Carlisle Bay

Antigua, Caribbean

Star rating

Garden Suite
Bay Suite
Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Beach Balcony Suite
Carlisle Suite
Indigo on the Beach
Indigo on the Beach
East
A video preview image
Garden Suite
Bay Suite
Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Beach Balcony Suite
Carlisle Suite
Indigo on the Beach
Indigo on the Beach
East

The hotel

Situated on Antigua’s unspoilt south coast, this natural harbour, defined by a fine crescent of sand, is straight out of a Caribbean press release. The lush countryside, the warm disposition of the people and genuine hospitality is what distinguishes Antigua from other Caribbean islands. Turquoise waters, surrounded by emerald green hills and swaying palms, perfectly frame this tranquil, all-suite hotel. Guests reap the benefit of the proprietor’s assured taste and magnificent attention to detail, from the lights that illuminate the garden at night, to the abundance of orchids, and the custom-made furniture and interiors. A variety of bars and restaurants treat guests to delicious meals with gorgeous views, and spacious suites are the perfect place to return to after a day enjoying the Caribbean sun. Indulge in their all-inclusive package; with yoga, Pilates, water sports, tennis, children’s club, afternoon tea and meals at four tantalising restaurants all included. This is the best way to experience Carlisle Bay!

Amenities

  • Hobie Cats
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Nestling on the magnificent undeveloped south coast of Antigua — set in a sweeping bay on a ravishing beach with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Transfer time from Antigua Airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

87 spacious, contemporary suites. Cool, calm, luxurious interiors, each with a private balcony or terrace and breath-taking sea views. All suites include complimentary refillable water bottles, ESPA amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes, espresso machine and a fully-stocked minibar*. 

Garden Suites are spacious open-planned suites with a large bathroom, steps down to a separate living area and terrace or balcony with tropical garden or partial sea views, with 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child.

All Inclusive option: includes full breakfast, three-course lunch at Indigo on the Beach, The Jetty Grill (adults only) or at the restaurant by the pool, Ottimo!, daily afternoon tea, 3-course dinner from the à la carte menu at Indigo on the Beach, The Jetty Grill (adults only), Ottimo! pan-Asian restaurant, East. Drinks including all cocktails, spirits, house wine, beers and soft drinks. Premium spirits and bottles of wine are excluded from the fully inclusive rates and may be purchased at an additional charge.


Half Board option: includes 3-course dinner and coffee selected from the à la carte menus at Indigo on the Beach, East, Ottimo! and the Jetty grill (adults only). Does not include beverages.

Room upgrades

Ocean Suites have a balcony with views over the gardens to the ocean, with 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Beach Balcony Suites have beach views, master bedroom with 1 king-size bed, and second bedroom with 2 single beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Bay Suites are oceanfront, adult-only suites featuring a four-poster king-sized bed, private butler and a beachside location, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Beach Terrace Suites are located with direct access onto the beach and unrivalled sea views. All Beach Terrace Suites have a spacious open-plan layout, 1 king-size bed with living area plus an additional second bedroom with 2 single beds. Sleeps maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Carlisle Suites have large sitting area which extends onto an outdoor terrace, 3 en-suite bedrooms and can sleep maximum 6 persons with a central waterfront location. Carlisle Suites come with a kitchenette, and either large terrace or wrap around balcony with uninterrupted panoramic views.

4 restaurants: Indigo on the Beach serving grills and healthy salads in an informal setting, Pan-Asian cuisine at East. Poolside Ottimo! serves classic Italian fare from a wood-burning oven and the adults-only Jetty Grill serves fresh Caribbean seafood and meats overlooking the resort’s Jetty and Caribbean Sea.

Swimming pool. CARA Organic Beauty Spa* offers a full and comprehensive spa menu. Yoga and Pilates classes* available in the Garden Pavilion or on The Jetty at sunset (the first class is complimentary). 5 tennis courts with professional tuition upon request* and Pickleball courts. PADI dive school*, complimentary non-motorised water sports including snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and Hobie cats. Boat excursions*. Fitness centre. Screening room with movie nights. Creche*. Cool Kids Club with its own paddling pool, sand pit and jungle gym (2-6 years). Crew Blue activity programme for children 7-12 years, including raft building, five-a-side football, zip-wiring and star fish hunting (during school holidays).

