Carlisle Bay

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.