An Antiguan hotelier who has held top tier positions at some of the Caribbean’s most esteemed resorts has been unveiled 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 prestigious 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.”

When he’s not working, McDonald can often be found in his garden, tending to his plants and flowers, surrounded by his five shih tzu dogs. He’s also a keen tennis player and a cricket fan who loves to sharpen his problem-solving skills on the backgammon board.

His profound love for music has given rise to regular travels around the region, such as for the annual St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. “For me, the most peaceful time of day is sunset. I love to head down to the beach to relax and watch the sunset, taking my music with me,” he says.

Thirty-one years since his very first day in the industry – one that saw him tasked with scrubbing 200 beach chairs clean – McDonald is galvanised by helping others succeed in the region’s economic mainstay.

“Growing young talent and helping them develop their careers motivates me much more than promotions and high salaries,” McDonald says. “I can name several Antiguans who started on the lowest rungs of the industry and are now in high executive positions; that’s how I gauge my success.

I’m a firm believer that your employees are your most important asset and it’s the team you have around you that makes you successful.”

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.

“On behalf of the Moon Gate team, we’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to Trevor as our new General Manager,” the developers said.

“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.

Moon Gate redefines luxury with a focus on wellness, sustainability and meaningful connections – topped off with an invigorating, carefree energy that will enchant visitors from both home and abroad.

“Antigua is quite simply a special place,” McDonald adds. “It offers an ease of life that does not exist anywhere else – and we are looking forward to sharing it with our guests.”