Carlisle Bay

Antigua, Caribbean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Situated on Antigua’s unspoilt south coast, this natural harbour, defined by a fine crescent of sand, is straight out of a Caribbean press release. The lush countryside, the warm disposition of the people and genuine hospitality is what distinguishes Antigua from other Caribbean islands. Turquoise waters, surrounded by emerald green hills and swaying palms, perfectly frame this tranquil, all-suite hotel. Guests reap the benefit of the proprietor’s assured taste and magnificent attention to detail, from the lights that illuminate the garden at night, to the abundance of orchids, and the custom-made furniture and interiors. A variety of bars and restaurants treat guests to delicious meals with gorgeous views, and spacious suites are the perfect place to return to after a day enjoying the Caribbean sun. Indulge in their all-inclusive package; with yoga, Pilates, water sports, tennis, children’s club, afternoon tea and meals at four tantalising restaurants all included. This is the best way to experience Carlisle Bay!

Amenities

  • Hobie Cats
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Nestling on the magnificent undeveloped south coast of Antigua — set in a sweeping bay on a ravishing beach with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Transfer time from Antigua Airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

87 spacious, contemporary suites. Cool, calm, luxurious interiors, each with a private balcony or terrace and breath-taking sea views. All suites include complimentary refillable water bottles, ESPA amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes, espresso machine and a fully-stocked minibar*. 

Garden Suites are spacious open-planned suites with a large bathroom, steps down to a separate living area and terrace or balcony with tropical garden or partial sea views, with 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child.

All Inclusive option: includes full breakfast, three-course lunch at Indigo on the Beach, The Jetty Grill (adults only) or at the restaurant by the pool, Ottimo!, daily afternoon tea, 3-course dinner from the à la carte menu at Indigo on the Beach, The Jetty Grill (adults only), Ottimo! pan-Asian restaurant, East. Drinks including all cocktails, spirits, house wine, beers and soft drinks. Premium spirits and bottles of wine are excluded from the fully inclusive rates and may be purchased at an additional charge.


Half Board option: includes 3-course dinner and coffee selected from the à la carte menus at Indigo on the Beach, East, Ottimo! and the Jetty grill (adults only). Does not include beverages.

Ocean Suites have a balcony with views over the gardens to the ocean, with 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 3 adults. 

Beach Balcony Suites have beach views, master bedroom with 1 king-size bed, and second bedroom with 2 single beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Bay Suites are oceanfront, adult-only suites featuring a four-poster king-sized bed, private butler and a beachside location, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Beach Terrace Suites are located with direct access onto the beach and unrivalled sea views. All Beach Terrace Suites have a spacious open-plan layout, 1 king-size bed with living area plus an additional second bedroom with 2 single beds. Sleeps maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Carlisle Suites have large sitting area which extends onto an outdoor terrace, 3 en-suite bedrooms and can sleep maximum 6 persons with a central waterfront location. Carlisle Suites come with a kitchenette, and either large terrace or wrap around balcony with uninterrupted panoramic views.

4 restaurants: Indigo on the Beach serving grills and healthy salads in an informal setting, Pan-Asian cuisine at East. Poolside Ottimo! serves classic Italian fare from a wood-burning oven and the adults-only Jetty Grill serves fresh Caribbean seafood and meats overlooking the resort’s Jetty and Caribbean Sea.

Swimming pool. CARA Organic Beauty Spa* offers a full and comprehensive spa menu. Yoga and Pilates classes* available in the Garden Pavilion or on The Jetty at sunset (the first class is complimentary). 5 tennis courts with professional tuition upon request* and Pickleball courts. PADI dive school*, complimentary non-motorised water sports including snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and Hobie cats. Boat excursions*. Fitness centre. Screening room with movie nights. Creche*. Cool Kids Club with its own paddling pool, sand pit and jungle gym (2-6 years). Crew Blue activity programme for children 7-12 years, including raft building, five-a-side football, zip-wiring and star fish hunting (during school holidays).

Beauty salon*. Complimentary WiFi access.

Please note: a room levy of $5 per guest, per night applies to guests aged 6 years and above (payable locally, subject to change).

3 nights between 22 Dec–2 Jan.

* Denotes local charge. 

Please note: children under 18 years old are not permitted to stay in the Bay Suite room types.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (920)
  • Very good (235)
  • Average (87)
  • Poor (59)
  • Terrible (38)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful location

Dec 7, 2023 StormLoch London, United Kingdom

Spacious accommodations with fabulous views and interconnecting options. The water sports equipment was too old and not really acceptable ... but in a fantastic bay in which to use them. We spotted turtles and enjoyed time on the water. I would encourage more sunbeds with shade on the beach and the hotel should stop guests towel dropping to save… Read more
Spacious accommodations with fabulous views and interconnecting options. The water sports equipment was too old and not really acceptable ... but in a fantastic bay in which to use them. We spotted turtles and enjoyed time on the water. I would encourage more sunbeds with shade on the beach and the hotel should stop guests towel dropping to save beds! It was a little off putting for such a reputed resort. The food was tasty but the restaurant's lacked interest after a few days and were a little devoid of atmosphere. Breakfast was a little hectic but that was also down to the time of year. The afternoon tea was a sweet touch and we looked forward to having that by our loungers in the late afternoon. Many staff members had excellent customer service skills, very dedicated, friendly and helpful. Just outside the gates the local environment is visibly different and I hope that the resort works with the community and gives back. Overall, we found it a little sterile and we chose to leave the resort a couple of days to explore other beaches and food. However, we enjoyed the bay and the time we spent there. It is a quality resort but needs some soul. Perhaps too corporate a choice for us but as a Caribbean resort it will tick lots of boxes for people. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Resort Tried Hard... and Succeeded

