Hermitage Bay

Dont be put off by the long and bumpy road leading up to Hermitage Bay youll see on arrival that once youre through the gates everything is much more polished and luxurious! You cant help but feel instantly relaxed here. Its so peaceful (largely thanks to their adult only policy!) and the views are pretty spectacular. Youve got wonderful views out to sea, which are somewhat expected, but I really loved seeing all the villas dotted up the hillside as well. If budget allows, Id recommend taking one of the Hillside villas. Not only are they more private, and boast the best views, they are also the only room type to have a private pool too.

It was the serene tranquillity that greeted me on arrival at Hermitage Bay that I noticed first; not the cold towel pressed into my hand or the fresh mint & lime juice, just the quietness and peacefulness that descended like a veil!

Set on a 1,200 ft long protected white sand beach, Hermitage Bay isn't a large resort, as it only has 25 units of accommodation ranging from Garden or Beach Suites to the Hillside Pool Suites overlooking the bay and resort.

The outdoor showers are quite a feature!

Days can be spent lazing on the beach, or in the hillside Garden Spa. Cooled by Caribbean breezes with panoramic ocean views, the spa offers a host of indulgent therapies.

If you are looking for complete relaxation then Hermitage is definitely worth considering, or maybe stay a few nights at the start of your holiday to boost that relaxation process and switch off from the outside world.

The hotel is tucked away in a beautiful bay on the West Coast of Antigua. It is perfect for couples who want to completely get away from the rest of the world. The Hillside suites have amazing views while the Beach suites are steps away from the beach.

Hermitage Bay is one of my favourite hotels in Antigua, hidden away down a little track! It has Asian influences with dark woods and has a minimalist feel to it. Some of the rooms are open plan with the bathroom being at the back. Lovely day beds on the veranda to hide from the sunshine. There are some rooms located on the beach, or higher up the hill offering beautiful views over the mangroves and the bay. An all inclusive hotel - amazing food! This hotel is excellent for couples who want to completely switch off from the outside world!

Hermitage is a very special property for me as it is so far from the old Caribbean style, yet has not gone the other way either trying to be contemporary and minimalist.

I loved the open style of the suites here, the dark woods, Asian influences and jungle retreat feel are really unique.

As it is a bit of a bumpy ride to get to the hotel on an unfinished road, the beach is deserted and therefore locals tend not to visit here. The beach is beautiful, one of the best in Antigua in my opinion with completely unobstructed views. I personally would take a hill suite as the views are out of this world across the sea, however the beach suites are also fabulous and offer easy access to and from your room.

If I was asked where to go on honeymoon in the Caribbean this would be in my top 3 choices. It was refreshing to have an adult only resort, the peaceful atmosphere really stands out and the sophistication in the dining really does come as a direct result of focusing on just adults.

Hermitage Bay has what I think is one of the most beautiful locations of all the properties I visited whilst in Antigua. The drive down the bumpy road to get to the remotely located hotel gives a feeling that you are about to enter your own exclusive hideaway, which is exactly what it is! Each of the suites is beautifully appointed, with all of the hillside suites having their own plunge pool - perfect for a honeymoon.

Hermitage Bay is one of my favourite properties in Antigua. It is perfect for a romantic getaway and ideal for honeymooners who really want to get away from it all. I love the style and design of the rooms - much more Balinese and Asian in style compared to the traditional Caribbean decor. The service is excellent, and discreet. This is definitely somewhere I would choose to go on my own holiday.

A little gem.... on a lovely long stretch of beach with nothing else in sight. Hermitage Bay have their own Organic gardens, where all produce is used in the kitchen, and guests can even have a tour. The hilltop accommodation is very private with their own plunge pools so perfect for a romantic getaway.

Tucked away on its own stunning white sandy beach at the end of a rather bumpy road, Hermitage Bay is certainly worth the slightly uncomfortable journey. Apparently they keep the road this way to discourage locals and island visitors from coming down to the beach, so they can keep it just for the guests at the hotel. I can see why they do, the beach is phenomenal, perfect for long walks or for a refreshing dip.

The hotel itself is small and intimate, this is definitely a couple's getaway and is popular with honeymooners as well as hosting the occasional wedding as well. There had been a wedding the day before I was there and there was a large group of friends and family staying with the wedding party. This may be worth considering when booking as the property is small and large groups may alter the ambience.

The style of the hotel is certainly not typically Caribbean. It is more Balinese with dark woods, white linens and clean lines. Accommodation is split into two types, cottages right on the beach or up the hillside. The beach cottages offer direct beach access but less privacy. The Hillside cottages offer their own private plunge pools and spectacular sea views. I would recommend one of these if the budget will stretch to it. Be aware though, with the great views means a hefty climb back up to your cottage.

All guests stay on an all inclusive basis. This is simply because there isn't anywhere else to go. If you want to be able to go out shopping or exploring, this probably isn't the place for you as it's around 20 minutes drive from any towns. This is the place to escape and relax and the all inclusive package allows guests to simply chill out and wait for the next cocktail or meal. There is only one restaurant but they are imaginative with the food and try to change the menu as much as possible.

So in conclusion, this is the perfect away from it all honeymoon or romantic getaway, just check they don't have a wedding party there first.