We just returned from a week in Antigua. We spent our first three nights at Cocobay resort, and the last four nights at Hermitage Bay. The two resorts, although both beach resorts, were huge contrasts. Although Cocobay was a nice hotel on the beach, Hermitage bay is a luxury resort on the beach. You really can't even compare the two.

We arrived to cool towels and virgin Mojitos. Although early, we were able to check in right away as our room was available. We stayed in a beachfront room (#16) the first night, and then moved to a hillside room (#22). The beachfront rooms are gorgeous inside, being much larger inside than the hillside rooms. There is a nice seating area, and large bathroom. The hillside rooms are smaller inside, however still very luxurious. The outside deck of the hillside rooms are very large, with several sitting areas, and of course the wonderful plunge pool. The rooms all had a minibar that was restocked everyday.

We were actually a bit dissapointed with the location of our hillside cottage. Unit #22 appeared to be the lowest one on the hill, which leaves you with more of a view of the roofs of the beachfront cottages rather than a view of the ocean and the beach (this is especially true from the plungepool). We had inquired at the front desk if we could be moved to a room higher on the hill, however, no one ever got back to us (we would have liked a response either way). Since we knew they were at full capacity, we never really pushed the issue.

Please note that if you had limited mobility but really wanted a cottage with a plunge pool, unit #22 may be just right for you. It was only a short walk along a path and about ten stairs to this unit.

The food was fantastic. We never ever saw a buffet, and the quality of food was that found in five star restaurant. Service was great, and everyone was always smiling. Even the owner made his rounds to say hi to everyone and make sure they were happy.

The beach service was wonderful. Plenty of watersports were provided, and the beach attendants were always around to bring towels, drinks, water etc. Rosalyn and LInda (in the bar area) were especially friendly.

Yes, there were plenty of jellyfish and mosquitoes. They did their best at combating both of these creatures. Every morning someone did beach patrol to scoop out the jellyfish. With respect to the mosquitoes, I don't think Hermitage bay could do any more to combat these creatures. They fumigated, provided bug spray, and had citronella candles everywhere. In comparison to Cocobay, where we stayed the first three nights, the mosquitoes were much less at Hermitage Bay. Be prepared for numerous bites though regardless.

Overall, this is a WONDERFUL luxury all inclusive resort. It is in a class of its own, and I would not hesitate to return to this tropical paradise!

My wife and I stayed at Hermitage bay in September for 2 weeks. In a nut shell we had a wonderful time and will defiantly be going back in the future. If you are looking for excellent accommodation / excellent staff / great food and a wonderful setting to relax and enjoy the weather this is the resort. We stayed in a hill side resort which was only a 2 minute walk from the reception.. All the hill side cottages have a plunge pool which was wonderful to relax in and cool off. Our room ambassador “Hyacinth " was fantastic, our room was cleaned every day and she took care of our every need including getting the drinks we requested , she took care of all dinner reservations and really added to our stay. It is hard to talk about the staff without mentioning them all however I would like to mention Taj,Roselyn,Linda,Jody and all the staff in the restaurant as they really try and succeed to make sure you are enjoying your holiday. Thanks also to Devon who made sure I knew what I was doing in the Hobby cats on the beach.

There only slight negative were the bugs however if you go prepared you will be Ok.

Thanks to everyone at Hermitage Bay who made our stay one to remember.

The club atmosphere really adds to the holiday and we meet some really great people. Hello to the Shirley heights 10 and look forward to meeting up soon.

My wife and I have just returned after 10 magical days at the Hermitage Bay. The Hotel is located in a beautiful and remote setting offering tranquility and seclusion ideal for complete relaxation. Without doubt the true gem of this hotel is the staff who operate on the basis of nothing is too much trouble , even the managers and owner will take time to converse with guests. Having found a deserted beach about 40min walk from the hotel we spoke with staff about spending longer at this beach the following day. Immediately we were informed that a packed lunch would be prepared and delivered which it was by catamaran boat, it was superb. All the villas are well furnished and equipped with the hillside villas having the benefit of a private plunge pool. If you choose this hotel dump your mobile's and laptops and recharge your own batteries. Highly recommended.

We stayed at the Hermitage on our honeymoon, the last week of September. It was the best vacation we have each taken and we were so sad to leave. Everything I have to say is positive, b/c if you find something to complain about, you are seriously searching.

- Although the suites are amazing, the pool is amazing, etc these are obvious...the best part of our stay was their staff. I have never stayed somewhere and had every person say hello and ask me how my day is going. Even the landscape guys pulling weeds will stop and say hello, it's amazing. They all want your stay to be a great one and will help you with anything, you just have to ask. Miss Debra cleaned our room spotless every day and Miss Linda and Tajah were such a blast at the bar. Not to mention the reception always finding time to help or allowing me to use their computer (since the guest computer had a virus). Absolutely the best staff I have ever seen, from management down, the best.

- The food is wonderful. We ate dinner out one night and regreted leaving, learned a lesson. Actually, both times we left the resort, we were anxious to get back.

There are so many great things about the Hermitage, but I won't repeat more of what the others have said. That was the most relaxing, fun 7 days of my life and we can't wait to go back! The bugs were no worse than here in the South, just keep your spray on and you'll be fine.