Carlisle Bay

Antigua, Caribbean

Virgin rating

Garden Suite
Bay Suite
Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Beach Balcony Suite
Carlisle Suite
Indigo on the Beach
Indigo on the Beach
East
A video preview image
Garden Suite
Bay Suite
Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Beach Balcony Suite
Carlisle Suite
Indigo on the Beach
Indigo on the Beach
East

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 (960)
  • Very good (245)
  • Average (96)
  • Poor (60)
  • Terrible (42)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful, but service ranges from good to horrific

Jan 28, 2025 RoundhayPeeps Leeds, United Kingdom

This was a real mixed bag of a stay. The stunning location was affected by some odd service failings and some genuinely worrying billing practices. Firstly, Carlisle Bay the area is stunning. A perfect Caribbean beach surrounded by pretty pristine nature on the more secluded south side of the island of Antigua. The pavilions are lovely… Read more
This was a real mixed bag of a stay. The stunning location was affected by some odd service failings and some genuinely worrying billing practices. Firstly, Carlisle Bay the area is stunning. A perfect Caribbean beach surrounded by pretty pristine nature on the more secluded south side of the island of Antigua. The pavilions are lovely heritage-looking wooden buildings and the buildings holding the suites are tastefully designed. However, quite a lot of the furniture is very tired looking with scrapes and quite outdated. We had a beach suite, which was large and nicely laid out, but it did look tired. On to the service. This was very hit and miss. The people in the restaurants were friendly and the food was largely a good standard. But, the room servicing was so hit and miss… one day you would have your coffee cups taken away, but not replaced. The next, you would not have any shower gels left and would have to call and ask for some. Some days the minibar would not be refilled. Not bad on its own but a long list of these things starts to get irritating. There was also bizarre behaviours that had obviously been trained into the staff as they all did it. If you passed a member of staff on the paths coming the other way, they would stop walking about 10/15 metres in front of you and stand awkwardly smiling at you as you walked past. This was extremely awkward and I really felt sorry for the staff as it was demeaning to them in my opinion. The worst example was the facilities people. Our patio doors were broken on one side which meant that when you closed the other side it would not lock, leaving the room unsecure. The facilities people came and spoke to us like idiots, saying we just needed to hold the other side shut in order to lock. But really the bolts on the opposite side were broken, causing the problem. They said they would come the following day to fix the broken side but never turned up. The lock on the broken side was literally HANGING OFF. There were other things not working. Generally, the people were lovely. The billing issues were the worst part. Bottles of wine appearing on the bill when we only had a glass (glasses are included in all inclusive, but not bottles). They also charged us a $70 charity charge twice in the final bill. We had to ask for this to be removed (only the incorrect one). They urge you to have a bottle of water at the beginning of every meal, but we were only informed mid way through the holiday that this was all billed (they don’t offer you any other water option so this should not be billed in my view). We left feeling that we were being taken advantage of. The reception staff didn’t show any surprise at these things (even the incorrect charges) and there was a disinterested arrogance displayed when we challenged them on incorrect charges. Sadly, I’m not sure I would go back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Long Story Short: 10/10

Jan 28, 2025 CeeJay S Gros Islet, St. Lucia

The rooms, the amenities and ambiance were unreal. Staff who made our stay In order of impact to our stay: Jason (best mixologist - arguably , in the wurl) Shamel- we knew all our options before we even got our keycard) Latoya- thank you for making us feel welcomed Fern - we appreciate you girl! Kalin- (didn’t know she was a manager… Read more
The rooms, the amenities and ambiance were unreal. Staff who made our stay In order of impact to our stay: Jason (best mixologist - arguably , in the wurl) Shamel- we knew all our options before we even got our keycard) Latoya- thank you for making us feel welcomed Fern - we appreciate you girl! Kalin- (didn’t know she was a manager until one of her staff gave her some props. She is very hands on and interactive! ) No particular order : Vaughn Peter -( definition of a team player based off observation) Shantez Seymour Marlon- makes sure your cup is always full! Big up lol All the staff at pavilion bar, jetty grill ( can’t decide if this is my favorite) , East (tough decision for favorite) and every single friendly staff who made us feel welcomed. Thank you. 🙏🏾 I will visit again Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 5 Star??? See Pictures

