SAM NAZARIAN'S SBE, ALONG WITH PARTNERS MARC ANTHONY AND WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, ANNOUNCE OPENING OF FIRST LUXURY HQ RESORT & RESIDENCES, AT THE CELEBRATED HODGES BAY RESORT IN ANTIGUA

Core Insights - HQ Hotels & Residences, in partnership with Wyndham, aims to establish a portfolio of 50 lifestyle hotels and residences by 2031, with 50% of these located in the United States [10] - The debut property, Hodges Bay Resort and Spa, is positioned as a luxury destination in Northern Antigua, featuring unique dining experiences and entertainment options [2][3] - The strategic alliance combines sbe's lifestyle hospitality expertise with Wyndham's extensive resources, targeting modern travelers and loyalty program members [3][10] Company Overview - HQ Hotels & Residences is led by entrepreneur Sam Nazarian and focuses on innovative lifestyle hospitality, aiming to create desirable destinations that cater to evolving traveler needs [11] - The brand will leverage partnerships with renowned chefs and culinary visionaries to offer exclusive dining and nightlife experiences [11] - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchising company globally, with approximately 9,200 hotels and a loyalty program boasting around 112 million enrolled members [12] Property Features - Hodges Bay Resort and Spa spans eight acres of tropical gardens and pristine beaches, offering 79 luxury accommodations, including suites and oceanfront villas [7][9] - The resort will feature acclaimed dining concepts such as Katsuya Beach by Chef Katsuya Uechi and Hecho Libre by Chef Wes Avila, enhancing its culinary offerings [5][6] - XIV Beach Club, known for its exclusivity, will be reimagined at Hodges Bay, providing a unique day and nightlife experience [4] Market Positioning - The partnership aims to elevate Antigua and Barbuda's tourism profile, positioning the region as a premier destination in the Caribbean [3] - HQ Hotels is designed to serve as a "headquarters" for exceptional experiences in urban locations, appealing to a diverse range of travelers [10] - The brand's focus on innovation and cultural elements is expected to attract a new generation of aspirational travelers [3][11]