Hermitage Bay, Antigua

I've been to Antigua a few times but this was my first time at this resort, we stayed for 5 nights. From concierge emails in advance and airport pickup I was blown away by the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff! I know I'm probably forgetting some names but I definitely have to highlight Shawnna, Solange and Shalanda at the front desk and Jamie, Nikita, Annette and Simone in dining. The bar staff are also in class of their own! Anthony and Koshane kept us laughing with full glasses. Jesse at the beach bar was amazing as well. The food and drinks were delicious and I felt like we had a good number of options but I could see the menu getting a bit repetitive if we stayed longer. The sushi tasting was fantastic!...but the biting gnats are rampant at the Tree Bar at that time (that was the only time we got really bit)...I wonder if that would be better if it was moved to the bar or dining area. Another must do is the garden tour with Wabba, he is very passionate and knowledgeable. It was neat to get a close look at the food items grown right on the premises as well as learn about the design and sustainability concepts of the beautiful grounds. It can't be said enough how gorgeous the resort is, truly a hidden gem. I travel a lot throughout the Caribbean so the bumpy road leading up hardly phased me and the drivers handle it well. We stayed in a beachfront villa and just loved all the seating options on the porch, I could've lounged there all day everyday. As others have mentioned...the rooms are a bit "quirky" with the outdoor showers and open toilet but was easy to get used to. The only other thing I would like are a few updates in the fitness center, including a full set of weights (it skipped from 4kg to 14kg! I think a lot of people, myself included, frequently workout with weights in that missing range). But overall this is an ideal location for a relaxing and quiet retreat and I hope to be back soon! Read less

Hermitage Bay Uncovered Booking this property was challenging due to limited detailed reviews, room category pictures, and amenity specifics. After constantly checking TripAdvisor, which offered the most insight but not the depth I wanted, I felt confident this resort would be a hit. This review aims to provide thorough information to help you decide. Scroll to the subheading that interests you, or read it all if you’re like me and crave every detail. Arrival Your journey begins with an airport meet and greet for stays of three or more days, a pampering touch from start to finish. A local company, Signature, handles this service, typically for private jet arrivals. About a week before, Hermitage sends a pre-arrival email with a digital form required for Antigua entry, completable 72 hours in advance. It generates a QR code, so screenshot or print it. This code is used for immigration on arrival and departure, a detail often overlooked. On the plane, paper forms were offered, but who wants to spend 30 minutes on that? I’d rather look out the window at the approaching paradise! The form asks for personal and passport info, another reason to skip it mid-flight. Who wants to dig for their passport, probably stashed in the overhead compartment? After deplaning, a Hermitage Bay sign greets you at the escalator to the Immigration Hall. An attendant guides you to a fast-track queue on the right, handing you a blue card. Once through immigration, you grab your bags, reconnect with the attendant, and breeze through customs. Quick, friendly, and efficient, no long waits. Outside, a representative at the Hermitage booth arranges your private transfer, usually a luxury SUV. Our driver was so friendly we requested him for departure. He shared history and pointed out sights during the 35 to 45 minute ride, which always felt safe. The last 10 minutes involve a gravel, pothole-filled road. Reviews made it sound awful, but our driver took it slow, avoiding holes. Living in a city with rough roads, this felt familiar and was no issue. This road may even keep Hermitage less accessible, a plus since all Antigua beaches are public. Check-In You’re welcomed with cool almond-scented towels and a warm hello from your check-in host. I wish I could bottle that almond smell. Our host, Solange, was the sweetest, with a big smile and vibrant personality. Walking through the open-air lobby, you’re led to the main pool area for a welcome drink. They review your passport, confirm your room category, and handle paperwork, letting you forget your worries. Room Category We opted for a split stay to experience both the hillside and beachfront villas. We booked using two Hilton Free Night Certificates, four points nights, and Hilton’s fifth-night-free deal. The value was 150,000 points per night then, but the standard beachfront villa is now 190,000, still a good deal for an SLH-quality all-inclusive. Our 7-night, 8-day stay felt perfect, though we wished for one more night. For points users, the standard room is now the beachfront villa, previously the garden villa. Upgrades to hillside seem rare, and we have Diamond status. Rooms All three room categories offer outdoor showers, double sinks, soaker tubs, hidden TVs in creative desks, and stocked mini bars, plus Nespresso machines with pods, bug spray, and hairdryers. Each has unique perks and trade-offs like distance, views, and space. I lean toward hillside and beachfront, but here’s my take to help you choose. Hillside Villa Hillside villas, numbered 20 to 39, include plunge pools and privacy. We stayed in #22, with treetops blocking a clear water view. These rooms are smaller than beachfront, with the same bathroom, bed, and TV stand, one chair, but no sitting area. The plunge pool