Pluses: those who like simple, clean, minimalist lines will appreciate the design aesthetic. Ocean suite was very spacious and well laid out, balcony with small daybed is lovely. Complimentary full breakfast served anytime of day (wonderful for jet-lagged travelers), picturesque and peaceful setting in quiet and calm bay, very peaceful yoga and pilates in open air gazebo in garden setting, good yoga instructor and massage therapist in spa, screening room showing 2 movies a day (children's in afternoon and for everyone else in evening), in room espresso machine a nice touch. The general manager was very helpful and effective in handling issues, and the majority of staff were lovely.

Minuses: any rooms below the 2nd floor (3rd floor for North Americans) suffer from lack of privacy as there is a walkway between all of the ocean suites and the beach - directly in front of the terraces/balconies, the walkway is quite busy as it's the only access to the rooms and the main access from one end of the resort to the other. Avoid rooms in the 2 ocean suite buildings which look onto the back of the beach suite buildings - the resort map on the property's website shows which ones. The buildings are also located quite closely to each other, so the curtains on the sides of the balconies will have to be used if privacy is desired.

Check-in took over 20 minutes even though there were only 3 couples (my party included), check out took even longer and I was the only one checking out. There were many incidences of missed communication between staff across departments which resulted in having to follow up several times for basic requests, spa reception and check-in staff provided incorrect information on class times and one of the spa receptionists was repeatedly impolite and unprofessional (quote in response to a series of booking/information mistakes on their part: "I apologised to you yesterday so I do not have to apologise to you today"), the spa changing area needs to be cleaned more often, is infested with mosquitos, has a minuscule plunge pool and sauna and no steam room - not a place that encourages lounging or pre-treatment relaxation.

Not a service issue but mosquitos are extremely prevalent and voracious throughout the property - the hotel provides sprays and plug-ins in every room which are very necessary, even during the day (cover up or the open air yoga/pilates sessions will result in many unwelcome bites).

Overall this is a nice property which unfortunately still has quite a few service/staff training issues to resolve. Carlise Bay is also a pleasant rather than luxurious experience, perhaps better for families and not suitable for those expecting the highest level of pampering, service or furnishings/decor.

"Chilled" is not a word I ever used or truly understood until our trip to this hotel. After a week I can say I was truly chilled out, relaxed or any other word that describes a first rate holiday experience.
I have been fortunate enough to stay in many 5 star Caribbean resorts but this one is clearly the best and miles ahead of Sandy Lane which disapointed me. Why? Because the layout, rooms, facilities, beach pool and particularly the people were superb. They have a new GM who is really making a difference and the staff have pride and ( to Carribean standards) the confidence to solve your problems. Just about all the early teething bugs have been ironed out.
Talking about bugs they do have a bit of a mosquito problem because of the surrounding nature area but they are winning this battle and it is not nearly bad enough to prevent anyone going. Just bring some protection if you attract them although they even think of this and put stuff in your room. And the sea? It is calm, gently shelving and the perfect place to learn to sail or windsurf.
If you are travelling independently I suggest you book a private taxi transfer with the hotel and they will add $40 to your room bill. It takes around 30 minutes and reduces the hastle of antigua airport which is now very overstretched. If you want to see the island go to Nelsons Dockyard at English Harbour. The admission cost is $5 but this pays your entrance to adjoining Shirley Heights which has great views and riotous fun on a Sunday night. In the dockyard on the left hand side is a door in the wall to an old inn where you can get a great snack and/or cold beer. Local beer is Wadadli and it is excelent. Another place to eat close by is 'The Last Lemming' which is a great venue underneath Royal Antigua Yacht Club and overlooking a busy marina. Sit, relax and watch life go by.
My final tip? Give the people a chance. Sometimes they can seem quite brusque when they don't mean to. Give them a warm smile and I guarantee you will get a wide helpful one back!