Jumby Bay resort, Antigua
Where is it?
On a 300-acre private island, set two miles off Antigua’s north-east coast.
What’s the appeal?
Like superyachts, private islands cocoon guests from the outside world for the ultimate in relaxation, but the food, service and surroundings have to be of a standard so high that you don’t want to leave. In all three areas, Jumby excelled.
What makes it special?
With just 40 rooms and suites plus a small collection of villas and estate
homes available to rent, it truly is an escape from the crowds. The island is also a naturalist’s haven, with its lush landscapes, stately palm trees, white sand beaches and never-disappointing warm Caribbean seas.
Our favourite room
The exquisite Rosewood Estate Suite. High-vaulted ceilings combined with British Colonial furnishings make it light, airy and comfortable with gorgeous views to expansive terraces, private infinity-edge pool and the sea. The spacious indoor-outdoor bathroom is an elegant novelty, with deep pedestal tub outside. It also has a private courtyard with fountain, separate office, and butler pantry for in-suite dining.
Humming Bird Villa, Jumby Bay resort, Antigua
Where to dine
Three restaurants offer different eating experiences, from the casual Pool Grille beside the oceanfront infinity pool to Mediterranean-inspired fine dining at the classic colonial Estate House. Don’t miss the Sunday evening “White Night” beach barbecue, with live steel band, bonfires and an excellent Caribbean- inspired menu.
What we say
The resort’s MD Andrew Hedley previously ran Carlisle Bay in the south of the island, and understands how to make a stay in Antigua special. Guests are given bicycles to explore the island trails, the beaches are lit by flaming torches for evening walks, films are shown under the stars and there’s even a resident astronomer.
What they say
“With $28-million spent on resort renewal, Jumby Bay has taken a bold and stylish step forward in its quest for perfection in sophisticated luxury.”
How to get there
The resort is only accessible by boat, so guests arriving by superyacht take a tender to the island’s private dock. From VC Bird International airport, a chauffeured car takes guests on a three-minute drive to the resort’s dock, where a private catamaran takes them onto to Jumby Bay in seven minutes.
www.jumbybayresort.com
This feature is taken from the September/October 2011 edition of SuperYacht World. Click here to buy the issue for your iPad.