Beauty salon*. Complimentary WiFi access.

Please note: a room levy of $5 per guest, per night applies to guests aged 6 years and above (payable locally, subject to change).

3 nights between 22 Dec–2 Jan.

* Denotes local charge. 

Please note: children under 18 years old are not permitted to stay in the Bay Suite room types.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (983)
  • Very good (248)
  • Average (96)
  • Poor (61)
  • Terrible (43)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely family holiday

Aug 12, 2025 Pickleone11 Harpenden, United Kingdom

First timers, and it won’t be the last visit. Booked through BA holidays in 2024 after much research as this was celebrating our 23 year anniversary, a family holiday before A’ level results for our son, and an early 50th for me. Arrived promptly from the airport at 2pm. We were slightly disappointed and hot and tired that our room was not ready… Read more
First timers, and it won’t be the last visit. Booked through BA holidays in 2024 after much research as this was celebrating our 23 year anniversary, a family holiday before A’ level results for our son, and an early 50th for me. Arrived promptly from the airport at 2pm. We were slightly disappointed and hot and tired that our room was not ready until 5pm. I had to enquire at least 3 times too. We enjoyed drinks at the bar and then were taken to our room eventually and all drinks on the house, and also some credit was put on our room. Fair enough, we were also lucky enough to have an interconnecting room with adult family 18 and 20 and the suite was superb. Brand new, few minor issues, tv didn’t work but to be honest we were not bothered. Fridge also didn’t work but got fixed day 2. The resort is lovely. Beautiful beach, spacious room, friendly staff. We loved the food but could have done with all the restaurants being open every night so more of a choice. That said we loved our lunches and dinners at East, the main restaurant was very goos, Leanne kept us highly amused, slso Jetty was good but a little hot but again service and food was delicious. I loved sitting at Coconut Grove for drinks turtle watching. The pool bar was good. Very quiet in the evenings, we were in bed most nights by 11pm but loved waking up at 6am for the gym or pilates. We did the tour of the gardens with Junior, he was lovely, very sweet and good to see the resort from the outside, we didn’t see many doing this tour which is a shame. My kids and husband also walked to Signal Hill and walked to Rendezvous Bay with Junior. We also visited Laviscount Island and met the lovely taxi driver Ron, whom we will use on our next visit. My son and husband used the jet ski that visited twice during our stay, we made use of the reef snorkel trip, snorkelling, kayaks, pedallos and Stand up paddle boards. We met some a lovely guest at the hotel “Mr Moley” and are now in touch with him back in London. Some guests were slightly stand offish, not sure why? And one family in particular seemed to enjoy yelling at their kids even with a snorkel mask on, quite amusing! All in all we loved our stay. We are looking at visiting Antigua in 2026 but not sure it will be Carlise Bay, possibly 2027, prices have increased, hoping BA sale may entice us. Thanks for a lovely stay, see you again at some stage. The Holland Family, Hertfordshire Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Laid back luxury

Aug 3, 2025 Kate F

Carlisle Bay was truly laid back luxury. It’s difficult to find anything negative to say. Staff were delightful and excellent. The food was fantastic. The hotel and beach were stunning and the island was lush and green and beautiful. We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with two teenage girls and there was plenty of room. The only thing that would have… Read more
Carlisle Bay was truly laid back luxury. It’s difficult to find anything negative to say. Staff were delightful and excellent. The food was fantastic. The hotel and beach were stunning and the island was lush and green and beautiful. We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with two teenage girls and there was plenty of room. The only thing that would have been better would be having two bathrooms but the one bathroom was very large and we managed. Although we visited at the end of the season, the weather was lovely. Not too hot. A bit of rain at times but it only lasted a few minutes. There was a nice breeze most of the time. We found the trip very relaxing and would love to return one day. Having the fast track through the airport was a very nice touch as well. Can very much recommend this hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An unforgettable two weeks in paradise

