In short… A $30 million eco-luxe renovation is transforming this 30-villa retreat into the Caribbean’s next “it” destination.
The surroundings… The 45-minute taxi ride over rutted roads—fit for a bucking bronco—is a small price for the payoff. The hotel has one of the loveliest settings in Antigua: newly landscaped tropical gardens teeming with hummingbirds and butterflies, swaying coconut palms on the white-sand beach, and hillside villas overlooking a turquoise sea.
The backstory… Originally built by financier Andy Thesen in 2006, Hermitage Bay was recently purchased by Daniel Shamoon, co-owner of Luxury Hotel Partners. He upgraded everything from the décor to the cuisine without sacrificing the property’s barefoot charm. He retained the original staff while integrating elite chefs and managers from his European portfolio, including Marbella’s famed Puente Romano.
The vibe… Low-key, private, and as indulgent as you desire. Spend the day snorkeling the coral reef fronting the hotel’s cove or touring its organic farm. For an adventure, the hotel can arrange a helicopter for lunch and a swim on nearby Barbuda, where Shamoon has partnered with Robert de Niro on a Nobu restaurant (now open) and upcoming beach resort.
The rooms… Every villa is a suite, complete with mosquito-netted beds, expansive terraces, and a welcome treat of champagne and fresh fruit. If available, book a hillside villa; these include outdoor showers, soaking tubs and private plunge pools—perfect for cooling off on sweltering afternoons. The views of the bay from these heights are truly mesmerizing.
The food & drink… Forget the “all-inclusive” stereotype; the cuisine here is outstanding, centered on fresh local seafood and estate-grown produce. The thatched-roof Tree Bar hosts a free sushi hour every afternoon, followed by an optional omakase feast in the evening. While the main restaurant is exclusive to hotel guests, the Beach Club is currently hosting a lunchtime pop-up by La Petite Maison, the fashionable French restaurant (order the Truffle Rigatoni and Red Snapper “Nicoise Style”).
The Wellness… Opened this winter, the new spa features Siddhartha massages that begin with flower-filled foot baths. Coming soon: a hillside spa deck with morning yoga and Pilates classes.
Is it kid-friendly? This is an adult-only property, though teens over 14 are welcome.
Extra tip goes to… Seek out Tarik Artiba, La Petite Maison’s Brand Ambassador, who makes every guest at the lunchtime pop-up feel like a long-lost friend.
Be sure to… Embark on a sunset boat cruise and jump overboard for one last swim just as the light begins to fade.
Parting words… With its secluded locale and fairytale setting, this is the elusive Caribbean dream realized.
Date of stay… December 2025
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