The Escape at Nonsuch Bay

We loved our stay at the Escape at Nonsuch Bay! We came as a group of 6 friends and though that’s quite unusual for this resort (it’s very much geared towards couples), they were so accommodating of us and made our stay so memorable. My favourite thing about the resort has to be the “plunge” pools in each room. We all had garden view rooms (though two of those also had great views of the bay) and with a garden room you get a bigger pool than with a sea view. It really is a proper pool, not just a small plunge pool, and we all made constant use of them! The food is so good. None of us had ever done an all-inclusive thing before and weren’t expecting much from the cuisine but we were so wrong - the food was great! It’s all à la carte instead of buffet, which made a huge difference, and all delicious. The menu for lunch and dinner impressively varied every single day during our two-week stay with multiple courses per meal. Come hungry because you get lots of food!! Big shout-out to Schena who runs the restaurant, she is an absolute delight. We will miss her! The staff in general are all lovely and after being there two weeks, it was lovely to see so many of the same friendly faces every day. Casey at the bar makes excellent drinks to order and Troy in the restaurant should also get a special mention for making us feel so welcome. The masseuses Patrice and Latesha (sorry if misspelled!) are superb too with relaxing in-room massages. I think many people who stay here don’t venture outside the resort much but we highly recommend getting a car and exploring. We did some amazing excursions like Reef Riding to Cade’s Reef for snorkelling, diving (highly recommend DiveCarib where we completed our PADI certification) and visiting the many gorgeous beaches (especially Long Bay and Pigeon Beach - go to Catherine’s bar if you go for excellent drinks). Also do book on to the boat trip from the hotel to Green Island for a fun few hours of beach and warm swims in the sea plus great snorkelling. Benefit as well to having a car is avoiding pricey taxi rides to and from the hotel ($105 USD each way) as you can drop the car back at the airport on leaving. Arrange your hire car through the hotel, the company they use is very good. I could go on but will end the review here with just a huge thumbs up for the Escape. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 We hope to return one day soon. Read less

Our expectations were high, but the Escape did certainly meet them if not exceeded them. The room itself was fantastic, with a comfortable super king size bed and a big shower. The highlight was obviously the private pool on the terrace. We were expecting a jacuzzi size tub but it was actually a decently sized pool where you could even do a couple of lapses! Our room was a forest/garden view, which, as other reviewers pointed out, meant it was a ground floor room. As a result of that, our pool probably enjoyed less sunlight than the top floor pools but it wasn’t a problem for us, as we prefer to sit in the shade. The food was outstanding. Every meal we had was delicious. Portions were small enough for you to enjoy a 3 course meal every lunch and dinner, but big enough to fill you. Lunch and dinner menus changed every day (except for a couple of fixed options), whilst breakfast usually had a set menu with 5 or 6 choices and a different special each day. I tried a different one every time and I enjoyed each one of them. Every single member of staff we interacted with was great. From housekeeping to reception staff to the waiters and the bartender, everyone greeted us warmly every time they saw us and after a day or two had memorised our names and our preferences. No resort is absolutely perfect and the Escape is no exception to that. There were a couple of flaws but the positives were so positive that they made up for it. I will however mention that the beach was a bit of a disappointment. We were aware of the seaweed issue so we weren’t expecting the best beach on the island, but, despite all efforts, the water was still pretty cloudy and the beach itself wasn’t very well maintained (we saw cigarette butts and foliage). Same with the other pools in the other part of the resort, Nonsuch bay, which we wanted to use as they were bigger and had parasols, but they were not as well kept and clean as our own smaller pool at the Escape. However, these were minor problems that did not in any way spoil our stay and were easily fixed by arranging a day tour to some of the best beaches on the island, which was easily booked at reception. All in all our stay at the Escape was a very enjoyable one and we are already planning to come back next year. Read less