is the star, double the size of garden pools. We got a complimentary upgrade to a lower hillside, established beforehand. Numbers 21 to 23 offer privacy but limited views. Had I paid for a view and got this, I might have been disappointed. Still, it was walkable, just 15 to 20 steps, balancing privacy and ease. We loved the pool, but also value views and the beach, so the split stay worked perfectly. The open-concept toilet wasn’t an issue for us. Higher villas like 30, 32, and 36 boast better views but require cart rides and stone stairs, tricky after drinks or at night. Bugs were less bothersome here, though loud birds and lizards greeted us each morning, a fun nature wake-up. Garden View I didn’t tour these, but rooms 16 to 19 have plunge pools half the size of hillside ones, tucked behind beachfront villas. Number 19 offers a direct beach view, and 17 has a decent one too. Beachfront The standard points or Free Night Certificate room, numbered 6 to 9 on the far left, furthest from the main bar and beach sushi bar, then 15, 14, 12, 11, and 10. Suite 10 is close to the pool and sushi, great for limited mobility but loud from night music and visible to passersby. We stayed in #7, second to last, and found it ideal, happy with 6, 7, or 8. Step out sliding glass doors, and you’re 50 to 75 feet from the ocean. Running back to the room was easy, and we loved swinging on the massive porch, watching the sun dance across the horizon. These villas are spacious, with a sofa sitting area perfect for bug-free evenings. The bathroom mirrors the hillside setup, and suites 6 to 8 have enclosed toilets. Bugs were more noticeable at dusk, so we used provided spray. Mornings were quieter, with cricket sounds at night. I grew up in the south and it just sounded like a night at our camp. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to bring a sound machine to drown out the crickets. Included Non-Motorized Amenities Operating hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: hobby cats, paddleboards, snorkel masks and fins, and kayaks. Jet ski rentals cost extra. No reservations needed, just walk up and request, signing a waiver the first time. We tried them all and loved it. A staff member gave my husband a hobby cat refresher before handing it over. We kayaked twice, once to a small, secluded beach to the right, pulling up to swim in shallow water. One hobby cat trip took us out of sight too long, and a Hermitage boat checked on us, a caring touch. These amenities aren’t well-advertised, but the hut makes them clear. One couple we spoke with missed out, unaware they were included. Spa Located near hillside suite 22, I booked a 1.5-hour deep tissue massage for $210, plus a 17% fee and $21 charge, totaling $291 after a $25 tip for my therapist, Elizabeth. She delivered good pressure and focused on my requests, but compared to other island spas I’ve been to with pools, saunas, and salt rooms, it felt basic. Post-massage, I relaxed on a two-seat deck with a glass of provided water and a fruit skewer, a nice touch, though space limits extras mentioned above. Off-Property Activities A pre-arrival email lists hotel-arranged options like private fishing charters, sailboat trips, and day trips to Barbuda. The once-included snorkel and sunset tour now costs extra. We chose the Xtreme Circumnavigation Tour via Adventure Antigua for $209 per person. This full-day powerboat tour circles Antigua, stopping at Stingray City Marine Park, Green Island for lunch and a swim, Nelson’s Dockyard for history, and the Pillars of Hercules for shapes and colors that make for fantastic snorkeling. Picked up at Hermitage directly from the beach at 9:00 AM and dropped off by 4:00 PM, we loved seeing more of the island, enjoyed the BBQ chicken lunch, and the convenience of having the hotel book made this an easy yes! Food Breakfast: 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM Lunch: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunset Sushi: 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM seatings Bar food menu (lunch and dessert options): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the main bar All-day room service: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, food included but a $20 tray fee applies Reservations are needed for lunch, sushi, and dinner, made at breakfast or the hostess stand. We adjusted for an early excursion with no issues, and even showed up early for lunch and dinner with no problems sitting, though sushi seating is limited. The menu specials rotate weekly, restarting Saturdays. I’m less adventurous, but my husband loves fresh fish. The food is a 10 out of 10 for presentation and flavor. Breakfast Breakfast and dinner are both served at the restaurant attached to the lobby area. The set menu offers a daily pastry basket. We ate three days, skipping others or grabbing a granola parfait and latte for the room. Eggs were fresh and perfect, and my husband loved the full Hermitage meal. Pancakes and waffles looked beautiful but lacked flavor. Room service breakfast by our hillside pool was prompt and a nice change. Lunch They recently added a lunch restaurant that entails about 20 to 25 tables and a bar, all situated on the far end beach. Lunch featured live music and you’re sitting staring out to the water, it’s an ideal and welcome addition! A unique cocktail menu, my favorite, paired with set starters and mains, plus daily chef specials. We loved the shrimp tacos and jerk chicken wings, ordering daily. The burger was lacking but looked great. My husband raved about chef specials like the crab sandwich and fish. Desserts match the dinner options and are all delicious, especially the cheesecake and crème brûlée. Sunset Sushi