Antigua may not be the easiest island to get to, but you will not be disappointed once you arrive. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua offers pristine beaches, azure waters, and a vibrant cultural tapestry. Among the many jewels of Antigua are its world-class resorts. Here are 5 select choices, any of which could easily turn out to be your favorite in the Caribbean!
By: TravelAnne Staff Writers
Five Can't Miss Resorts in Antigua!
Curtain Bluff: A Symphony of Elegance and Adventure
Located on the southern coast of Antigua, Curtain Bluff is a haven of understated luxury and natural beauty. This exclusive resort effortlessly blends sophistication with a laid-back Caribbean vibe. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort's 72 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Curtain Bluff is renowned for its all-inclusive experience, ensuring that guests can fully immerse themselves in the resort's offerings without worrying about additional expenses. From our experience, the cuisine is good to very good… not great but not bad either. The wine cellar is extensive. You’ll want to take advantage of that as the wine included in the all-inclusive package is not very good. At least that was our experience.
If you’re a TravelAnne Explorer (which we hope you are), we see Curtain Bluff as a perfect destination for families, especially extended ones. It has all the activates to please everyone. Plus, it is high-end enough to fit the bill, but the price-point is slightly lower than the other properties featured in this article. That said, you’ll run into plenty of couples at this resort… many of whom return to Curtain Bluff every year.
The atmosphere is one of refined relaxation, where personalized service meets the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings. Guests can unwind on the resort's private beach or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment overlooking the azure waters.
For those seeking adventure, Curtain Bluff has a plethora of water and land activities. From water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and windsurfing to tennis and golf, there's something for every enthusiast. The resort has two dining venues – the Tamarind Tree for a formal dining experience and The Seagrape for a more casual, beachside affair. Expect a culinary journey that mirrors the diverse flavors of the Caribbean, from fresh seafood to locally sourced ingredients.
Hermitage Bay: Where Seclusion Meets Serenity
Situated on the west coast of Antigua, Hermitage Bay also offers an all inclusive experience. It is an intimate and secluded escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With only 30 suites nestled on the hillside, the resort provides an exclusive and personalized experience, ensuring a sense of serenity for every guest.
The atmosphere at Hermitage Bay is one of barefoot luxury. The resort's commitment to sustainability is evident in its design, utilizing natural materials and incorporating eco-friendly practices.
The Hillside Pool suites offer an open-air experience with private plunge pools seamlessly blend with the lush surroundings and amazing views. The Beachside Suites boasts elegant interiors, an outdoor shower, and uninterrupted views of the ocean, which is just a few steps away. If you want a lower price-point and a bit more privacy, a Seaside Garden suite may be a good choice.
Guests at Hermitage Bay can partake in a variety of activities, from yoga on the beach to water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. The on-site spa, surrounded by a lush tropical garden, offers a range of treatments inspired by the island's natural resources.
Dining at Hermitage Bay is excellent featuring a culinary journey inspired by the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant, perched on the hillside with panoramic views of the bay, serves a mix of international and Caribbean cuisine. With a focus on farm-to-table dining, every meal at Hermitage Bay is a celebration of flavors that reflect the vibrant spirit of Antigua.
Jumby Bay: A Private Island Paradise
There is a lot to love about Jumby Bay, from the pristine beach lined with starfish to its variety of luxury accommodations.
Accessible only by boat, Jumby Bay is a private island retreat offering an unparalleled level of exclusivity. Located just off the coast of Antigua, this luxurious resort is renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a sense of seclusion that allows guests to escape from the world.
There are three levels of accommodations… all of them are wonderful. To begin with, Jumby Bay offers a variety of one and two-bedroom suites. Some are beach front while others have their own pool. Virtually all the suites have at least a view of the ocean.
A big step up from their suites are the private villas. There are 14 of them, ranging from 2-5 bedrooms. Each beach front villa has its own pool, and each one is as beautiful as you’d expect given the price.
Speaking of price, there are 20 private luxury residences on the island resort that will blow you away! The smallest is 4 bedrooms. The largest has nine. All of them are breathtaking!
The atmosphere on Jumby Bay is one of pure indulgence, where guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, including private villas and suites. The resort's colonial-style architecture and lush landscapes create a timeless and elegant ambiance.
