Luxury Antigua Holidays

Nicole Waumsley

What a place. Antigua was amazing, but the people are what set it apart from everywhere else. It's just stunning. We met a wonderful bartender named Joy. She was so attentive and made us feel at complete ease as soon as she spoke to us. All the staff were happy to speak with you and offer advice on where they loved and places they loved to visit on the island. The cleanliness of the rooms and hotel were second to none. We will be back!

Kent Graham

We stayed at the resort from 7/12 to 7/19 and stayed in the main building. The first hour was pretty bad. They delivered the wrong luggage to the room, 3 times. I finally went and got the correct luggage after the failed attempt of 2. Then the Bell Man showed up for the third time with the wrong luggage and Then I had to explain that I had my luggage and the luggage they were trying to deliver was absolutely not mine. Then we struggled the next day with reservations not showing up on my App. As well as we went to a restaurant and they stated I didn't have any reservations. Finally on night 2, a supervisor at Soy got involved and then got a manager involved. We believe that they had us in the system wrong or the next room to us had the same last name. When we booked our next Sandals trip the next day they did get another manager and he did listen to us and got it corrected. He also got us a credit for a cabana or Beach dinner. We had the beach dinner and by far the worst dinner of the 15 nights we have stayed at a Sandals. Pros: - Main Building Rooms were clean, updated and nice. -Resort was Clean. -Pool Activities were good. -Beach was good and no issues with being public. - Soy and Japanese Steak house was very good. -We like Cats and had no issues with them. Cons - Most employees are absolutely miserable and not motivated at all. We had a few that were expectational but like 5. -Overall food was fair at best. -Beach dinner was unbelievably awful. -Customer service is very poor and it will take you at least 3 times to get a simple request corrected. We stayed at St Lucia Grande last Year and it was much better.  We will see how Grenada is Next Year.  It could be the last Sandals or we determine that Antigua is not the place.

Marti Woodard

This was my third Sandals resort to visit and I absolutely loved it! The drive from the airport is only about 15-20 minutes, which is a huge perk. I stayed in the Mediterranean walkout club level room and really liked it. It was clean and in a great location. I do think the bed and pillows could be more comfortable. Overall the staff was extremely nice! Other than the occasional not so friendly person, I thought they were really welcoming. The diving was okay. The dive boat is on site, so that’s nice! And the dive team is really great! I thought that the food was very good! There are several options for each meal. I didn’t have any problems getting reservations. There are 3 restaurants that require reservations and all of the others do not. The beach is GORGEOUS! I would definitely come here again!

paul sambrooks

We visited this resort in Feb 2025 We generally had excellent weather with the occasional heavy downpour, which only lasted 10mins The overall presentation of the resort was very good but as with Barbados the room décor and furniture is in need of modernisation. The location of the resort is good but the beach faces North West so if facing the sea the morning sun rises behind you. Whilst all staff were very friendly and helpful the reservation system for restaurant does not work, with a number of guests left disappointed. If this is the process Sandals are sticking with they need an evening buffet to provide a n alternative option. The Breakfast locations do not open until 7.30am which is late for early risers and having waited to be seated in the restaurant, only to be told the buffet will be open in a few minutes is completely unacceptable. If it opens at 7.30 everything should be ready for guests on opening. The quality of food was generally good but as usual the steak house, OK Coral, is the one place that lets these resorts down. Eleanors offered quality food and generally good service but was very difficult to get an evening reservation. The daytime service at the pool bar and daytime food providers was very good on each occasion visited. This could be improved with the addition of poolside servers. Cafe-de-Paris provided a good service but would benefit from a greater variety throughout the stay. Our second stay at a Sandals resort and our opinion remains that they appear to be living off their past reputation of being a high class resort rather than improving its brand.

