Spotlight on real estate developers Gaye Hechme and Cameron Fraser

Gaye Hechme and Cameron Fraser are the visionaries behind Moon Gate Antigua, a new luxury resort located beside the shores of Half Moon Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking beaches. This boutique, all inclusive hotel and spa features 49 suites and offers an authentic Caribbean experience while also providing investors with the opportunity to obtain second citizenship through Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme(CIP). The Citizen spoke to Gaye and Cameron to learn more about their philosophy as developers, the inspiration behind Moon Gate and what makes the development stand out.

What sets Moon Gate apart from other luxury developments on the island, and what is its core philosophy?

Moon Gate Hotel & Spa is quite unlike any other development in Antigua & Barbuda. As Antiguans, we are very passionate about our island home and have worked hard to create a community of kindred spirits who share our love for the country. Respect for the island’s environment, culture and heritage is a strong part of our ethos, and we pride ourselves on supporting initiatives that benefit the local community and contribute to shared prosperity.

Moon Gate may be a commercial entity, but what really galvanises and inspires us is the idea of making a positive impact and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We do that by promoting environmental sustainability and creating meaningful career opportunities in a place where individuality is encouraged, and team members can grow and thrive.

At the heart of it all is the concept of ‘gracious hospitality’, which is about extending traditional Caribbean warmth and forging authentic connections in a unique space that aims to enrich the lives of everyone in it.

With an opening set for the third trimester of 2025, what milestones have been achieved, and what’s next in the development timeline?

Phase one comprises seven buildings, each containing seven suites. Construction of all buildings is now complete, external plastering is nearing completion, and interior work is underway.

Construction is well advanced in communal areas, like the kitchen and à la carte restaurant that will serve our inspired farm-to-fork dishes. The swimming pools have been laid, and our team is currently finishing the roof on the reception and lobby areas. The resort is only as good as its infrastructure, of course, and we have spared no expense in ensuring this is of the highest possible quality.

Moon Gate has its own reverse osmosis plant and generator to ensure a constant and independent supply of electricity and water. The next stage will be to furnish Moon Gate’s suites and communal areas. We have spent a lot of time choosing furniture, fabrics, textures and hues that embody the resort’s ambience of quiet, timeless elegance while boldly redefining luxury with a fresh, carefree energy.

Entering one’s property into our rental pool allows buyers to maximise returns on their investment by generating a passive income from it.

Can you tell us more about the eco-conscious initiatives in place?

Moon Gate’s compact design equals a small footprint, keeping its impact on its natural surroundings minimal. We have retained much of the area’s original vegetation, including its loblolly, spice, and black olive trees. We have also designed spaces to create ‘live roofs’ to help the development blend into its natural environment and also to be used as kitchen gardens to grow fresh produce for the restaurant.

Rainwater will be captured to fill cisterns to reduce water consumption, while all wastewater will be recycled into ‘grey water’ for irrigation.

Moon Gate’s exquisite design perfectly fuses indoor and outdoor living, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial light. From low-energy bulbs to high-efficiency air-conditioning and eco-friendly laundry detergents, sustainability is our modus operandi. Our central solar water heating system also uses rooftop solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity during daylight.

How do traditional stone-laying techniques and local materials enhance the development’s authenticity and aesthetic?

Antigua has a long tradition of stonemasonry, and its techniques have been passed down through generations. The country is often dubbed ‘the stone capital of the Caribbean’ because of the volume of the beautiful natural stone found here and the talent of the local people who craft it into walls, steps, and decorative features.

Natural stone is in sync with Moon Gate’s organic feel. It’s environmentally friendly to use as it is found in abundance around the site, and its density will help keep the resort cool in the tropical climes.

You've described Moon Gate as embodying “barefoot chic” and the idea that “less is more”. How does this reflect island living?

We wanted the resort to complement and meld into its natural surroundings. We have deliberately chosen materials that minimise the environmental impact, and the organic tones are in keeping with that. Caribbean islands are naturally abundant with colour, and rather than compete with that, we created an ambience that is both deferential to the Earth and exemplifies clean living and rejuvenation. Island living is known for its unfussy, laidback lifestyle and authentic experiences while embracing newcomers who quickly become like family.

How important is the sense of community in Moon Gate?

A sense of community is at the heart of everything we do. To us, it means two things. Firstly, we have worked hard to create a community of likeminded folk who are conscious and respectful of their surroundings and seek meaningful interaction with others. Moon Gate also places great emphasis on inclusivity; everyone will be warmly welcomed.

Secondly, Moon Gate is a keen supporter of community initiatives, particularly those that support the country’s young people and help protect our culture, heritage and environment for future generations.

The rental pool option is an attractive feature for buyers. What are the benefits of this programme for property owners?

Entering one’s property into our rental pool allows buyers to maximise returns on their investment by generating a passive income from it.

Our rental pool properties will be carefully managed by our hotel management team, allowing owners to enjoy their second home at their leisure. Owners also have the option to keep their property for their exclusive use without restrictions.

What advice would you give someone considering real estate investment in Antigua?

Antigua & Barbuda boasts a wealth of advantages over many of its Caribbean neighbours. It has a flourishing and stable economy and has long seen higher economic growth than most other countries in the region, which is good news for property values. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged to the US dollar, safeguarding monetary stability.

English is the first language here, which is a plus for many. Our twin isles are also a firm favourite for investors on account of the low crime rate. Antigua & Barbuda follows the British legal system and is easily accessible via direct flights from the UK, Europe and North America. On top of all that, we have some of the friendliest and most outgoing people in the world who routinely go out of their way to help others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Moon Gate takes its name from the traditional moon gates of China and, later, Bermuda, which once greeted visitors and symbolised good fortune. We felt it was a fitting symbol of the warm welcome extended to our guests and team members, who will feel cherished and cared for. It was important to us to create an ambience of belonging - a home away from home.

To find out more about Moon Gate, visit www.moongateantigua.com