Harcourt Developments has announced the appointment of Thomas Orchard as the new managing director of Carlisle Bay, Antigua.

In his new role, Orchard will be responsible for overseeing the management of the 87-suite luxury Caribbean resort, which is part of The Harcourt Group.

Orchard, a seasoned hotelier, brings many years of experience in luxury properties to his new position, including Como Hotels & Resorts, where he has been regional general manager for the past 17 years.

During his time at Como, the company grew from three to fourteen handpicked and individually curated properties located across the globe, of which he was responsible for the operation, development and strategy of two London five-star hotels: The Metropolitan on Park Lane and The Halkin in Belgravia.

After graduating from Middlesex University, Orchard spent his early years in the Caribbean working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Returning home, he joined Rock Resorts and the preopening team for Hanbury Manor, a five-star country house hotel in Hertfordshire as front office manager, before moving to London as the executive assistant manager at The Berkeley, then part of the Savoy Group.

In 2000, he was recommended to the Ong family and subsequently moved to Como Hotels & Resorts. 

While at the helm of the two London hotels, Orchard supported the opening of many of the new properties, in particular in Bali, Bhutan and the Maldives and also gained valuable experience in the Caribbean through his involvement in Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

John Paul Doherty, creative and marketing director for Harcourt Developments, commented: “Thomas will be overseeing the strategic direction of Carlisle Bay as it continues to evolve as a leading luxury Caribbean resort.

“Thomas brings with him a wealth of experience in luxury and privately-owned properties, which will be hugely beneficial to Carlisle Bay and we are delighted to have him onboard.”