Seatings at 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM hold 12 to 16 people. Fresh, daily-changing three-course sushi was a wow experience. Non-fish eaters can request vegetarian options the first day. The chef’s creations, sauces, and high-quality fish elevated the meal. Dinner Breakfast and dinner are both served at the restaurant attached to the lobby area. Set starters and mains join four to five daily chef specials and a dessert. Wednesdays feature surf and turf, Fridays are Caribbean night, both skipping the main menu. Fresh, flavorful options shine, with perfect portions. Caribbean night was my favorite. Couples agreed the farm-to-table quality is top-notch. With four meal options daily, you won’t go hungry. Service Impressive, thoughtful, attentive, friendly, and genuine describe the staff. They handled odd requests like a 9V battery and a departure lunch outside hours with a yes. Kyle and Jesse excelled at beach service; Kyle set up our chairs even before we could ask and knew our drink orders. Bartenders Ryan, Clinton, Stoney, and Anthony were engaging and welcoming. Waitresses and hostesses Jilian, Annis, and Shebkie shared stories and went above and beyond, especially Jilian with a dinner issue we had once. Beach The shelly beach may require water shoes, but the water is gorgeous. Space abounds, and we often swam alone. Ample seating and chairs kept it uncrowded. Snorkeling off the beach and near the rocks on the far left revealed starfish, squid, stingrays, and fish. Tips and Feedback Hermitage Bay earns every star and positive review with meticulous, exceptional service. It’s a true place to unwind, relax, and feel pampered. Bringing our own floats was a smart move, envied by others. The only faults were flat pillows, a hard bed, and bugs. Small gnats, not mosquitoes, bit at dusk, so spray legs from 5:00 PM onward. I brought after-bite and rubbed it on my bites for relief. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to bring a sound machine for night noises like crickets. On departure day, pre-order lunch to have at the main pool bar since the restaurant may not be open before your scheduled time. Pickup is three hours before your flight, smart given the two-hour customs and security wait, and don’t forget your QR code for the departure scan at the airport. Read less

For context, I went with my girlfriend, her brother, and his partner. Both couples stayed in beachfront villas. I was there for four nights, and they stayed for six. I noted in a previous comment that it’s pretty strange, but villas of the same level can be quite different. Overall, I’d rate my stay a 9.5/10, and I sincerely hope to return in the future. Arrival/Check-in: 10/10 After landing, my girlfriend and I were greeted by an HB representative who provided us with fast passes through customs. Within 15 minutes of stepping off the plane, we were whisked away in a nice SUV with cold bottled water. Our driver shared island history, pointed out landmarks, and gave us a fascinating rundown of the local produce. As a nerd, I loved it. As others have mentioned, the last 10 minutes of the drive are pretty bumpy, but our driver handled it smoothly. Upon arrival, we received cold towels infused with something aromatic and refreshing. During check-in, we were offered cold, non-alcoholic drinks while filling out paperwork and learning the resort rules. Normally, they would’ve given us a tour, but it was pouring rain that night. The staff kept apologizing—as if they could control the weather. We didn’t mind; the rain was actually really relaxing. Property: 10/10 HB is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Gorgeous beaches, clear water, lush mountains framing the resort, a picturesque beach bar, modern-island restaurants, unique villas, and views that are hard to beat. The combination of stellar service and natural beauty is what will bring me back. Service: 10/10 (with a caveat) Though I can’t recall all the names (it’s been almost two weeks), the staff were uniformly incredible. HB employees will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. They reminded me more than once that I was here to unwind and that they’d handle things for me. We received a complimentary in-room meal with champagne service for our first anniversary. When placing the order, Shalanda at the front desk encouraged us to try nearly everything—the spread could have fed six people! Solange, another front desk employee, was vibrant and kind. She even opened the gift shop for us on her day off. Some standout bartenders include Kyle on the beach and Anthony at the main bar—both fun, welcoming, and passionate about creating a great atmosphere. Simone, a waitress at the main bar, was a joy to be around. I can’t forget the watersports team either—though I didn’t catch their names, they were fantastic during our island tour. The only caveat, and one echoed by other guests, is island time. As an American used to fast-paced dining, the slower service pace took adjustment. But once I let go and soaked in the views, I understood: I had nowhere to be, and that was the point. Cleanliness: 10/10 Housekeeping was outstanding. They visited twice daily (during breakfast and dinner) to clean, restock, and tidy up. They even cleaned my water shoes a few times a day when I left them out on the deck—above and beyond. Amenities/Activities: 7/10 As others have noted, there’s not a ton to do. Some weekly activities—like the garden tour and cooking class—should be offered more frequently. Also, they really need to bring back the complimentary boat/snorkeling tour. Charging over $2K per night (or 150K–190K HH points/night) should include that kind of experience. There are daily yoga/Pilates/meditation