Chris Chaney

My wife and I have returned from our third stay at a Sandals resort. This time, Grande Antigua! We had a wonderful week. The resort is indeed "Grande" in both structures and immaculately-kept grounds. The main pool is a stunner with tons of room to spread out and plenty of chairs/umbrellas. We spent more time at the beach, however and it is most excellent: wide with lots of room to spread out, fine light brown sand, gentle waves that are just right, and easy wading to your desired water depth. There are local vendors on this public beach, but they aren't too intrustive. There is drink service to your beach chairs, but it is somewhat hit-or-miss. There are a number of resort food options, and I would rate the quality as "good to very good"; the food quality does not rival great U.S. restaurants, but it is perfectly fine for an all-inclusive resort in the West Indies. The staff throughout the resort was well-trained, organized, and good-natured. Bartenders always worked hard to get drinks out with just a short wait. Overall we loved SGA and can easily recommend it for a getaway with your sweetie.

Serge Kozhukhar, REALTOR

One of the most memorable vacations I’ve ever had! Blue Waters Resort and Spa exceeded all expectations. The food was absolutely amazing—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented at every meal. The service was equally impressive: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming from start to finish. Every detail, from the ocean views to the relaxing ambiance, made this stay unforgettable. Can’t wait to come back!

Bux Shayeb

A tranquil quiet resort spread over the northwest beach area of Antigua. The resort has a number of pools, and ample dining spaces. Breakfast is amazing, with a superb view of the sea. Rooms and suites are spacious, with amenities and almost all of them have picture perfect views. Staff are smiling and relaxed and make you feel like slowing time down. Keep up the good work.

Harry Patel

5/5 stars! 🌟 I'm so impressed with this place! The waterfront views are stunning, and the atmosphere is perfect for families and groups. The staff is friendly and welcoming, even with babies in tow! 🤱‍♀️ The food is exceptional, and everything about this restaurant screams quality. I'm already planning my next visit and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dining experience. Don't hesitate to book your next holiday dinner here - you won't regret it! 😊

Natasha Thorneycroft

Beautiful resort in stunning gardens with wonderful views. Slightly isolated for me personally. Rooms were lovely and we had a stunning view from our huge balcony. Good was a bit samey over a liner stay and more variation would have been nice. Good and drinks are on the expensive side in the hotel.

Rachel Reiss

I have to believe the people raving about this “resort” aren’t Americans. The Brits on holiday seemed quite happy, but there is no way this is a 4 star hotel. Pros: the people who work there are friendly, it’s pretty at first glance (shabby up close, though!), the sand on the beach there is powder soft and the room was decent. That’s it. The beach is tiny and never any free lounges, the pools are small and cold, service is slow if you get any to begin with, and the activities desk was no help in steering us in the right direction. My local taxi driver was the best source of information. The bath towels were thin and rough, though the pool towels were a bit better. The food is fair, at best, and limited menus make it hard to stay on property. They charged $7 US for a glass of Coke! Whatever you do, don’t waste your money on the all inclusive plan, that’s for sure! There was no value for the money we paid and I’m extremely disappointed at what we got in exchange for the hefty bill. I expected some luxury, attentive service, and the feel of a good resort. This felt more like a shabby hotel that had seen better days.

Guy

We stayed for 6 days in this hotel in Antigua. We stayed at suite 12 - the suites are huge ! We will definitely come back; the rooms are huge , new , modern and clean. the staff are amazing , every each person is so kind to you and make you feel like home. The location is the best , with amazing private beach. Kids and family friendly- including nanny services, kids club with great activities for kids. Very good food and restaurants- especially the Asian restaurant. The staff is there for you also when we needed a doctor consultation for one of the kids , they take care same day and sending a taxi to pharmacy for the prescriptions, checking on it every day. Excellent service.

