What it is

A hip, yet relaxed, cosmopolitan island retreat.

What it isn't

A plantation-style estate with all the faux-colonial trimmings.

What we think

Built on the white-sand of peaceful Carlisle Bay, the resort is a tranquil and supremely luxe escape. Lush rainforest rises up behind the two-story, shutter-clad buildings, creating a sense that you’ve found tropical paradise. The resort, however, doesn’t do the Robinson Crusoe schtick. Lining the beach, open-plan, balconied suites have the refined, designer-touched vibe of Hardware Restoration showrooms: in lieu of driftwood sculptures and reed ceiling fans, the 82 guest rooms have simple mahogany and teak furniture, white tiling, grey wood and muted sea-toned accents. The attention, though, is rightly directed at the floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the spaces with sunshine and ocean views. The resort has presciently dedicated one end of its property to families by placing both the kids’ and teens’ clubs next to the larger suites while specializing the other side for vacationing couples. For those who are looking for more than time in a beach chair, there is a 15,000-sq. ft spa, nine tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, a 45-seat screening room and a small fleet of sailboats and kayaks (water skis and such are available in a neighboring cove, thus preserving the calm of Carlisle Bay.)

You're here because

Caribbean resorts range from colonial throwback boutiques to wristband-requiring mega-resorts. You’re looking for something that will have all of the luxe necessities, a feeling of seclusion and a definite sense of contemporary class.

The Moment

There is a quiet buzz in the Pavilion Bar; guests are mingling in the open-sided space amid peeps from the treefrogs and the soft tumble of waves outside. Dinner in half an hour is at East, the dinner-only restaurant just through the tall, carved doors on your right. Just enough time to sip an aperitif and watch the moon rise.

Restaurants & Bars

Indigo on the Beach - Relaxed beach-view restaurant with fresh and healthy dishes

East - Open for dinner only and serving Japanese, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine

Ottimo - An Italian casual venue beside the pool

The Jetty Grill - An adult only restaurant located adjacent to the beach

The Jetty Bar

Pavilion Bar

Indigo Bar

Coconut Grove

Location

The resort stretches along the shore of a quiet cove on Antigua’s southern shore; it's a 20-minute drive from yacht-centric English Harbour. A car ride from the international airport is just half an hour.