Carlisle Bay

We have given this hotel 5 stars, as we had a fantastic two week holiday here, with teens. The main plus points of this hotel is the stunning location and the fantastic beach. We snorkelled right off the beach to see sea turtles and star fish just a few metres from the shore. The waters are calm in the bay, the sand soft and we didn’t use the pool once, with such a fantastic beach on the doorstep. There are several restaurants to choose from on the half board option, which meant a good variety over the fortnight. (We also ate at a couple of restaurants locally, which were not nearly as good as the hotel.) It was good to have several options for dinner over the fortnight, with special mention to the fabulous East and the buffet on the beach at the Jetty Bar. Also, a special mention to the wonderful staff, in particular the beach staff, J and Hilma, and Shanita and Georgier in the restaurant, who were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and offering great hospitality. The staff are attentive and can’t do enough for you. The setting of Indigo on the beach for breakfast and dinner is just stunning! There is a small gym and a good library room, if like me, you need to borrow some extra beach reading! We found the beach service to be attentive, with staff constantly checking if you need anything and arranging lunch or drinks to us on the beach loungers. The fast track airport service, bypassing long queues, was also greatly appreciated and is a big positive to the hotel experience here. We also found the concierge to be very helpful and we booked day trips to Stingray City and Nelson’s Dockyard with ease. The only things that I’d mention are that although the setting is outstanding, it is a little tired with some of the decor and landscaping in parts. It is a laid back luxury hotel, but don’t expect the level of polish that you find in Indian Ocean hotels, for example, in all parts of the resort. This is also true for the little touches, such as the beach towels not being topped up on the loungers throughout the day, so you’d have to find someone to ask for towels if you arrived in the afternoon. Our mini bar in the room was not restocked each day as promised and the room service was hit and miss. Some days the turn down service would arrive early whilst we were all getting ready for dinner around 6.30pm/7pm, so would simply hand over some water bottles, rather than come back later, as is the usual practice in high end hotels. These are the little touches that you would expect to be perfect in a hotel of this calibre and price point. It is also worth mentioning that although the hotel is described as having a spa, it is really more of a hotel with treatment rooms. The staff and treatments themselves are excellent, however the relaxation area, which is the same before and after your treatment, is really just an area of the long corridor, reception area, rather than an actual room. It is at the bottom of the staircase for the treatment rooms and the gym, with several beds against the back wall, separated by a sheer curtain. There is a small sauna and plunge pool, however these are in a small corner of the changing room, next to the lockers, so not an area that you could relax in, with no loungers, before and after treatments. As I say, the treatments themselves are good, but I would normally expect to spend a couple of hours at a spa of a five star resort, with separate, private relaxation areas before and after treatments. This is why I say that the spa here is more like a hotel with treatment rooms, rather than a spa facility. So, if spending half a day at the hotel spa, using its facilities is something that you look for in a stay, it might be worth adjusting expectations here. Overall this hotel is fantastic and we would definitely return again, for the beautiful setting, the beach, the spacious beach front suites, excellent food and friendly staff, who cannot do enough for you. A truly wonderful stay, thank you to all at Carlisle Bay.

Carlisle Bay sits on one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the Caribbean, and there is a lot to love here including the architecture, the bay views, the warmth of many of the staff, and a loyal guest base that clearly returns year after year. If you’re considering a stay, go in with the right expectations: this was once a true five-star resort, and while the bones are still there, it isn’t operating at that level today. In fairness to guests booking, I don’t think it should currently be marketed as one. To the GM’s (Brian) credit, he met with me a few times during my 12-day stay, listened genuinely, and was sincerely apologetic about the areas that fell short. That kind of engagement matters and is a big reason I’m writing this as encouragement rather than criticism. A few honest notes for fellow travelers: • In-room A/C — the most serious issue of our stay (see photos): Our mini-split unit was in rough shape…heavy dust buildup and visible mold well beyond what you’d expect from normal condensation in a humid climate. My wife, who is pregnant, got quite sick the first few nights of our stay, and I believe the air quality in the room was a direct factor. Some minor moisture in a mini-split is normal; what we experienced was not, and it should never come close to happening at a resort marketed at this tier. I’d strongly encourage anyone booking to inspect the unit at check-in and request a room change immediately if anything looks off. • Grounds & internal property: The biggest visual disappointment. Walking paths from the library to the spa had weeds and tired landscaping. • Tennis: If tennis is part of why you’re booking, adjust expectations. Courts are cracked and dated, and although the resort advertises two tennis pros, I did not see one on property across 12 days. • Spa: The setting is “ok” but openings were limited — I was told this was due to short staffing. Worth booking well in advance. Bathrooms are way outdated and small. Not the spa experience we were hoping for but the massage itself was 5 stars. • Pool area: Great footprint and one of the property’s real assets, but finishes and surroundings feel tired and are due for a refresh. • Waterfront: The round float to the right of the Ocean restaurant is broken, with torn fabric and algae growing on the lay-on surface • In-room & public restrooms: Public bathrooms are due for updating, and the in-room toilet paper feels closer to sandpaper than luxury. • Service: Many team members are lovely, though responsiveness to requests can be inconsistent. • Kids’ Zone: Reads more like a dated daycare than a curated luxury family space.. worth knowing if you’re traveling with children. • Wi-Fi: Spotty throughout the property and if you’re an executive needing to take online meetings, this hurt a few times. None of this is meant as a knock. With a focused HVAC and room-air-quality audit, finer attention to detail on the grounds, a step back up to true Leading Hotels of the World standards, and Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons-caliber service consistency, Carlisle Bay could easily reclaim its place as one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems. The setting is already there — the experience just needs to catch up to it. I would genuinely love to return once these pieces are dialed in, and I hope future guests get to see the version of this resort I know it can be.

There’s always a slight worry about booking the same hotel for a second year in a row. Would it live up to our memories? I am delighted to say that not only did Carlisle Bay live up to them, it actually exceeded them. From the moment we arrived, the resort airport transfer was seamless and welcoming, the perfect start to a relaxing holiday. Carlisle Bay is the definition of understated luxury. Nothing ever feels forced or over the top; everything is simply done exceptionally well. The resort is immaculate, beautifully maintained and there’s a genuine feeling that nothing is ever too much trouble. What really makes Carlisle Bay special, though, is the people. Seeing some familiar faces from last year genuinely made us smile and every member of the team made us feel so welcome. Their warmth and kindness are what turn a beautiful hotel into somewhere that feels like home. There were so many highlights: feeding the resident tortoises, laughing through Crazy Couch, listening to the steel band at Jetty Grill and taking the fascinating garden tour to learn about the incredible horticulture around the resort. But perhaps my favourite moment each day was simply stepping straight from our suite onto the beach each morning – the most peaceful and relaxing way to start the day. The dining was excellent throughout. East remains absolutely spectacular and is a must visit, while the pizzas at Ottimo were as delicious as ever. We also chartered a boat for the day with Barefoot Antigua, which was another fantastic experience and the perfect way to explore the island from the water. Will we be back next year? I sincerely hope so. Carlisle Bay has become one of those rare places that feels like a second home and we are genuinely sad to leave. Thank you to everyone for another unforgettable stay. special mentions have to go to: Hilma at the beach, Michael, Georgier and Kate at Indigo, Jason at Indigo bar, LaToya at Ottimo, Sylvester & Elliot in the garden, Jay-ciee and my biggest shout out has to be to Vida In housekeeping. We can’t wait to return.

Carlisle Bay enjoys a stunning beachfront location and the staff were excellent throughout our stay – warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful. The food was consistently fresh and well prepared, and the East restaurant was a cut above, delivering refined dishes that stood out as the best dining experience on the property. On the downside, the rooms are beginning to feel dated and don’t quite match the luxury billing. The beds were very uncomfortable – far too hard for a good night’s sleep. The watersports kit is old and in need of replacement. Sailing equipment good enough (three hobies) The tennis facilities are in particularly poor condition – cracked courts, worn nets, and neglected equipment. Entertainment options for teens are very limited, with no pool table or similar activities, and while the evening entertainment was good in quality, it was sparse, leaving the resort feeling quiet after dinner. Beach facilities also need attention. Many parasols were old and some damaged, and several sunbeds were dirty and worn. Sunbeds and parasols by the poolside in contrast were almost new. On a positive note, the yoga and Pilates sessions were excellent – professionally run and genuinely enjoyable – and the guided hike was a real highlight of the stay. Another disappointment was the minibar, which was not refilled daily as promised. Small details like this matter when guests are paying premium rates. Closing remark: Carlisle Bay may be marketed as part of The Leading Hotels of the World, but right now it simply doesn’t live up to that standard.

It was wonderful in every way. The staffs were polite, friendly, aura welcoming. Service was exceptional. Special thanks to Vaugh, Len, Kerry, and Nadine. Keep up the great work guys . Your services make me don't want to venture outside of my own Island of Antigua again. Thanks again for an exceptional day. Connie

Upon check in needed room change as ours smelled of sewer gas. Would have expected staff to have noticed before we checked in! Tons of ants in room and mosquitoes on property......came home with way too many bites even with spray! Breakfast buffet was lovely.....dinners were okay, but hard to find bar that added booze to drinks on premise! Preferred our stay at neighboring resort Curtain Bluff.