We stayed at nonsuch for 10 nights and have had a wonderful time here. The hotel is a little off the beaten track, but great for us as we prefer a quiet hotel where we can just relax The rooms are lovely with private plunge pool, which is perfect to wake you up on a morning before the sun hits and water is cold, the sun comes through later so perfect for having a lazy afternoon..if you don't want to do to much or go far There is a hotel pool it is small but people where happy to chill and meet others there (we didn't use it) On the other side of the resort is a small beach, bar, shop and infinity pool which was just stunning and only a few minutes walk! The staff at nonsuch were fabulous, Sheena the restaurant hostess makes everyone feel special and is incredibly experienced at giving you a 5 star experience as you go for dinner, the ala carte restaurant is lovely, the food choices changed everyday which made a refreshing change to an all inc buffet, all of the food was made to order and hats off to Chefs who are very skilled and providing very fine dining. Though be careful you won't be going home any lighter as each meal is not to be missed. Kiara on reception is always there to welcome you and answer any questions you have Includong if you need car hire or taxi, would recommend hiring a car and exploring the island it is super easy to get around if you are from the UK they drive on same side. Make sure you ask for a map and you will be all set its is beyond easy to fine places Of course we need to call out Micheal and (sheena if you read this please remind me the name of our fabulous server I sadly forgot and meant to ask you, young girl worked on your evening sowore a hair up in net she was so so lovely got my husbands shirly temple and my rose wine every evening and she was broadly amused when my husband asked for rum one eve) We went to a few beaches, dickenson Bay, pigeon point and others All in all Antigua is stunning, the beaches are fab and nonsuch was exactly what we were looking for. Read less

We have visited Antigua a number of times, we tend to stay in smaller boutique hotels and stay at two hotels on each visit. This was our first stay on the East side of the island and our first stay at The Escape. We were travelling with some friends and stayed for 4 nights. Overall we had a lovely time but have stayed at better resorts on Antigua for the reasons outlined below. The good: Arrival and check-in all excellent. Given a tour of the room by Andre and what a room! Great views, great facilities and the wonderful outside bath and plunge pool. Everything provided (except mini-bar) including coffee machine, iron and ironing board, robes etc. The toilet in the room is not particularly private, you need to be very comfortable with the person you are with! Restaurant: Food and staff in restaurant are excellent. Sandra is a great host and shout out to all the staff who are friendly and efficient. For meat eaters there is a nice range of options and every meal was good, some dishes are absolutely delicious. Portion sizes are large and you will not go hungry. For vegetarians there was not always a starter option but because there was a soup and pasta course there was an alternative as we did not want to eat 4 courses every evening. Highly recommend all the fish dishes. There are also paninis available at the Nonsuch side and bar bites between lunch and dinner. A trip to Green Island is not to be missed. It has a beautiful beach, clear waters and excellent snorkelling. We went twice, first time we went in the morning and a huge catamaran arrived with 100+ passengers so our peaceful island became a little crowded. On our 2nd visit we went in the afternoon and we had the island mostly to ourselves apart from a family who were on a yacht in the bay and a scuba diver. The trip to Green Island allows you to explore the coast and see turtles in the water. On our way back the boat driver gave us a little tour of the area which was a nice touch. Whilst The Escape is quite small you are able to use the facilities at the Nonsuch Residences which has 3 pools and a small beach. It is a 10 minute walk up a steep ill but there is a shuttle available. The bar at The Escape was well managed and cocktails all delicious. Evening entertainment was provided on 3 of the nights we were there which was enjoyable. We loved the peace and quiet of the resort but it may not suit everyone. Covid protocols were well established and implemented. The bad: There is no beach at the Escape, the waterfront on the bay side is by the mangroves and we thought it was a bit smelly. It also means there are lots of mosquitos (defogging the resort on a Friday does reduce the number but as the week goes on you are more likely to get bitten). Take lost of repellent. The beach on the Nonsuch side is not great if you have seen other beaches on the island. I would be very disappointed if this was the only beach I experienced during my stay in Antigua. You can visit beaches nearby by taxi or hire car. Despite stating water sports are included there were only two single canoes available. We had expected SUPs based on the marketing materials. The Ugly There is a rather unscrupulous practice with taxi's which we found left a bad taste and the reason for only giving The Escape a review of 3. As we were two couples the hotel insisted on charging us double for a taxi. For example for 2 of us to go to Half Moon Bay ( a lovely beach 4.5 miles away) the return cost was $40 but for 4 of us the hotel insisted of charging each room $40, so we paid double for the same journey in the same taxi. We spoke to the taxi company about this and we were told it was the hotel who insisted on this -we were not able to pay the taxi company directly. The hotel told us it was the taxi company. This same approach was taken when we tried to book a taxi to the airport $65 per room. When we contacted the taxi company and booked directly we only had to pay $75 for all of us. We did discuss this with Michelle, the reception manager who just kept saying it was not the hotel but the taxi company and she really failed to see this as bad practice- it is what it is. Irrespective of who is responsible for putting this in place the hotel should not be allowing it. As most people at The Escape are couples it probably won't impact most people but for us it left us disappointed with both the practice and how it was managed when we raised it. We have never experienced this on previous visits to Antigua or at the hotel we stayed at prior to The Escape- Cocobay. In all taxi journeys we took we were charged one price irrespective of 2 or 4 passengers. Its a shame as for a few $ that they make on each taxi ride they have negatively impacted our entire view of the resort Read less