Nov 27, 2023 sculder Spartanburg, SC

If you look at the reviews on here, it's sort of a mixed bag. We frequent the Caribbean often, so we have level set expectations on what's expected, what's not expected, and what's above and beyond. Carlisle Bay staff went above and beyond to make sure our first visit was absolutely memorable. Upon checking in, we learned that we had been… Read more
If you look at the reviews on here, it's sort of a mixed bag. We frequent the Caribbean often, so we have level set expectations on what's expected, what's not expected, and what's above and beyond. Carlisle Bay staff went above and beyond to make sure our first visit was absolutely memorable. Upon checking in, we learned that we had been upgraded to beachfront walkout suite. When we arrived at our suite, both AC units were non-functional. The concierge was extremely apologetic, and told us to go enjoy dinner while they investigate further. Post dinner, we were told we were moving units. But since they were fully booked, we could only stay in our new unit until the following day, as it was already reserved. To make up for this inconvenience, they would be putting us in their Carlisle suite (3 bed/3 bath) for the remainder of our stay, and giving us $200 in resort credit. We were very grateful and thankful to how they responded to the situation. Other notables: - We witnessed a visiting party via Yacht (not staying at the resort). Security met them at the pier and validated their dinner reservations before allowing them to step on property. To go a step further, they escorted the party to the restaurant. So that made us feel even better about how they value (and protect) their guests. - My wife does not eat seafood, and one of the restaurants had few non-seafood fare. The front desk was able to switch reservations (which we were told the restaurants were fully booked). - Their staff were unrelenting. One staff member, Shemmel, was a machine in taking orders, managing at times five tables, and remembering everyone by name throughout the trip. This is just an example of the pride they put forward in their work. Corrective Criticisms - Due to the size of the resort, and all the requests floating around, sometimes promised requests would be forgotten and need to be reminded once or more. - Room furniture is getting a little tired/worn. - Airport Transfer... This was a sticking point for me. A taxi from the airport to the resort at the time of this writing was $62. Carlisle Bay wanted $100 one-way. If you are staying at Carlisle Bay, you get complementary Fast Track through immigration. No one told us this. We spent almost two hours in line at immigration due to several flights arriving at the same time. All this to say, they won our family over. The attentiveness, the friendly staff, the well appointed rooms. All good things. We will be returning in the future. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful all inclusive resort in scenic bay

Nov 26, 2023 Hale F

We were on a yacht charter and anchored in the bay. Getting reservations was essential. We ate at Indigo Restaurant, an open air restaurant at on the beach It was delicious and expensive. The report had 2 other restaurants.the resort allowed us to have access to its facilities.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect getaway!

Nov 18, 2023 Paal T

What a fantastic surprise! We booked a room on a whim needing a little relax time on a beach! We had no idea we were ending up in one of the best resorts we have ever been to! The setting on its own bay offers scenic vistas from every part of the resort! You sense the high quality from the moment you drive through the gated entry as the the… Read more
What a fantastic surprise! We booked a room on a whim needing a little relax time on a beach! We had no idea we were ending up in one of the best resorts we have ever been to! The setting on its own bay offers scenic vistas from every part of the resort! You sense the high quality from the moment you drive through the gated entry as the the excellence in service all the employees give starts there. We ate at three of the restaurants and enjoyed all the meal. The outstanding one was at the main restaurant where we had local lobster that was exceptional! I have never been to a resort with such a diverse selection of water toys. After a quick run trough I could get out on Hobie cats, windsurfers, paddle boards, kayaks, bike boats, etc I do recommend that you know your stuff before heading out on the cats…they are powerful, not like the stubby fat cats that most resorts have! We are going back no doubt! Thanks to the staff at Carlisle Bay! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Carlisle Bay

Nov 10, 2023 Quest57484805077

Amazing place, beautiful beach, wonderful staff, great food. Big thanks to Jhemsey and Lenny for cruise plus sailing lesson, Kevonne on reception. Lovely pool, clean rooms, other reviews do not give Carlisle Bay enough credit. If you need a driver make sure you request Clinton. Our only comment to make is would like to hear more music around pool… Read more
Amazing place, beautiful beach, wonderful staff, great food. Big thanks to Jhemsey and Lenny for cruise plus sailing lesson, Kevonne on reception. Lovely pool, clean rooms, other reviews do not give Carlisle Bay enough credit. If you need a driver make sure you request Clinton. Our only comment to make is would like to hear more music around pool area, but everyone’s different. Read less