We had the best holiday ever at Carlisle Bay - I’ll come onto all the incredible things about this place which made it our favourite family holiday yet…. but…. be prepared for parts of the hotel to be not quite up to 5 star standards. Our collective initial impression (we’re a family of 4 with a 14 and 8 yr old) of the hotel was very underwhelming. We have stayed in some incredible hotels in the past but the Caribbean standards don’t seem to match those of the top hotels in Europe so do be prepared for this (we weren’t which was why our first reaction of the room was slight disappointment, particularly for the price we paid). However, the reasons I rated it 5 star and not a 4 was for the following; People: the staff and service here is most definitely the most friendly we have ever experienced in a hotel. Such lovely people who really did make our holiday so memorable and the main reason for the 5 star rating. Food: the quality and taste of food was beautiful in every restaurant. The Asian was amazing as was the jetty grill and Indigo was our kids favourite. The bbq on a Thursday was delicious. We also had the pleasure of a singer at the jetty on a Friday night who was out of this world. Honestly was better than any singer I’ve ever heard live. The breakfast was probably our least favourite meal of the day simply because of the options being more limited than I’ve had in the past. The only recommendation I would give for improvements here on food would be to offer a different menu in each restaurant between lunch and dinners as we were there for 10 days and the options after a while became very repetitive. The jetty has a separate menu for lunch and dinners and really think the other restaurants should do the same. Sports: we made full use of the gym along with the tennis and pickleball. What was great about these is that you didn’t have to book a time for the courts and you could just pick up a racket and ball whenever you felt like it. This was brilliant with kids as you could be more spur of the moment and that worked much better for us to get the use out of them. We also made good use of the watersports non motorised activities which were brilliant as, again, you could just go along and do it whenever you wanted. We also paid to do the inflatable sofa (sort of like a banana boat ride) on the sea a number of times which we all had a whale of a time on, particularly our kids and which was really reasonably priced. Location: the beach here is simply stunning- you could sit back and watch the turtles pop up and pelicans diving for fish daily. Snorkelling straight off the beach the visibility is poor however if you head to the rocks near the watersports area there is loads of sea life. I managed to see a couple of stingrays here as well as lots of lovely colourful fish and some barracudas. Main areas for improvement: as mentioned the rooms need better maintenance and updated decor, although my understanding is these have mostly all been updated now with the exception of the room we stayed in which was the 2 bedroom beach terrace and these are being updated this summer. Secondly, we really felt a little light entertainment in the evenings would have been good. We thoroughly enjoyed the singer at the jetty so if something similar to this happened every night it would have given something to do/see after dinner. We ended up just playing cards in the bar until around 10pm but most people seemed to have gone back to their rooms by then which was a shame. Lastly, we felt the cost was very overpriced for the standard of the hotel and its amenities. Other than this, we really did have a truly special memorable holiday and if we were to come back to Antigua we would definitely love to come back to Carlisle Bay.

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Carlisle Bay was such an ABSOLUTELY fantastic experience from start to finish. We went for my mom's birthday and we felt like stars. The food, ambiance, and service from the restaurant to the spa was top notch. Huuuuuuge shout-out to: Kevonne & Shemel - Front Office Krys-Ann, Alandrea, Brian, Orian, Antonio, Chanica - Dining Room Thanks again Carlisle Bay Team!

Very peaceful location with beautiful beach and surrounds. Very comfortable room, stylishly done up with excellent facilities eg kettle and fridge and very good coffee machine. Beautiful swimming pool. Good sized gym.

A lot of under 5 children who dominate the pool all day. Limited beach water sports.

We spent a week at Carlisle Bay in mid-April. We literally came to Antigua, let alone the Carlisle, after reading reviews of their Tennis Program. It did not disappoint. Nigel Anthony was a fantastic, engaging coach and drill sergeant. While the tennis facilities and equipment are in dire need of upgrades, the instruction was first-rate and exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Nigel and the Carlisle if you are looking for a resort with a great tennis program. The rest of our visit to Carlisle was a bit of a mixed bag, but overall very enjoyable. The staff, from the front desk to the restaurants to housekeeping, were all very well-educated, friendly, and engaging. I can not say enough positive things about them. The food at all four on-site restaurants was very good, with just the right amount of variety to get you through a week. The all-inclusive was definitely the way to go. The activities/excursions, whether free or fee-based, were all very good. In addition to the tennis, we enjoyed a couple of stunning hikes, took the kayaks out, and went snorkeling. Like the rest of the resort staff, those who helped us with those activities were all awesome. Our room was nice, #311, up on the 3rd floor, so we earned our steps daily, which was fine for us. IT was quiet and afforded us great views of the bay and Montserrat when the skies were clear. The beach is nice and calm, not as stunning as other beaches on the island, but wonderful nonetheless. While the resort was fully booked, it never felt that way, especially on the beach. Pro tip - while they discourage you from reserving a lounge chair on the beach, if you don't do it, you will be relegated to the 2nd row. By 7:00 or 7:30 am, most of the lounge chairs closest to the water had personal items on them, reserving them for the day. It is a self-proclaimed family-friendly resort. We have 4 grandkids, so we know and love kids, but we do also expect parents to do their job managing them. There were a lot of younger children at the resort while we were there, and unfortunately, their parents were too busy on holiday to look after them. We called them free-range children, and it very much took away from our experience at 3 of the 4 restaurants on site, the 4th being Adults Only, which was by far our best experience. The best example I can give you is the 3 or 4-year-old boy allowed to roam around their restaurant on the beach, including him dropping his pants to his ankles, peeing on the beach no more than 10 feet from our table ( we know he did this on multiple days, sharing our story with others who had seen the same behavior on other days). His parents did nothing and honestly were not paying any attention to him at all. If you want a quiet, couples retreat, this is not the place for you. Overall, we had a great stay at the Carlisle Resort; the tennis made it for us, but the resort itself, short of the free range children, was great, albeit at a premium price.

