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 Bathrooms are way outdated and small.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.