Aerial view of Long Bay Zen Resort in AntiguaLong Bay Zen ResortAntigua is known for its warm water, sailing harbors, and relaxed beach lifestyle, but Long Bay stands out as a more private spot compared to the island’s popular resorts. Located on the northeast coast near Willikies, this peaceful area offers wide stretches of pale sand, clear shallow water, and easy access to some of Antigua’s most beautiful coastline.The old Long Bay Hotel is being transformed into Long Bay Zen Resort, a new 113-room project costing $200 million and led by Sophie Zhong and Tiger Fan from Ediacaran Group. Construction started in late May, and major building work is set to begin in the last part of 2026.Aerial view of island and location for new resortLong Bay Zen ResortThe main amenities are designed to feel futuristic. Guests will find an AI concierge that learns their preferences, quiet automated carts moving around the property, robots delivering items, and smart in-room systems that make it easy to adjust lighting and temperature. Even so, the project is not being marketed as a high-tech resort. Instead, it aims to make technology fade into the background.Zhong calls this approach “invisible technology.” At the launch event, she explained, “Guests will feel only peace, comfort, and the rhythm of the sea. But behind that stillness is a world-class smart system for operations.”Aerial view of resort with helicopter landingLong Bay Zen ResortAccording to the developers, the AI agent will create itineraries, handle arrangements, and try to anticipate what guests need. Guests will be able to get around the site in automated carts, and robots will take care of routine deliveries and other service tasks out of sight. It will be easier to see how much of this automation affects the guest experience once the resort opens.The plans also include a desalination plant, renewable energy systems, and efforts to lower carbon emissions. These steps are important because water and power are key concerns on the island. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will be the construction partner.Water chapel at Long Bay Zen ResortLong Bay Zen ResortA standout feature of the project is an over-water chapel for destination weddings, built above the turquoise waters of Long Bay. Zhong said this is the part she is most excited about and believes it could help Antigua attract more high-spending wedding travelers.The over-water features of the project have drawn comparisons to the Maldives, but Prime Minister Gaston Browne has focused on the economic benefits. He explained that the aim is to bring in fewer visitors who spend more, instead of just increasing the number of hotel rooms. “We’re looking for quality, more so than quantity,” Browne said at the launch. “They have come up now with the most exciting design, one that is in keeping with our environment and the cultural ethos of the country.”Beach pool villa renderingLong Bay Zen ResortBrowne said he encouraged the developers to pursue a smaller, more refined property rather than their earlier, larger plan. He suggested rates could eventually reach $5,000 a night, though the resort has not announced an opening date or official pricing. He also said a project at this level should create better-paying jobs as the government works toward a livable minimum wage.For Antigua, Long Bay Zen is also a test of a broader tourism strategy: pursuing higher visitor spending without adding the environmental and infrastructure pressures that come with mass tourism.Main building with lobby and diningLong Bay Zen ResortTourism Minister Charles Fernandez linked the resort to the country’s Vision 2030 plan, recent airport improvements, and efforts to bring in more flights for higher-end visitors. “This project represents a new direction for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda,” Fernandez said. “Long Bay Zen Resort embodies the evolving demands of the modern traveler, one who seeks not just accommodation, but experience, wellness, authenticity, tranquility, and connection.”Government officials pointed out that the project’s backers, who became Antiguan citizens through the Citizenship by Investment Program, are examples of investors who support long-term development rather than seeing citizenship as just a transaction.Main pool with barLong Bay Zen ResortLong Bay is important not just for its sand and water, but also because turtles nest there. This makes it even more important for the project to keep its promises about protecting the environment as construction continues.Long Bay Zen is not focused on technology just for the sake of it. The plan is for a smaller, upscale resort where the technology blends in quietly. What really matters, especially on this sensitive coastline, is whether that balance is kept, not just how the designs look.MORE FROM FORBESForbesFirst Look: Mandarin Oriental Reveals Its New Beachfront Residences In Mexico’s Riviera MayaBy Jim Dobsonantigua hotel