Having just returned after an incredible 3 weeks in paradise feeling nostalgic to say the least I think it is only fair to share the fond memories and advise others in search of perfection!
I arrived after a very painful journey from London which ended up taking as long as a journey to Australia after delays in Barbados. Arriving close to midnight and exhausted I was welcomed by the ever friendly and cheerful staff and shown to my gorgeous beach front villa. Still unsure whether it was telepathy or sheer excellent service the staff seemed to know exactly what I wanted-a light snack and bed-both of which were awaiting me in my room. Too exhausted to explore I collapsed into potentially one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in.
Waking slightly earlier than I’d have liked (must put it down to jet lag!) I rise and have an instant reality check. Yes I am in paradise and I actually feel like I am in the Caribbean. Having been fortunate enough to stay in many luxury hotels I have become oh too accustomed to super accommodation in five star resorts which accompany a struggle to distinguish which continent let alone country you are in. My villa seems even spacious by daylight. I wandered into the open plan bathroom which is separated from the bedroom by only a small wooden partition and came across my first problem of the holiday – do I have a shower in the open air shower (not overlooked so feel entirely comfortable baring my currently untanned self to nature!) or do I soak myself in the massive free standing very inviting white bath tub?? I chose the shower option (wanted to save the bath for later that evening!).
The rooms are divine, designed personally by the owner and his son (a highly successful property tycoon, owning one of the most well known property developing firms in London – Finchatton). They have focused on the smallest details from the state of the art audio system that allows you to link your iPod to the surround sound music system and wireless broadband connection that allows you to stay in touch with those few you must! It truly feels enchanting and mixes essential Antiguan style with understated elegance. I almost forgot to mention the private terrace each room has with a massive double bed/lounger for those who want some shade and time away from the beach and pool. The hillside villas are privileged to have their own small pool as well (next year!).
So, breakfast, there I was expecting one of those overbearing unappetizing hotel buffets, oh no, not at Hermitage! Once I’ve made the short walk across to the restaurant I am greeting by a smiley waitress who shows me to my table after offering me the choice of one of the three levels to sit at, this layout allows every diner the most spectacular views across the bay. I opt for the upper. Having been told that the fresh fruit juice of the day is pineapple and a medley of melon I opt for that and begin looking at the menu. There is something for everyone (not one of those menus’s that bears resemblance to an online supermarket list with everything and anything but just a selection across the board!) Being conscious of my day ahead involving bearing all to the other 50 guests in my new bikini I go for the light option, a plate of fresh fruit followed by eggs benedict – yum!
Right, second problem of the day – beach or pool? The infinity pool with wooden decking or the white sandy beach?? I opt for beach, personal opinion but it’s the sand between the toes feeling that wins me over every time! I am shown to a sun lounger by a member of staff who helps me lay out a towel and move my bed directly in line of the sun (no point starting a holiday with an uneven tan!) The beach is gorgeous, I am informed that it is not in fact a private beach but it is relatively inaccessible to those other than the 50 hotel residents that it is never going to suffer from over crowding. Being a slightly restless individual it’s not long until I have my first dip in the very inviting sea. Now I really feel a million miles away from the cold, dark, damp London I left behind! Yey! Back to the sun worshiping, a morning in the sun really wouldn’t be complete without a glass of rose so up goes my little flag that is to the left of my sun lounger. Wow! A glass of rose in hand and I didn’t even move, now I’m in heaven!
Lunch time. I had the option of a light snack in the bar area which is adjacent to the pool but I decide on lunch in the restaurant after all the views are spectacular and I feel it’s allowed after my ‘light’ breakfast. OK, go on then if I must have another glass (may I add a glass that never seems to empty thanks to the enthusiastic waitress!) of rose. Again, as with the breakfast menu there is something for everyone. I decide on the soup of the day (pumpkin!) followed by s smoke salmon salad with palm hearts and crème fresh dressing. Unfortunately just as I order I get overcome by a massive pang of food envy as I see the couple next to me being served Wadadli (the local beer) battered fish goujons and a hearty club sandwich! Oh well, there’s always tomorrow, and the next 9 days!
