, the listening, the staying quietly out of the way — is where the real value lives. For everything he is building with us, the entire approach is shaped by one idea.

“Technology does the remembering. The team does the reading. The moment you flip that, you have broken the model.” Sammy was born in Montserrat. He left for the United Kingdom at 11, when the volcano was beginning to make itself known. Came back at 13. Left again. Built a career across some of the world’s largest organisations – government, healthcare, retail, cinema – before founding his own consultancy in 2021. Today he works between Manchester, London and Antigua, with architecture engagements that include the UK government and the government of Jersey. But, as he tells me, the Caribbean never quite let him go. Some of what this part of the world teaches you, he says, you cannot learn anywhere else. How to be calm when everything around you is moving. How to make a decision with incomplete information. How to read a room with your whole body, not just your ears. How to find comfort in change, rather than fight it. When he is not working, he takes photographs. He started a few years ago, as a way of pinning down memories before they faded. It has become, in his words, a discipline of noticing – the same quality, he says, that underpins his work as an architect. I find that detail telling. The man who builds invisible systems for his living spends his spare time learning to see. I have always believed that this business is, fundamentally, about people. About the conversations that unfold when someone is choosing the place they will wake up in for the next chapter of their life. That has not changed. It will not change. But it has, I think, been ready for some time to change around

that. To find a way of preserving the deeply human heart of what we do, while gently lifting the smaller, repetitive, time-consuming tasks off the plates of a team I am unfailingly proud of. That is what Sammy is helping us do. Not faster for the sake of it. Faster where speed makes the rest of the work better. If you are reading this from a desk in London at 11pm and you have wondered to yourself whether the team in St John’s is paying attention to your enquiry – the answer, increasingly, will be yes. Not because anyone is awake at that hour. Because the system Sammy is helping us build will mean that when our team starts their day, they already know what you need. That, to me, is what good technology should look like in our kind of business. Invisible yet competent. Deeply respectful of the human work it sits underneath. It is also, I think, why some of the most thoughtful conversations I have had this year have been with Sammy. He believes in the same things I do. He just expresses them in a different language. I am very glad he is here. n Sammy Williams is an enterprise and solution architect leading the technology strategy for Luxury Locations. He is the founder of Inventur and of TicketPulse Events, and currently holds architecture roles with the governments of the UK and Jersey.

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FEATURE

The influencer effect We catch up with the content creators sharing their vision of Antigua with the world

T here’s little doubt that influencers have become some of the most powerful storytellers in modern marketing. Whether showcasing travel, food, fitness or lifestyle, they can inspire, educate, entertain and connect with audiences across the globe. For many visitors, their first impression of Antigua & Barbuda is no longer via a brochure or television advert, but through the lens of someone they follow online. In this special feature, we catch up with some of the nation’s up-and-coming content creators to hear more about their journey from sharing a passion to building a platform. As a company, Luxury Locations has built one of the country’s largest real estate and lifestyle audiences through our magazine, social media channels, YouTube content, and property storytelling. So below are a few things we’ve also learned along the way that we believe apply to anyone building a personal brand. Luxury Locations’ top tips for influencers 1. Know what you stand for Before you worry about followers, views or engagement, ask yourself a simple question: What do I want to be known for? The strongest influencers have a clear identity. They understand their values, their We didn’t start with the intention of becoming influencers. As tour guides, we created our page simply to showcase what to do in Antigua – from breathtaking scenery and local experiences to the best places to eat – with the goal of encouraging people to book tours with us. Starting from zero, we attended local markets, handed out business cards, and consistently shared content about the island we love. Little by little, people began following our journey. Soon, businesses started reaching out for video collaborations, and this year we proudly landed our very first regional partnership. Our advice to other content creators is to be yourself, do what you genuinely love, and never be afraid to be creative. People connect with authenticity more than perfection. You don’t need the best camera, the biggest following, or a perfect life to start. What truly makes a difference is passion, consistency, and the courage to show your personality online. Q and Camilla @antigua_inside_out What we love most is seeing the impact our work has on both our business and other small local businesses. Knowing that our content helps restaurants, hotels, tours, and hidden gems get more visibility means everything to us. We’re proud to play a small part in helping Antigua & Barbuda gain more global recognition while showing the beauty of our island to the world.

audience, and the message they want to share with the world. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of fashion. 2. Be yourself One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to copy someone else’s success. The reality is that audiences connect with real people. Your personality, your experiences, your mistakes, and your perspective are what make you unique. The most successful content creators are often those who are simply comfortable being themselves. 3. Don’t let negative comments define you Perhaps the biggest lesson we’ve learned is that no matter what you do, not everyone will agree with you. Social media gives everyone a voice, and sometimes those voices criticise. Remember, you can’t control how other people think, feel or respond. You can only control how you conduct yourself. Always respond professionally. Respect different opinions. Focus on creating value and being a good human being. Most importantly, don’t allow negativity to damage your confidence or your mental health. The people who succeed long-term are not those who avoid criticism – they are those who learn not to be controlled by it.