sessions, non-powered water sports, a fitness center, spa, and live music twice a day. I don’t care much for most of that, personally. As long as I’m near or in the water, I’m good. But some guests may find the options lacking and get bored. Food: 8/10 Overall, the food was very good. If I didn’t like something, it’s likely I wouldn’t like it anywhere else either. A few dishes were a bit bland until I added salt (probably just American taste buds). Nothing was particularly spicy, which surprised me—especially the jerk chicken wings, which underwhelmed me. The menu is also pretty limited. Four days was fine, but more than that might get monotonous. Also, we had a pescatarian and a vegetarian in our group. Based on past reviews, I expected more proactive accommodation for dietary needs. One night, during a surf-and-turf dinner, the vegetarian only had one unappetizing option. They did accommodate him eventually, but I’d expected better planning for that. Room Quality: 8/10 The beachfront villa was lovely. It was spacious, the outdoor shower was a dream, and the A/C worked great. That said, there were some drawbacks: the flooring was uncomfortable without footwear, the bed was just okay, and the standalone toilet felt oddly placed. That said, I’d give anything for one more afternoon on the swinging daybed. Read less

It's a beautiful resort and our stay overall was very nice. The villas are really beautiful and functional. I didn't think I would like the outdoor shower but it was fine. I mostly took cool showers anyway as I was always hot from the beach. Having the enclosed toilet (Villa 8) wasn't a major thing but it was nice especially at night so as not to disturb the other person with light/noise. All of the outdoor space was nice, but I was told they are also adding plunge pools to the beachfront villas as well. I was also told they are adding something like 30-50 more villas which will totally change the feeling of the place in our opinion. There is an included minibar but being close to the restaurant/bars, we really didn't use it other than for some soft drinks. Service was a bit inconsistent. The weekend servers/bartenders were much friendlier and more responsive than the weekday folks for some reason. We had a couple of minor service fails. We called the front desk about the room service menu as we weren't sure if it was just the all-day menu or they included the dinner options. Someone said they would check and call back. They never did and we just gave up and walked over to dinner anyway. Yesterday, we ordered a burger from the all-day menu as our car for the airport was leaving at 12:45 so we couldn't have the regular lunch. It took about 40 minutes as someone forgot about it (and my wife's pina colada as well). It's a shame that this was our last interaction as most of the time, everything went well. We were also told initially that we should make our sushi and dinner reservations at breakfast but we were never asked about that by the host and I ended up doing it later at the beach bar when I remembered to ask someone about it. We also started to get a bit tired of the dinner menus after 3 days even with the daily specials. I couldn't imagine being there a week, especially as there's not a whole lot to do other than laze in the sun which isn't really our thing for more than a couple of days (but some people like that). The sushi was a real highlight and the tropical drinks were great. The dinner food was good but not great with a few exceptional dishes (scallops and octopus come to mind). Fish was usually a bit dry and overcooked when I ordered that which was surprising as its locally caught. Breakfast was fairly standard with maybe one or two local touches, but nothing memorable (like what you would get in SE Asia for example). Lunch was probably the best meal (besides the sushi) and it's in a nice new beachside area with a full bar and lovely views. The lunch menus were more creative with a varying set of island tapas served before your meal each day. None of the minor issues were a huge deal for us as we booked on Hilton points before the most recent devaluation. I would probably have been a bit annoyed if I paid cash (not that I would). I just think if they are going to charge Four Seasons (or higher) prices, they have to provide Four Seasons (or higher) service and quality all the time. However, the airport greeting/fast track and transportation each way was great and a real bonus to not have to worry about that. Most of the staff work very hard and have a smile on their face. They were especially fun at the beach bar and sushi hour with lots of banter and jokes back and forth with each other and the guests. The snorkeling tour was good. I would have paid the $40 but they took it off the bill after I mentioned it was being offered for free at the time I booked. They take you out about 10 minutes away from the resort to another reef and you get to snorkel about 45 minutes there. We didn't do the other boat tour (as it was now a paid tour and not really wanting to go around the island anyway). I hiked over to the hill nearby (where they are building a new housing development) and the views were nice (and the hills were good for working off the calories). We used the kayaks and snorkels every day. The activities staff were all great as were the front desk people (with the one exception above) and the maintenance/cleaning people we interacted with. Bugs are an issue, but it's not mosquitos, just small biting insects that don't itch as much. I did have 15 bites or so after 3 days despite using the provided bug spray every time I went out and before bed although there is a net if you want to use it at night. Those bugs are hardy! Read less