Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay hotel lies on the southern end of Antigua, a 20-minute drive from English Harbor and tucked into a secluded bay trimmed with a beautiful strand of powdery white sand, this hotel boasts chic contemporary couture in public areas, stunning suites and memorable dining.
Its trendy and sophisticated bar could be in Manhattan, Paris or London and the spa has jumped to the front of the island's fast-growing line of health and beauty clinics. From the first room-service coffee to the last pink martini on the beach, the staff here does a commendable job of providing smiling island hospitality.
A bumpy road leads past palms and rows of well-tended tennis courts to the main building, which harbors the high-ceilinged open-air reception area and most public areas. An otherwise docile lily pond greets guests with its flaming torches illuminating the space with dramatic aplomb.
The designers have done a wonderful job blending modern and tropical trends without going over the top. Attractive original artwork and photography grace the public areas and guest rooms adding an exclusive touch. The sense of Caribbean vibrancy and tropical pleasure has been infused in each without producing an overdone look similar to other resorts.
The main open-air restaurant, Indigo by the Beach, is an offshoot of its London sibling, though you wouldn't know it by looking at it. This chic dining room is fitted with crisp contemporary teak furnishings graced with long sleek backs that mimic old-fashioned jalousies. The sea views are beautiful.
The dinner-only Asian dining room delivers a variety of flavors from Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. The green-curry shrimp and sushi are as fresh as the tide. Strong bold fabrics mix well with the stark black surfaces and friendly service.
Three bars, one each by the pool, lobby and beach, mean a rum punch is never far from reach. A separate library like lounge, with a lending library of DVDs, CDs and reading material, offers yet another opportunity to relax in style and comfort. Formal afternoon tea is a daily ritual, a homage to its British roots, and a full breakfast is included in all rates.
Recreation favors tennis (nine courts, two lighted) and waters sports. Teal chaise lounges lie beside the elegant pool, where palms and wide umbrellas shade guests. Water sports rentals are plentiful beachside, and golfers receive discounted green fees at Jolly Harbour, a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
The island's most elaborate and stylish spa (and one of its largest at more than 15,000 sq ft) offers daily yoga and pilates classes and a unique selection of health and beauty treatments in six dazzling treatment rooms. An excellent gym, hair salon, and juice bar share space with the spa.
Accommodations are hands-down the best-equipped on the island. The large, handsomely trimmed studios and suites, many with separate bedrooms and living areas, all have large furnished balconies or patios and large superbly fitted baths that invite lingering. Crisp edges, bold colors, and sleek touches are at nearly every turn.
Richly appointed in exquisite fabrics and subdued color schemes win top honors. Lovers of contemporary fashion will be in heaven. Guests can choose whether to use their large TVs, DVD and CD players, and wireless Internet access. Phones have dual lines and voice mail, coffeemakers make foamy espresso by the cup, and minibars stock local and English goodies.
The mostly king beds are propped up on shiny teak podiums, and sofas are upholstered in silky fabrics plucked from the pages of the latest design publications. Perfect for curling up with a good book, large day beds are the stars on the semiprivate balconies and patios. Soaking tubs and stall showers are standard in the baths with every sleek, curvilinear line leading to the next awe-inspiring amenity including designer toiletries and enormous bath towels.
The three-bedroom suites are as large as many suburban houses, with the added advantage of a world-class beach just out the back door. Room service never stops, housekeepers make twice-daily rounds, and fruit is replenished each afternoon.
This stunning resort is 21st century style in the Caribbean. The taste of owner Gordon Campbell Gray is evident and luckily he has the best. Its worth mentioning that families and couples seem to blend well with very little overlapping disturbance to either.
Carlisle Bay Hotel is arguably the island's best luxury property and is among the finest style-conscious hotels in the region.
Please book online special Classic Travel Rate or contact Travel Advisor info@classictravel.com for more details.