From the moment you walk into the escape you feel relaxed. The entire staff is lovely & wants to make your stay amazing. You are greeted with a rum punch & an exceptional overview of the resort. Your porter takes you to your room, explaining everything. Pls note, this is an open air room, the shower has no curtain which is fine, nothing gets wet outside of it. The toilet does have a door, but knowing it is open to the room I brought some toilet spray😂. Day after day I sat on our bay view balcony to view the sun rising. & setting. The nepresso machine was a plus, also always stocked. The room was cleaned each day, minibar restocked & private pool very well maintained. I’m very confused about the reviews that cleanliness was lacking or the fridge was not restocked. This is simply not the case. Small almost microscopic bugs one morning, but it was our fault as we left fruit out! Don’t do that, I should have done better as this happens when I travel to Africa as well. Nothing a resort can do about critters that are attracted to what humans have, it happens. Removed the plate and problem was solved. Hands down, the food here is amazing. Yes, you do need to schedule meals but it really was pleasant as we timed our pre-dinner drinks each evening. If you want more of something or a substitute, the staff is happy to assist you. Compliments to the chef, who prepares each meal with care & creativity. Never once did we have a bad meal or leave hungry. The restaurant staff is very good & pleasant. Each is a standout, not one bad server! They do have very thought out live music on alternative nights for dinner as well. On our last night, the staff surprised us with a beautiful table set for our anniversary. I looked at my hubby, thinking he did this, nope the escape staff did. What a lovely thing to do, all unexpected with a signed card & special dessert tray made for us. I cried as the saxophone player came over with the staff that night to give us wishes, it was so nice of them . The bar was very pleasant as well. I was afraid from other reviews that this service may not be, however my husband discovered his new fav of a piñata colada with a shot of Capt Morgan thanks to the bartenders. I even had them make my fav, Malibu bay breeze & they were happy to oblige. The property was stunning, so quiet & peaceful. Even though the beach is on the other side of the resort, it is very lovely. Ocean breeze with palm trees and comfy loungers. The water is very warm, they even have a beach attendant who works tirelessly to keep everything very clean. The seaweed did not bother us at all, it was very scarce this time of year I guess. The shuttle runs or you can walk, but if you don’t hike-pls note is it steep. There are also 3 pools over there to enjoy. They are currently renovating the clubhouse, but we did swim in a fabulous infinity pool before it was closed for the reno. If you get a chance, do visit green island. It was stunning, with fish to watch & other wildlife to enjoy. I found the most awesome little blue fish & his friend at the edge of the reef (who played with me & pricked my finger) which was super cool! There is shade there, but no chairs. Bring sunscreen as you will be in the water for at least 2 hours enjoying yourself. I did ask the question on here about the mosquitos before we left. Honestly they were not too bad at all (and they love me). I did spray myself with deep woods off each night & wore those bracelets in the am. I only got a few bites, too be expected in the tropics with a mangrove! Just bring bug spray as I think the sand flys and no see us are worst as they come out when it rains no matter where you are. The resort fogs each Friday to combat the bugs, it seems to really work. All in all, our vacation was a delight. Seclusion for you & your partner. Again, all staff was amazing & exceptional. If you want peace & quiet this is where you need to be. No parties, vendors or loud groups found here. We encountered some couples who were hard to please and just plain rude -we where glad when they left the property. I hope the staff doesn’t have to deal with that kind of rudeness often. They need to go elsewhere as I’m sure nothing will ever please them. Most couples are a delight here. We can’t wait to return to this wonderful place. Read less