The 21 Club

For many of us, a satisfactory lodging option in the Caribbean would be but a hammock stretched between two sturdy palms. When traveling to a place with so much natural beauty, it is hard to want for more.

That is, until you come across a place like Carlisle Bay, a resort that will make you question how you ever got by before, not having experienced such thrills as a perfectly poured cappuccino while paging the Tribune, sand under your toes.

Carlisle Bay is the creation of Gordon Campbell Gray, whose other hotels include One Aldwych in London and Le Gray in Beirut, both known as much for their intelligent design as for stellar service. Similarly, at Carlisle Bay no detail has been overlooked. Not a one. It’s a bold statement, but one we will set out to prove with our list of 21 reasons to love Carlisle Bay. It may seem a bit obsessive, but this is the kind of place that encourages those kinds of habits.

1. Every room is a suite.
When it comes to hotel rooms, size does matter. Having a spacious suite to yourself means ample room for not just sleeping, but also lounging about with your chosen company.

2. Frette linens.
The stuff dreams are made of? Egyptian cotton.

3. Mopeds for hire.
Just swap Fountain of Trevi for a coconut grove for a tropical version of Roman Holiday.

4. Eating at Indigo and East.
The food at both of the hotel’s restaurants is excellent, and not just by comparison. Chef Peter Fitz Dreyer has created a menu that features fresh ingredients — sourced from nearby and organic when possible. It doesn’t get any more local than the lobster ravioli with braised endive: the lobster is caught in the resort’s own bay.

5. Vilebrequin swim trunks.
You didn’t come to Antigua to shop, but in case you left anything behind, the hotel has got you covered. The gift shop is stocked with choice resort wear, like swimsuits from La Perla and leather sandals from Isabelle Fraysse.

6. Yoga.
Under a covered pavilion or out on the jetty. Sun or shade, take your pick.

7. The screening room.
The hotel’s 45-seat theater is the real deal, complete with leather chairs and an extremely powerful air conditioner.

8. Tennis on grass.
The resort has eight traditional hard courts, but the single grass court is especially appreciated for those looking for a cooler place to swing a racquet.

9. Guided nature walks.
For a break from the beach, simply head north into the rainforest-covered hills for unique wildlife and spectacular views.

10. Afternoon tea.
English-style, served every afternoon.

11. The library.
With all-white seating and back-lit Lucite bookshelves, this just may be the slickest setting beach-lit has ever seen.

12. Night diving at Cades Reef.
One of the best dive spots on the island is only a five-minute boat ride away, and the hotel can arrange an after-dark expedition.

13. Watermelon slices and cold hand towels.
These and other random acts of kindness are dispensed by the hotel’s charming staff throughout the day.

14. Jet ski–free vistas.
Carlisle Bay offers just about every water sport one can imagine, except for the motorized kind, which helps ensure the most tranquil of beach experiences.

15. Your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign is a conch shell.
How’s that for eco-luxe?

16. Kids Club.
Well-staffed, with creative programming and at no charge. Meanwhile, older kids and teens choose from their own curriculum, which includes options like zip-lining in the jungle or a Hobie Cat sailing course.

17. Table for two.
Feeling romantic and don’t mind a bit of a breeze? Guests can reserve The Jetty for an exclusive, multi-course candlelit dinner.

18. Cinnamon Elixir.
Made with cold-brewed ginger tea, lemon, honey and apple juice, it’s just one of the many detoxifying mocktails at the juice bar at the Blue Spa.

19. Tropical gardens.
The London-based James Holderness is responsible for lush landscapes around the hotel.

20. In-suite espresso machines.
For those that can’t get an A.M. caffeine fix delivered soon enough.

21. Turquoise water and vanilla sand.
The totally secluded, unspoiled beach is Carlise Bay’s main attraction. Everything else is just there to enhance it.

If any — or all — of that sounds good to you, consider entering our Caribbean Nights Giveaway in partnership with Daily Candy, for a chance at five nights at Carlisle Bay, plus a “Wish You Were Here” beach bag with $1,500 of essential travel accessories from kate spade.

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