Hermitage Bay
antigua, antigua · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Hermitage Bay is Antigua's most romantically singular hotel — 30 hillside and beachfront suites tucked around a curve of perfect white sand on the island's quiet northwest coast, accessible only by a twisty inland road. Adults-only, all-inclusive, and consistently rated among the Caribbean's best for couples, it has the highest honeymoon repeat-visit rate of any Antigua property.
- ✓Want zero families around
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
92/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Hermitage Bay across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Beachfront Suites with Plunge Pool sit directly on the sand — wood-shuttered, thatched-roof, and just steps from the water. The Hillside Suites with Plunge Pool climb the slope above the bay for panoramic views and total privacy. Both categories feature outdoor showers, four-poster beds, and the resort's signature wraparound verandahs. Beachfront is the most coveted; hillside the most private.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,650/nt) | $11,550 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $17,325 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $2,310 |
| Total estimated | $34,185 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Beachfront Welcome
Transfer from V.C. Bird International (45 minutes by road through Antigua's interior) to Hermitage Bay's gated entrance. Welcome rum punch on the verandah and a tour of the bay before settling into the suite. First dinner at the open-air main restaurant overlooking the water — the all-inclusive includes a strong wine list, premium spirits, and à la carte dining throughout.
Beach Day & Spa Treatment
Hermitage Bay's curve of white sand is among the prettiest on Antigua's leeward coast — calm, shallow, and never crowded. Morning swim and paddleboard, then a couples' treatment at the open-air spa pavilion (set among tropical gardens with sea views). Late afternoon yoga at the hilltop pavilion as the sun drops over the bay.
Shirley Heights & English Harbour
Drive south across the island to Nelson's Dockyard, the UNESCO Georgian naval base, for an afternoon exploring the historic buildings and harbourside restaurants. Time the day to reach Shirley Heights for sunset — the 18th-century lookout's panorama over English Harbour is Antigua's most famous view. Sunday evenings add live steel band and barbecue.
365 Beaches Tour
Antigua famously has 365 beaches — one for every day of the year. A private boat or driver day visits a string of the best: Half Moon Bay on the Atlantic side, Long Bay's reef, the pink-sand crescent at Pink Sand Beach, and Ffryes Bay's beach bars. Return to Hermitage Bay for dinner at the beachfront restaurant.
Stingray City & Snorkelling
A boat trip to Stingray City — a shallow sandbar off Antigua's north coast where southern stingrays glide around guests in waist-deep water. The trip combines snorkelling at offshore reefs with a swim with the rays. Back at the resort, a slow afternoon at the bay's edge and dinner under the stars.
Spa Morning & Sailing
Morning hot stone and Antiguan sea salt scrub at the spa, then an afternoon sail on a Hobie Cat or paddle in a kayak around the bay's headlands. The hotel's sunset cocktail tradition gathers couples on the beach with rum punches as the sun drops behind the western horizon.
Final Bay Morning & Departure
Last swim at the beach, breakfast on the verandah, and a slow road transfer back to V.C. Bird International. Most international flights to Europe and North America depart in the afternoon or evening, allowing a final morning at the bay before checkout.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Hermitage Bay is small (30 suites) — peak weeks (Christmas, February-March) book out 9+ months ahead and rates climb sharply.
The road approach winds through the rural northwest — fine in daylight but dark and twisty at night, so day arrivals are easier.
The resort's deliberate quietness and tiny scale won't suit couples who want nightlife, large pools, or multiple restaurant choices — Curtain Bluff or Blue Waters offer more activity.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon inquiry — Hermitage Bay Antigua Dear Hermitage Bay reservations, We are planning our honeymoon [DATE]-[DATE] and would like a Beachfront Suite with Plunge Pool [or Hillside Suite with Plunge Pool]. Please advise on availability, honeymoon inclusions, spa packages, and minimum-stay requirements for our dates. Thank you, [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Good for honeymooners?
Hermitage Bay is arguably Antigua's number-one honeymoon hotel — adults-only, all-inclusive, with one of the Caribbean's highest couples-review percentages and the consistent buzz from honeymoon agents and travel editorial. The intimate scale, beachfront suites, and the sheer beauty of the bay create a textbook romantic week.
Best time to visit?
December through April is high season — dry, sunny, breezy. February and March are the absolute peak. May, June, and November offer lower rates with similar weather. September-October hurricane season often sees the resort close for low-season works.
Book in advance?
For Christmas, New Year, Valentine's, and February-March peak weeks, book 9-12 months ahead. Beachfront Suites with Plunge Pool sell out first. Shoulder season (May, June, November) offers better availability with 3-6 months lead time.
Adults-only?
Yes — Hermitage Bay is strictly adults-only (18+). This is one of its core appeals for honeymooners and couples seeking a quiet, intimate Caribbean week without the family-resort atmosphere.
Best room type?
Beachfront Suites with Plunge Pool — direct access to the sand, the sound of the bay from the verandah, and unmatched romantic atmosphere. Hillside Suites with Plunge Pool offer more privacy and panoramic views for couples who prefer elevation to immediate beach.
How to get there?
Fly to V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Hermitage Bay is approximately 45 minutes by road through Antigua's central and northwest interior — the resort arranges private transfers. Direct flights serve Antigua from London, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, and several European cities.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