Travelled here mid March 2026 with my husband & our 9-year-old son. This was our first time visiting Antigua, and it is a lovely island. We frequent St. Maarten annually, and enjoyed the change! We came into this vacation at the stunning Carlisle Bay with high expectations, given the price tag of the simply all-inclusive offer, and the newly renovated Ocean suites. We would have liked to book the family room with additional kids bedroom, they were not yet renovated and we wanted to experience the fresh rooms. We’re so glad we did. ARRIVAL: Staff from Carlisle called me the day before we were to arrive to ask if we required transport from airport. I let her know we’d planned to just take a taxi from the taxi-stand at airport. I had done research, and expected a $50-60 taxi ride based on island rates. Upon arrival, Carlisle organizes the FastTrack airport service, which gets you to front of line at immigration, and out to baggage pick up, then through secondary checkpoint. We had to wait for one of our bags that was checked, but overall, from landing to picking up bags, we were a total of 15 minutes. What a lovely experience! Once through the last checkpoint, the FastTrack person took us directly to meet  a taxi driver that was waiting for us at the indoor info desk. We went with her to her vehicle, and I asked her what the fare was. She said “oh, Carlisle takes care of that for you!”. I was pleasantly surprised. Upon realization later in the week, they in fact charged us $110 USD for that taxi ride on our foilio. So, just be aware of that.  Yes, the experience was seamless, but that expectation should have been set ahead of time. We were greeted at the front gate and asked for our name, and when we arrived at the entrance of hotel, we were greeted by name on the bridge by the General Manager, Brian. Again, a very seamless and high end feel to have such a welcome. A nice touch! We were then briefly sat in the lobby and then a staff member walked us to our room for a detailed walkthrough. FOOD: Food gets the first review, as this is a very important aspect of our vacation choices. As foodies, we were not totally blown away by the food here, but we were more than satisfied for the week. We really enjoyed mostly everything we ate, and I would consider the food very above average for other all-inclusive resorts. If you enjoy buffets, this place isn't it. We had pre-booked our dinner reservations (as recommended) before our arrival. We saw others being turned away at peak dinner times without a reservation, which as a guest would have been a bad experience, so we are glad we reserved. Although, it would have been nice not to be kept to such a strict schedule for evening meals, and more easy-going to just show up when we were hungry. Sometimes we wanted to relax a little longer or have a drink before dinner, and since we booked the 6pm slot each evening, we found we were rushed a bit to make it each evening. We ate at the Jetty once (it is adults only) – try the Goat Water (stew); the local cuisine is so rich in flavour. East (Asian) was really well done, and glad we booked this restaurant three times throughout the week. Although, after the third visit, we were East’d out. The Hamachi appetizer, gyoza dumplings, sushi (try the beef sushi!), and the short rib main are all my top picks.  Thursday at Indigo was BBQ night, which was plentiful and delicious. Breakfast each morning at Indigo was lovely – the location right by the beach is second to none. Loved my morning cappuccino, and the Antiguan breakfast (saltfish, plantains, spinach, avocado and floats (fried bread)) was a regular for me. They will also just do anything al-a-carte; perfectly poached eggs, bacon, sausage, fried mushrooms…whatever you want. The breakfast buffet was ok, but without the kitchen for eggs, etc, it would have been tired after two days as there isn’t much variety on the buffet. There was an omlette station which was never lined up. Lunch here at Indigo was always a pleasure. I had the daily catch of the day (fish), which never disappointed. The kids options were good, and I appreciated the healthier options for kids; not just the burgers, fries and fingers. Real chicken breasts, or fish goujon (nuggets) with fresh buttered veggies and mashed potatoes for kids. Our least favourite was Ottimo. We found the pizza crusts were hard, way too much tomato sauce which was quite sweet, and not typical Italian wood fired goodness. The pasta was flavourful and packed with lamb/beef/protein, but the pasta itself was extremely overcooked. My son enjoyed the pizza a few times. Desserts! I have a big sweet tooth and enjoyed desserts most days at lunch (instead of dinner). Indigo had the best – the raspberry cheesecake and the chocolate cherry fallout (yum!). The sorbet and gelato were also well enjoyed multiple times throughout the week. DRINKS: We are not heavy drinkers, but my husband enjoys a cocktail or two in the evenings, and a beer in the afternoon at the beach/pool. I had an occasional cocktail as well. The Negroni were good (we preferred a classic rather than the sorrel one on the menu), Aperol Spritz, Pina Colada (virgin) were exceptional. They had a drink named Tutti Fruitti which was some blended passion fruit/mango/strawberry drink, and it was amazing, Unfortunately they seem to run out of anything passionfruit the third day, which is a favourite of mine on the islands, so for the rest of the week, all passion-based offerings were unavailable! ROOMS: We stayed in room 109 on the ground floor, which we loved. We could go straight from the beach right into the room. We did leave our sliding door unlocked most days. In fact, the days we locked it, we found that the housekeeper unlocked it! No issues, but we used our in-room safe for anything of value. Didn’t worry too much about our shoes, clothes and toiletries being at risk. The staff here were kind and understated. Our housekeepers were attentive and well-tipped, however we had to request lotion/shampoo a few times as they didn’t leave new ones. The snack/drinks were topped up most days, but not every day. The evening turn-down was sporadic, and sometimes occurred well after 9pm which is when we were already settled in for the night. The room itself was stunning. High quality finishes and very clean (realistically only a few months old after the renovations). The king bed however was very uncomfortable. Someone else eluded to sleeping on a stack of books, and that is a good description. Not a rock, but definitely old, hardcover books with a thin mattress pad. They set up a rollaway bed for my son in the living area, and his mattress was cushy and cozy. The linens were lovely, including the towels. Robes and slippers provided, as to be expected. BEACH/OCEAN/POOL: We spent most of our days on the beach nearby to our room for convenience. The beach itself was amazing: lovely, clean, and calm. The wind gusts picked up halfway through our week and the blowing sand all over and in your face/eyes, we had to change it up to sit by the pool. The surf is easy and calm for children. We experienced very lacklustre service at the beach. We had to walk to the bar ourselves most days, or hunt down the beach servers for attention. The call buttons on the umbrellas did not work. The pool was lovely, perfectly cool (but not cold). Lots of kids and families around the pool – whereas the beach was a little more tame. One afternoon, the very heavy umbrella blew over in a gust of wind and I injured my wrist trying to catch it before it crushed us. A month later later, I am still having pain with some normal activity, and have been diagnosed with a minor sprain by my doctor. The staff was attentive when it happened and supplied ice in a ziplock, and checked in multiple times through the next day or two, and even offered a doctor to look at it. At the time, I did not realize it was injured, I thought it was just sore. SPA: Here is where I was utterly disappointed, but it didn't ruin my vacation. We booked a couples massage, which was just ok, borderline bad. The spa itself is located in an open air hallway, which is lovely, but it lacks a private/serene room for relaxing. Just some sheer curtains in the hallway to block the gym traffic. The change rooms were old and dirty, with nowhere to hang a towel for the shower. The cold plunge (or hot tub, not sure which) was dirty and out of service. The sauna was cold and unusable. They offered lockers, however we were told they’d give us the lock code when you came out of the massage, so you left things there not knowing who had access to it. The therapists were late, the treatment room A/C was broken, so it was warm, one therapist dropped a bottle and glass shattered on floor next to my husband (accidents happen!). My therapists’ hands were very dry and rough, so the massage itself was not very enjoyable. For $320 USD, they took off 10% ($32) for the A/C issue, but then told us the +10% service charge did not go in any part to the therapist, thus making us feel guilty to make an additional tip for a massage/experience that was not very good. I would skip the spa here if you are in any way accustomed to higher end spas and treatments at home.  To hotel management, I would prioritize a refresh of the spa, and up the experience for guests here. STAFF: All the staff we encountered were very friendly and nice, but not overly so as some other reviews said. I found many of the staff speak very softly, and sometimes it is very difficult to hear them (servers at restaurants for example). However, everyone called us by name “Mr. and Mrs. ---), which was lovely and personal. A few servers were noticeably grumpy, but it did not impact our stay. Smelled weed a few times around the grounds, which was definitely coming from staff walking here and there. WIFI: Pretty good Wifi everywhere on the resort except the beach where it can go nearly non-existent. GYM: We found the gym to be adequate. Enough dumbbells (kg), kettles, and a few machines that I used. I enjoyed it early enough that I was solo (6:30-7am), but my husband went later (closer to 7:30-8:30) and it was hard to navigate with so many others using it at the same time. KIDS CLUB: This was a huge reason we booked at Carlisle Bay. Our only son is 9, so we count on the kids clubs to keep him happy and having fun on vacation. The older group was led by Gio/Geo(sp?) most days. No other children joined until about 4-5 days into our holiday when the March Breakers started arriving, so it was just the two of them the first few days. Our son loved hanging out with Geo. They did nature hikes, played football (soccer), looked for beach/ocean creatures, got ice cream, etc.  They loosely followed the kids club schedule, but without more kids, a lot of the programming didn’t happen. For instance, my son was so excited to do the tow donut ride behind Carlisle’s speedboat in the bay. It was on the schedule 2-3 times/week, and he didn’t get to do it once. Mostly because of no other children in his age group (they want a minimum of 4 to take out the boat), then they said the wind was too much, although as an avid boater in cottage country for 30+ years at home, I can tell you the bay itself was more than calm enough for a tube ride! Overall, our son enjoyed the club, but it was unfortunate that many of the programs were cancelled throughout because of attendance. EXCURSIONS: We had prebooked Stingray City directly prior to arriving in Antigua for the Friday morning. Carlisle organized a taxi to get us to/from which was seamless. Our son absolutely loved the stingrays and was the highlight of his trip. As adults who love nature, we also thoroughly enjoyed it. I would tick it off as a must do when on the island. Another day, we hired the same taxi driver to take us to English Harbour and then to Pigeon Point Beach for the afternoon. He picked us up at 11, dropped at Nelson’s Dockyard for a quick 30-40 minute walk around, and then picked us back up, dropped us at nearby Catharine’s beach restaurant (highly recommend!), and to enjoy the beach for a while. Picked us back up by 3pm and back to the hotel by 3:30ish.   MISC: Mosquitos and sand flies! So many bites. My son came home with over 50 bites, and my husband had a bunch too. I usually get eaten alive, but I found if I sat out on the patio of our room, that is where they were the worst, so I simply relaxed inside during those times, and didn’t have many bites. Some at the Jetty restaurant in the evening as well. Given the location in the rainforest part of the island along with the mangrove ponds behind the buildings, it is warranted there would be mosquitos. They seem immune to the bug spray, and the sand flies were so small, almost invisible. They weren’t so bad on the beach, more so just near the buildings and on your patio/balcony.   Overall, we so enjoyed our time at Carlisle Bay! It is a beautiful resort, with an amazing beach and such calm waters. For the cost of over $16k USD for a week (which for us Canadian’s was closer to $23k CAD), we felt this was way more than the week was worth. I feel like $16-17k CAD would have been more in line with value, experience, and expectations. That said, I would absolutely love to return, and would not hesitate to recommend this beautiful spot.  

Another year and the entire family is grateful for another incredible break at Carlisle Bay. We cannot begin to thank the team enough and the thanks began even before we took flight. The reservations team provided an incredible and seamless booking experience, but we realised that we had I overlooked a document issue prior to departure. Without going into details, the team at CB were able to find a seamless resolution that they really weren't obliged to pursue. This is just a snapshot of just how dedicated, professional and passionate the team at CB are when it comes to delivering an incredible experience. The staff who took such incredible care of our family last year welcomed us with open arms, remembering some of our preferences and both our children's names. Our little two-year-old, ineligible last year, couldn't wait for Kid's Club, but on the first day cried herself to sleep. We received a call and were informed of the situation; we chose to go and pick her up and when we did, saw her asleep in Kerri-Anne's arms. From her second visit on, she was at home and never wanted to leave when it was pickup time. Turtle watching, adventure walks, tennis and tie-dye t-shirts, the activities are endless and captivating for kids. We cannot overstate the significance of this trip for our family; we looked forward to the beautiful bay, the beach and seeing all the friends we made the year before. Michael the sommelier who always greets you with a smile and an incredible wealth of knowledge if you're looking to pair a wine with the incredible menu dishes; Georgier, Shantez, Audacia, Kate, Irwin, Michael and the wonderful team at Indigo. There are too many to list. Genuinely kind, passionate and professional indvidials who come together to give you what you came on holiday for. That's different for different guests and CB offer a tailored experience based on the given circumstances and requirements. The grounds are meticulous and even after a short time, you see the effort and time that goes into maintaining the facilities. Everything is manicured, beautiful and everything works. It was beautiful last year, but this year even moreso with a tasteful refurb that just elevated the overall experience. The water sports options have been extended and this year I got back into my tennis with Nigel. What a gem. What a patient technician. After a dozen years, I'm back home more relaxed, with a golden tan, and a smooth back and forehand. On the flight back, our little girl started crying and said that she was upset that we were leaving Antigua. A beautiful island indeed, and the team at CB ensure that you are happy to arrive and somehow turns out that you're a little melancholy to leave the place and people. Quite aside from all the aforementioned reasons to return, I am resigned to the fact I have to go back with the entire family with the selfish pursuit of a 'serve' to complement my backhand. Beyond highly recommended. Thank you Len, Toma, Shemel, Tony, Larry, Conrad, Tonya and Brian. Can't wait to see you all again

We stayed for spring break with our child. We all were so thrilled by the beautiful setting with beach views everywhere, relaxed luxury, laid back guests, great food, and great kids club. The gym and fast track immigration were also highlights. Our kid adored the kids club and we found the children’s activities to be substantive and engaging for her. A lot of kids clubs seems like a hidden craft room or day care. At Carlisle bay, they had the kids out on boats looking for turtles, making pizza in the pizza oven, and tie dyeing shirts. You won’t feel any guilt leaving your kid to get in a workout or a massage or tennis lesson or just sit by the beach with a book. We can’t wait to go back. It is a really relaxing setting where you can let go and exhale.

Our first visit to Antigua and a brilliant experience firstly the staff are amazing helpful happy and always willing to help and special mention to our concierge Eric what a guy. The setting is absolutely spectacular we stayed in the Bay Suite with an ocean view the beach is very nice and well looked after with lots of nice sunbeds if there is a very minor issue it is very very expensive but the setting probably comprise we will definitely be back

Location right on the beach, modern suites, amazing food across all restaurants, and very attentive and friendly staff that always went above and beyond. It was extremely baby friendly while feeling more upscale than a typical family oriented hotel.

