It took me a long time to decide where to go on our honeymoon. After lots of research on tripadvisor and other sites, Hermitage Bay seemed like the best choice. Few things in life are as good as they are broadcast to be, but hermitage bay is a rare gem that actually exceeds all expectations. Upon arrival to Antigua, my wife and I were greeted by a Hermitage rep and helped through immigration and customs. We then bypassed the drones of newly weds awaiting the shuttle to Sandals and had our own private ride to Hermitage Bay complete with cool bottled water waiting for us.

The trip takes about 35 minutes, and the last few minutes of the trip are down a bumpy dirt road, as other reviewers have mentioned. This does not take away from the charm, but adds to it, since hermitage is a completely secluded and private resort and beach. At the hotel, the receptionist was waiting for us and greeted us by name, and with cold towels and virgin mojitos (which we fell in love with quickly). We were shown around by Rita, one of the owners, as our bags were taken to our room. The food was 3-4 courses per meal, and 3 meals per day plus tea time in the afternoon. The food was really great as were the drinks. On the beach, we were very well taken care of with bottled water as soon as we picked out chairs, followed by any drink we requested. The water was beautiful and clear, the reef is rough if you aren't careful, but provides a great place to snorkel. Sea kayaking was fun (all water sports are free).
We were given complementary massages which were great as well, and a champaigne breakfast in bed on our last morning. We took a trip in to St Johns which was really cool, and was $50 round trip. We also took advantage of an incredible picnic on a private beach. All you have to do is show up, and Hermitage takes you on a boat, prepares your food, sets up the umbrella, and returns when you request them to.
I could go on and on, but the bottom line is Hermitage Bay was a great investment. It was beautiful, not at all crowded like other mainstream resorts are, the rooms are beautiful and well taken care of by the staff. I would most deffinatley return and would encourage my friends and family to do so as well. Do yourself a favor and visit Hermitage Bay, you will be glad you did.

The patron saint of hermits would certainly have been at home here!
We were lucky to have been invited to a birthday celebration that had booked the whole resort for three days and we had extended our stay post celebrations to make the most of this fabulous retreat.
Booked a hillside villa and had our own king bedded suite with external shower (fab!) an internal bath big enough for two overlooking the bay, aromatherapy toiletries, complimentary mini bar, free WiFi, large screen telly, ipod docking station, deck dining area, private sun deck and a glorious plunge pool that was entirely private - think no white bits!
A short stroll away was the hotel proper with spa, large pool, private beach, open plan bar, and european style restaurant with excellent food including local dishes and even better local service! With an all inclusive package rate you might expect (especially in the downturn) that drinks and food would be rationed but not so! In fact I am in need of a diet!
The staff are the secret success here! Very friendly but not overly so! attentive, charming and those caribbean smiles enough to melt even this hardened city boy. Andy (the owner) was on hand looking more like a guest than overseer and his charm and laid back approach has obviously rubbed off on the staff.
We will definately be back but TOP TIP............Pack the mosquito repellant - we were their buffet for most of the stay but even that cannot mar the magic of this place. A must for a romantic getaway.

My husband and I just returned from our Honeymoon at Hermitage June 1st through June 5th. I cannot say enough about this place and their wonderful staff. The service here is amazing and the people are genuine. They are constantly making sure you are enjoying everything and always with a smile on their face.
The rooms are beautiful..we stayed in a hillside cottage with a private pool. Although there is only one restaurant, the dinner menu changes daily and everything I tasted was delicious. Probably the best food I have ever tasted in the Carribbean.
It is a bit desolate but perfect for honeymooners and you will feel like you are the only one on the island at times. We truly enjoyed every moment of our stay!

If you're reading this, no doubt you're researching the best place to stay in antigua or for your honeymoon or just an upscale caribbean getaway. Believe me, Hermitage Bay is the place you've been looking for. I research the hell out of everything and HB did not disappoint in any regard.

The room: wow. you basically have a huge veranda with about 4 different sitting/laying-out areas, a private pool (about 10x10), huge bathroom with vanity sinks, a surplus of mirrors, a great 2-person bathtub, and an outdoor shower that overlooks the bay. Again, wow.

The food: i gained 5 pounds. every meal has multiple options for about 3-4 courses. Sure they kind of recycle ingredients but they're creative in doing so and the menu never feels old. Surprisingly some of the best duck we've ever had. Desserts are great.

The beach: quiet, great service that will bring you water and drinks even before you ask. nice little reef that has some cool snorkeling. The Watersports staff is great. Janice, Michael, and Devon are all amazing people that truly love their jobs and enjoy whisking you away on a motorboat to other private beaches with a packed lunch, snorkeling destinations, etc.

What else can I say? Hermitage Bay defies the all-inclusive stereotype with second-to-none service, ambience, and food. It also gives "all-inclusive" another meaning in that you really don't need to venture out to the rest of the island if you don't want to. Hermitage Bay is the ultimate romantic Caribbean escape.

One thing we did out-source: an extra snorkeling trip with The Glass Bottom Snorkeling Cat tour. Denise and Itano were amazing personable guides that charge half of what other tours charge for a better experience. Don't let the concierge tell you about other high-priced tours, The Glass Bottom Snorkeling Cat is best and will customize any type of trip you want.