Chavy @chavy

I wouldn’t call myself an influencer - think of me more like a very chaotic creator. I got into creating out of a love of sharing my life experiences, from the good to the bad and maybe even ugly. It’s a very raw, authentic and transparent experience. My top tips: There’s space for everyone; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your life is your life; however you wish to express or showcase that, make it authentically yours. Don’t get caught up in the numbers; your audience will find you eventually. Keep posting your content. What I love is that I’m able to be relatable to at least one person out there because I remember a time when I didn’t feel like there was anyone who felt like me. I hate that being yourself can come with judgement, but hey, that’s the world, right? So we do it anyway. In five years’ time, I see myself hopefully with better mental health, less cares about perception, fully and unapologetically happy, and still creating with a difference.

Cleo @cleothealchemist

I got into influencing after going through a really difficult period of depression and loneliness. During that time, I had a life-changing experience that led me to take my Shahada and become Muslim. I know that may sound surprising, but Islam brought me a sense of comfort and clarity when I needed it most. Around that same time, my then-friend and now boyfriend bought me a new lens for my camera. One morning, while getting ready to go to the mosque, I decided to prop up my camera and film a video. That video ended up getting over 400,000 views and helped me build an audience of more than 3,000 followers. That was the moment I realised my voice mattered and that my visibility had the ability to make other people feel seen too. My biggest tip for anyone wanting to get into influencing is to have a strong “why” that goes beyond wanting fame or money. There will be days when the views are low and engagement drops, and your purpose is the only thing that will keep you motivated. Building a community online takes consistency, trust, and showing up over time. People think content creation is easy, but when you really break it down, you’re the marketer, strategist, creative director, videographer, editor, and photographer all at once. Lastly, develop a strong sense of self because you can’t control people’s opinions or perceptions of you. One of the things I love most about content creation is being able to use my voice. I grew up very shy, and being in this space has taught me that my voice and ideas truly matter.

Kiron O’Garro @kiron21_

Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be times when views are low or motivation isn’t there, but staying consistent is what separates those who succeed from those who give up. What I love most about being an influencer is the laughter my videos bring to people. I love

I got into influencing when I realised that, other than track and field — which I did for over eight years — I had nothing else to my name. I was also the class clown, so starting social media came naturally to me. It all began during Covid in 2020, when everyone was isolated and there was nothing much to do, so I started making videos. Social media is filled with millions of creators, so you always want to find ways to stand out and bring your own style and personality to your content. People connect more with originality than trying to copy what everyone else is doing. Another important tip is to take your time and focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to post one well thought-out video that people can enjoy and relate to than to rush and put out content that has no effort behind it. Taking time to edit, plan ideas, and make your content meaningful can make a huge difference in how people respond to your work.

hearing reviews from persons who say my content helped pull them out of a dark or depressing place, even if it was just for a moment. Knowing I can make someone smile or brighten their day means everything to me.

Reeva Armstrong and Samantha Samuel @travelantiguabarbuda We got into content creation and influencing because we’re passionate about storytelling, travel, culture, and helping brands connect with people in an authentic way. We saw an opportunity to showcase Antigua & Barbuda through a fresh lens while building a platform that combines marketing, creativity, social media, and tourism. What started as a passion quickly evolved into a business centred around inspiring experiences and meaningful digital engagement. Our biggest advice is to stay authentic, stay consistent, and focus on building genuine relationships with your audience. People connect with real stories and real experiences more than perfection. We also believe it’s important to understand branding, analytics, and strategy, not just posting content. Treat it like a business from day one and always stay adaptable because social media trends evolve constantly. What we love most is the ability to inspire people while creatively collaborating with brands, businesses, and destinations. We enjoy highlighting Caribbean culture, travel, food, and lifestyle experiences while creating content that has impact. It’s rewarding to see our work help businesses grow and to connect with audiences from around the world. One of the biggest challenges is balancing creativity with the demands of constantly producing content and staying relevant in a fast-paced digital space. There’s also pressure behind the scenes that people don’t always see, from strategy and editing to managing partnerships and maintaining consistency. But we see those challenges as opportunities to keep growing and innovating.

Silvereen Bryant @silvereen_bryant

Never give up on your vision. The road will not always be easy, but determination, confidence, and believing in yourself can take you further than you ever imagined.