Nothing - we would absolutely recommend this place

It was pretty and well maintained Good was quite good - only one occasion where it fell short!

The staff - unfortunately - they seemed like everything was a bit of a pain. If you asked for a certain table, or how much longer your meal would be, you'd be met with eye rolls etc. They were by no means rude, but equally, weren't particularly helpful or attentive. For example, as we were ready to leave and packing our final bits away in the last suitcase, the chap who was helping said he'd come back, we said - no need - we'll be 1 minute. He still walked off and we had to use the trolley ourselves to wheel down to the reception area.

Carlisle Bay is like a comfortable flannel shirt. There is nothing flashy or ostentatious about it. It is not the land of the influencer or the posed Instagram spread. It is instead a rather timeless Caribbean staple that knows what it is and delivers on that vision consistently and with good cheer and irrepressible friendliness. Unusually for Caribbean resorts these days, everything at Carlisle Bay is arrayed along the beach; there is no effort to soak some more revenue out of oddly placed and undesirable rooms. Everything here faces the beach, everything is steps from the beach and steps from the restaurants. It's a cozy, tight-knit place and it is very pleasant. This isn't a resort for everyone. There isn't all that much to do. The beach is nice but not endless. It's a throwback to Caribbean resorts of old. And it is pretty nice to have it still being true to itself.

The rooms are large and bathrooms good although the hot water takes time to come through. Having forwarded the of my diet, gluten free and veggie we certainly had some teething problems. If one is not super vigilant there could be really unfortunate consequences. This was resolved by management after a day or two. That said the menu was fairly limited. The TV also has a mind of its own and needs re booting. We were supposed to be in the adult only section of the hotel but this did not happen, there were many families with young ones g children so the beach and pool are perhaps not a restful as they might be. It’s has 4 tennis courts but aside from a lesson with a pro, nothing is encouraged which is a shame and waste. On the whole the staff are great and both helpful and attentive which is great.

Absolutely fabulous!! Our first visit to this gorgeous hotel. On arrival we were so impressed by the welcoming staff and the check in process. We stayed in the beautiful newly decorated bay suites which proved to be without doubt the best room in regards of quality and style that we have found to date in our many trips to the Caribbean. It was evident that a lot of care had gone into the design and finish of these rooms. The bed was so comfortable and the bathroom excellent with brilliant lighting which is always a bonus! From start to finish all the staff were absolutely charming. Warm welcomes from everyone. The beach staff were brilliant and attentive even remembering our drink preferences depending on the time of the day! The watersports guys were both fun and very professional and we thoroughly enjoyed our private trip to Cades Reef to see stingrays and barracuda! Well worth the trip. Nestled in a beautiful bay with the rainforest touching the sea around you this really is a beautiful spot. Watching the acrobatics of diving pelicans was great too. The food throughout our stay was of a good standard eith lots to choose from and the singer and her band at the bbq evening were brilliant. We went just before half term which was a nice chilled time to visit so great for couples. But I can see why this hotel would also appeal to families as the room options can offer every kind of combination. Ooh and there’s a lovely boutique too! Overall we found it such a lovely resort with an exceptionally comfortable room, excellent staff, beautiful location and totally relaxing. What more could you hope for. We are already booking for a return trip next year. Can’t wait!!

So pleased we returned back to the hotel post renovations! The service had always been great and no exceptions this time round. The hotel is located in a beautiful bay, a perfect spot between the jungle and the ocean with a great beach for the beach lovers!! In the past, our only hesitation j going back was the rundown suits which have now been extremely well done. Spacious suits with great views. Highly recommend!

We spent 7 nights in this hotel. I had not been to Antigua for 20 yr the island hasn't changed much , still unspoilt and I think it has the best beaches in the Carribean This hotel exceeded expectations. Cannot fault it and the service we received . The staff are all so helpful and friendly. The beach is wonderful , we were moved to an ocean front suite as the air con was not working properly on the first night . The suites are large have been re furbished and the decor is lovely .Tea /coffee and free soft drinks in the room We literally stepped out onto the beautiful beach, it was quite windy during our stay but i managed to paddle board in the stunning horse shoe bay. Breakfast buffet is lovely , lots of choice in the buffet or a la carte -shout out to Leanne and Georgia serving us . The pool is very large and never crowded lots of sunbeds and plenty of sunbeds on the beach too . Each night we had cocktails at the main bar ..Marlon and Merrique made me fabulous Virgin Coladas There are 4 restaurants the main Indigio where we had the carribean buffet the first night . The casual Italien Ottimo by the pool , East ( pan Asian ) and our fav the adult only Jetty on the beach vibe. Food was good in all of them . We ate out twice during our stay at Shere rocks ( pricey but fab views ) and Fox house lovely local vibe I had a fabulous massage in the spa with Michelle. I was going to get a hair blow dry but 120 USD seemed pricey . The gym is well equipped and never busy The rooms were always cleaned and turn down service each evening We had a driver Cordel for a day who took us round the island for the day . He was lovely and very knowledgable ( defo recommend this esp if your first trip to the island ) We will return this hotel exceeded our expectations ! Usually in the Carribean I think the service is slow but not at Carlisle Bay it is very efficient and well run but thing that makes it so special are the lovely friendly staff ! Thank you to everyone we will return to yr beautiful hotel .

We spent five wonderful nights at Carlisle Bay Antigua, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. From the moment we arrived until our final lunch, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome and relaxed. We stayed in a beautifully designed Ocean Suite, which was spacious, modern, and offered stunning views of the bay. The housekeeping team was attentive, ensuring our suite remained immaculate throughout our stay. The beach is impeccably maintained, with quick and friendly service right to our loungers. We highly recommend the all-inclusive package; the diverse menu constantly offered new and delicious items for us to explore. This was the perfect escape from the cold—a laid-back, sun-drenched sanctuary where we could finally just breathe. Carlisle Bay is truly a perfect island retreat."

One day pass while On ritz Carlton cruise- fantastic. Best massages we have had in years and we live in NYC surrounded by amazing spas. The beach attendants were all awesome and helpful. Clean and beautiful beach. Everyone here knew our names within an hour of our arrival and continued to ask us if we needed or wanted anything during our time. We were so impressed we decided we're coming back for a week in August.

What can I say about Carlisle bay. We had the most amazing experience. My husband and I decided to visit to celebrate our 25yr anniversary. After booking we de used to also renew our Vows whilst there. What a beautiful resort Staff are super helpful and friendly, remembering your name, favourite drinks always try to seat you I. The best seats in the restaurants. Nothing was too big an issue for them. On the day of our renewal, it went like clockwork and they made us feel so special and ensured the setting looking exactly as we requested. Dinner in the beach whilst the sun was setting was just lovely. Our whole stay was relaxing and fab. The all inclusive package is excellent also. Would definitely recommend Carlisle Bay!

So many resorts on the island are built on Hillside into the rock, with multiple levels and a ton of stairs. This was just not an option for my mother, aged 85. The beachfront rooms are a recipe for the most relaxing vacation ever. Service was impeccable and immediate at all times. Housekeeping comes twice daily, and the staff are kind and lovely and gracious. We Loved Rita, who took such good care of us. The four restaurants were all delicious and we ventured out to various restaurants 20 to 45 minutes away in our rental car. As much as my mother loved sitting and admiring the view, I enjoyed swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and don’t miss water skiing with Dhempsey - he got this 58-year-old up on the first try! The gym was perfect; large and cool with updated machines, cold towels, and apples. The spa looked elegant, but not over the top or grotesque just sort of perfect. My only comment as to a downside? The water clarity on the bay is maybe a two out of five for other swimmers out there… Also, there is a lot of need on the island. I wish high end resorts like this would post a link to wish lists from an orphanage or nonprofit; we could all be reminded to do our part. ❤️

We had a lovely time this year at Carlisle Bay. I got one room for my adult sons and one ocean suite for me. Having first visited in 2012 and been many times it was great to see the new updates,covers for sunbeds and some room refurbs and new chairs in indigo. I think there have also been some general improvements in service. The setting is idyllic with the sounds of the sea and nature and the staff that work here are genuinely friendly people. Too many names to mention all but Tony is such an asset to the hotel, Michael the sommelier is great,I love seeing Georgi every year at indigo she’s a delight and Myrleen was great fun and Irwin and keri-Ann. We also had a great time at the Jetty at lunchtime with Latoya and team and La’ron bringing the boys a bottle of special hot sauce. Shawn and Kevin and all the reception staff were great, Tracey in charge of reservations has always also been super helpful to me. Ariel was the best room fairy keeping all pristine. It was all a fantastic treat and I can’t wait to come back! One suggestion I would have is move the east restaurant outside it would be so much better placed I think. Tennis and Yoga an added bonus too.

This was our 3rd Visit and we’ll be back for our fourth. Currently typing this at VC Bird waiting for a flight back to London. Had a fantastic nine nights in the newly refurbed Ocean Suites. The staff are excellent throughout the resort and Rajiv the GM is highly visible and approachable. There is also a weekly opportunity to have a cocktails with senior management if you want to discuss anything but the reception staff can really resolve 99% of issues. Loved having a sundowner watching the pelicans on the new sofas by the jetty restaurant.

