15 September 2025
By Publisher Ray Carmen
A Legendary Designer’s Island Haven
The late Giorgio Armani—Re Giorgio, the visionary Italian couturier—loved to surround himself with beauty, comfort, and impeccable calm. Among his global residences, his Caribbean escape in Antigua stood out as a personal sanctuary, deeply reflecting his minimalist aesthetic and architectural finesse.
The Antigua Retreat – Where Elegance Meets Nature
• Nestled in Galley Bay Heights on Antigua’s western coast, Armani’s Caribbean retreat comprises two villas—Villa Flower (with seven bedrooms) and Villa Serena (five bedrooms)—joined by a tranquil central pavilion.
• Architect Gianni Gamondi transformed two existing structures into a cohesive compound resembling a private village that gracefully cascades down the cliff toward turquoise waters and a secluded beach.
• The villas’ interiors—designed by Armani and his Armani/Casa team—feature muted palettes of beige and grey, tatami mats on Brazilian Cumaru teak floors, airy open-plan layouts, louvered windows, and seamless indoor–outdoor flow.
• Thoughtfully outfitted, the retreat includes private swimming pools, gyms, outdoor jacuzzis, expansive terraces, and even direct beach access and a catamaran with captain for ventures across the archipelago.
• Armani once said of Antigua: “Antigua is quite simply one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean … Antiguans immediately make you feel at home.”
A Reflection of Armani’s Design Ethos
• Just as his fashion embraced relaxed precision and timeless elegance, his Caribbean villa mirrored the same ideology—an architecture that humbly enhances rather than competes with nature.
• The retreat wasn’t merely a holiday home; it was a curated haven where family and friends gathered in graceful comfort and understated refinement.
Legacy of a Design Icon
Giorgio Armani passed away at 91, leaving behind an international fashion empire, a legacy of minimalist luxury, and homes that stand as testaments to his singular vision. His Antigua villa shines as one of his most personal and memorable creations.
