From the moment my fiancé and I arrived at Tamarind Hills Resort, we knew we had found paradise. Tucked along Antigua’s stunning west coast, this boutique haven is surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping ocean views. Even the meandering pathways leading to the hotel reception hinted at the beauty that lay ahead. We actually entered through the exit by mistake and it was just as breathtaking as the main entrance! As we wandered in, we caught glimpses of the most dazzling jewel-blue waters and were instantly wowed by the vibrant tropical landscape all around us.
Manish, the General Manager, and his stellar team welcomed us with such warmth that we immediately felt at home. We were greeted with open arms and escorted to our oceanview suite, our new home for the next several weeks. Our suite opened up to panoramic sea views, with an oversized terrace and jacuzzi perfect for a romantic soak, offering a bird’s-eye vantage point to take in all of Ffryes Beach in its full glory. On especially clear days, we could even spot Montserrat and St. Kitts on the horizon. Each suite felt like a private pavilion; ours even had its own driveway, which was ideal for our long-term stay with a rental car.
Our suite was perfect for the two of us; even the entry-level options feature a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and a full modern armoire for each guest, all with contemporary luxury in mind. Thoughtful high end touches like Molton Brown products and evening turndown service elevated the experience even further. We especially appreciated the complimentary water jugs in the room, which were replaced promptly whenever we asked. A rare treat in a world where even water often comes at a price. In keeping with their eco-luxury focus, the hotel also gifts guests stainless steel insulated tumblers and provides sleek high-tech water stations around the property so you can refill to your heart’s content.
The true centerpiece, though, was the view. Waking up to endless blue framed by floor-to-ceiling glass never got old. My favorite ritual was starting the day with a refreshing Molton Brown-scented shower while gazing out at waters that shifted between turquoise and sapphire. Nearly every angle of the suite revealed piercing blue seas.
One of the highlights of our mornings was the expansive terrace bar that stretched across the entire restaurant, serving up hearty favorites alongside a view that honestly stole the show. In all of my travels, I’ve never seen a set-up quite like this. The view was the main event complete with what felt like a built-in bird watching experience. Literally tropical birds singing around us. Breakfast options ranged from a light continental spread for those eager to hit the beach to tasty à la carte egg dishes and guilt-pleasure pancakes. Add to that the cheerful smiles from the waitstaff. And that view, just in case I haven’t said it enough, we could never get enough. Every day started in absolute bliss.
The beach setup was equally thoughtful, with modern four-post canopy beds, straw-shaded loungers, and even cozy beach cocoons along the sand. But the true star was that water. We’re always chasing the clearest, most crystalline Tiffany blue waters, and this beach delivered. Zero seaweed, zero sargassum, just sparkling, liquid-crystal water, thanks to its prime location. We often felt like we had the beach to ourselves, with only a few others ever around. Our only companions at times were the adorable little denizens of the water that we could clearly see swimming at our feet.
The hotel even has a hidden beach you can reach by crossing a charming bridge near the Terrace Restaurant. For those looking for extra shade and privacy, there are cozy little nooks perfect for reading. And right at the entrance, you’ll find fun sandy spots with sleek glass tubs, just right for a cooling dip.
That first week, we could hardly pull ourselves away. Ffryes Beach is considered one of the best on the island, and it still exceeded our expectations. One of the highlights was David, our favorite beach attendant and waiter, whose cheerful spirit and encyclopedic knowledge of the island made every interaction a treat. The entire staff was warm and attentive, always ready to give us a lift back to our suite after a “tough” day of sun and sea (haha). Bankcroft, the hotel’s trusted veteran concierge of sorts, would happily give us lifts to our pavilion. There’s also a fun Moke jeep available and of course a shuttle to to transport guests comfortably to their suites.
