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Thailand must be one of my favourite destinations, having been to many different places across
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There’s no substitute for experiencing a destination first-hand.
I was delighted to be invited by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board on a luxury educational trip to discover some of Antigua’s finest hotels, exclusive experiences and hidden gems. Having visited Antigua before, it was wonderful to return with fresh eyes, revisit one of my favourite resorts and discover exciting new experiences that I can now confidently recommend to my clients.
Over five unforgettable days, I stayed at Tamarind Hills and Blue Waters Resort & Spa, experienced the exclusive Jumby Bay Island for the very first time, and returned to one of my favourite boutique resorts, Hermitage Bay. Along the way, I explored Antigua from the water, sampled some fantastic local cuisine and was reminded why this beautiful island remains one of the Caribbean’s most captivating luxury destinations.
Visiting Jumby Bay Island for the first time was undoubtedly one of the highlights of this trip.
Just a seven minute boat ride from Antigua’s mainland, this exclusive private island feels like another world. Guests are welcomed on board with a rum cocktail before arriving at a paradise of pristine white-sand beaches, warm smiles and exceptional service from the moment you step ashore.
Set across 300 acres, Jumby Bay offers an incredible sense of space, privacy and understated luxury. Whether travelling as a couple, a family or a multi-generational group, guests can choose from an exceptional collection of accommodation, including elegant beachfront cottages and spectacular private residences. Many feature breathtaking sea views, private pools and seamless indoor-outdoor living, creating the perfect setting to relax and fully embrace island life.
One of the unique touches that makes Jumby Bay so special is its own island farm, where fresh produce and herbs are grown for the resort’s dining experiences. Guests can discover another side of the island through farm visits and experiences that showcase the connection between the land, the cuisine and the destination itself.
One of the standout moments of my visit was an unforgettable fine dining experience in the Estate House Private Dining Room. The setting, cuisine and impeccable service perfectly captured the essence of what makes Jumby Bay such a special place.
The island offers so much more than beautiful beaches too, with sailing lessons, watersports, tennis, pickleball, children’s activities and guided excursions all available, making it an exceptional choice for both couples and families.
The first part of my stay was at Tamarind Hills, a stylish boutique resort overlooking the stunning Fryers Beach, regularly recognised as one of the Caribbean’s finest beaches.
One of the first things I noticed was the calm, crystal-clear sea. Thanks to its location, this stretch of coastline rarely experiences seaweed, making it a fantastic choice throughout the year.
I stayed in one of the Ocean View Studios, which was spacious, contemporary and perfectly positioned to enjoy Antigua’s breathtaking sunsets. Operating on a bed and breakfast basis, Tamarind Hills is ideal for guests who enjoy dining out and exploring the island, with Jolly Harbour just a short drive away. For families or groups of friends, the three and four-bedroom villas with private pools offer exceptional space, with the option of adding a private chef or butler for an even more personalised stay.
Our final two nights were spent at Blue Waters Resort & Spa, one of Antigua’s most established luxury resorts, combining classic Caribbean charm with a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
I stayed in a Deluxe Beachfront Room, which offer fantastic views over the beach and their wonderful proximity to the water. Waking up just steps from the sand and being able to enjoy the beautiful beachfront setting really captured the essence of a Caribbean escape.
For clients looking for a more exclusive experience, I would particularly recommend the Cove Suites and Penthouse accommodation. Located within the villa style buildings, these suites enjoy a more secluded feel and share a beautiful swimming pool with impressive views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Cove Suites offer spacious accommodation, with some featuring separate living areas, making them a fantastic option for families or those wanting additional space and comfort.
The Penthouse is ideal for larger families or groups, offering three bedrooms and generous living space, while Blue Waters also has a wonderful collection of private villas for those seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.
The resort itself has two beautiful beaches, several swimming pools and lovely areas to relax, including a decked sun terrace overlooking the sea near the pool restaurant ,the perfect spot to enjoy the views and catch one of Antigua’s spectacular sunsets.
Families are also well catered for, with a dedicated kids’ club offering a range of activities, while the resort’s variety of accommodation makes it suitable for couples, families and multi-generational groups alike. The main beach also offers complimentary non-motorised watersports for guests wishing to make the most of Antigua’s beautiful waters.
Blue Waters strikes the perfect balance between refined luxury and a welcoming Caribbean atmosphere, making it easy to understand why so many guests return year after year.
This was my second visit to Hermitage Bay, and returning only confirmed why it’s one of my favourite boutique resorts in the Caribbean.
Located around 35 minutes from the airport, Hermitage Bay is wonderfully intimate, with just 31 suites creating an atmosphere that’s relaxed, peaceful and effortlessly luxurious. The open-air lobby leads directly onto a beautiful beach with calm turquoise waters, setting the tone from the moment you arrive.
The spacious suites are thoughtfully positioned across the resort, from beachfront suites just steps from the sand to hillside suites with private plunge pools and spectacular panoramic views. If you’re choosing a hillside suite, I’d always recommend requesting one of the higher-level rooms for the very best outlook.
One of the things I particularly love about Hermitage Bay is the attention to detail. Complimentary yoga and Pilates are available for all guests, while the popular daily sushi hour is a lovely pre-dinner touch. Since my last visit, the resort has also introduced a beautiful new beachfront spa and now offers a bed and breakfast option, giving guests even more flexibility to explore Antigua’s excellent dining scene.
For couples looking for understated luxury, exceptional service and complete tranquillity, Hermitage Bay remains one of my top recommendations.
While Antigua is home to some incredible luxury hotels, it’s the experiences beyond the resorts that make a holiday here truly memorable.
One of my favourite days was spent with Barefoot Cruises, departing from Fryers Beach aboard a private speedboat. We explored Antigua’s spectacular coastline, enjoyed swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of secluded Pinching Bay and went turtle spotting in Carlisle Bay.
We rounded off the day with a leisurely lunch at the iconic Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Beach near to English Harbour. With fantastic food, relaxed beachside dining and stunning views, it’s a restaurant I’d happily recommend to anyone visiting Antigua. I always encourage my clients to venture beyond their resort and experience the authentic side of a destination.
One restaurant I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend is Papa Zouk in St John’s. Renowned for its fresh seafood and impressive selection of rums, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors. If you’re planning to dine there during your stay, I’d strongly recommend booking in advance, as it’s one of the island’s most popular restaurants.
Every educational visit I undertake allows me to offer advice that simply can’t be found in a brochure or online.
Having now visited Antigua on more than one occasion and experienced these resorts personally, I know which hotels are perfect for honeymooners, which villas work best for multi-generational families, where to find Antigua’s calmest beaches, which rooms offer the best views and which experiences are genuinely worth including in an itinerary.
It’s this first-hand knowledge that allows me to create truly bespoke holidays, tailored to each individual client. If Antigua is on your travel wish list, I’d be delighted to help you plan a luxury escape that’s designed entirely around you, from choosing the perfect hotel to recommending the experiences that will make your holiday truly unforgettable.
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