Home to 365 beaches (one for every day of the year), Antigua is known for its abundant nature and all-inclusive resorts. Carlisle Bay, located between a rainforest and a southern stretch of sandy shore, fuses both with effortless style.
With a stunning beachfront location and emerald-green tropical surroundings, this charming Caribbean hotel sets the stage for a sophisticated island escape with nature at its centre.
The Vibe
Laid-back island charm is juxtaposed with the hotel’s high-end surroundings. The resort embraces the essence of barefoot luxury while taking care of the small touches that matter, allowing you to unwind in a casual yet sophisticated setting.
This is the kind of place where you don’t have to lift a finger or move a muscle. A prime example: whether by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach, loungers are equipped with a personalised ‘press-for’ button so your every desire – from cooling cocktails to beach-ready snacks – are just a touch away.
But with all that oh-so-pretty nature on your doorstep, you may get bored of the sunbed and want to explore. With on-site experiences such as watersports and boat trips, to island-wide activities including horse riding, scuba diving, hiking and more, there’s plenty of opportunity to celebrate some of the Caribbean’s finest landscapes too.
The Rooms
Carlisle Bay has a range of 87 suites, each a carefully-considered blend of comfort and style with views across the beach or gardens. Our Ocean Suite was split over two levels and had an open-plan bedroom and sitting area, each fusing contemporary modern decor with traditional Caribbean elements – and unrivalled views of the sea. Bathrooms feature a standalone bath and shower, and come well-equipped with ESPA products. For special celebrations or, just because, book into a Carlisle Suite, which comes with a dedicated butler and large oceanfront terraces.
The Food + Drink
With eight restaurants and bars – you’ll never be short of cuisine or setting options. Enjoy the flavours of the East in dishes including sushi, dimsum and noodles at East, or settle in for a stone-baked pizza at Ottimo!. The main restaurant, Indigo, serves varied cuisine such as lobster bisque, lamb ravioli, roast beat salads and pan-seared tofu – many of them prepared using local ingredients. Breakfast is a feast of freshly-baked pastries, tropical fruits, and made-to-order specialities such as French toast and scrambled tofu, and the adult-only The Jetty Grill is an ideal spot for lunch, serving grilled meats, fresh seafood and innovative salads overlooking the cool Caribbean waters.
The Spa
Carlisle Bay’s Cara Organic Beauty Spa offers wide ranging treatments, from invigorating massages to reflexology, wraps, body scrubs, and more. Many of the treatments use ESPA products, and all are designed to enhance well-being and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Teens can join in the pampering, too, with facials, massages, pedicures and manicures designed especially for them.
For those seeking a more active wellness experience, the resort offers a range of fitness amenities, too. Take an early morning yoga session on the beach or challenge yourself on the resort’s tennis or pickleball courts. Head to the outdoor gym to lift some weights, or take your workout one step further with a personalised training session.
The Little Extras
With so many extras – many of them not so little – you may not know where to begin. Enjoy complimentary afternoon tea, cooking classes, and guided nature walks, or speak to the concierge team to curate a more personalised experience; from organising stingray spotting adventures to yacht trips and dinner reservations, nothing is too much effort for staff. Families may want to check out the on-site kids’ clubs: there’s a crèche for babies through to three year olds, and those aged four to seven will love getting involved in activities including lizard and treasure hunts, reggae dance lessons, ball games and movie time at the Cool Kids Club.
The To-Do List
Though you may want to lay back and relax during a stay at Carlisle Bay, beyond the resort Antigua offers many things to do and sights to explore. A visit to Shirley Heights is a must, where you can witness panoramic views of the island and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the weekly sunset party. Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore mesmerising underwater worlds through snorkelling and scuba diving adventures right in the bay, or visit Stingray City where you’ll have the chance to swim with, and even feed the rays. For the more adventurous, zip line through the tropical forest or horse ride along the Antiguan shores, there’s even the chance to swim with your horse in the island’s waters.
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