Hermitage Bay is unquestionably a resort with a difference, with a rare combination of English style and tropical beauty. It consists of only 25 very secluded colonial cottage suites divided between Hillside where they have private plunge pools, and eight Beach Cottages in two rows with the front row having panoramic views of the beach. If this is important, you need to specify when booking your Hermitage Bay vacation. The whole place is set in over 10 acres of tropical gardens above an exquisite white sand beach and turquoise sea.
The Hillside Cottages are larger and have complete privacy, perfect for an Antigua Honeymoon, but all the cottages at this Caribbean exclusive resort on Antigua are air conditioned with a king sized bed, flat screen TV, DVD player, ipod docking device, wireless broadband internet, as well as the usual bits and pieces you expect to find in a luxury resort.
Each cottage also has a large verandah with double day beds and plantation day chairs.
A few things to note about the Hermitage Bay exclusive all inclusive resort, some of which are a big plus, and others simply to be aware of.
The views are incredible, and the staff are fantastic, as you would expect from a luxury five star resort.
The idea of the Room Ambassador is terrific, you will meet him first when you are shown your room, and he will be responsible for your well being and comfort.
The Hillside cottages are private but the access from them to the restaurant excludes high heeled shoes, and possibly even smart clothes, so you will find the standard of dress in the evenings poor by exclusive resort standards, with gentlemen in shorts and ladies in flip flops. If you like dressing up you may not like this, and it certainly makes the walk up at night hard work, although there are buggies which tend to be a bit noisy.
Some guests complain of being eaten alive by mosquitoes and sandflies , but a bit of spray and covering up in the evenings dramatically reduces this inconvenience. It is the tropics after all!! You should however be aware that there can be jellyfish infestation at certain times of the year in the small but very attractive bay
Meals are of a very high standard, and the quality of service from all the staff is almost faultless, although service is at Caribbean pace ? a little slow, but then you shouldn't need to be in a hurry. The food is very fresh, and the fresh fish of the day spectacular. Most tastes are well catered for in a restaurant with a great atmosphere.
The watersports staff are very helpful, but you need to query whether or not water skiing is included in the all inclusive rate.
There is no queuing for sunbeds, drinks, or meals, the staff awareness is terrific, including the way your room mini bar will be kept topped up with the kind of drinks you enjoy.
The Hermitage Bay will leave you feeling this has been a luxury, very exclusive hotel and you will go home possibly fatter, but certainly feeling very relaxed and happy. Their claim to be one of the Caribbean's most exclusive resorts is not without foundation, and it certainly ranks at the top insofar as an Antigua all inclusive resort is concerned, and the Hillside Cottages are the perfect Antigua honeymoon solution.
Do you want to travel to the Caribbean? If so, you may be ready to make your travel plans. Once getting started, you will soon see that you have many options. Not only do you have many destinations to choose from in the Caribbean, but you also have different staying options. One of those options is all-inclusive resorts. Why are they the right choice for you?
1 ? Simplified Trip Planning
With all-inclusive resorts, you get more than just a roof over your head. In fact, you get much more. A stay at an all-inclusive resort usually includes a room or suite, food, snacks, drinks, tips, some forms of onsite entertainment, and qualifying airport transfers. Airline reservations can be added in too; however, this is optional. What you get is an easy to plan trip. If you booked a stay at a traditional Caribbean hotel, you still need to research area restaurants, attractions, activities, and so forth. You must also account for their costs. This is not the case with all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.
Since a stay at an all-inclusive resort includes so much, one travel arrangements preplans and also prepays for a good percentage of your trip. Some first-time vacationers believe planning a trip to the Caribbean is stressful and overwhelming. With inclusive resorts, it can't get any easier!
2 ? Your Choices
As previously stated, you have many staying options in the Caribbean. This is not your only choice. In terms of all-inclusive resorts, you have many choices too. Inclusive resorts in the Caribbean come in many different formats. In addition to being scattered throughout the entire area, you will find resorts designed for travelers.
For example, adult only resorts typically prohibit children under the ages of 14, 16, or 18 from staying onsite. They are ideal for singles vacations, trips with friends, romantic getaways, destination weddings, and honeymoons. There are also family resorts, which are ideal for family vacations and parents. At family resorts, you are likely to find beachfront playgrounds, childcare services, game rooms, and scheduled events. Of course, there are also resorts where all guests are welcomed.
3 ? You Never Need to Leave
Part of the allure of visiting a new area is to get out and explore the local people, shops, and attractions. However, with all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, you don't need to leave. Why? There is so much for you to do right on the resort property. As previously stated, your stay includes some onsite activities. Unlike traditional hotels, you get more than just a swimming pool and room with a few pieces of fitness equipment. Beachfront resorts often include the cost of water sports, like windsurfing and snorkeling. Many resorts are also home to multiple swimming pools, spas, game rooms, golf courses, tennis courts, full fitness centers, bars, restaurants, and so forth.
If you want to limit your travel costs and expenses, all-inclusive travel is the way to go. Staying on the grounds of your resort will cut both travel time and expenses.
4 ? Better Value for the Money
At first glance, many first-time tourists are turned off by all-inclusive Caribbean resorts. This is because their price seems high at first. Don't look away. Instead, closely examine what is included. Remember your stay includes your room or suite, some forms of onsite entertainment, qualifying airport transfers, food, drinks, snacks, and tips. You prepay for all of this upfront. Once again, this simplifies the process of planning your trip. Not only that, but it also results in saved money. Resorts use standard formulas to determine the cost of inclusive travel packages. The more inclusions you use, the better value you get for the money.
5 ? They Come Highly Rated and Recommended
You want to have a good trip. All vacationers in your shoes want the same. For that reason, most are likely to turn to the internet and read rating and reviews. When doing so, you will like what you see. Caribbean all-inclusive and super-inclusive resorts come in many different formats. It usually depends on facilities, like a golf course. Regardless, all resorts come highly rated and recommended by both vacationers and travel experts. You can rest assure knowing that you will get nothing but the best for your trip to the Bahamas or Jamaica.
Both Peter R Stewart & Tony Hagar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.