I got into influencing because I wanted to inspire others, especially young people, to believe in themselves and walk confidently in who they are. Through fashion, modelling, confidence coaching, and my agency, SASHÉ Model Management, I use my platform to motivate others to grow, embrace their uniqueness, and achieve their goals. I’m very motivated and I do not give up easily. I also love being in front of a camera and I’m extremely adventurous. One of the greatest benefits of being an influencer is getting to do what I truly love while inspiring others. I enjoy dressing up, feeling fabulous, expressing myself through fashion and beauty, and turning my passion into fulfilling work. My top tip is to be yourself. Even if you’re quirky or different, make it your signature. Let your confidence and presence shine so strongly that what others may see as a flaw becomes the very thing people remember and admire about you. Stay consistent. Success in influencing comes from showing up regularly, staying active, and continuing to create even when growth feels slow. Use your platform with purpose. Influencing is not only about photos and fashion – it’s about inspiring others, spreading positivity, and helping people believe in themselves. Build genuine connections. Engage with your audience in a real way. People are draw to authenticity, kindness, and personalities they can truly relate to. Never be ashamed of your story or your journey! Learn from every mistake you make.

FEATURE

Phoenix Jazz: To the beat of her own drum The British-Caribbean singer talks bold moves, big dreams and finding home I f determination had an avatar, it might look a little like Sekeena Simon-Siddique.

On a stifling Tuesday at noon – immaculate in a thick lilac suit, despite the midday heat – she’s fielded calls from clients, uploaded a video to the Gram to alert her several thousand followers to her impending interview with Luxury Locations Magazine, and expertly touched up her lipstick all in the two minutes she’s spent waiting for us to arrive. This is clearly someone who understood the assignment. Just months after touching down in Antigua with ostensibly a one-way ticket from London, the tenacious 32-year-old jazz singer has already landed coveted evening slots at several of the island’s most exclusive resorts. It wasn’t just her rich, bold voice or dynamic vocal range that impressed hotel managers. It was her willingness to kick down proverbial doors and sing “uncomfortably in people’s faces”, she confesses with a hearty laugh. “I have a forward personality,” she adds, by way of explanation. With a demeanour as effervescent as champagne, a vision in oversized sunglasses, it’s something of an understatement. Such audacity is perhaps instilled in her genes. Her grandparents on both sides were Windrush-era migrants to Britain, a momentous move in those days, requiring fearlessness, steadfast optimism and courage to dream. Sekeena’s own move in reverse, two generations later, has a certain poetry to it. “I’m proud to have come back,” she says. Childhood holidays to Jamaica from where her father’s family After receiving professional training to sharpen her craft, she formed a three-piece band alongside a bass player and keyboardist. The trio became an instant hit on London’s hip pub scene, playing everywhere from iconic jazz club Ronnie Scott’s to the prestigious Park Lane hotel, The Dorchester.

hail were frequent, but the connection to her mother’s Antiguan ancestry was nebulous. Still, the 2025 vacation to Antigua with a friend was not intended to be a roots-tracing trip. “I’d never visited before and had no intention of staying. I’d almost forgotten I was Antiguan,” she recalls. However, once here, something switched. “I had a moment,” she explains. “I felt so relaxed - the mountains, the people, the way everyone says good morning. I fell in love with all of it.” The island’s small tight-knit community made it easy to find her maternal relatives. “I told a taxi guy that my family is from Urlings and my name is Simon. He literally took me straight to a family member’s house. I was in floods of tears when I met my grandmother’s sisters and cousins,” she recalls. Within months Sekeena had secured birthright citizenship and was busy mapping out a new life. Growing up in a Caribbean household in Leicester, England, music of all genres provided a constant soundtrack to her childhood. “Music was always playing in the house, so I started singing naturally.” Her talent became evident and Sekeena went on to study music and business at university. After receiving professional training to sharpen her craft, she formed a three-piece band alongside a bass player and keyboardist. The trio became an instant hit on London’s hip pub scene, playing everywhere from iconic jazz club Ronnie Scott’s to the prestigious Park Lane hotel, The Dorchester. “We did a few weddings there. It was very ‘Bridgerton’,” she says of the latter, pursing her lips and pulling an imperious face in humorous tribute to the swanky ambience. These days, Antigua has plenty of luxurious venues of its own. Under her nom de guerre Phoenix Jazz, Sekeena currently has a residency at South Point’s stylish waterfront restaurant Maia. Her expressive tones have also entranced audiences at Cocobay, Loose Cannon, Galley Bay, Le Bistro, Abracadabra, Al Porto, and Los Cabrones in Jolly Harbour, to name a few. Her musical influences include greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Etta James. Songs such as Nat King Cole’s ‘L-O-V-E’, Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’, and the classic ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ make regular appearances among her repertoire. While Sekeena prefers to perform time-honoured covers, she does write her own material too, largely for up-and-coming dance music DJs. When she’s not singing, she can often be found hiking, learning more about her new home on local excursions, or cooking. “They call Caribbean food ‘soul food’ because you get that feeling of love. It comes from a sad place but it’s been made happy. I love to hold onto that,” she says. “I especially enjoy

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