Hermitage Bay – Antigua
For an idyllic outlook, Hermitage Bay is hard to beat. Reached by a long dirt track on the west coast of this island, and surrounded by 140 acres of wooded wilderness, it’s a very private retreat. Looking back from the beach, the cottages blend effortlessly into the scenery, with a fabulous contrast of colours between the dark wood, the lush green vegetation and the aquamarine water. Couple this with exceptional service and a very slow pace of life, and we think you’ll agree that this tropical hideaway is one exceptional place to stay. And it’s all inclusive, so you don’t even have to think.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
As it is adult only bliss.Style:
Sophisticated West Indies chic.Location:
In a quiet corner on the West coast of Antigua. It is nestled on the hillside of a hidden, sandy bay, in 140 acres of land.Rooms:
30 hill or beachside luxury cottages.Swimming:
In the turquoise ocean, in your room’s private plunge pool or in the hotel's swimming pool.Children:
This is a place for grown-ups, with only children aged 14 and over able to stay.Accessibility:
This hotel is really well equipped for those with limited accessibility.Open From:
October - Augustrooms
Wrap-around decks, cool verandahs, large roll top baths, outdoor rainforest showers, floor to ceiling shutters that open out to panoramic views, the suites at Hermitage Bay are sublimely romantic. We love the effortless combination of Caribbean dark wood style and contemporary décor. For total privacy, and a vista that you could drink in for absolutely ever, choose a Hillside Pool Suite.
And the higher you go, the better the view (there are buggies to take you, so no need to worry about the climb!) Nestling into the slopes, the lush tropical gardens hide each one. They have large daybeds on their wide balconies, and infinity plunge pools – and you can even look out over the Caribbean as you soak in the bath. If being steps from the water is your idea of heaven, then the Beachfront Suites are for you. Wake up each morning to the gentle sound of water lapping onto the sand. Just a few steps back are the Seaview Garden Suites, with their large verandahs and double daybeds and very spacious interiors.
food
Right on the beachfront, the open-sided restaurant serves delicious European cuisine, with Caribbean influences and has a daily changing menu. Much of the produce is organically grown in their own gardens, and there’s never a shortage of fresh seafood. The chef is always happy too to cater for dietary requirements. Dinner can also be served at a private table on the beach – who could resist that?
activities
There’s absolutely nothing to disturb the calm here, which includes no motorized water sports. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, windsurf, snorkel, or take out a hobie cat – with all equipment totally complimentary. It’s a fair bet that you’ll be pretty relaxed when you stay at Hermitage Bay. However, should you feel the need of a massage or treatment, the very secluded hillside Spa is an oasis of calm, and offers a range of therapies, many using local ingredients.
There’s early morning yoga and pilates, as well as a fully equipped gym for the cardio hounds. We definitely recommend hiring a car to explore the island. Antigua has so much to see and do – from sundowners at Shirley Heights to wandering amongst the super yachts in English Harbour. Lunch at Catherine’s should also be on your list.
sustainability
Hermitage Bay has made several commitments towards the principles of sustainability. Environmental considerations are interwoven into all business decisions using a triple-bottom-line model, encompassing environmental, social, and economic concerns. Waste management programmes have to implemented to mitigate any excess, whilst they have increasingly utilised their own kitchen garden to provide delicious meals. Guests and stakeholders are invited to participate in the monitoring process, by transparently publishing environmental data. The surrounding community is also supported, by ensuring staff hires and providers are locally based.
Location
Antigua
In a quiet corner on the West coast of Antigua. It is nestled on the hillside of a hidden, sandy bay, in 140 acres of land, with Jolly Harbour just around the corner. 35 minutes from the airport and from English Harbour.
