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I just came back from my vacation at Hermitage Bay, and overall I would rate the experience 8.5/10. The resort has an incredible atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, but there were definitely some inconsistencies, especially with the service, that kept it from feeling like a true five-star luxury experience.
The Villa & Room Experience
The villa itself was probably a 9/10. The outdoor space and plunge pool were absolutely amazing for relaxation and blending into nature. Watching the sunset and twilight sky from the pool was one of the highlights of the trip. The plunge pool temperature was perfect, especially after spending time at the beach, and it seemed to be cleaned regularly because it was always spotless.
One thing to note is that the resort is very nature-focused, so there are a lot of birds and wildlife around. If you leave food outside, birds may try to get into it. There were also definitely mosquitoes and bugs. Unfortunately, I got quite a few bug bites during the stay even though I brought bug spray, bracelets, and mosquito patches.
The room itself felt relatively small, although the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was huge, but I found it odd that the toilet was not separated from the main bathroom area. It made it difficult for two people to comfortably use the space at the same time.
The outdoor shower was beautiful and relaxing, although the water pressure could have been stronger after a long day out.
The snack bar and drinks included in the room were nice touches, although we honestly didn’t use them much because there was already so much food throughout the stay. The resort also gifted us a bottle of champagne, which was thoughtful.
Walking Around the Resort
We stayed in the 30s, and getting from the main hotel area to the room involved quite a walk, around 1,200 steps round trip. Personally, I actually enjoyed it because it felt like a nice workout and a good way to appreciate the property and scenery.
Food & Dining
Breakfast was consistently great, and lunch at La Maison Petit pop-up was honestly one of the best dining experiences during the trip. The menu felt like a full dinner menu, and the combination of outdoor seating, great food, drinks, and live music made it special.
Dinner, however, was more hit-or-miss. A few dishes, like the tuna steak, risotto, and apple tart, were very good, while others didn’t really impress me.
The sushi social hour was excellent and one of the highlights of the resort experience. The food was great, and it created a fun atmosphere where couples could socialize and meet each other.
Service
This was probably the weakest part of the experience for me.
While many staff members were friendly, the service overall felt more four-star than five-star luxury. Food service could be extremely slow at times, and there were moments when it seemed like orders were forgotten or the resort was understaffed.
One specific thing that stood out was when I asked for fresh coconut water. Some staff members either made uncomfortable facial expressions or simply told me it wasn’t available, even though I had seen other guests receiving it at breakfast.
Another disappointing moment happened on our last day. I asked if we could have an extra 30 minutes to an hour so we could finish packing and finish our food. One front desk staff member immediately responded rudely and said no. Another staff member tried to check with the duty manager, but the first person pulled her aside and shut the conversation down. I just didn’t think it was handled professionally.
Also, on the last day, our bathroom amenities, such as the vanity kit, were never replenished, which I found strange for a luxury resort.
Beach & Activities
The beach itself is beautiful visually, although it’s not necessarily the best beach for swimming because of the wall structure in the middle of the water. It’s still nice for relaxing, quick dips, and enjoying the scenery.
The water activities, however, were excellent.
The Hobie Cat sailing was honestly 10/10. It was such a fun way to explore the bay and practice sailing.
The clear kayak was also fantastic because you can see through to the ocean below, and it was a great workout paddling to nearby beaches.
Spa & Atmosphere
The spa was wonderful and exactly what you want on a relaxing vacation. We did a one-hour deep tissue massage, which helped relieve a lot of tension in my body.
The overall atmosphere of the resort was beautiful. The live music every night really added to the experience, and the entire property had a peaceful, laid-back vibe that made it easy to disconnect and relax.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a really enjoyable stay at Hermitage Bay. The natural beauty, villa experience, spa, live music, and activities were all memorable highlights. However, the inconsistent service and some operational details prevented it from fully feeling like a true five-star luxury resort.
I would still absolutely recommend it for couples looking for a peaceful and scenic Caribbean getaway, especially if you value privacy, nature, and a relaxed atmosphere more than ultra-polished luxury service.