The food? Absolutely superb. Lunches by the beach were a treat, especially the jerk chicken wrap and extra-crispy spring rolls that quickly became our go-to favorites. And dinner at Wild Tamarind restaurant… wow. The falafel—carrot-infused and full of flavor was honestly the best we’ve ever had, thanks to Chef Simon, the resort’s creative genius in the kitchen. We found the menu to be rather eclectic featuring perfectly grilled meats, flavorful coconut curry chicken, inventive vegan options, and a decadent chocolate fondant that melted in our mouths, every evening felt like a new discovery. While the menu featured plenty of seafood dishes, I had to steer clear due to severe allergies. I was deeply grateful for how thoughtfully the staff handled this, ensuring no cross-contamination and allowing me to enjoy every meal worry-free.
The evening entertainment was an unexpected delight. Fridays kicked off with a fun manager’s cocktail reception at the Terrace Bar, the perfect segue into our vacation. We loved hearing about the hotel and island happenings and getting to further chat with Manish, the GM, along with his incredible staff. Nafuna, who arranged our entire trip from start to finish, was a standout, and we also connected with Nicole, the head of Food and Beverage, whose warmth and extensive luxury hospitality experience, including time at Jumby Bay Resort was impressive. The cocktails were delicious, with my favorite being the Tamarind Rum Punch; I’ve now developed a serious obsession with tamarind-infused cocktails! Friday evenings featured a talented musician with an eclectic repertoire, while Saturdays came alive with the vibrant sounds of a steel band that had the whole restaurant vibing.
Complimentary morning yoga sessions were offered throughout the week, and there’s also a gym for anyone wanting to keep up with workouts. For water lovers, the hotel offers plenty to dive into. My fiancé took full advantage of the kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, with Steven, the ever-helpful watersports attendant, making everything easy and fun. Just to the left of the property, where the two beaches connect, we discovered a fantastic snorkeling spot filled with flashes of vibrant colorful fish. Or, if you prefer, you can simply stretch out under the sun and let those impossibly vivid, endlessly inviting waters pull you in.
The rest of our stay was devoted to exploring the “beach-a-day” magic in Antigua. With 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, the island offers long stretches of powdery white sand to secluded coves framed by dramatic cliffs. Each spot with its own character, and we made it our mission to experience as many as possible.
Tamarind Hills proved to be our dream base for nearly three weeks of island-hopping bliss. It gave us the comfort of a luxurious retreat to return to after each adventure. We’d considered splitting our stay among a few of the boutique luxury hotels on the island, but after visiting some of the top contenders, we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. Tamarind Hills won us over completely us with its modern luxury, fresh newcomer status, and undeniably sexy, contemporary vibe.
Of course, we couldn’t pass up on going to Antigua’s quieter sister, Barbuda. The island itself is tiny, with just 2,000 residents, and beaches so virgin, they seem unreal. None more breathtaking than Princess Diana Beach, where the sand occasionally blushes pink depending on the season.
Back on Antigua, Shirley Heights is another can’t-miss spot. The panoramic views are otherworldly, and Sunday evenings at this historic lookout were unforgettable; live reggae, steel drums, smoky barbecue, and a sunset that lit up the sky.
One thoughtful detail we appreciated was the hotel’s attentive security team, always noting when we left and returned. It was a small but meaningful gesture that made us feel both safe and cared for. Little touches like these, woven throughout our stay, left us thoroughly spoiled.
At the heart of it all was Manish. Before booking, I had read glowing reviews about his impact, and I can now confirm they were all true. Having worked in the luxury travel industry for years, I was genuinely impressed by how hands-on he was, attending to even the smallest details. When my phone got wet, he personally brought me a bag of rice. More than once, he volunteered to shuttle us back to our suite himself, and he went out of his way to ensure my accommodations were stair-free due to my medical condition, something I deeply appreciated. His warmth, attentiveness, and kindness set the tone for our entire stay, and it was clear he leads by example.
In the end, Tamarind Hills wasn’t just a stunning place to stay, it was an experience elevated by genuine care, thoughtful touches, and a team led by a true class act. Our time there was nothing short of extraordinary.
