Hermitage Bay

Where to begin! Simply the most magical couple of days - made more than a couple core memories that I’ll have forever! From landing in Antigua, to each meal and Hugo Spritz (shoutout to Chelsey!!), to a special birthday dinner and dessert, a private boat cruise, and every minute in between, the staff at Hermitage went beyond my wildest dreams. Oh, and the SUSHI!? Highly recommend the hilltop villas for the unbelievable views + our man Anthony helping us get down every day with ease. Don’t hesitate, this place really is the real deal. Book it!!!!

My wife and I have been blessed with a shared love of travel and a desire to explore the world. So far, we've never visited a country twice. Within 24 hours of arriving at the Hermitage Bay, we both knew we would be back. The photos of the water, the property, the villas, and the food do not do it justice. We weren't unique in this regard. Most of the couples we met during our time there have been at least twice, with one couple celebrating their 17th visit! Why do they come back? I'm guessing for the same reason I hope to as soon as possible: the people. Yes, the food IS as good as it looks (unlike so many all-inclusive resorts), and YES the Sushi IS from a Nobu chef (the parent company of Nobu now owns the resort), but that isn't what stole our hearts. It was the staff of the Hermitage Bay. At every other resort we've visited, we make a list of the 1-3 people who really went above and beyond in their hospitality - the individuals who genuinely enjoyed their job and wanted to make every moment memorable. At the Hermitage, we had trouble keeping track of all the staff we wanted to mention in our review, as every interaction was a case study in how to excel in the hospitality industry. With many of those we met we felt we weren't just customers, but friends as we talked about life, kids, work, etc. By the time our visit was drawing to a close, we took photos with the staff so that we could show our friends and family those who made our time so special. As I imagine our next visit (hopefully soon) I look forward to seeing their faces again and catching up. That isn't something I'm used to saying about a five-star resort. Or any resort for that matter. Staff like: Jaquan at the front desk. His smile is infectious, and his passion for life is evident the moment you meet him. Solange, the concierge whose laugh and joy made every day brighter and who arranged every activity, tour, and our villa selection so that it surpassed our dreams. Jillian, one of the dining managers who knew our names the moment we arrived and went out of her way to check in on us, especially when my wife missed a sushi meal one afternoon. Kempton, the Assistant Manager who has been at the resort since it opened, talked at length with us about all its changes, its future, and his fantastic team. Stoney, one of the amazing bartenders who also created an incredible Caribbean hot sauce (his grandmother's recipe) that you can request at meals or buy a bottle to take home from the Boutique (I did and it is already half-gone!) Koshane, another incredible bartender, made custom smoothies all week long for us along with fantastic cocktails. Desroy, one of the amazing chefs who always took time to check on how the meals were tasting and whose love of cooking could be tasted in every bite. Also Kyle, Alicia, Simone, Elizabeth, Annette, Jessie, Shemar, and Kawhisi. As well as others whose names I didn't manage to write down. Other resorts rely on their location or food to get you to come back, but at the Hermitage it is each of the people you meet who will make you want to make this your vacation home. TIPS: - Book a couple's massage in the room. Our masseuses, Janelle and Elizabeth, were professional and INCREDIBLE. Truly the most relaxing experience and worth every penny. - Book an island tour. Our tour guide Luz knew so much of the Island's history and the best places to go to experience the island. - While in St. Johns, visit Dara Dara, a lovely boutique with hand-made purses, dresses, and jewelry. I hope you get to meet Dara herself, just as we did. Her artistic flair and passion for her craft are unforgettable. Don'ts? I honestly can't think of a thing. The only hesitation I had in writing this review is that it may contribute to making the Hermitage no longer the Caribbean's "best kept secret and I won't be able to find a room! But that is a risk worth taking because keeping a treasure like this to ourselves would be a crime.

Heritage Bay blew all our expectations away for our honeymoon. The food, the staff, the rooms are all top notch. We loved the peaceful environment and all the attention to detail!

Hermitage Bay is one of the most special hotels we’ve ever been to. The hotel itself is beautiful. The suites are well appointed and very private. The staff is friendly and warm. They go out of their way to ensure the guests are well taken care of and happy. The food is incredibly fresh with a well balanced menu that will appeal to everyone. We are so sad to leave, and we’re already planning our trip back next summer.

As soon as you walk through the entrance at Hermitage Bay, a deep sense of calm washes over you. With the hotel nestled directly along the water, it becomes almost effortless to disconnect from the outside world and truly unwind. This was our second visit, and the moment we arrived, the staff greeted us by name and remembered details from our previous stay. That personal connection made the experience even more special. We stayed in a hilltop villa again, and it remains the perfect spot for relaxing in privacy with stunning views. The beach itself is quiet and serene, it feels like you're on your own private stretch of sand — a rare feeling at a resort. The food continues to impress. While our first visit featured a new menu each night, this time there was a set menu with rotating specials and the addition of daily sharing plates, which were incredibly fresh and delicious. The desserts, in particular, are not to be missed! The new beach bar for lunch and the evening sushi offerings are fantastic additions that elevate the dining experience even more. One of the best compliments we can give Hermitage Bay is that we were just one of five returning couples during our stay. It speaks volumes about the kind of lasting impression this place makes. It really does check all the boxes if you're looking to relax and spend quality time with your significant other. We also appreciated that the room had been updated since our last visit — a subtle reminder that the resort continues to evolve while maintaining everything that makes it so special. We can't wait to return again.