This was the perfect trip for our family five, 3 kids ages 4,2,4 months. We stayed in one of the beach suites that was perfectly situated between the beach and pool. Everyone was so friendly on the property( waitstaff, housecleaning, maintenance, seriously everyone you pass by says hello and wants to interact with kids) . The 4 and 2 year old went to the kids club almost daily for their morning session , they always had fun activities planned for them. Not just a big toy room like some resorts. We went to the adult only restaurant one night, the hotel helped arrange for a baby sitter which was one of the kids clubs teachers which was nice because we had already met her and the kids were comfortable with her. The spa was amazing, both husband and I agreed that it was probably one of the best massages we ever had. Wish I found more time to check out the Pilates/yoga classes but it was hard with the littles but was able to attend a sound bath meditation and it was so relaxing. They helped arrange a half day boat trip for us, they took us to some secluded beaches and fishing around the reef. The only thing I can say that was mediocre was that maybe the food wasn’t Michelin star worthy but still really good. (we didn’t go with the all inclusive option so we went out to the other highly rated restaurants in the area and they weren’t any better than the restaurants on site) maybe one recommendation would be have a daily breakfast special but even then they do have a lot good breakfast menu and plenty of options on the buffet and a new smoothie choice for the morning! Would definitely go back one day and recommend to anyone looking for a laidback but luxury Caribbean experience.

I actually stayed there in January 25 with my mum over my birthday. The grounds are beautiful, the massage was great and they went out of their way for my birthday - I received 3 cakes! The reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars is: it is way too expensive for what it is. Breakfast lacks choice and is mediocre, food on site is very expensive, watersports equipment is from the 20th century and the service overall is slooooow. Beautiful hotel at a beautiful beach, but half price would actually be acurate or offer what other hotels qithin this price range offer.

BREAKFAST IS GOOD

THEY DID NOT GIVE ME THE HIGHEST FL AS WE REQUESTED ONCE BOOKED THE HOTEL

The location was nice, the food okay, but the staff and treatment was very unprofessional and rude, I've gotten better treatment and service at McDonald's. Btw make sure to go over your bills to prevent double charges.

Fantastic position right on a beautiful beach.

Quite quiet which was great for us but if you want a lot of lively entertainment is probably not the right place

It’s quite rare to find a hotel the size of Carlisle Bay (nearly 90 suites) that feels big when you’re there but still manages to offer a completely personalised service where everyone remembers your name and breakfast orders daily. The resort is absolutely impeccably presented. It’s not grand and opulent but understated and homely. It’s refreshing to visit a hotel where all the staff are so well trained and everyone seems to care about guests. Particular credit to Jason behind the bar and Leanne in the Indigo restaurant. Both have an infectiously upbeat view on life that completely takes you away from the City mindset. If you can get a newly refurbished room, you should. The fact that water sports are included is also a great perk and we went out on kayaks daily. Quite a few people in our group had specific dietary requirements (kosher) and the hotel were able to bring in kosher meat and adapt menus to reflect their needs. The food in restaurants was good, particularly the bircher muesli at breakfast. It would be nice to see some variety and changes day-to-day at breakfast, and Ottimo restaurant could improve their menu (I found the pizzas a bit tasteless) in my opinion, but otherwise the food is consistently good. Overall, a great stay. There’s quite a few people that regularly go back and it’s easy to see why.

The staff is exceptional. Every staff member we encountered seemed intent on making our stay the best it could be. We were delayed due to snow storm departing NY. Throughout our stay management was attentive and accommodating. My husband and I visited with our daughter and son in law and infant grandson. The resort is very family oriented and the the baby’s room was fully outfitted with essentials to make their stay very easy. We had ocean suites which were recently renovated. They were very comfortable and offered beautiful views and easy access to the beach. We booked through Amex fine hotels. We were afforded late check out but unable to upgrade rooms due to lack of availability of rooms. This was expected during high season. The restaurants offered diverse menus. We opted for the all inclusive which is a must have. Without it, your food and drink bill would be very costly if you are mostly eating onsight. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back. Shout out to Leanne @Indigo for her outstanding service and the beach guys working tirelessly to serve us all day in the beach!

My family and I really enjoyed our stay here. We had rooms that were a step away from the beach and were always greeted with a warm smile from the staff there. Sydon stood out as one of the beach staff who went out of his way to make sure we were always taken care of and took time to make sure we had a great trip. We were very fortunate to come across such a beautiful place and welcoming staff.

Our stay at Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua was disappointing overall. The restaurant service was good, with friendly and attentive staff. Unfortunately, this was the only real highlight. Management was largely absent and unresponsive during our stay. Booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts proved pointless, as promised upgrades were ignored despite availability being shown on the hotel’s own website. My Leading Hotels of the World Sterling status was also completely disregarded - there was no pre-arrival communication or acknowledgement, despite assurances beforehand. For a resort in this price range, the rooms are outdated and clearly in need of renovation, which does not match the luxury image being marketed. In summary, good restaurant staff, but poor management, unmet benefits, and rooms that don’t justify the cost.

Beach and room good

Food dull. No entertainment and poor atmosphere

This is about their spa! I’m local and I like to treat myself sometimes and this spa is DEFINITELY a treat wow! Highly recommend

I cannot rate this high enough. We stayed in a 2 bedroom beach villa which had fantastic amenities. The resort itself is clean and has great amenities, you can go snorkeling and there are 4 restaurants. The staff is outstanding. The only negative is that there are many children running around.

The staff at CB are like my second family. Everyone knows my name and they always greet me or wave to me wherever I am. The staff are CB's best asset and they are in high morale following a change of General Manager and improvements to the hotel. Rajiv Malhotra is doing a great job and I am hopeful he will stay in situ for many years to come. He seems to be someone who gets things done. If you are a guest, you will almost certainly meet him as he makes a huge effort to talk to everyone. The Ocean Suites have been updated and look lovely. These changes were desperately needed. The beach Suites will be done in 2026. Deonne Maxim gets a special mention for all her help and attentiveness on the room front. In addition, the hotel reception looks much improved after dispensing with the hospital green colour and getting some screens and new furniture. The tiling around the pool has been changed so it is less slippery and cool to walk on. The furniture in Indigo restaurant has also been upgraded so that the chairs are now comfortable and far lighter than the previous ones. Food in all the restaurants is really good and all the staff are helpful and friendly. Special shout-out to Larry who was amazing when my friend fainted. To be honest there are too many other amazing staff to name them all. So in summary, I had a great time and I've already booked my return flight for next year.

Location room staff

Asian restaurant over rated

It is so rare to have what amounts to a single boutique hotel on a huge beautiful gently sloping beach. The space and privacy is beyond price. The rooms are lovely and spacious with sea views, big beds, and fabulous coffee machines. The staff are absolutely wonderful - professional but warm and friendly, and they give the place a luxurious homely feeling. A good selection of restaurants and Bradley is raising the food game even further. The dive shop is great and excellent snorkelling in the bay. It’s the most relaxing place I know. This was my 4th visit in a few years

Nothing!

Amazing breakfast and wonderful location All the staff where so friendly and helpful

Coffee machines not great

4 stars, but on the up. Many of the suites have been refurbished in the last 12 months since our first visit, and they are beautiful. As with all projects there are always little snags, and we encountered a few, Shannoy is head of guest relations and superbly held our hand in getting those resolved; and in doing so ensured we will return. Food, staff, especially the breakfast crew and in the Jetty restaurant, were outstanding; as were the beach/ views/ and ocean. Once the plans to roll out the refurb across the property are completed this will be a 5* every time!

The staff were exceptional. Very friendly.

Bed was very hard and the interiors are quite bland throughout.

First timers, and it won’t be the last visit. Booked through BA holidays in 2024 after much research as this was celebrating our 23 year anniversary, a family holiday before A’ level results for our son, and an early 50th for me. Arrived promptly from the airport at 2pm. We were slightly disappointed and hot and tired that our room was not ready until 5pm. I had to enquire at least 3 times too. We enjoyed drinks at the bar and then were taken to our room eventually and all drinks on the house, and also some credit was put on our room. Fair enough, we were also lucky enough to have an interconnecting room with adult family 18 and 20 and the suite was superb. Brand new, few minor issues, tv didn’t work but to be honest we were not bothered. Fridge also didn’t work but got fixed day 2. The resort is lovely. Beautiful beach, spacious room, friendly staff. We loved the food but could have done with all the restaurants being open every night so more of a choice. That said we loved our lunches and dinners at East, the main restaurant was very goos, Leanne kept us highly amused, slso Jetty was good but a little hot but again service and food was delicious. I loved sitting at Coconut Grove for drinks turtle watching. The pool bar was good. Very quiet in the evenings, we were in bed most nights by 11pm but loved waking up at 6am for the gym or pilates. We did the tour of the gardens with Junior, he was lovely, very sweet and good to see the resort from the outside, we didn’t see many doing this tour which is a shame. My kids and husband also walked to Signal Hill and walked to Rendezvous Bay with Junior. We also visited Laviscount Island and met the lovely taxi driver Ron, whom we will use on our next visit. My son and husband used the jet ski that visited twice during our stay, we made use of the reef snorkel trip, snorkelling, kayaks, pedallos and Stand up paddle boards. We met some a lovely guest at the hotel “Mr Moley” and are now in touch with him back in London. Some guests were slightly stand offish, not sure why? And one family in particular seemed to enjoy yelling at their kids even with a snorkel mask on, quite amusing! All in all we loved our stay. We are looking at visiting Antigua in 2026 but not sure it will be Carlise Bay, possibly 2027, prices have increased, hoping BA sale may entice us. Thanks for a lovely stay, see you again at some stage. The Holland Family, Hertfordshire

Carlisle Bay was truly laid back luxury. It’s difficult to find anything negative to say. Staff were delightful and excellent. The food was fantastic. The hotel and beach were stunning and the island was lush and green and beautiful. We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with two teenage girls and there was plenty of room. The only thing that would have been better would be having two bathrooms but the one bathroom was very large and we managed. Although we visited at the end of the season, the weather was lovely. Not too hot. A bit of rain at times but it only lasted a few minutes. There was a nice breeze most of the time. We found the trip very relaxing and would love to return one day. Having the fast track through the airport was a very nice touch as well. Can very much recommend this hotel.

