As the green folds of the Antigua jungle were waving before me, the yacht swept across the water. The sun had just begun to descend to the sea, casting golden tones on the bay. One hand is a cup of roses. On the other hand, shrimp jars. I love the sunset parade, but this particular parade is the front seats for the next era of Carlisle Bay.
Perched on the southern coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay It has long been one of the island's most touted resorts. This is a barefoot luxury retreat, cushioning between rainforest and reef. This place has always tended to be relaxed, leisurely elegance. It’s a resort with optional shoes, with kids playing on the sand steps of the beachfront suite while couples drink cocktails under the palm-like gazebo. The resort caters to everyone from solo travelers and honeymoons to multi-generational families.
But now, after more than 20 years of operation and a new leadership team, the resort is preparing for a transformative chapter this fall.
See it early
When I visited in July, I was one of the first to live in the newly renovated Ocean Suite, part of the first phase of the resort’s refresh, and when Carlisle Bay returns from its seasonal closure on October 16, it will hit 55% of its 87 suites.
The multi-million dollar renovation will continue until 2027, led by Miminat Shodeinde of Miminat Designs in London. Her visual threads are designed through the new kit in every corner in contemporary texture and warm state of the Caribbean Sea.
More than half of Carlisle Bay's 87 suites will be renovated on October 16 when they are seasonally closed. Photo source: Meagan Drillinger
In my updated ocean suite, Sandy tones, stylish natural woods and modern furniture greet me, which create a fresh but ground-floor space and is perfect with the beach beneath my patio.
The highest category of the property is Bay View Suite, which offers a personalized minibar, dedicated service ambassador and one of the best views of the resort. These will be renovated and the Ocean Front Suite will be underway. The hall pavilion will also retain its open-air Caribbean atmosphere, but will receive new design updates for furniture and floors.
Of course, if there is no taste of island culture, there is no accommodation here. I had time at the resort’s weekly Thursday night sunset party, a festive party that included live music, cocktails, \ and ocean views. Remind that while Carlisle Bay may be a five-star resort, there is a more barefoot atmosphere and fewer buttons in this place.
If guests happen to stay on Friday, a bonfire at the dock grill is a must and comes with local live entertainment. Booking at the eastern table is also a must, especially for dynamite shrimp: crispy, creamy, and a little calorie. Ultrafresh sushi rolls are not missed either.
Poolside Italian restaurant Ottimo will have a new menu focusing on handmade pasta, garden-flavored herbs and simple Mediterranean dishes. The all-day dining location on the beach Indigo is being redesigned with new floors, furniture and linen uniforms.
Excellent staff
I found the service as impressive as everything else I had during my stay. More than 60% of Carlisle Bay's employees have been working at the resort since the resort was founded and there is indeed a sense of true pride and loyalty.
Everyone I met with was made to feel welcome – from Anisha on sale, contacting me every day like an old friend, to Michael, the kind manager of Indigo Beach, to the gardener’s junior year, who gave me a personal tour of the resort’s tropical gardens.
Carlisle Bay sits on a quiet beachfront on the southern coast of Antigua. The resort will add to the size of the beach as part of a renovation project that will end in 2027. Photo source: Meagan Drillinger
Carlisle Bay's newly appointed general manager Rajiv Malhotra is a four-season veteran with Oberoi. He was brought in with a new wave of senior staff last November, including a new director of food and beverage and culinary directors.
Renovation of all ocean, garden and bay suites will be completed in the first phase, with the remaining room categories and public areas refreshed in 2027. The resort also acquires adjacent land, which will be cleared to expand its beach footprint, exciting developments for beautification and future guest experiences.