Phil Lawyer

We spent a week at Carlisle Bay Resort and was blown away by the beauty, service, and attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel like royalty—greeting us with chilled towels, tropical drinks, and warm smiles. The location is absolutely stunning. Nestled between lush green hills and a calm, turquoise bay, the resort feels private and peaceful. We stayed in a Bay Suite, which was perfect for a romantic escape—spacious, beautifully designed. Waking up to ocean views and sipping coffee on our terrace was a highlight of every day. Dining was exceptional across the board. Indigo on the Beach served fresh, flavorful dishes in a relaxed beachfront setting, while East was a more refined experience with standout Asian fusion flavors. We also loved Ottimo! for casual poolside lunches—especially the wood-fired pizzas. Service throughout the resort was impeccable. Everyone, from housekeeping to the concierge, went out of their way to ensure our stay was flawless. We also appreciated the thoughtful division between family and adult-only areas, which helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere. If I had to find a minor critique, it would be that some areas of the resort—like parts of the pool deck—could benefit from a little refresh. But that’s honestly nitpicking. The overall experience was world-class. I have been here 5 times … Would I return? Absolutely. Carlisle Bay is the perfect blend of relaxed luxury, natural beauty, and five-star service. Highly recommend for couples, families, or anyone looking to unwind in paradise.

Danny Hayward

Stayed here and at Bluewaters, and honestly, there’s not much in it—they both have their strengths. If the beach is what matters most, this one wins hands down. The location is incredible, right on a stunning stretch of sand that really makes the stay. That said, if you’re after charm and atmosphere, Bluewaters just edges it. This hotel has loads of potential, but it could do with some refurbishment. But the best bit? Afternoon tea served to you on the beach. It honestly doesn’t get much better. A real standout experience that sets this place apart.

Bobak Kianoush

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 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' conversations or family moments. We should note that our beach service from Len, encapsulated this perfectly. He was always there when we needed something, never hovering, never missing for long periods. As a team, the staff understood our needs perfectly, 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, to eat his broccoli. Which he did. The staff have left an indelible 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.

Ana Pereira

I am very disappointed with my stay. The cost of the hotel is far too high compared to what is actually offered. You pay more than 1000€ per night and , if you consider this a leading hotel of the world, oh well, we’ve stayed in hotels less expensive and want better. The water pressure in the room is very weak, and the temperature constantly fluctuated—either burning hot or freezing cold. The hotel itself, including the room and furniture, is in serious need of renovation and improvement. To make things worse, we waited over 1 hour and 30 minutes , almost 2 to be precise, to be served at the Italian restaurant, which was completely unacceptable. When we asked why it was taking so long, they informed us they have received lots of requests, but everyone that came after us, was served first. The experience did not match the price at all.

Adelle Muller-McKinstry

Galley Bay Cottages was a cozy and peace spot. We enjoyed having a kitchen and balcony. The host was incredibly helpful. We highly recommend these off-the-beaten path cottages.

Siddiq Mohammed

Service is really great, clean rooms, beautiful views, the road are very terrible, please get a jeep or van to navigate.

Bella

Beautiful Caribbean style cottages with a breathtaking sea view and constant gentle breeze. The host is kind and helpful. Bath toiletries and kitchen items are provided. If you're cooking, you only need to purchase food ingredients, as a variety of seasonings, olive oil, vinegar, tea, coffee, even paper towels are on hand. The host's attention to detail is phenomenal. Be prepared to walk up a steep driveway and several steps, but that's just the added benefit of exercise. A recommended stay!

Eric Gunter

Back again once again at the Cottages, I believe for our 5th visit to the beautiful island of Antigua. Always a consistent experience; a well-kept and -appointed, somewhat secluded spot. The beauty of the location is it's only minutes from the port area of St. John's, so you're not far from things you need. Car optional if you don't mind a bit of walking and/or using public transit. Galley Bay Beach was red-flagged every day this time, and there are no lounge chairs to use, so hint: bring a hammock! Marco takes great care of us time and time again.

Sandi Nelles

We come to these cottages year after year. The beach is a 5 minute hike but I'd rather sit in my private tropical paradise anyway. Well appointed kitchen so we cook our own breakfasts and some dinners. We have stayed in them all. Spice this year. Propane bbq for grilling. Decent grocery store 10 minutes away so you don't have to drive in the hell of St. John's!

Jim “Nugget” Wilde

Beautiful location once inside and the rooms are immaculate. However……The food is the worst we have ever had. The drinks that are included don’t include any cocktails you might know but merely their ‘special blends’. Ice cream sundaes are scoops of ice cream with nothing else. No bananas or mangos (we are in Antigua!?). This might be ok for some people if you’re used to package holidays but if you’re British it falls WAY below standard. The female local staff have severe attitude problems too. Entertainment was lovely but we were starving.

