The yacht skimmed across the water as the green folds of Antigua's jungle panned out in front of me. The sun had just started its descent into the sea, casting a golden hue across the bay. In my one hand was a glass of rose; in the other, a shrimp canape. I love a sunset cruise, but this particular cruise was a front-row seat to the next era of Carlisle Bay.
Perched on the southern coast of Antigua, Carlisle Bay has long been one of the island's most touted resorts. It's a barefoot-luxury retreat cushioned between rainforest and reef. It's a place that has always leaned into the idea of
effortless, laid-back elegance. This is the kind of resort where shoes
are optional, and kids play in the sand steps from the beachfront suites
while couples sip cocktails under palm-fringed pavilions. The resort
caters to everyone from solo travelers and honeymooners to
multigenerational families.
But now, after more than 20 years of operation and with a new leadership team in place, the resort is gearing up for a transformative chapter this fall.
Getting an early look
When I visited in July, I was among the first to stay in the newly renovated Ocean Suites, which are part of the first phase of a resortwide refresh that will touch 55% of its 87 suites by the time Carlisle Bay returns from its seasonal closure on Oct. 16. And from what I could see, the place is upping its game.
The multimillion-dollar renovation, which will continue through 2027, is being led by Miminat Shodeinde of London-based Miminat Designs. Her vision threads contemporary textures and Caribbean warmth through every corner of the new suite design.
More than half of Carlisle Bay's 87 suites will be renovated by the time the resort returns from its seasonal closure on Oct. 16. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
In my refreshed Ocean Suite, I was greeted by sandy hues, sleek natural woods and modern furnishings that created a fresh but grounded space and was perfectly in tune with the beach just below my terrace.
The property's highest category is the Bay View Suite, which offers a personalized minibar, dedicated service ambassador and one of the best views over the resort. These will all be renovated, as will the Ocean Front suites. The lobby pavilion, too, will retain its open-air Caribbean vibe but will receive a design update with new furniture and flooring.
Of course, no stay is complete here without a taste of island culture. I timed my trip with the resort's weekly Thursday night Sunset Party, a festive gathering complete with live music, cocktails,\ and ocean views. It's a reminder that while Carlisle Bay may be a five-star resort, it's a place where the vibe is more bare feet and fewer buttons.
If guests happen to stay over a Friday, then the bonfire at The Jetty Grill is a must, complete with local live entertainment. A table reservation at East is a must, as well, particularly for the Dynamite Shrimp: crispy, creamy, with a little bit of heat. The ultrafresh sushi rolls are also not to be missed.
Ottimo, the poolside Italian restaurant, will
have a new menu focused on handmade pasta, garden-fresh herbs and
simple Mediterranean dishes when it opens. All-day dining venue Indigo on the Beach is
getting a subtle redesign, with new flooring, furniture and linen
uniforms.
Stellar staff
I found the service to be just as impressive as everything else during my stay. More than 60% of Carlisle Bay's staff have been with the resort since its inception, and there's a real sense of pride and loyalty that infuses the experience.
Everyone I met on staff made me feel at home -- from Anisha in sales, who checked in with me daily like an old friend, to Michael, the gracious manager at Indigo on the Beach, and Junior the landscaper, who gave me a personal tour of the resort's tropical gardens.
Carlisle Bay sits on a quiet stretch of beachfront on the southern coast of Antigua. The resort will increase the size of its beach as part of a renovation that will conclude in 2027. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Rajiv Malhotra, Carlisle Bay's newly appointed general manager, is a veteran of Four Seasons and Oberoi. He was brought on last November along with a wave of new senior staff, including a new food and beverage director and a culinary director.
Renovations to all Ocean, Garden and Bay Suites will be completed in Phase I, with remaining room categories and public areas refreshed by 2027. The resort has also acquired an adjacent plot of land,
which will be cleared to expand its beach footprint, an exciting
development for both aesthetics and future guest experience.