Above: the Grand Pineapple in Antigua

By Alexander Britell

The planned Beaches resort in Antigua is planning to launch construction between the months of April and May 2015, according to Sandals Resorts International Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

The project, which will be located on Long Bay, was first announced by Stewart in December 2013. It will entail the conversion of the existing Grand Pineapple resort property.

“We have started the ground work but in terms of physical work, we are looking at around April/May 2015,” Stewart said last week.

The hotel will feature amenities including a cinema, an X-box lounge, a Sesame Street programme and a waterpark, among others.

“I love Antigua,” Stewart said. “It’s just a beautiful island with great people and I know Beaches Resorts will add to the development of the country. Already, Sandals Resorts earns more foreign currency and provides more employment than any other private company [in Antigua]. We have partnerships with taxi drivers, tour operators, shopping centres, vendors, farmers, etc. This will significantly increase with the presence of Beaches Resorts. The future of Antigua and Barbuda looks great.”

The new $150 million Beaches project will include as many as 12 restaurants, according to the company, with guest rooms ranging in size from one to four bedrooms.

Sandals currently has 15 resorts across the Caribbean region.