PROLOGUE:
Having never been to the Caribbean, the white sand beaches and the turquoise waters finally convinced me to pay a visit. We ended up choosing Antigua (pronounced Antiga) and decided to try out Carlisle Bay and Curtain Bluff. Please find my report of our stay at Carlisle Bay below.

Carlisle Bay
VITALS:
We booked directly with Jonathan Reynolds, General Manager of Carlisle Bay whom I have known since he was Food and Beverage Manager at One Aldwych in London, which was practically a second home in the city for me. We were on a very generous travel agent rate for two suites for 3 nights and included arrival transfer from V.C. Bird International Airport.

ARRIVAL:
Outside of Immigration at the airport is an airport representative for Carlisle Bay. She also handles arrivals for Jumby Bay. Her role is to help you get your luggage, then another representative assists you through customs and calls the driver. We were picked up in Mitsubishi SUV and were taken through a locally scenic route to the resort. Travelling through several small villages. The journey took about 20-25 minute. Upon arrival at the resort, you enter a gated compound and a short drive into the property takes you to the main building housing the lobby, East Restaurant, and bar.

At the main building, we were met by Attiya (sp?), the Rooms Director and a couple other Senior Managers. They escorted us across a wooden bridge flanked by two koi ponds which then leads to the main lobby. We were offered chilled towels and freshly squeezed watermelon and ginger juice. We were then escorted to our room, where on the way we were given a quick tour of the property.

OUR ROOM:
Accommodations at Carlisle Bay are clustered in 2 and 3-storey buildings and come in 4 different categories. Entry level are garden suites which feature partial views of the ocean. Ocean suites which have direct views of the ocean. Beach suites which are beachfront. And Carlisle suites which are large 3 bedroom units. Each category is separated into balcony and terrace subdivisions. Garden and Ocean suites are the same size, Beach suites have different layouts, and Carlisle Suites are almost triple the size. If you have any sort of physical disability, there are a lot of stairs to climb to get to the 2nd and 3rd floor units, so if this of concern, be sure to request a ground floor unit. Our ocean suite was a ground floor unit and was 750 sq ft. It is an open concept, split level suite with the living room sunken from the bedroom and large bathroom. The living room features a sofa, 42” LCD screen, work desk, arm chair with ottoman, and access to a terrace with stunning views of the beach and the beautiful blue waters beyond. Our unit had the ability to connect to the adjacent suite which is perfect for families with older children and for friends travelling together.

The bedroom features two twin beds that can be turned into a king and are dressed in Frette linens. The bed has views of the ocean, while the headboard sits up against the partition wall, separating the bedroom from the bathroom. This serves to give access to the bathroom from both sides of the bed.

As you enter the bathroom, there are him and her closets on each side, dual vanities, separate WC, stall shower, and large soaking tub. Other well thought out amenities include OFF! and Vape mat to keep mosquitos away indoors and one similar for outside use which were found underneath the sink. In one of the closets, an all-in-one coffee system which makes fantastic espresso’s, cappuccino’s, latte’s etc. There is also a kettle for tea drinkers and bottles of water. The toiletries provided are made by Ren. The water is potable, as the resort has it’s own desalinization and osmosis filtration system.

The room décor is very sleek and modern, but remains comfortable. If you have ever stayed at One Aldwych, Carlisle Bay will instantly be familiar in a good way. The hotel offers complimentary wifi and a fruit amenity that changes daily. Hint: Ask for whatever the selection of the day is to be replaced with Antiguan black pineapple!!! However, there are still a lot of local touches such as louvred shutters for privacy from the outside, back pathway which used mainly by hotel staff. There is a large conch shell which is used as a DND and outside the door is a small foot bath where you can rinse your sandals and/or feet so you do not track in sand into your suite. They also place a towel at the front entrance for when you come in with wet feet. Since the hotel is eco-friendly, they have a green runner that you can put across your bed to notify housekeeping that you do not with your linens to be changed, but just for the bed to be made. The hotel also provides a yoga mat should you wish to take yoga/pilates classes – there is a charge for these classes.

I prefer the ground floor units or 3rd floor units for the views; 2nd floor units, the views can be obstructed by the palm trees.

In all, it was a gorgeous room, as we had access to the beach from our patio door. The beach is about 10 meters away and the calming, rhythmic waves mere meters beyond.