Who doesn’t love Antigua? It is a fusion of island charm and British sensibility. It is laid- back, yet sophisticated. It is active with genuine sportsmanship. Antigua offers escapism, yet it is easy to reach. One of the best things about the destination is that all of the top resorts are “all-inclusive”. That word can sometimes make a well-heeled traveler cringe, but trust me, the resorts I will share with you below are wonderfully “fully-inclusive” and that is part of the care-free holiday style guests can indulge in here. No bills to sign, whatever you want, whenever you want it!
Join me as I take you on a visit to three very different resort properties – Curtain Bluff, Hermitage Bay, and Jumby Bay – each of which are favorites of many Resort to Laura Madrid clients. I am happy to help you pick the perfect holiday spot for you and your partner, your family, or even your tennis team!
“Few things in life are as good as they are broadcast to be, but Hermitage Bay is a rare gem that actually exceeds all.” – Not my quote, but I concur 100%.
Hermitage Bay is exclusive and relaxing, completely chic, with the warmest most engaging staff I encountered in the Caribbean! The views are breathtaking and the accommodations are sexy!! The food is truly outstanding with every menu presenting a delightful surprise of healthful and satisfying deliciousness. Wines served are outstanding and cocktails impress. Hermitage Bay is adults only and unapologetically romantic. Families with older teens (16+) can also enjoy this boutique paradise!
The wonderful vibe of the staff is felt from the minute your car pulls up to the front door –
The inviting beach is just foot steps from the lobby –
A fresh mojito is placed in our hands within moments of arriving –
My cousins, Eliza and Jenny, and I are thrilled to have arrived –
Lunch options are creative, colorful and bursting with flavor –
The included wines by the glass were first rate –
Hermitage Bay offers 30 individual suites, 13 are positioned on the beach and the remaining 17 have been built on the hillside to maximize views and privacy. All suites face the sea and the views range from tropical gardens to white-sand beach to spectacular panoramas of the bay, mangroves and the distant harbor.
The suites are constructed from purple heart, greenheart and other woods from sustainably managed forests in Guyana.
The décor is one of natural luxury – pristine white linens, ivory cushions and creamy white walls soften the rich hues of the wooden floor and furniture. All rooms have outdoor showers and slatted louvre windows.
THE VIEW from my bathtub – enough said!
Beach Front –
Garden Suites –
Yes, happiness abounds at Hermitage Bay!
Sunset over Hermitage Bay –
The Dream team – EVERY TEAM MEMBER AT HERMITAGE IS SO ENGAGING and love their jobs!
My office while at Hermitage Bay – morning coffee and emails!
The quiet private cove, white sand and relatively calm waters at Hermitage Bay make for truly relaxing beach days –
Or if pool side cabanas if you fancy –
The walks along the Hermitage are gorgeous, with gardens and flowers meticulously tended to –
George at the beach, may have been our favorite team member of the week. He is so adorable, with an infectious smile, a desire to exceed everyone’s expectation at all times and left us smiling throughout our stay at Hermitage Bay!
Another fantastic meal – we could not wait for the next one!
Evenings are complimented with live music and even the staff will shake their booty a bit.
Yet another infectious smile!!
The Spa at Hermitage Bay was simply sublime –
Morning lattes and a sad goodbye! Sigh! 🙂
“Some Luxury Included Boutique Resorts have extraordinary facilities, others are small and personal with modern amenities and authentic Caribbean experiences, but none offer the Outstanding Value of Curtain Bluff, Antigua. This Antiguan Beachfront Hotel is 100% all-inclusive and consistently ranks among the best Inclusive Resorts and tennis centers in the world!”
I say Curtain Bluff is a charming, throw-back to a by-gone era. It feels like an old-school British island escape, with a very laid back and engaging team. Many of the guests that come here have been doing so for years, repeating their visit each season. Couples, families and tennis enthusiasts are on the guest list at Curtain Bluff.
