Travel Matters Insight

Hermitage Bay

About…

With the privilege of a white sandy beach and an isolated turquoise bay, you might find it hard to discover a better setting for a luxury boutique resort in Antigua! Perched on the west coast of the island is Hermitage Bay, which features well-appointed & modern accommodation, as well as fine wellness and dining services. Hermitage Bay is a 5-Star all-inclusive luxury hotel with 30 individual cottage suites. Being a young resort, built in 2006, you can expect high quality facilities that have been sympathetically developed to celebrate the resort’s harmony, warmth and breath-taking natural beauty.

The resort is spread over an impressive 16 acres of private land, so you & your guests will certainly feel that at times you are on your own private holiday. Each of the 30 cottage suites is dotted amongst the lush tropical gardens that surround the resort. The first of the three accommodation types are the Hillside Pool Suites. These rooms are designed with dark woods and floral linens, which are appropriate given the vast panoramic views of the bay and Caribbean Sea. A stylish private outdoor awning area with a plunge pool gives the opportunity for a couple to have an unforgettable stay! The Beachfront Suites offer a slightly different complexion, as guests have a more intimate floor plan of 106 m² (compared to the aforementioned Hillside Pool Suite’s area of 144 m²), but have the advantage of a spacious private decking that leads to the emerald ocean. This really is a fantastic option for lovers of the sea and the ambience it produces during those quieter late evenings. Finally, the Seaview Garden Suites conclude Hermitage Bay’s collection of suites. The 106 m² split-level suite spills out onto a shady decking area that is complete with a double day bed, plantation chairs and an outdoor shower. Being in an advantageous position, guests not only have uncompromised views of the bay, but they are also a gentle stroll from the main pool, lounge and restaurant.

One of the resorts main pulls is its Wellness programme, which was inspired with the design of the flourishing local environment. The Garden Spa uses sustainable materials, solar energy, eco-friendly cleaning and beauty products to deliver first class treatments. Book yourself in for a traditional or an ancient wellness ritual, which both aim to soothe the soul and help you reconnect with Mother Nature. If prefer to find the balance between treatments and exercise, you will be glad to know that Hermitage Bay employs fully qualified instructors to guide your through Pilates, Yoga and Meditation classes that overlook the Caribbean sea.

Caribbean cuisine is all about flavours and colour! Hermitage Bay prides themselves so highly on their dining options that they claim to be ‘one of the Caribbean’s best all-inclusive resorts’. Each day the restaurant’s menus change, due to their seasonable produce; but there is always a spread of Antiguan, Caribbean, American and modern European cuisine available (including vegan and vegetarian dishes). With much of the produce grown in Hermitage Bay’s very own organic kitchen garden, you will certainly be having an authentic eating experience. Keep an eye out for national dish Fungie and the freshly caught seafood. Remember, your stay at Hermitage Bay is all-inclusive, so enjoy the immeasurable supply of cocktails & beverages and substantial seasonal menus that await!

Key Sustainable Features…

Since 2013, when Hermitage Bay was awarded the Green Globe Certification, the hotel has been on an upward trajectory. Whilst you’re in resort you will feel the nurturing benefits of a consideration for luxury and natural beauty, particularly visible through the stretch of mangroves that protect the shoreline & property and provide a safe haven for indigenous species. Hermitage Bay always conducts an environmental impact assessment on their products and processes, which in recent years has seen the likes of non-motorised water sports (lessening noise pollution and the output of harmful emissions). Hermitage Bay is considered to be a hallmark facility for sustainable tourism in Antigua and the Caribbean. During the last 10 years, Hermitage Bay have successfully implemented the following sustainability and waste management protocols -

• To manage all natural resources and non-renewable products in a sustainable manner.

• To address waste management in accordance with the ‘4 R Principles’ (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in accordance with issues of import identified at a national level.

• To seek the support of suppliers and other stakeholders in our efforts to minimise the production of waste, while maximising the efficient and wise use of the natural resources we require for our operations.

• To foster social and environmental initiatives towards community development and by extension, national development.

• To conduct operations in accordance with labour codes of practice and to ensure the property adheres to stated international guidelines (ILO), while treating staff in a manner that exceeds these protocols.

• To provide healthy, nutritious meals and, as far as possible, use local and traditional sources that will enhance the quality of the cuisine while ensuring guest satisfaction and safety.

• To maintain the organic garden that provides the kitchen with produce and herbs, whilst also addressing the education of stakeholders on recycling and composting of kitchen waste.

• To make all stakeholders, staff, guests and suppliers aware of the environmental policies and procedures associated with our immediate environs.

• To act responsibly in addressing our environmental performance through the development and maintenance of an adequate system of management, which includes measurement, assessments and continuous improvement.

Travel Matters Highlights…

Thriving in nature!

Hermitage Bay has been built around 16 acres of vibrant tropical gardens. Being located on the western tip of the island, Hermitage Bay Beach boasts some of the clearer and better protecting waters on the island. More immaculate beaches are within a walking distance of the resort, so why not spend an afternoon at the beaches of Pearns Point, Darkwood Beach and Ffryes Beach. Within Hermitage Bay, utilise the services of their professional water sports team. There are several non-motorised water sports options that include Snorkelling, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Hobie Cat Sailing and Sunfish Sailing. Charter a sport fishing boat, where you will be able to track & fish Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo and Barracuda – all whilst under the careful watch of a certified skipper and experienced fisherman. Descend to the underwater world of the Caribbean sea and Scuba Dive through Cades Reef where you are bound to see vibrant reefs and might catch a glimpse of dolphins, rays and colourful fish. Finally, you might want to explore the ‘Land of 365 Beaches’ by Catamaran Cruise or private boat charter…we can assist with all request!

Map & Location…

Antigua, also known for its sister island Barbuda, is an islands that forms the independent state in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Antigua is renowned for its remarkable coastline and bays, where hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to every year to enjoy the reefs and shoals. With a relatively small area of 108 square miles (280 square km), visitors have a real sense of island life and are graced with undulating scenery that include volcanic rocks – with a peak 405 metres at Mount Obama.

A trip to St John's, the islands capital, will reveal architecture from a British Colonial past that has been mixed with a contemporary style. One of the prettiest spectacles in St. John is admiring vibrant coloured architecture and the ruins of sugar plantations that back onto the baroque style of Cathedral of St John the Devine. A real indication of the island’s past, which has been fortified by the local’s faith. There are some further key attractions to visit that will give you a great idea of the island’s identity, so make sure to visit; Fort Barrington, Betty's Hope, Fort James and Museum of Antigua & Barbuda.

Antigua lies within close proximity to the Equator, which has a direct effect on its weather. The islands experiences constant temperatures, so it’s not likely to encounter seasonal variations. You can expect average temperatures in the mid-twenties (80 degrees Fahrenheit) for most of the year, which is met with low rainfall and smaller levels of humidity. The other constant you can rely on is Antiguans. Wherever you find yourself on the island of Antigua, you can be assured of one thing – the happiness of its locals! Don’t be surprised at the warmth of engaging locals, who will lighten your day with an exuberant smile.