The 10 days I spent over Christmas at Long Bay reminded me of my chilhood summers on Great Pond in Martha's Vinyard.

On the Vinyard, our house was fenced off from horses that roamed free on the penninsila. Of course, if you stepped out of your yard, you needed to be careful of where you stepped. The house we rented each year was quite servicable, a few lumpy sofas, older bathrooms, worn linolium kitchen floor and too be sure, we had our share of visiting wildlife-besides the horses. But every year we returned for the quiet, laid back nature of the place, the friends we made and the ocean views. It just felt comfortable.

Years after my faimly stopped vactationing together on the Vinyard, someone coined the phrase "Shabby Chic". This is the best way that I could describe Long Bay.

I stayed in one of the villas and while I'll admit it wasn't the Ritz Carlton, my bed was fresh and clean every day, the bathroom wiped down and my view overlooking the quiet cove provided a very nice vision to open my door to each morning. I did meet a noisy Gecko one night, but we came to terms about who lived where!

My day started with breakfast. I must say, I went into withdrawal my first day back in the States, as there was no one slicing fresh fruit, poaching my eggs or serving bottomless cups of coffee.

The beach, ah what can I say. Patroled dilligently by Dave, Long Bay Beach is it's own little slice of heaven. If you're the cruise ship type, there a great mega resort next door- you'll be happier there-

This beach is for serious readers, waders and relaxers.

Each evening we all gathered to play board games or twenty questions before dinner. When I say we, I mean the extended faimly that grew each day as all of the guests got to know one an other and all of the children better and better.

Lights out by 10pm. We were tired from all of that page turning, wallowing and chatting... only to wake up and do it all over again.

People always make the place. Long Bay and its staff caters well to, and attracts, those looking to wind down with an old fashion rum punch, relax without a TV, who don't mind rustic, and want to forget about the latest and greatest.

I'll be back!

What a wonderful place. It reminded us of childhood holidays before the days of over-designed hotels whose public rooms feel so uninviting. Here it was more like visiting new friends or cousins and being a house guest. The total lack of TV and radio was a blessing and although we flicked through the internet versions of daily newspapers we'd have been just as happy without them. It was fun to watch other guests playing table tennis, perhaps for the first time in ages, and others played cards, scrabble or read in the companionable space of the games room or lounge.

The rooms are large and comfortable and very well cleaned every day and we never heard the neighbours through the walls, but perhaps they too were soaking up the peace and quiet and enjoying undisturbed sleep.

We did a bit of snoozing on the beach too, no doubt encouraged by the excellent planters'punch available at the bar. Lunches were simple but beautifully prepared and served and we found all the staff, most of whom have been at Long Bay for many years, friendly and genuinely charming.

Long Bay has managed to remain informal yet not slack and while we felt totally relaxed, the little touches of old fashioned manners and standards meant we also felt like valued guests.

There are water sports available but if you want surface glitz and a programme of frantic activities, forget Long Bay. Chris and his team provide something much better:- home from home hospitality, a calm atmosphere and the time and space to forget your cares, unwind and recharge, not just your batteries but your sense of proportion.

We will be back next year!

I would encourage everybody who is thinking about going to Antigua to give Long Bay Hotel a second look. Very few places have the kind of charm that Long Bay does. I think it is fair to say that few of us ever leave a place knowing the names of nearly every staff member but that is true of Long Bay. There is a kind of magic that happens here if you are willing to experience it. The environment is so relaxing and friendly that guests can visit with each other; we had friendships bond over books, rum punches and "Rumikub" in the game room. If you want to find quiet, solitude and a beautiful environment you need not look any further. The hotel staff is just as happy to help you as they are to leave you be. Take a trip around the island and you will see why so many come to enjoy the beach at Long Bay.Long Bay Hotel can count on a third visit from my family, all 12 of us, we were already planning our return visit before we had left. We can't wait to get back. Greetings to Chris,David,Sam,Dian,Roma,Gary,and Stacy.

We have just arrived home from another superb holiday at The Long Bay Hotel. We were there this time last year and like it so much we had to go back. We were not disappointed. We have lived in various corners of the world and stayed in many hotels. The Long Bay may not have 5 star bathrooms, but it makes up for this by being the friendliest place we have ever stayed. The food is good and varied. The BBQ night great fun. The atmosphere is fabulous to relax in. It is a place to re-charge and forget the stresses of modern life. Let yourself slip into Antiguan time.

The hotel was just as we left it last year with a few improvements. We stayed in The Cliff House.

We were met with a kind welcome from the staff. Sam escorted us to our room and there were young lads to carry the bags. Even Hooch (the dog) looked happy to see us. Chris (the owner) appeared later and welcomed us. Our long journey was worthwhile when we tasted Sam's first rum punch of the holiday.

The staff are so friendly that you feel you have known them for years. Sam, Sandra, Gary, Sash and Monique were great. The girls in the restaurant remembered us and were particularly kind to our 5 year old son.

Despite some rain this year we still managed to spend most of our time at the beach. The beach is sheltered and the sea great for small children. Dave (the manager) produces beach toys for the children and personally rakes the sand every day. He is always there in the background creating an atmosphere of peace and order.

I have read some of the "not so good reviews" on this site and all I can say is that there is a certain type of person who will not like The Long Bay. They should take a cruise instead.