_edited_edited.png)
Hermitage Bay Review (Antigua): Is This Luxury Resort Worth It?
- Apr 3, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
Hermitage Bay is a stunning boutique style resort located on a small strip of beach on the shores of Antigua. Hermitage Bay offers a blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and partnered with American Express, this property is known for its exceptional service, farm to table meals and a relaxing atmosphere.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I genuinely love and would stay at again.
Planning your stay in Antigua?
(This property is often fully booked months in advance, so it’s worth checking early.)
This SLH property is usually full booked for the year. The prices per room start at $2,000 per night and go up based on the room type. Since Hermitage Bay is a part of the American Express travel program, travelers can use their American Express points towards their stay. I ended up staying five nights by using points. The points equivalent to a cash price was about $500-$600 per night. So, my question is the cash price per night worth it?
Let's take a closer look.
Property Overview: What Hermitage Bay Offers
Hermitage Bay is an all-inclusive, adults-oriented resort (14+) designed for relaxation and simplicity. Everything from meals to drinks and many activities is included, allowing you to fully disconnect.
The property is set within a secluded bay surrounded by tropical greenery, creating a peaceful and private environment that feels far removed from the rest of the island.
Exploring the Luxurious Offerings of Hermitage Bay
Accommodations
The resort features a variety of accommodations, including individual beachfront and hillside suites. This boutique style hotel only has about thirty to forty rooms on property. Hermitage Bay has renovated some beach front rooms into garden rooms that have their own private pool.
Spacious interiors with modern amenities
Private terraces with breathtaking ocean views
Luxurious bedding and furnishings
Outdoor showers and soaking tubs in select rooms
Amenities and Activities
The resort provides an array of amenities and activities to ensure a memorable stay, including:
An infinity pool overlooking the beach
A full-service spa offering rejuvenating treatments
A well-equipped gym with free weights, smith machine, cable machine and cardio machines
Water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
Yoga, Pilates, and wellness programs are offered throughout the week
My Honest Review of Hermitage Bay
Hermitage Bay is nestled on a strip of beach surrounded by tropical plants and sunshine. It is about a thirty-minute ride from the airport. If you are staying three or more days, the hotel will provide a roundtrip transfer. I think staying at least three nights is worth it for the transfer. The hotel transfer made it stress free and easy to leave the airport. I did not have to worry about finding an independent transfer and paying out of pocket costs for it.
Once I arrived at the hotel, a front desk agent was waiting to greet us. He promptly brought us over to the main bar where he checked us in. The bartender brought over non-alcoholic bellinis as we waited for our room to be ready. The bartender was amazing and remembered us during our stay. She was very lively and energetic. It did not take long for our room to be ready, and we were given a beach front room.
The room wasn't anything fancy. It had a seating area, a long desk, a king-sized bed, and two closets for storage. The mini bar was stocked with sodas, juices, and alcohol. There was also a Nespresso machine and a water kettle. The bed had a canopy with comfy sheets and pillows. The canopy came in handy at night when there were a lot of bugs out. The carpet could use an update since there were a few old stains. The bathroom had an open layout with two large closets. Some people might find it odd because the toilet is in the corner and exposed. The shower is outside, but it was surprisingly nice. (The outside shower is one of the features I miss the most about this place)
The direct beach access and outdoor patio made a huge difference. Having a private space with lounge chairs, a daybed, and a view of the ocean became one of the best parts of the stay.
Want a beachfront room like this?
Dining Experience
Dining is one of the stronger aspects of Hermitage Bay. The resort emphasizes locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients, with produce often coming from its own garden or nearby suppliers.
Meals are served across a few main locations:
Main restaurant (breakfast and dinner)
Beachside lunch setting
Tree Bar for sushi and evening drinks
The food was delicious and made really well. The hotel serves fresh farm-to-table dishes that switch up daily, including different fish options. We got to try everything from mahi mahi to blue tail tuna.
The dinner menu had some great choices too. The lobster fritters were so good, I ended up ordering them several nights in a row. The steak tenderloins were perfectly cooked. There were lots of desserts to choose from, like cheesecake, ice cream, and a special dessert of the day.
Highlights include:
Fresh seafood caught daily
Rotating menus featuring Caribbean flavors
Vegetarian and vegan options
Sushi prepared fresh in front of guests
Because the menu changes frequently, dining stays interesting even across multiple nights.
Service Rating:
Service at Hermitage Bay was overall good, but slightly inconsistent.
There were standout moments:
Friendly and personable staff
Team members who remembered preferences
A welcoming and relaxed environment
However, at this price level, there were a few moments where service felt less polished than expected. For a resort starting at over $2,000 per night, expectations are naturally higher.
Service rating: 4 out of 5
Food Rating:
Food was consistently strong throughout the stay.
Standout dishes included:
Lobster fritters (a repeat order)
Fresh fish options like mahi mahi and tuna
Well-prepared steak dishes
Rotating desserts and daily specials
The variety and quality of ingredients made meals a highlight, especially for a longer stay.
Food rating: 4 out of 5
Overall Experience: Is It Worth It?
Hermitage Bay is best described as a quiet escape.
It is ideal for:
Couples
Honeymoons
Travelers looking for peace, privacy, and simplicity
It is not the right fit if you are looking for:
A high-energy resort
Extensive activities or nightlife
Ultra-modern or flashy luxury
Because the experience is centered around relaxation, there is not a large amount to do on property, which means most travelers will find 3–4 days to be the ideal stay length.
Final Thoughts
The setting is undeniably beautiful, the food is strong, and the overall experience feels thoughtfully curated. The beachfront access, quiet atmosphere, and personalized touches create a stay that feels intentionally slow and restorative.
However, when paying full cash rates, expectations are high and while the property delivers in many ways, service consistency and room updates are areas where it could feel more aligned with its price point.
If you’re able to use points or find a lower effective rate, the value becomes significantly stronger. At full price, it becomes more of a “special occasion” type of stay rather than an everyday luxury option. Overall, Hermitage Bay is best for travelers who value privacy, relaxation, and a slower pace, and who want a boutique resort experience rather than a large, high-energy property.
Ready to plan your stay?
Save this for your next vacation.
Comments