An Antiguan hotelier who has held top tier positions at some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious resorts has been named as General Manager of the forthcoming Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.
Trevor McDonald will oversee the 73-suite luxury boutique resort’s daily operations, after guiding it through its opening later this year.
With a genuine passion for service, McDonald’s exacting standards meld seamlessly with Moon Gate’s ‘Gracious Hospitality’ ethos, which emphasises meaningful connections and traditional Caribbean warmth.
The devoted father-of-two brings more than three decades of experience to the post, with several managerial roles under his belt, including at Jumby Bay, Rex Resorts and Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua, along with Almond Resorts in Barbados and St Lucia.
Born to an Antiguan father and Barbadian mother, McDonald grew up between Antigua and Barbados, studied hospitality management in Florida and describes himself as “proudly Caribbean”.
His interest in Moon Gate was inspired, he says, by the quality and workmanship of its physical structures fast taking shape at Half Moon Bay on Antigua’s east coast, coupled with the passion of its developers Gaye Hechme and Cameron Fraser who are committed to offering guests an authentic Antiguan experience.
“Every guest will enjoy an experience shaped by luxurious standards in service, care and attention to detail within an atmosphere that’s warmly personal and refreshingly relaxed – Gracious Hospitality,” McDonald says.
“Putting that into practice starts now, with the team that we build and nurture. Gracious hospitality does not simply mean taking care of how we look after our guests but how we look after each other too, with a mutual respect for all, regardless of who you are,” he explains.
“Everything at Moon Gate will be executed with the utmost finesse and elegance. We will be putting the personal touch back into hospitality.”
Meanwhile, Moon Gate’s recruitment process continues. Identifying the right personnel to help raise the bar in Antiguan hospitality is crucial, say Hechme and Fraser.
“Our culture thrives on mutual respect, shared ambition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence – and we’re honoured to have him join us. We are excited for what the future holds under his guidance and look forward to making great things happen at Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.”
The adults-only resort offers beautifully appointed accommodation across seven buildings, all just a short stroll from the beach. Facilities include a spa with multiple treatment rooms, swimming pools, an à la carte restaurant serving farm-to-fork cuisine, a lobby piano bar, and a plant-based bistro.