Active vacationers will enjoy all of the inclusions and facilities at Curtain Bluff –
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE ROOM RATE
- Scuba diving (including all necessary equipment)
- Tennis courts, rackets and balls
- Swimming pool (with two 75-foot lap lanes)
- Waterskiing (speedboat, equipment and instruction)
- Beach toys (Hobie Cats, paddle-boats, kayaks and Windsurfers)
- Snorkel equipment (fins, mask and snorkel) and reef trips
- Beach chairs, hammocks and sun floats
- Fully equipped fitness center
- Squash court, rackets and balls
- Water aerobics, yoga, muscle toning, and Pilates classes
- Bocce and shuffleboard courts
- Half basketball court
- Computer rooms (one for children, one for adults)
- CeeBee Kids Club and playground
- A Creative Camp and tennis clinics for kids (specific dates only)
- Pickleball
Curtain Bluff hosts two tennis weeks each year complete with clinics, tournament play, and cocktail parties – Or I can organize a private tennis event for your team!
Instruction is great with the resort’s seasoned pros –
…and you can’t beat the oceanfront courts!
Many come to Curtain Bluff however to do simply nothing…
Curtain Bluff has undergone a massive renovation in recent years bringing their rooms and suites up to a fresh updated standard while maintaining their colonial charm –
Rooms and suites are either beachfront or up the mountain with wonderful views of the island below –
Active days, capped off by cocktails and dinner with live music each night –
On a drive around the island, one of the many lovely beaches making up the island –
Our last stop on this visit to Antigua takes us to the stunning and exclusive:
JUMBY BAY, PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT
Guests arriving to Jumby Bay from the airport, have a 10 minute drive to the Marina where you are whisked aboard the Jumby Bay yacht –
8 minutes later, we arrive to Jumby Bay Private Island –
“One of the most beautiful, undisturbed places in the world, Jumby Bay Island is a private island of white-powdered beaches, lapped by turquoise seas. Reachable only by boat, there’s not a car in sight, only lush trails and winding cycle paths. Our deluxe Inclusive Stay fills carefree days with water-sports, leisure and fresh-local gastronomy. Kick off your shoes and relax in the Caribbean’s finest hideaway resort.”
Such a beautiful and sophisticated arrival – Oetker Collection, one of the world’s most sophisticated hotel brands, runs the island resort and everything is truly top notch!
Welcome to Jumby with a rum cocktail – remember this is also a fully-inclusive island where even the Tattinger champagne is included as you wish!
Guests at Jumby Bay can stay in the resort rooms and suites or opt for a range of incredibly luxurious villas, impeccably designed, furnished and fully serviced!
Arriving to our suite –
Jumby is an island that offers a plethora of activities and most residents tend to cycle, walk or golf cart around. Gym, spa, kids club, marina, tennis, multiple pools, and a myriad of dining options are only the beginning!
One of our favorite meals was dinner at the historic Estate House –
Whenever I travel, I take time to meet with my on-site colleagues and conduct a site inspection. Jumby really set this visit up professionally, exposing me to as many of the Villas (3-4 bedroom) and Private Residences (4+ rooms) as possible and in many cases introducing me to the villa manager and staff who would take care of my clients. The vast majority of villas and residences are oceanfront. The villas come with a house staff and guests enjoy the all-inclusive meals at any of the restaurants. The residences come with house staff plus a full chef and service team to serve all meals in your expansive home. Each home is more impressive than the next and offers a variety of price points. I can help you select the perfect one for your family and guests. Here are a few shots of some of the glorious abodes I visited –
Today we rode bikes around the property until we found our own delightful private beach. Champagne in hand, we toasted the waves and the wonderful week in Antigua –
It was truly remarkable that we managed to slip in our long overdue cousin reunion in Antigua, just before the Coronavirus lockdown. A week that Eliza, Jenny and I will always cherish. And the opportunity to discover a very special island and finally a chance to personally visit the three resorts that my clients have been enjoying for years!
Until next time, Antigua! In the meantime, thank you for taking wonderful care of Resort to Laura Madrid clients!