For those seeking activities, Jumby Bay offers an array of options. From water sports like sailing and paddleboarding to exploring the island's nature reserve, there's no shortage of ways to stay active. The Sense, their Spa, provides a sanctuary for relaxation, offering a range of treatments that incorporate local ingredients.
Dining on Jumby Bay is a culinary journey guided by the island's bountiful resources. The resort features several dining options, including the Estate House, a restored 1830s plantation house serving gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Whether dining on the beach or in the historic setting of the Estate House, guests can savor the flavors of Antigua in every bite.
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Blue Waters: Caribbean Elegance with a Family-Friendly Touch
Nestled on the northern shore of Antigua, Blue Waters is a family-owned resort that seamlessly blends Caribbean charm with modern luxury. This expansive resort boasts a variety of accommodation options, from spacious suites to private villas, ensuring a comfortable stay for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
The atmosphere at Blue Waters is one of refined Caribbean elegance, where turquoise waters meet meticulously manicured gardens. The resort's diverse range of accommodations caters to different preferences, from beachfront suites with private balconies to hillside villas with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Activities at Blue Waters cater to all ages, with a dedicated kids' club, water sports, and themed evenings providing entertainment for the whole family. Adults can unwind at the spa or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Antigua Golf Club. The resort's dining options showcase a variety of cuisines, from the casual Pelican Bar to the sophisticated Bartley's Restaurant, offering a culinary journey that reflects the island's diverse flavors.
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Complimentary morning stretch classes help to limber up guests, and group introductions to sailing are offered to interested parties at no charge. In addition, cooking and arts-and-crafts demonstrations are available, and weekly manager's receptions allow guests to mingle together. Regular buffet events are also held to boost camaraderie.
This thoughtfully expanded refuge boasts appealing standards and an idyllic location. Blessed with the intimate aura of the tiny hillside Tradewinds, Blue Waters' service and location are superior. This is a more intimate and elegant version of Sandals, with better restaurants and more attentive service (but less acreage, of course).
Carlisle Bay: Contemporary Luxury on Antigua's South Coast
Nestled along the south coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay stands as a contemporary oasis of luxury. This sophisticated resort boasts a stunning beachfront location, where powder-white sand meets crystal-clear waters. With a modern design that emphasizes open spaces and natural light, Carlisle Bay offers a chic and relaxed atmosphere.
This stunning resort manages to lure a younger, hipper crowd that is just as eager to drop bundles of cash on a fashionable Caribbean vacation. That said, families and couples seem to blend well with very little overlapping disturbance to either.
The accommodation at Carlisle Bay rival the best-equipped on the island. The property offers spacious suites and beachfront villas, each elegantly appointed with modern amenities. The resort's minimalist design complements the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a serene and stylish ambiance.
For those seeking activities, Carlisle Bay offers a range of water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. The Blue Spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation, offering a variety of treatments inspired by both Eastern and Western traditions.
The Carlisle is blessed with one of the largest and loveliest private beaches on Antigua, and without question the hotel's stunning beachfront location is a highlight.
Dining at Carlisle Bay is a culinary delight, with four restaurants offering diverse menus to cater to every palate. From fresh seafood at Indigo on the Beach to pan-Asian cuisine at East, guests can embark on a gastronomic journey that mirrors the global influences found on the island.
Dining here diverges from the norm, offering up one of the best Asian venues in the Caribbean. The dinner-only restaurant, East, delivers a variety of sophisticated flavors from India, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. Families with children are requested to dine early, though couples can opt for a private catered dinner on the pier with nothing but the lapping waves and a soft breeze to interrupt.
Carlisle Bay prides itself in a slightly younger, hipper clientele in search of wittier environs. Granted, this is no trendsetter—you won't find DJ-fueled pool parties here—but the mood is upbeat and inviting.
Indulge in Antigua's Paradise
Antigua, with its captivating landscapes and luxurious resorts, invites travelers to experience the Caribbean in all its glory. Whether you seek the exclusive seclusion of Jumby Bay, the family-friendly elegance of Blue Waters, or the contemporary luxury of Carlisle Bay, each resort offers a unique perspective on this tropical paradise. From water sports to fine dining, Antigua's resorts provide an array of activities to ensure that every moment is a celebration of the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Antigua, where every sunrise brings a new day of discovery in this Caribbean haven.