We were lucky enough to spend two incredible weeks at Carlisle Bay in early July on an all inclusive stay and it completely exceeded our expectations. Originally, we’d booked through BA Holidays for August 2025, only to be told in January that the resort would be closed for refurbishment. We brought the trip forward, and after being there, we now realise Carlisle Bay usually closes in August each year, so it’s a mystery how we were able to book it in the first place! With that hiccup, and a few less than glowing TripAdvisor reviews, we were admittedly a little apprehensive. But any nerves disappeared the moment we arrived. The resort is beautiful, calm, and welcoming. Service was impeccable; yes, occasionally on “Caribbean time,” but always with warmth and grace. The food was delicious, the cocktails even better, and the entire resort was kept immaculately clean. We stayed in a beachfront suite which was just perfect. Our loungers were only a few steps from our terrace, and we loved starting the day with the sound of the waves. Vida looked after us so well in the evenings, always thoughtful, always smiling. Len kept us cool and refreshed on the beach, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our 12-year-old daughter had a fantastic time with the Crew Blue activities and especially loved sneaking some breakfast to feed the tortoises at the kids’ club (shhh!). Akim was brilliant with kids of all ages. Lunchtime at Ottimo! became a daily favourite, and the Monday beach BBQ at Jetty Grill with the steel band was a highlight. I’m already dreaming about returning for my birthday one day, just to have Leanne from Indigo sing Happy Birthday to me! If there’s one downside, it’s the mosquitoes as they really went for us, despite using all the repellent available (and the hotel does provide some). So come prepared! We also chartered a boat through Barefoot Antigua and can’t recommend it highly enough. We visited Stingray City, Bird Island, and several beautiful snorkelling spots. The spa was a dream. Michelle gave fantastic treatments and the whole experience was incredibly relaxing. Our two weeks flew by, and we now fully understand why so many people return year after year. Carlisle Bay is understated luxury at its best. We would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommend.

Picturesque beach/bay in a boutique like setting! The service was excellent at every turn from the front reception ( Fern) to the servers ( Leanne is the best) to the spa staff ( Eve gives a great massage) service to the watersports staff ( Lenny!). At every turn, service was incredible. I would recommend here if you are looking for a relax and chill type vacation. We did half board and I highly recommend that or all inclusive as the menu prices are steep. The spa is priced fairly, as is watersports in my opinion.

Just left Carlisle Bay after our second visit. We were last there 3 years ago. We had a wonderful time, and met many guests who return year after year. It’s easy to see why. The best bit about this resort is the beachfront location. Most rooms and suites are on the beach, literally steps from the sea. You wake up to the most wonderful sea views from your room. The bay is gentle and clear, so super safe for the kids to play in. On a kayak or snorkelling you will see stingrays, barracuda, starfish, lobsters and turtles. The service levels have definitely improved since our last visit and it feels very slick/seamless now. Many of the staff have worked at the hotel for years. The hotel is partway through a refurb, and we were staying on one of the newly upgraded ocean suites which was stunning. We love the fact that this resort is small, so all the kids of varying ages get to know each other. It’s incredibly safe and a place that you instantly relax. Our favourite restaurant was East, with superb Asian food. We also enjoyed lunches at Ottimo where the food quality was also excellent. My only negative is that the Jetty Bar wasn’t open every night for sundowners. Overall, a fantastic stay and we will definitely return.

Beachfront room, beautiful location, friendly service, great breakfast, lovely views Lovely daily afternoon tea was a nice touch

Hotel and rooms were tired looking and needed refurbishment Insufficient drawers for clothing No towel rack outside for wet swimwear and towels Mosquito screen for glass sliding doors was difficult to open and close No free shuttle service to nearby places like English harbour and jolly harbour, only option was to book taxis

It’s a wonderful hotel, thank you.

La plage

Le service

Staff amazing, food amazing, beach amazing. Met with a smile, snorkelling with rainbow fish, walking with sting rays on the shore, swatted some Moskitos, ate some snapper, fell asleep on the chair. Played some tennis, worked off the pasta in the gym. Amazing.

From the time one enters the Carlisle Bay Resort you know by the greeting from the Senior Guest Assistant Nakia you have come to the right place for vacation. As a family of 5 celebrating a 70th birthday event in a beautifully appointed 3 bedroom beachfront suite we were immediately impressed by the housekeeping staff from the morning to turn down service in the evening. The courtesy, friendliness and service of every staff member was exceptional. The 4 exquisite restaurants with an excellent choice in menu selections from the afternoon tea, to Japanese cuisine, Italian bistro, American fare and BBQ was immensely appreciated by us all. All this I believe comes from the guidance of the General Manager Mr. Rajiv Malhotra and his Director of Operations, Brian Murphy who exert every effort to eliminate any issues immediately that may arise which would leave a negative impression of the resort. The Carlisle Bay Antigua deserves the ranking for one of “The Leading Hotels of the World.” We all agreed to return again in the future! Cheryl Fils-Aimé

We had such a great stay at Carlisle Bay – it’s a beautiful spot and the whole experience was really memorable from start to finish. The setting is stunning, with the beach right on your doorstep and the whole place surrounded by lush greenery. Our room was lovely – really comfortable, clean, and felt like a perfect space to unwind. The food was consistently great throughout our stay, with lots of variety and everything really well done. But what really stood out for us was the staff – everyone was so warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful. A few special mentions: Jason and Seymour made us some fantastic cocktails and were always a pleasure to chat with. Dede at East looked after us so well on my birthday night – really appreciated the extra care. Garfield and Prince gave us an amazing boat trip we won’t forget. Michael was brilliant at breakfast each morning, always welcoming and on the ball. And a big thanks to Brian, the manager, whose attention to detail and approachability really stood out – you can tell he genuinely cares about the guest experience. We left feeling really looked after and already talking about coming back. Highly recommend. We will be back!

We met Michael (resort sommelier) when dining on Thursday night at their amazing East restaurant (dined there twice due to the impeccable service and sushi / Asian cuisine quality). He was super knowledgeable about wine and recommended an “orange wine” to pair with our dishes which was even better than the food. Michael encouraged us to try out his semi-private wine tasting which occurs every Friday in the coconut grove of the main restaurant and it was even better than the night before. Not only had Michael traveled throughout Europe, he educated us on how to taste the wine and even around the essence of the grape itself. Michael was entertaining and educational and was one of the highlights of our stay. He had a private tasting the second night but made a point to stop by our dinner table just to say hi to us and our kids (where somehow he even encouraged both boys to eat all their broccoli - a miracle by our standards) and ensured we picked out an amazing pairing wine even though he was off the clock. 10/10 would recommend the resort and every member of the staff was friendly and welcoming!

Phenomenal hotel. Exceptional staff . Delicious food. Wonderful facilities. We will be back again

Everything was to perfection - a wonderful 5 days

Booked a Beach suite on the AI basis for 5 nights in March. Very impressed with the meet and greet service at the airport and private taxi transfer to Carlisle Bay. The large room was on the 2nd floor with a wonderful view directly onto the beach and ocean. The only criticism is, as mentioned in other reviews , the linen and bath towels are in need of replacement. Every member of staff is fantastic and cannot do enough for you. The AI basis includes all the restaurants and every meal was fresh and delicious. We particularly enjoyed the Jetty Grill which was adults only. An extremely relaxing stay, enjoying a beautiful part of the island.

Where do I begin? Carlisle Bay was everything we had hoped for - and more - when it came to hosting our wedding weekend in Antigua. From the moment we arrived, if felt like we had our own private slice of paradise. The resort offered a variety of dynamic and beautifully curated spaces that made each of our events feel unique and special. We kicked things off with a laid-back welcome BBQ on the lawn with an authentic taste of the island through recommended entertainment and menu; we said our vows under the palms, and danced the night away in an open-air reception space that perfectly captured the island's natural beauty. The food? Incredible. Executive Chef Kumar was hands on with all of our events (he even cut his vacation short to ensure service and the menu were perfect - and it was!). Every request we had - no matter how outside-the-box - was met with an enthusiastic 'of course we can'. The waitstaff was beyond attentive, warm and genuinely kind - especially Winston! - making our guests feel completely taken care of throughout the weekend. A special mention to Jodie, our event planner and absolute MVP. I'm not sure there's anything she can't do - and does it all with a calm, confident smile. Her professionalism, creativity and heart truly brought our vision to life. The rooms gave our guests a peaceful and intimate escape, making it feel like we had the resort to ourselves, even with other travelers staying there. And the amenities from the beach and spa to the activities and service - were top-tier. Antigua will always hold a special place in our hearts because of this experience. Carlisle Bay, its people, and its stunning setting gave us a weekend filled with high vibes, unforgettable memories and so much love. If you're considering this resort for a wedding event or even just a romantic getaway - do it. You won't regret it.

Great location/beach. May is coming to the end of the season so it was very very quiet. Plenty of car parking space and two places to eat. One at either end of the beach. Not much else around in the ways of public amenities and no water sports but the beach makes up for that. Nice in a way not to have water sports going on around you

Stunning setting and wonderful staff.

Was quite expensive for food and drinks.

Another fabulous 10 days at Carlisle Bay. Agreed a few areas need refreshing but the genuine kindness and helpfulness of the staff makes up for any minor infrastructure shortcomings. Also, the food in all restaurants was always promptly served and delicious. The beach is gorgeous. Looking forward to returning.

Peaceful, clean, lovely warm helpful friendly staff. Upgraded room, walk out to beach, enjoyed meeting some of the others guests. Traveled solo. The friendliness of the staff helped make a very comfortable atmosphere and stay. H spa was amazing, massage and body wrap. Was so relaxed I never read my book.

