Beachfront boutique hotel on Antigua

If you’re a beach-lover, you should know about Antigua; the island claims to have 365 (“one for every day of the year”). Carlisle Bay sits one a beautiful one, small and tucked inside a deep cove that’s bookended by bluffs. The limited access means you don’t encounter people from other hotels — the vibe is private and serene, which is different from so many beachfront hotels.

view from the sea at Carlisle Bay, all inclusive honeymoon resort on Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Guestrooms sit in three-story, cottage-style buildings along the beach. Interiors are the same size and style whatever category you’re in: all junior suites with airy living areas, private patios, and extra-deep soaking tubs. That said, the best for honeymooners are the Ocean Suites, set at the far end of the property; this section is adult-only, ensuring privacy and quiet away from families who stay at the other end of the beach, near the kids club. Book a ground-floor suite and you can walk out your patio door to the beach — sweet!

Ocean Suite, Carlisle Bay Hotel, Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Carlisle Bay Ocean Suite bed, Carlisle Bay Hotel, Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Carlisle Bay Ocean Suite bathroom, Carlisle Bay Hotel, Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Dining options include a casual beach bar with Caribbean buffet (think grilled fish, curries and such), a fantastic Asian restaurant called East, and a poolside Italian spot with wood-burning oven. But our favorite was open-air Indigo, which faces the beach; at night, a bonfire adds to the ambiance.

Indigo on the Beach at Carlisle Bay Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

For special occasions, book a private dining experience on their jetty — totally romantic!

Candlelit Dining on the Jetty at Antigua all inclusive — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Most all-inclusives try to keep you on property, but not Carlisle Bay. Set up a boat trip from their dock to English Harbor, a circa-1700s dockyard that’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Or do an island driving tour with a stop at Shirley Heights, home to killer views and a hopping Sunday afternoon barbecue with live music.

Island View from Shirley Heights — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

The property started off as a private tennis club before it became a hotel. So in addition to sailing, paddle boards and snorkeling, there are nine tennis courts (four lit for night play) and an onsite pro to help with your game.

Carlisle Bay Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

And they do destination weddings, of course! The most popular spot is the beach, followed by a reception at Indigo. The property is small enough that you could do a takeover, inviting 150-180 guests and having the entire resort to yourselves.

Destination wedding ceremony at Carlisle Bay on Antigua — Courtesy Carlisle Bay Hotel

Of course, you may not want to do anything but chill out and watch the sunset. With a view like this, who can blame you?

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Beachfront boutique hotel on Antigua

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