If the Top resort in Antigua were to be named it is very likely that The Carlisle Bay Hotel would be top, or very close to top of many knowledgeable people's list. It would be the perfect destination for either an Antigua honeymoon, yet it is equally good for a family vacation, because Carlisle Bay, although it isn't cheap, caters for each equally well.

The way it works, is that the Carlisle Bay is almost two hotels in one, with families with children in one part, and couples at the other..

There are 80 suites in all, furnished in dark Indonesian teak and creamy Italian upholstery, and they all have a sea view.

The two bedroom Beach Suites are steps away from the sea at one end of the beach, with their own terrace, and loungers, and a dining area with a huge bathroom

At the other end of the beach are the Ocean View Suites, which are one bedroom, and make up most of the accommodation, have a huge bath with a view of the mangrove lagoon whilst you are soaking in it.

What is so delightful here is the peace and tranquility with no water sports to disturb, and no children either!!

Then there are the biggest units called the Carlisle Suites with three bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen, and obviously ideal for a family vacation. There is a a cr?che for babies and young children, with a ?Cool Kids Club? for children over the age of three.

If you choose Carlisle Bay Hotel for your Antigua Honeymoon you may be interested to know that children aren't to be in the restaurants after seven in the evening, and there is a kids's buffet at 5pm.

The facilities of Carlisle Bay go some way to explaining why it has the reputation of being the top resort in Antigua.

There are two restaurants, 3 bars, an outdoor pool, 9 floodlit tennis courts, boat excursions, dive centre a fitness gymnasium, a full service spa, dive centre, 24 hour room service, a 1 hour pressing and dry cleaning service, complimentary afternoon tea, a cinema, a library, comprehensive children's programmes.

Alone this sounds like many of the Antigua Luxury Hotels, but it doesn't explain one of the major differences between Carlisle Bay and the others. This is the sheer quality of the staff, because the service offered is quite simply the best. The words like impeccable, and perfect almost fail to do justice to their quality.

The two restaurants are a real feature of the Carlisle Bay, with the more casual of the two facing the bay, with a large menu, a sitting area for drinks, and listening to live music. The more formal restaurant is Thai Japanese fusion, with a great wine list, but if you want to dine alfresco then you can eat at the end of the jetty, lit up by candles, with perhaps grilled prawns, or alternatively on your terrace.

It's worth taking a half board option which is very economical, and you can chop and change from lunch to dinner when you want to do that.

This brief article on Carlisle Bay in Antigua has I hope inspired you to make more inquiries before you book a resort in Antigua for your family vacation or Antigua Honeymoon.

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