We had such a wonderful time at Carlisle Bay. It really was the perfect family holiday for us. We were incredibly lucky to be on a room on the beach with was perfect for us with our little boy, as well as being very near the beach and some of the restaurants - it meant it was seamless for us to travel around the hotel easily and quickly nip to the pool or the beach. The beach itself is absolutely stunning and one of the best that we have stayed or been on. One of the greatest attributes of the hotel. The pool is perfect for kids and adults too - never did I think I would appreciate a shelf in a pool so much! Restaurants were great, and the half board in particular was well worth doing. We particularly loved East and Jetty experiences. We did a few of the planned activities which were well worth doing - tennis lesson, group hike as well as the pilates. Special mention to some of the staff too who went above and beyond to make our stay seamless - particularly Leanne at breakfast. Some things do seem overpriced and expensive - drinking, the gift shop, food if we were not on half board etc. particularly with the American tax and service addition. However, overall, we had the most wonderful stay and would love to return one day.

Beautiful and clean property. I love how it didn’t feel crowded. Staff was amazing. I also loved the food.

Carlisle Bay is a dream. The people are so genuinely kind and we had the best service the entire time we were there. We traveled with our toddler and stayed in a beach terrace room which made potty breaks, naps, snacks, etc super easy. No need to pack a bag or lug things back and forth - just open the door and go. Most times it felt like we were on a private island. We never had to battle for chairs at the beach or pool and there were plenty of beach toys and boogie boards for all the kids to enjoy. The ocean rafts were an huge hit with the toddler and adults alike and again were always available. Everything at the resort was just a quick walk away which added to the ease and convenience. We did some of the included water sports and played some tennis while we were there and again it was all so easy. No lines or hassle. We are picky about food but enjoyed every meal. We didn’t utilize beach service until halfway through our trip and I wish we would’ve done it sooner because everyone was so attentive and quick. We cannot wait to return.

Absolutely wonderful, relaxing and fun family trip at Carlisle Bay. Our room was literally on the beach, with a large balcony and amazing view. The beach was immaculate and calm. Never felt crowded, and always lounge chairs available. Free water sports available and quick and easy to take out SUPs, kayaks, sailboats. Great 7 min boat ride to the reef for snorkeling ($50pp). The beach and pool were both perfect for our kids (age 7 & 1). As others have mentioned, the property is in need of some updating, but that is currently underway. While our room was not yet updated, we did get to view an updated room and it was lovely. Breakfast at Indigo and dinner at Jebby's were our favorite. Food was great at these meals but most of all, the service was incredible. The nightly live music was a great touch as well- excellent talent. The hotel really stands out with its service. I have never stayed at a hotel in which my name (and my kid's names) were used in every interaction. It was as if we'd been friends for years. This service is what would bring me back to this particular property again and again. I'd specifically like to recognize Ganga, Myrleen, Adicia, Leanne, Darleen and the manager at Jebby's. Thank you for making our stay so special!

We had an incredible vacation at Carlisle Bay. The resort was in a beautiful setting and extremely family friendly. Our room was spacious and you cannot beat being right on the beach.

the tennis facilities

Some of the elements were a little tired.

**Honest & Brutal Review of Carlisle Bay Resort** I have to start by saying that I love Antigua. This is my fourth visit, and my first time traveling with kids in tow. The people here are incredibly friendly, and I always feel safe, which is why we decided to bring the kids for spring break. My previous visits were to Pineapple Beach Club, Galley Bay, and Hermitage Bay. **Room Category: 2-Bedroom Beach Terrace** **Travelers: 2 Adults, 2 Kids (Ages 11 & 13)** **Pros:** - **The Staff:** The team at Carlisle Bay is super sweet, friendly, and mostly helpful. - **The Food:** Although we didn’t choose the all-inclusive option, the food was decent for a hotel that offers it. - **The Beach:** While I expected the water to be more turquoise like the other properties, the beach itself was clean, with very little seaweed and no sargassum during our stay. We never had trouble finding lounge chairs, and it never felt overly crowded. **Cons:** - **The Room:** The description of a “2-bedroom” is misleading. There is one actual bedroom for the kids with two twin beds and a door, but the so-called master bedroom is just a king-size bed in the middle of the living room—no door, no closet, and definitely not a bedroom. - **Privacy Issues:** None of the doors have locks—not the kids' room, the bathroom, or even the toilet! Additionally, there’s no fan or ventilation in the bathroom, which is quite unpleasant. We had to change in the kids' room or in a steamy bathroom, leading to a terrible design experience overall. - **Cleanliness:** The rooms were not cleaned with care and appeared run-down. It’s in desperate need of renovation. Anyone who labels this as a luxury resort clearly hasn’t experienced true luxury. - **Bugs:** The mosquitoes were terrible—infesting our room and bothering us at dinner. This was my first April visit to Antigua, and I’ve never encountered this issue at the other properties. They do provide bug spray, but it was ineffective. My daughter ended up having an allergic reaction to her bites. - **The Price:** The cost was exorbitant—$8,000 for five nights at a rundown hotel is outrageous. Normally, I’m all for all-inclusive, but that would have been almost another $6,000… charging my 13-year-old adult prices, despite her not drinking . - **Lack of Activities for Teens:** The resort isn’t great for teens or preteens, as there were no activities tailored to their interests. While there were many younger children, which was cute to watch, it may not suit all families. Given these experiences, I will not return to Antigua with my kids. In the future, Hermitage Bay will likely be the only resort I consider when returning to this beautiful country.

Following a very very pleasant flight from the UK we were greeted by an enormous smile as soon as we departed the plane, fast tracked through customs and arrived effortlessly at Carlisle Bay were we received a very warm welcome to the resort and a refreshing cocktail. Check in was seamless. Our beachfront villas were extremely roomy and comfortable, directly overlooking the beach and immaculately clean. All restaurant food was cooked to order and served immediately were nothing was over looked, the attention to detail was superb and all the staff were extremely professional. From the early morning coffees, breakfast service, attendance on the beach to exquisite meals served in all the restaurant's the quality and service was fabulous. Ben at the beach hut bar was a hoot and a special thank has to go to Jay Eisse who was a proper gentleman to the ladies and pointed us in the right direction for attractions outside the resort and excursions. he was very personable and extremely professional a credit to the hotel. If the resort is looking for someone to fast track to a management position this young man is worthy of a chance. A truly wonderful holiday filled with very happy memories, relaxed, luxurious and fabulous, we would highly recommended this resort for all travelers. The owner Pat was in resort at the time and what a very nice chap he was also. Met at the bar and did not have a clue who he was until a member of staff asked if were with the owner's party!!

I don't believe I've ever written a negative review but the disparity between what Carlisle Bay charges and what it offers compelled me to share my experience. My wife and I stayed at the 'hotel' for what was supposed to be a five night stay where we were joined by my brother, sister-in-law, and their children. However, we left after three nights, incurring additional airfare fees, and parting from our darling nephew and niece prematurely, because we just could not stand staying here. The issues began small. Upon arrival, we were surprised by how dilapidated the property appeared and the lack of attentiveness of the staff. We were initially told our room would be available shortly upon our arrival, only to have to wait three hours to be shown to our room. And when they did show us to our room after a three-hour delay, they managed to misplace one of our bags. The first suite we stayed in reeked heavily of stale cigarettes. When I brought this to the attention of the staff and the general manager, Rajiv, they at first admitted the foul smell and attempted to air out the room while they looked for an alternative room. In the meantime, upon returning from the beach and wanting to take a shower, we found that there was no running water in the room at all. We called the front desk and after being left on hold for far too long, were told that there was a problem on the property that was being addressed. I get that things can go wrong unexpectedly but when you're paying more than USD1,000 per night, failure of running water simply should not happen. We had to wait for over an hour for the water to return and the only explanation we were given was that the hotel was "at capacity". A hotel of any size or quality should only have the number of rooms and book the number of guests that they can accommodate. To be fair to the maintenance staff, the hotel is dilapidated and is in desperate need of investments in renovation. The problem is that they are charging post-renovation fees without putting any investment into the property. When the water did come back on, it was barely a trickle of water pressure. When I asked if that was what the water pressure was supposed to be, the maintenance staff shrugged and said there were too many guests with children staying at the resort. Incidentally, this water outage recurred twice more during our shortened stay. After the first night, I told the General Manager that I could not stand to spend another night in the room that still reeked of stale smoke. Throughout the day, he told me he was seeing to it personally. When he came to check in later in afternoon he asked that we wait to be moved to a new room the next morning. I said that was unacceptable, that the room's smell was simply intolerable. He then changed his tune from at least admitting that there was a smell, claiming that after "airing it out" the smell was gone. I assured him that I had just been back to the room and the smell was still very much there, to which he replied "with all due respect, perhaps there is a problem with my nose." I have stayed at all kinds of hotels, from the most elite to the most humble, and I have never been spoken to in such a manner by any staff manager let alone the resort's general manager. In response to his snide remark I suggested with "all due respect" that perhaps he shouldn't be working in a service industry, to which he was quite offended (the truth can strike a nerve I suppose). In any case, we were eventually moved to a recently re-furnished room, for which the only notable refurbishments were a heavy fresh paint smell (which was at least preferable to stale smoke) and a bed that was made out of rock. At this point I could see that our stay was beyond repair so I simply notified them that we would be checking out the next day. With inflation, I understand that sub-USD1,000/night rooms are becoming a rarity, but if you're going to brand yourself as a luxury hotel, you must be prepared to offer a modicum of comfort and ease to your guests. Rooms that don't smell bad and water that flows are not outlandish requests. One more note on the food. It was meh at best. The fish was decent, everything else was barely edible. Most disappointingly, the fruit was completely tasteless despite unbelievably delicious fresh fruits widely available on the island (our driver on the way to the airport couldn't believe we weren't served fresh mango which was in season and was shocked that all the hotel offered was juice concentrates rather than fresh juices). I urge readers to look for accommodations elsewhere.