Fiona Robinson

We had to walk out of this hotel half way through our holiday. We found the manager and MD charmless. The hotel fell well below ( recently acquired) Relais Chateaux standards to our mind. It was the 3rd Relais Chateaux hotel we have visited this year and we usually stay at 5 or 6 of them every year. We chose it for the RC name and were sorely disappointed. The front desk was a place to avoid unless Zain and Carl were on duty. They were full of smiles and engaging and keen to help but otherwise the staff there would often ignore the guest's greeting. The facilities and location are great, the Spa well run and friendly. The waiters in the main restaraunt were charming and hard working. Danny runs his male team with humour and kindness and goes out of his way to look after the guests. Jackiel Benn, Hendred, Africa, the wonderful Brian ( at the Beach restaraunt, who was the only reason we did not leave on the first day, sadly and incredulously, was then moved to the back office!) and Glocester were all fab. Henry looked after our room and was engaging, efficient and friendly. Have to say the ocean front room were out dated though the bathroom had been modernised. We had no glass in the windows so the aircon leaked out through the shutters. The bed had a ridge in the middle the linen and pillows were not of good quality. The sinks and toilet did not drain properly. The matting was grubby as was the sheer modesty curtain ( the curtain is much needed as there is a footpath outside uour balcony used by staff and guests so privacy is hard) The chef Chrisoph was good and helpful but i think still the hotel could offer more variety for a RC hotel. The lunch offering resembled a school or office canteen despite the lovely setting. Dinner at the beach is handled by the efficient Auslando but you can not disguise the fact that there is just a curtain dividing the beach bar from the restaraunt and more staff are needed there. The diving team are friendly but too keen to cancel a dive. This happened 4 times in 6 days. The rive team seem to think that if only 1 guest wants to dive then it is not worth doing it. They are inflexible on timing or on offering a beach dive if it is too choppy to go to the reef by boat. If you are a serious diver you need to book with an outside provider. The pool staff were always late and unhelpfulat the afult pool. I think a good example of what it is like to be a guest, is illustrated when i asked the front desk for the room to be cleaned. I explained my husband would need the room in just over 1 .5 hrs and asked if we could just get a quick clean before 10.00 AM. I returned to the room at 10 to 10 to find it had not been cleaned. So i called reception again and asked if someone was still coming to clean it. The curt reply i got was " It is 9.56"! This says it all. In most hotels the member of staff would be reprimanded or even lose their job but in this hotel it was deemed ok. I complained to the manager directly and by email and she never deigned to reply to my email...which is just rude. We brought all issues to her attention and she did introduce us to the chef and bring a fan to our room but then was "off" and gave us no contact info or any one else to contact if problems persisted. She had twice "cut us dead" when we greeted her and the " arrival welcome" was pittiful. We were left to get our cases out despite 3 staff members being in the area. We should have listened to our instincts then and got back in the cab. We checked with other guests and 3 different couples felt the same as us. Though there are many guests who return every year... i have to wonder if they have low expectations or do not like exploring what else is on offer.

Jamie Dixon

‘And relax’ Curtain Bluff is the perfect vacation stop. The Carribean is hard to top, but the cherry on the cake is always visiting this wonderful time-machine of a hotel, that somehow manages to make you feel instantly relaxed. If you’re looking at staying at one of the best hotels in Antigua, you will not be disappointed. It’s a high quality all-inclusive hotel that makes a huge effort and its private ownership stems a sophisticated approach to all of its guests and many friends.

Tony O'Reilly

My family have been coming here for more than 50 years. I literally grew up with these workers and see them as my Uncles, Aunts and family. I really hope that the bartender works there, he gave me my first drink at 18 Love all the workers including Daniel

Susan Allen

We had another amazing trip to Curtain Bluff and everyone there made us feel like family! We were invited to the owner's home and I can't describe how incredible the views are from there! The staff is awesome and they are all welcoming, happy and fun. Will definitely be coming back many times.