Hermitage Bay

The words quiet, tranquil, and soothing are some of the first that come to mind as guests step through the tropical foliage and into Hermitage Bay’s airy lobby. Immediate views of turquoise waters framed by dark tropical woods set the tone for the entire property, which sits on 140 acres of undeveloped land along a large white-sand beach with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Those same local woods are used throughout the pristine eco-friendly resort as part of its environmental initiatives, which include using indigenous materials, making a minimal impact on the surroundings, and employing energy-conserving systems and utilities. While the property permits kids age 14 and up, it has a distinctly adult-centric vibe. Breathtaking views of the sea are everywhere, from the white-sand beach loaded with seashells and the occasional piece of scenic driftwood, to the winding paths that lead through lush tropical vegetation and fragrant flowers. Hermitage Bay is an ideal setting for guests seeking a vacation that leaves them rested and centered.

Tucked at the end of a dirt and gravel road in the middle of Antigua’s west coast (the drive in can be a bit rough), Hermitage Bay feels secluded and exclusive. While the absence of other resorts adds to the sense of tranquility, guests are still in a great location for exploring the rest of the island. Jolly Harbour Golf Club is a seven-minute drive away, and Jolly Harbour Marina can be reached in 10 minutes. The center of the capital city of St. John’s, home to many popular restaurants, as well as attractions like the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, the busy Saturday market, and the V. C. Bird Monument, is about a half-hour drive away. V. C. Bird International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the resort.

Dark tropical hardwood floors and furnishings combine with a neutral color scheme to create an air of understated elegance in the individual cottages that are at once minimalist, natural, and sleek. Each of the 30 large suites includes king-size four-poster beds with atmospheric mosquito nets, living areas, and private wraparound decks with sitting areas and daybeds. Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi come standard, as do coffee- and tea-making facilities and minibars stocked to order. Closets are equipped with robes, slippers, and safes. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Large, luxurious bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers, twin sinks, separate vanities, hairdryers, and pampering Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.

Thirteen of the suites are set on the beach -- nine are Beachfront Cottages, directly on the beach with full sea views, and four are Garden Suites, which have the same layout, but are set slightly farther back from the beach (though they still have partial to full sea views). On the slopes rising above the main resort area are the 17 Hillside Suites, which offer even more luxury. In addition to the amenities of the suites on the beach, each of the Hillside Suites features a large furnished deck with a private plunge pool and sun loungers, as well as panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding land from above.

While the resort may be intimate, there’s no shortage of all-inclusive luxury amenities nestled among the tropical greenery throughout the property. To one side of the tranquil lobby is the open-air restaurant overlooking the beach, serving a la carte Caribbean and European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menus change daily, incorporating organic and locally grown ingredients that are in season. On the other side of the lobby is an open-air bar with plenty of relaxing lounge areas overlooking the pool and the beach. There’s live entertainment every night. The hotel’s all-inclusive rates cover breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, an evening cocktail hour with snacks, and dinner, along with house wines, beer, certain top-shelf spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. A supplement applies to a premium wine and liquor list. Room service, picnic lunches, and private dining are also available for an extra fee.

The bar’s sleek dark wood deck leads out to the hotel’s infinity pool, which extends right to the beach and has several cushioned sun loungers and umbrellas for relaxing. Even more can be found on the sprawling stretch of white-sand beach -- plenty to accommodate guests of the 30 rooms. The beach is loaded with seashells and the occasional piece of picturesque driftwood, and at the far end non-motorized water sports are offered, including windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran sailing.

The hotel’s fitness and wellness facilities are located in secluded buildings on the property’s hillside. A soothing spa offers a wide range of massage, beauty, and wellness treatments (fees apply). There’s also a dedicated pavilion for free morning yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes, as well as a fitness center with Technogym cardio machines and weights.

Other free perks include garden tours, hikes, cooking classes, Wi-Fi throughout the property, parking, and round trip airport transfers. Guests are met at the airport and ushered through customs. There’s a sundries shop available near the lobby. Activities such as deep sea fishing, historic sightseeing and ecotours, sailing charters, and helicopter tours can be arranged at an extra cost.