From the moment we arrived, we knew that we were among a team who love what they do.Greeted at the airport & driven to the resort,everything was organised in advance.The process of going through customs & baggage claim, chaperoned by a Carlisle Bay representative was seamless. We were greeted on our evening arrival by Kevonne, a lovely young man who got us set up in our room & made sure that nothing distracted us from our first dinner reservation. We made settled quickly in our beautiful beach access suite & were escorted to Indigo to meet Kareem, a wonderful host & Michael, the sommelier, who was always smiling, gracious & fully engaged with our needs. The menus across the restaurants; Indigo, East & Ottimo, give you a broad selection with something for everyone. From your favourite salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, sushi, steaks & burgers, our only concern was not to consume too much.We enjoyed an all-inclusive stay & would highly recommend it. At Indigo, we fell in love with the staff. After a mere 48hrs, they were on first name terms w/ our entire family & Georgier, Leanne, Shantez, Jerica & Audicia, really did represent a highlight of our dining experience. Nothing was too much & the service could be described as nothing short of exceptional. Somewhat awkward subject is how much service represents too much or too little?! On an all-inclusive experience, you want to be afforded enough attention so as not to feel neglected, but you also don't want to be bothered unnecessarily. At CB, we always felt that the staff were attentive at all the right times. They were discrete & always sensitive to our 'private' family moments or conversations. We should note that our beach service from Len, encapsulated this dynamic. He was always there when we needed something, never hovering, never missing for long periods. They understood our needs and as much credit as the individuals deserve in this regard, the management are also worthy of immense praise & credit. East is the Asian dining experience & the choice & quality is again exceptional. Michelle was a wonderful host, Jerica & Samaya became friends who made us excited about going back. Michael, the sommelier, seemed to be everywhere, bringing a smile to our experience and even encouraging our little boy, everytime we saw him, to eat his broccoli. The staff have left an impression on my family & I that will last as long as memories of the beautiful geography of the Bay itself. On that note, the waters are calm & clear. In march, the weather was perfect & the occasional rain worked wonders to cleanse the air & give you a break from the otherwise perfect heat & slight humidity. The tennis facilities & tennis coaching are excellent, no matter your skill level. There are paid lessons & complimentary group clinics. The kid's club (for 3+), is an incredible resource. Leaving your kids can be tricky, but the staff at kid's club were just as special to our children as the other staff elsewhere had become to our entire family. The Jetty Grill is also an incredible dining experience & though it is adult only, there's a weekly bbq w/ a live calypso band where children are welcome.The water sports team are outstanding.There are paid experiences, but canoes, pedalos, snorkels & masks are readily available for free on a first come first served basis. There are so many members of the team that I have failed to mention, but one we cannot forget is Vida from housekeeping.She was able to restore our suite to the check-in condition. Not just a daily turn down service, but incredible pride & attention to detail. Every evening, she made the idea of returning back to the suite a complete pleasure. We have had a beautiful experience at CB & as noted,aside from the magical culture & geography of Antigua, CB have done an exceptional job of bottling all of these elements for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One we hope, as our family grows, we will be able to experience as many times as we possibly can.

Great resort that you can relax or be as busy as you want. Good food choices and good quality. Friendly staff with lots of character.

Location is perfect, about 40 minutes from St John's. Recommend renting a car vs a taxi, if you like to have freedom to leave the hotel. The staff was wonderful, attentive and genuine. They were very helpful in assisting us with reservations off-site, booking hikes with a guide and overall. We also thoroughly enjoyed the food at all of the places we ate at.

I think the price is a little on the high side. Some of the pricing at the hotel was also higher than expected, compared to more local spots. Yes, this is normal, but it was 20% higher than expected. For example, sunscreen was $30 USD when at another hotel the same was $16. The all-inclusive option is worth considering if you plan on eating and drinking a lot.

We booked this trip as an “end of maternity leave” treat for me and so that we could enjoy our first holiday with our baby boy (9 months) somewhere truly relaxing. Carlisle Bay could not have been a better choice. We and the couple we were travelling with were both upgraded to suites on the beach with separate rooms for the babies, which was a fantastic start. The food was divine - fresh, well cooked, and creative - and the cocktails and rosé were free flowing. Pleasingly, there were no nasty surprises on the bill (we were on the All Inclusive package - which is 100% worth it because the food is not cheap!) Sharon from Kids Club babysat our boy most evenings, which meant we could really enjoy the place. The staff could not have been more helpful - it was just such a great holiday. The only two things that were a slight dampener were the sandflies (which I appreciate are part of the deal in that part of the world - and the hotel was gracious enough to supply us all with bug repellent!) and the arrival of large corporate group whose presence somewhat dominated whichever part of the hotel they were in. Otherwise, cannot complain!

We stayed in the adults section, in the Bay Suites at the far end of the resort. Suite: very spacious and clean. We were on the first floor which provided an easy walk out to the sandy beach. Like other reviews mention, the furnishings are a little tired and a bit dated but actually not as bad as I expected! We enjoyed sitting on our terrace. The mattresses were a bit worn with divots from other guests. Butler service: Bay suite came with Butler service and we enjoyed this! We could WhatsApp requests between 8 and 4 and service was attentive. Food and beverage was good. Breakfast buffet seemed a bit lacking but you could also order ala carte. Daily smoothie was a fun addition. We also enjoyed afternoon tea and our candlelight dinner on the beach was special. The beach was quite good. Not “Turks” amazing but quite beautiful. We enjoyed walking on the bay. The crowd was subdued and a bit older (though some families) but it was an enjoyable feel. Not as stuffy as other resorts we have visited! The staff was super friendly. Nice touch was the fast track arrival and departure - departure saved us about an hour in line! I would say the only thing off the mark was the spa. A bit rundown, steps are a huge fall hazard and changing rooms were not in line with the resort. We did a couples massage and my husband’s therapist never introduced themselves nor said goodbye. In all of our massages we have never had this happen! The massage tables were also pretty narrow (and we are small people). Just a bit off from the rest of your resort. Do check your bill if you have a package with inclusions as two things were charged and should have been included. We really enjoyed our time and would recommend!

We stayed during February Half term as a family of 4 with teenagers. We stayed in a spacious beach balcony suite. The moment we stepped out of our transfer, we were switched into comfortable and relaxed Caribbean holiday mode. The communal areas are spacious and well looked after with an elegant feel. The beach is beautiful with luscious palms and tropical gardens surrounding it. Beach loungers are prepared to give you an excellent view of the pelicans diving in the bay as you relax and unwind. Our teenagers enjoyed the waterspouts equipment and we had a couple of excursions, but really no need to leave the comfort of the resort for a weeks stay. We came home feeling relaxed and recharged after being so well looked after. Looking forward to our next stay

Highly recommend this resort. The staff bends over backwards to make your vacation special. We stayed in the Beach Balcony room. The website pics do not do it justice. Great food -- East and Jetty Grill were our favs; fantastic beach and Nigel and Remmi are superb tennis pros.

Another beauty beach to visit. Local bus #22 takes you to Old Road for this beach. Rent lounger/umbrellas for $20US. There is a resort here and a restaurant where we ate. Was good and reasonable. Washroom. You’ll see some locals here too. And goats! Nice water and sand. Can walk a short distance.

a wonderful relaxing resort

Just finished a wonderful week in Antigua. Carlisle Bay sits on a beautiful secluded beach. They offer some non-motorized sports activities, which is very nice . They provide floats that are secured in the water, which are lovely to lay on and relax in the sun during the day . They provide you with large bottles of water daily in your room that you can take to the beach, which is nice, if you do have a water bottle, they have refill stations as well. There’s a mini fridge in the room which most of it is complementary even a few snacks and chocolates. Be aware to get up early and go catch your spot on the beach as everybody does that. Especially if you want to oceanfront seating. Rooms are excessively large and well appointed. Decorated beautifully and very clean. Views of the ocean are from almost every room. Food is very good, service is great. Was very happy overall with our stay. There are a few things we felt that could have been improved. We wish we were told upfront about the three floors of accommodations as we were put on the third floor. I just finished physical therapy for hip bursitis and was put on the third floor and had a difficult time going up three flights of stairs for a whole week with no elevator. We had to ask a few times for things like bath mats for the bathroom, shower gel, things that have should’ve been looked at when housekeeping came. The lighting on the grounds at night away from the main area of the hotel is limited and very difficult to see. We were glad we had our flashlights on our phone to help us. We felt it was a little dangerous and easily could trip if you weren’t really paying attention. There was basically no service on the beach. Which was a bit of a disappointment. It’s not like nobody came by, but it was not very often and you really had to search somebody down. For a five star hotel, the linens, bath towels, and bed were not comfortable. The bed was like sleeping on a stack of books. I had to request feather pillows because the pillows were hard too. The towels were scratchy, and the linens were not fine linens that you would expect at a hotel of this caliber. They coordinate your pick up and departure arrangements but do be aware they charge you $75 each direction which they do not tell you upfront. Also, they arranged for taxis if you want to go off premise to different restaurants for dinner. This is a very nice service and is charged to your room. The tip for the driver is not included . The taxis can be quite expensive.

My wife and I have just returned from a 10 day holiday at The Carlisle Bay. Whilst we have been to Antigua before this was a first at this hotel. We were not disappointed . We had a comfortable and well appointed room on the top floor of a block to the east end of the resort enjoying a balcony with a sea view. The staff were very friendly and accomodating. We were 'fed and watered' to a high standard in each of the 4 restaurants. This south facing resort sits on an attractive sandy bay with very safe swimming. If you are interested in sailing the bay enjoys excellent ( often gusty ) breezes which make for exciting Hobie Cat sailing. If there was a shortcoming it was the hotel's location; it is quite a long way from civilisation so if you wish to visit (say) English Harbour ( which we did ) you will be out for quite an expensive taxi fare. However that did not spoil our enjoyment and, all in all, I am more than happy to recommend this hotel.

The reviews are all right! They are the kindest staff members I've ever been in contact with. Everything was super accommodating. From extra pillows, turn down service etc.. Dining on premises, taxis and other add-ons could get quite pricey.