With direct flights and nicknamed the 'land of 365 beaches', the Caribbean island of Antigua has long held affection with travellers from Britain.

And soon, it will have a new branded resort likely to appeal to well-heeled buyers looking for a slice of upmarket island life.

Nikki Beach - which became a big name in the US with its Miami beach club, opened in 1998, and its beach club in nearby island of St Barts - is creating a new resort in Jolly Harbour in Antigua.

The brand already had sold-out residences in Dubai, alongside projects underway in Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and Baku, as it continues its pivot into property.

The 134 residences in Antigua will comprise of 127 studios and one-to three-bedroom apartments, and seven four-bedroom beachfront villas, alongside a resort with 84 hotel room and suites.

Prices for the homes start from $1.2million (£910,000) for a studio and up to $5.5million (£4.17m) for the villas, with sales opening at the end of May.

Completion is expected in the final months of 2029 with the resort opening planned in 2030.

With global uncertainty, especially in the Middle East and specifically Dubai - arguably the global capital of branded residences - the quiet Caribbean island is likely to attract attention from both British and overseas buyers given its geography. 

For Britons tempted to make the move to Antigua, buying a property at Nikki Beach will automatically get them into the Citizen by Investment programme, as the starting prices are well above the level required to qualify for it.

There are other avenues, including work permits, digital nomad visas and applying for annual residency.

Lucia Penrod, co-founder and chief executive of Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, says: 'This is more than premium real estate, it's an invitation into a vibrant community and the iconic Nikki Beach lifestyle.

'This is where music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film, and art come together to create the unforgettable experiences we're known for.

'It's a way to bring Nikki Beach home with you, and at its heart, a true celebration of life in paradise.'

The group expect Britons to be among the main cohort of buyers given it is part of the Commonwealth and is one of the three main Caribbean destinations we holiday in, alongside Jamacia and Barbados.

Pre-registration for the Nikki Beach Antigua residences is open now and sales begin on 30 May 2026.

What will the residences look like?

Located on Jolly Harbour - an area with huge potential for development - it has a beautiful beach, turquoise seas and a marina close by, and Nikki Beach will have its own boat tender.

The residences at the $400million development come with open-plan layouts, terraces and ocean and marina views.

They will come with direct beach access, oceanfront pools, a beach club, yoga deck and an 11,000 square foot spa and wellness centre.

It will also have an exclusive residence owners lounge and private gym, and a dedicated kids' club and teens lounge, alongside a variety of restaurants.

The studios are from 692 to 836sqft; one-beds between 856 to 1,382sqft, two-beds 1,491 to 2,170 sqft and three-beds 2,288 to 2,979sqft. The villas are 6,569sqft.

Each residence is delivered fully furnished at an extra cost, with private parking and secure storage options also priced separately, while annual service charges have not yet been revealed - and will all be key questions before taking the plunge. 

The resort is 30 minutes from the international airport, as is Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cedar Valley Golf Club is a short drive and the main hospital 25 minutes away.

What is Antigua like?

I have been to numerous Caribbean islands in the past decade, and Antigua is my favourite. 

In December 2021, my young family and I travelled it extensively, our first holiday for two years after the pandemic scuppered holidays.

We stayed on the southern tip of the island near Shirley Heights and the resort had two beaches - one on the wild Atlantic side with huge waves, making it redundant, and then a bay which was beautiful and shielded from the elements.

But, the western side of the island - where Nikki Beach will be located - is truly wonderful and calm.

Ffryes Beach, very close to Jolly Harbour, is a joy while there are many wonderful restaurants, including The Hut at Little Jumby, Sheer Rocks and Dennis Restaurant.

Shirley Heights is a must for the party-style atmosphere while Nelson's Dockyard is also a great spot for history and breakfast buffs alike.

If I was ever tempted to buy abroad, Antigua would be close to top of the list thanks to the weather, people, food, culture and beaches. 

I was a guest in Antigua of Nikki Beach Residences in January 2026.