Aspire to take 25 agents to Antigua for first Retreat of 2026

Aspire’s first annual overseas Retreat of 2026 will take place in Antigua in partnership with headline sponsors the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua.

The event will be held on June 25-30 and will bring together 25 top UK luxury-focused agents and 15 premium suppliers for four days of networking and relationship building.

The group will stay at Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua and enjoy one-to-one business meetings as well as a series of premium destination experiences.

The event is also supported by Virgin Atlantic.

Aspire acting editor Erica Rich said: “I’m thrilled to confirm that the first Retreat of 2026 will take place in Antigua, a destination known for its paradisiacal beaches, pristine waters and stellar luxury product. We’re so excited to showcase the very best of this beloved Caribbean destination to a brilliant group of luxury agents and suppliers.

“Trips like this simply can’t happen without the support of our partners, so a huge thank you to our headline sponsors Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua for their assistance in bringing this trip to life.”

Joel Henry, UK manager for marketing and business development at Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said: “The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is proud to partner with Aspire for The Retreat 2026, offering a powerful platform to showcase Antigua directly to the UK’s leading luxury travel agents.

“The event allows us to highlight the authentic, immersive experiences that today’s British luxury travellers are seeking, from hidden coves and pristine beaches to the island’s heritage, vibrant culture and local flavour.

“Attendees will gain genuine insider access to the people, places and stories that bring Antigua’s luxury travel offering to life, at a pivotal moment for the destination during a Golden Year for the islands, marked by new luxury hotel openings, significant multi-million-dollar resort refurbishments, and Antigua being named Mice Destination of the Year 2025.”

Anna Wells, director of The Wellwind Collection, which represents Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua, added: “Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua is proud to host Aspire’s 2026 Retreat. Partnering with Aspire reflects a shared belief in meaningful relationships, thoughtful travel and the power of community.

“We are delighted to welcome agents to experience the heart of Antigua through a resort that has been family-owned and managed for generations. Set along the island’s stunning north-west coast, Blue Waters blends relaxed Caribbean beauty with a genuinely warm, personal style of service. With elegant accommodations, sweeping ocean views and a team that treats every guest like family, The Retreat promises an inspiring and authentically Antiguan experience.”

Aspire has been running The Retreat annually since 2018, taking agents and suppliers to destinations including Greece, Cape Town, Dubai, Japan, Mexico, Montenegro, the Turks and Caicos Islands and on a European river cruise.

Due to the success and popularity of the event, the brand now hosts two Retreats each year - one long-haul and one short-haul. The second Retreat of 2026 will take place in Andalusia, Spain, in October.

Agent invitations for The Retreat will be sent out later this month.

Agents or suppliers keen to register their interest to attend should contact erica.rich@travelweekly.co.uk