Time for the siesta - definitely essential post rose fuelled lunch! I awake just in time for my complimentary massage in the spa which soothes my slightly over sunned body. The spa is gorgeous, up on the hillside amongst the other villas and over looks the bay. I am told however that a new spa is on the to-do-list as well as a new gym. I guess I’ll have to come back then as it’d be rude not to see it!
After a peaceful afternoon sleeping on the beach and swimming every now and then I decide that its time to go in as the sun is going down and if I’m honest I’m very excited about that bath! I’m always a bit skeptical of hotel supplied bathroom products (guess that’s the snob in me coming out and the fact I’d spent a fortune on ridiculously priced travel sized products for my holiday) but I thought so far perfect so it’d be only fair to try them, if I’m honest I can’t exactly remember the name of the products but I think it was something like Aromatherapy Essentials, divine! And I’m super fussy about beauty products!
Time for a sundowner. I stroll over to the bar. I get offered a glass of champagne (I don’t think the champagne is complimentary all year round but only around Christmas but I’m not sure) and get served some delicious canapés. One of the nice things about it being a small boutique hotel is that you soon begin to recognize faces of the other guests and there is a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere so those that want to interact with each other (often the couples beginning to run out of things to say to their significant other!) I met some lovely people and have even stayed in touch with one couple. It’s still early but that painful jet lag is kicking in and despite feeling the most relaxed I’ve done in a long time I’m exhausted so head over to the dining area for supper. I double take, I’m sure this is the same place I came for breakfast and lunch yet it looks different. With the use of table clothes and drapes over the edge of the terracing it is transformed into and elegant dining room. The menu in the evening changes daily which I love as no matter how good the food is, Michelin Star or not, it can get tedious in all inclusive resorts when you are presented with the same menu on 10 consecutive nights! I’d highly recommend the seared tuna which I had followed by the grilled Mahi Mahi. Delicious! My one regret of the holiday was I never met the chef or found out where he was from, a true genius. I wouldn’t know how to describe the genre of food but a complete mix from I would describe it I guess as Modern European with an International twist! Oh and the pear and the mango sorbet is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The jazz band that is placed between the bar and the restaurant just added that certain ‘je ne sais quois’ to the place.
My bed time. I grab a DVD from the wide selection available at the reception on my way back to my villa and turn in for the night. Very sleepy and can’t wait to pass out in that bed again.
A whole 10 days of this, perfection. The next week followed and I did a bit of exploring of the nearby towns St Johns and English Harbor including of course the essential visit to the infamous Shirley Heights on Sunday. Both towns have lots to offer. St Johns is where the cruise ships come into so it’s slightly hectic and definitely a world apart from the peacefulness of Hermitage Bay but all the same definitely worth a visit. A few local restaurants that are worth visiting if you want a night away from the hotel, I’d suggest Papa Zukes (ask any taxi driver!) and a few good shops too. There is one I liked especially called Sunseekers which holds, I am told, the widest selection of swimwear in the Caribbean. Super friendly staff and perfect for that extra bikini you just have to have! Talking of shops the hotel shop is to die for, not cheap but gorgeous clothes and jewelry!
Fantastic first week, can’t really face the prospect of going home in three days time. In fact dreading it so much that I mention it to the owner that evening when he comes over at the bar. I ‘enquire’ into the possibility of extending my stay, he looks at me doubtfully as if to say ‘there’s no way you’ll do it but nice idea’. That’s it I’m set on a mission, the owner tells me I can in fact stay as there is a spare room for that period of time, just one but that’s all I need! The next day he sorts it all out for me (after checking I remember our discussion and it wasn’t purely the result of the copious amount of rose and champagne I had consumed!). He changed my flights for me and that was it. My 10 day holiday had been extended by a further 11 days! OK, spoilt and greedy but worth it.
Unfortunately I’m now back in London sitting at my ever uninspiring desk and having spent the last hour writing this feeling truly nostalgic I must return to my work to ensure I can return for a repeat performance next year.
A truly incredible holiday in a magical hotel of which words don’t quite do justice.
I’m more than happy to expand on my experience if any potential guests so wish. Please don’t hesitate to ask anything because I jump at any opportunity to get nostalgic!
Lucie_Hirst@hotmail.com