Jan 28, 2025 Joseph1Joseph United Kingdom

The Carlisle Suites (the most expensive) are described as “impeccable and unsurpassed in every detail” the pictures tell a different story. We advised hotel management that we were dissatisfied with the quality of the accommodation. Although they kindly provided a replacement mattress, they were unable to replace the tired old kitchen, curtains,… Read more
The Carlisle Suites (the most expensive) are described as “impeccable and unsurpassed in every detail” the pictures tell a different story. We advised hotel management that we were dissatisfied with the quality of the accommodation. Although they kindly provided a replacement mattress, they were unable to replace the tired old kitchen, curtains, furniture, bathrooms etc. The food and service were very good on the majority of occasions. It is a shame they misrepresent the quality of the accommodation provided. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Shame this old Antiguan favorite is not being supported by decent investment

Jan 27, 2025 WillyC29 London, United Kingdom

The location remains stunning but the owner seems to have overlooked to invest in bringing this old favorite up-to-date with the modern world! Although our room had apparently been refurshished nothing in the bathroom seemed to work. Hot water was plumbed in as cold and visa versa. There was no where to put soap or shampoo and the towels were not… Read more
The location remains stunning but the owner seems to have overlooked to invest in bringing this old favorite up-to-date with the modern world! Although our room had apparently been refurshished nothing in the bathroom seemed to work. Hot water was plumbed in as cold and visa versa. There was no where to put soap or shampoo and the towels were not much bigger than a large flannel. Apart from one star, housekeeping was unreliable and mostly forgot to replace one item or another. The food, restaurants and serving staff were excellent. Although management was not very visible, hopefully they can persuade an investor to properly upgrade this gem. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful beach, hotel not 5 star and departures a joke

Jan 27, 2025 Claire F Leeds, United Kingdom

I feel really sad leaving a one star review as there is so much to like but sadly for a hotel that claims to be 5+ stars this is fair, it would be a better review for a lesser star hotel. I was thinking of how to structure the feedback and I thought “likes, concerns and suggestions” Likes - the beach is beautiful, peaceful and lovely and… Read more
I feel really sad leaving a one star review as there is so much to like but sadly for a hotel that claims to be 5+ stars this is fair, it would be a better review for a lesser star hotel. I was thinking of how to structure the feedback and I thought “likes, concerns and suggestions” Likes - the beach is beautiful, peaceful and lovely and private - the views from the sea view rooms therefore are wonderful - the rooms are a good size and great location - the complex is pleasant and choice of restaurants is good. - yoga was lovely and I recommend Concerns - firstly I was quite upset about the departure date. We have an overnight flight, not ideal but all that is available. In all other hotels they have a departure room for people but here they kept telling us to ask them at 9.30am on our departure day and they would try to accommodate us. We went to ask and were told “no sorry you need to leave” fine I said but we have 9 hours can we have somewhere private and all there is is the spa (one toilet and one shower and lockers that once locked a member of staff has to open for you and often you can’t find them). For a 5 star hotel it’s the worst departure I have had and the “spa” is very tired and not pleasant. - we were all inclusive and told on arrival all soft drinks etc were included but “bottle wine@ to pay for … fair enough. Then on the bill we were charged at every meal for water $10. This was not explained and they assume you are having and always asked “still or sparkling”. Really not good, if we had been told then fine. - the rooms are tired and need a revamp. Our patio door wouldn’t lock, some sockets didn’t work and when it rained we had water in the living area. - we had no hot water for 24 hours - it was ok but again it’s a 5 star hotel - little things like the juices being concentrate, quality of the food etc were just not quite in comparison with other hotels we have stayed at. Suggestions - treat your customers better on departure and set aside a room they can use when overnight flights - rooms need a refurb - if your going to charge for water make that clear on arrival Sadly whilst I have enjoyed the holiday today is my last day and I know it’s going to be long and frustrating with no privacy and for this reason I would never come again Read less