Review: Carlisle Bay, Antigua: A Premier Caribbean Beach Resort
Why Carlisle Bay Remains One of the Caribbean’s Most Trusted Luxury Resorts
A Five-Star Caribbean Resort with Consistency and Integrity
As Love of Beaches expands its editorial and destination focus across the Caribbean, there are a handful of resorts that stand apart not because they shout the loudest, but because they have never needed to. Carlisle Bay, on Antigua’s unspoilt southern coast, is one of them.
A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Carlisle Bay has long been regarded as one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts, a place where integrity, discretion and pure class come as standard. It is a property that inspires complete peace of mind, particularly when recommending to clients who value privacy, consistency and intelligent luxury over theatre.
Set against a dramatic sweep of powder-white sand, framed by lush rainforest and calm, turquoise waters, the resort fans gently around the bay, creating a sense of space, seclusion and effortless flow. Pelicans skim the surface of the water, yachts drift quietly offshore, and the atmosphere is one of deep calm rather than curated spectacle.
Accommodation at Carlisle Bay has always struck a rare balance: high-end yet respectful, luxurious yet understated.
Suites are generous in scale, thoughtfully laid out, and designed to blend into their surroundings rather than dominate them.
Credit: Felix Speller
Comfort is exceptional, technology is seamless, and nothing feels ostentatious. It is luxury that knows exactly what it is, and what it doesn’t need to be.
Service is where Carlisle Bay truly excels. It is personalised, anticipatory and often invisible, the kind that notices without intruding and delivers without performance. For high-profile guests and those who simply want to disappear for a while, this level of discretion is invaluable. During stays, there is a palpable sense that staff genuinely care, not because they have been instructed to, but because it is part of the culture of the resort.
Beyond the beach, Carlisle Bay offers a quietly impressive range of experiences.
From sailing and water sports to tennis clinics, yoga, Pilates and private charters aboard the resort’s Fjord 36 motor yacht, there is depth here for guests who wish to engage and complete freedom for those who do not.
And relax…
CARA Organic Spa provides a serene retreat, with treatments inspired by the surrounding natural environment, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to wellness and restoration.
Dining at Carlisle Bay is relaxed, varied and quietly refined.
East is the standout for an elegant evening, offering beautifully executed Asian-inspired dishes in an intimate, atmospheric setting, ideal for a special occasion.
Elsewhere, dining is designed to suit the rhythm of beach life. Indigo on the Beach is effortlessly casual, perfect for barefoot lunches or sunset dinners, while The Jetty Grill brings a taste of the Caribbean with sea views and a convivial feel.
Ottimo works perfectly for keeping things informal and family-friendly with excellent Italian comfort food, and Coconut Grove offers a secluded spot for a peaceful drink as the sun dips below the horizon.
The resort’s strong sense of place is further reflected in its connection to Antigua itself. Guests are well positioned to explore highlights such as Nelson’s Dockyard, Catherine’s Café and sunset gatherings at Shirley Heights, while still returning to the sanctuary of the bay.
Carlisle Bay is a property with heart. Privately owned and family-run, it has a longstanding commitment to the local community, supporting education, healthcare and conservation initiatives. This sense of responsibility is not performative, it is woven into the fabric of the resort and its relationship with the island.
Looking ahead, Carlisle Bay is entering a thoughtful new chapter. A multi-year, phased renovation is underway, led by London-based designer Miminat Shodeinde, with completion expected by November 2027. The approach is refreshingly considered, with work aligned to the resort’s annual seasonal closures to ensure minimal disruption.
The first phase saw a full refurbishment of the Garden, Ocean and Bay Suites, all located directly on the bay.
Credit: Felix Speller
Subsequent phases will address remaining suite categories, followed by dining venues and the signature spa. The design direction honours Antigua’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, blending modern refinement with local craftsmanship, bespoke furnishings and artwork sourced from the island’s creative community.
Rather than reinventing Carlisle Bay, this evolution enhances what already works — reinforcing its position as a resort that understands its identity and respects its setting.
Editor’s Note…
Carlisle Bay has remained one of my personal top beach resorts in the world for good reason. It is a place I trust completely, both for myself and for clients who expect absolute privacy, integrity and seamless service. During my own stay, I felt genuinely cared for, without fuss or fanfare. My suite was beautifully luxurious yet understated, respectful of its surroundings and deeply comfortable.
This is not a resort chasing trends. It is a resort that knows exactly who it is. As Carlisle Bay evolves, it does so with intelligence and restraint, enhancing an already exceptional experience without losing its soul. For me, it remains one of the Caribbean’s quiet greats.
Happy Travelling, Amanda
Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay, Old Road, Saint Mary Parish, Antigua