Jul 26, 2025 ReigateF Reigate, United Kingdom

We were lucky enough to spend two incredible weeks at Carlisle Bay in early July on an all inclusive stay and it completely exceeded our expectations. Originally, we’d booked through BA Holidays for August 2025, only to be told in January that the resort would be closed for refurbishment. We brought the trip forward, and after being there, we now… Read more
We were lucky enough to spend two incredible weeks at Carlisle Bay in early July on an all inclusive stay and it completely exceeded our expectations. Originally, we’d booked through BA Holidays for August 2025, only to be told in January that the resort would be closed for refurbishment. We brought the trip forward, and after being there, we now realise Carlisle Bay usually closes in August each year, so it’s a mystery how we were able to book it in the first place! With that hiccup, and a few less than glowing TripAdvisor reviews, we were admittedly a little apprehensive. But any nerves disappeared the moment we arrived. The resort is beautiful, calm, and welcoming. Service was impeccable; yes, occasionally on “Caribbean time,” but always with warmth and grace. The food was delicious, the cocktails even better, and the entire resort was kept immaculately clean. We stayed in a beachfront suite which was just perfect. Our loungers were only a few steps from our terrace, and we loved starting the day with the sound of the waves. Vida looked after us so well in the evenings, always thoughtful, always smiling. Len kept us cool and refreshed on the beach, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our 12-year-old daughter had a fantastic time with the Crew Blue activities and especially loved sneaking some breakfast to feed the tortoises at the kids’ club (shhh!). Akim was brilliant with kids of all ages. Lunchtime at Ottimo! became a daily favourite, and the Monday beach BBQ at Jetty Grill with the steel band was a highlight. I’m already dreaming about returning for my birthday one day, just to have Leanne from Indigo sing Happy Birthday to me! If there’s one downside, it’s the mosquitoes as they really went for us, despite using all the repellent available (and the hotel does provide some). So come prepared! We also chartered a boat through Barefoot Antigua and can’t recommend it highly enough. We visited Stingray City, Bird Island, and several beautiful snorkelling spots. The spa was a dream. Michelle gave fantastic treatments and the whole experience was incredibly relaxing. Our two weeks flew by, and we now fully understand why so many people return year after year. Carlisle Bay is understated luxury at its best. We would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommend. Read less
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Jul 24, 2025 annievv Overland Park, Kansas

Picturesque beach/bay in a boutique like setting! The service was excellent at every turn from the front reception ( Fern) to the servers ( Leanne is the best) to the spa staff ( Eve gives a great massage) service to the watersports staff ( Lenny!). At every turn, service was incredible. I would recommend here if you are looking for a relax and… Read more
Picturesque beach/bay in a boutique like setting! The service was excellent at every turn from the front reception ( Fern) to the servers ( Leanne is the best) to the spa staff ( Eve gives a great massage) service to the watersports staff ( Lenny!). At every turn, service was incredible. I would recommend here if you are looking for a relax and chill type vacation. We did half board and I highly recommend that or all inclusive as the menu prices are steep. The spa is priced fairly, as is watersports in my opinion. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Another wonderful stay at Carlisle Bay

Jul 22, 2025 Lenka B Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom

Just left Carlisle Bay after our second visit. We were last there 3 years ago. We had a wonderful time, and met many guests who return year after year. It’s easy to see why. The best bit about this resort is the beachfront location. Most rooms and suites are on the beach, literally steps from the sea. You wake up to the most wonderful sea views… Read more
Just left Carlisle Bay after our second visit. We were last there 3 years ago. We had a wonderful time, and met many guests who return year after year. It’s easy to see why. The best bit about this resort is the beachfront location. Most rooms and suites are on the beach, literally steps from the sea. You wake up to the most wonderful sea views from your room. The bay is gentle and clear, so super safe for the kids to play in. On a kayak or snorkelling you will see stingrays, barracuda, starfish, lobsters and turtles. The service levels have definitely improved since our last visit and it feels very slick/seamless now. Many of the staff have worked at the hotel for years. The hotel is partway through a refurb, and we were staying on one of the newly upgraded ocean suites which was stunning. We love the fact that this resort is small, so all the kids of varying ages get to know each other. It’s incredibly safe and a place that you instantly relax. Our favourite restaurant was East, with superb Asian food. We also enjoyed lunches at Ottimo where the food quality was also excellent. My only negative is that the Jetty Bar wasn’t open every night for sundowners. Overall, a fantastic stay and we will definitely return. Read less