Vancouver-based development company Replay Resorts has acquired 108 acres of oceanfront land from the Government of Antigua on the site of the former Half Moon Bay Resort.

Originally built in the 1950s and for decades a vacation destination for international travellers and celebrities, the Half Moon Bay Resort has been abandoned since Hurricane Luis devastated the island and the property in 1995.

“Over the past 18 months, we have met with developers from around the world who have shown great interest in redeveloping Half Moon Bay, but Replay Resorts stood out for its expertise in resort place-making and, as importantly, its ability to put these places on the world map,” said Antiqua Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Replay has completed preliminary planning for the new Half Moon Bay Resort, which includes an internationally branded luxury hotel – to be announced in the coming months – as well as oceanfront villas, a retail village and ocean-view cottages and spa and fitness components.

Amy McDonald of Under a Tree Consulting is Replay's spa and wellness consultant.

"The team at Replay understands the importance of wellness and that it goes beyond the bricks and mortar of the spa," said McDonald. "Wellness is ensuring there is seamless integration of celebration, food, treatments, fitness, yoga, mindfulness and outdoor adventure activities -- inspired by nature, infused with local culture and with relevant, meaningful health benefits to our guests. Half Moon Bay gives us an opportunity to create something based on this approach; however, it will be one of a kind from Replay's other properties."

The company plans to make the new Half Moon Bay an active place, with bike and walking trails, beach activities, interactive guided experiences, an edible landscape and swimming pools.

“Our vision for Half Moon Bay is to create a destination resort with experiences and adventures that create indelible memories for our guests,” said Michael Coyle, CEO of Replay Resorts.

“We will work in partnership and collaboration with the people of Antigua to provide these experiences. We like to say that we help our guests see the ways of the place through the eyes of a local.”

Replay Resorts also manages Hawaii’s Turtle Bay Resort, and is working on another Caribbean project on Grand Bahama Island, as well as projects in Mexico, Utah and California.

“This is our second acquisition in the Caribbean this past year,” said Replay managing director Bill Green. “Our strict investment criteria and development strategies focus on creating destinations in locations with an established reputation, hospitality market and brand. Antigua aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. Half Moon Bay affords Replay a unique competitive advantage to create what we believe will be one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean.”