I must have been at a different resort than most of these reviews! I have stayed at beach resorts around the world and this place is just OK. The actual rooms/cabanas are nice and they have A/C. But the luxury stops there. The food is not anything special... we were in the Caribbean and they didn't even offer lobster! The menu stays the same throughout your stay... and it gets really old. Same breakfast, same lunch, same dinner. This place is quite costly... at $1200 per night... the food should at least be fabulous. Other than sit in the sun... there is nothing else to do... so good for honeymooners who don't want to leave their room... but bad for people who would like to see the local flavor of the island. There is no shop... so you'd better have everything you need and NO snacks are available. They have no hotel car... so you have to call for a cab from town and wait at least 1/2 hour before you can get a ride anywhere. The cabs to go even a few miles to Jolly Harbor or to town are very costly. They charge a $15 per plate fee to have food in your room... or to have ANY food or beverage delivered! We were charged $15 to have our mini-bar re-stocked prior to the "normal" time. It just seems they nickel and dime you to death! So, don't count this an "all inclusive" unless you plan to sit at the pool or in your room... the extras add up.

Hermitage bay is the perfect destination for a romantic relaxing luxury break. From the moment you enter, you are looked after by the wonderful smiling staff. The hill villas are perfect as offer a private plunge pool and spectacular views. Frequent buggies offer drop offs for those who dont want to walk but after all the eating, the exercise is needed. the best thing about the resort is the food. fabulous freshly cooked meals made by the resident chef. as all inclusive- there is no guilt in not eating all day long! also great choic of cocktails and drinks available and excellent bar tenders. Only downside from when i travelled there (and this may be better now) is the jellyfish. we are not big ocean swimmers therefore didnt effect us but for those of you who like swimming in the sea- be aware. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a peaceful sanctuary. not a lot to do but just enough to pass the blissful days there....100% recommend this hotel.

We've just returned from a stay that was much too short at Hermitage Bay. This resort simply wonderful. The overall design of individual cottages on both the beach and hillside really enables Hermitage Bay to transcend many luxury resorts with rooms and suites confined to a single building. Privacy, elegance and understated luxury define this quiet Eden in Antigua. With a total occupancy of only 50 people, guests benefit from the high level of attentiveness delivered by a staff that aims to please and make your stay memorable. There is the occasional wait for a cocktail or a misplaced appetizer, but all of this is forgivable within such a relaxed and utterly stress free environment.

The grounds were lovely. Clearly, much thought went into the landscaping and layout and everything was in bloom during our visit. Our hillside cottage was near the top and we thoroughly enjoyed the stonework and flower lined paths that led us to the main buildings down near the beach. As others have written, it can be a trek, but certainly not one that is disheartening.

The cottages are distinctly luxurious and quite large. With an outdoor daybed, private plunge pool, viewing deck, huge bathroom, outdoor shower, large bedroom - what more could you possibly need? The quality of the furnishings was well chosen and more than anything each cottage is quite private. We spent our late afternoons enjoying the setting sun, listening to music on the surround sound system and slowly getting ready for dinner.

Meals were consistently creative and interesting. Of particular interest was the combination of various Antiguan fare with more traditional seafood and meats. Set up against the beach, the restaurant is just another picturesque element of the property.

I am certain there are nicer beaches elsewhere in the Caribbean, but the beach at HB was comfortable and picturesque. Although more shell than sand, our primary interest in the beach was to find a lounge chair, don our sunglasses and listen to the waves. Looking around, we found there were conch shells and other interesting items that joined us for the return trip home.

It is interesting that HB is not widely reviewed. In some ways this is a blessing for now because it really is a discreet destination. We did come across an undercover travel writer who was interested in finding out whether the lore of HB was authentic. We did our best to convince her it was true. We shall return.

It's difficult to think of anything to say except "ditto" to all the latest reviews of Hermitage Bay. Whatever kinks were mentioned before have most definitely been worked through - bugs, food, etc. This resort is lovely! It is small, intimate and designed to complement the beauty of it's natural surroundings. My boyfriend and I were unfortunately there for only a few nights before having to move over to an "exclusive" private club across the island. The differences were glaring and if we weren't there for a wedding, we both would have rushed back to Hermitage Bay as quickly as possible. The difference? The people at Hermitage Bay. They are just the perfect balance of friendly, helpful and respectful of your privacy. The other is the beautiful "villa" accommdations. But, all of this has been mentioned many times before so I won't be redundant...although this is a place you want to gush on and on about...though you don't want anyone else to find it really. But, too late on that one. We happened to meet the owner and they had just learned that the HB had made Conde Nast's HOT list. Great for them, not so much for those of us that want it to stay just as it is.
So, a few things of note. We did not stay in one of the HIllside cottages. I went back and forth on this and was very worried that I would regret the decision since everyone seems to lean this way on this site, but we ended up very happy with our #15 right on the beach. #15 is at the far end and front row of villas, so if you do the beach, ask for 13 - 15. They are on the front row to the beach and further away from the pool. We both felt that sitting on the veranda in the morning, or in the bed, and watching the beach was glorious. Listening to the waves as we slept was perfection. Though no plunge pool in the beach front, this was not missed one bit. Walking back and forth to our villa was much easier and we loved it. If you do want to save a little money, or even if this is not an issue, beach front is great.
Second, we wandered past the restaurant up a path and went on a walk around to the other side with a beautiful view of jolly bay. Keep going and you find a beautiful private beach where we swam and just hung out alone. It felt like our own special find and we had such a great day. Maybe because it wasn't planned and we just happened upon it that it felt so special... the hotel hadn't mentioned it at all. So, take a walk this way (right past the water sports on the beach). We loved the private beach action so much that they next day we had them pack a picnic and take us via motor boat to a private island for the day. Wine, cheese and just us. A little bit of heaven. This was their idea when they heard how much we loved the walk and we loved it! Don't miss this or you've missed out on something very special. A massage on the first morning got us right into the relaxation mode and so would recommend this as well.
I love going to different places and checking out resorts. I am picky and my boyfriend teases me about my high standards. This is the first place that I KNOW I will return to, if I can get in...I have a feeling this place will be in high demand soon.
If you want a romantic, very low key, beautiful and friendly place, this is it.