Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hermitage Bay

Cradled by a supremely secluded hidden cove, Hermitage Bay lives up to its name by creating a haven of peace and solitude for mind and body, where the outside world stays firmly outside. Surrounded by steep verdant hillsides, this multi-award-winning boutique hotel is spectacularly integrated into its natural environment, constructed with artistry to work in harmony with the existing landscape. The result is an intimate sanctuary of exclusivity, sophistication and romance.

The hotel is reached along a bumpy unmade dirt track, which only adds to the sense of seclusion. It is enclosed by 17 acres of enchanting tropical gardens, but much of the natural vegetation has been left intact, and instead of manicured gardens, the paths and flights of steps are flanked by riots of flamboyant bougainvillea. The dazzling white sand of the unspoilt beach is mixed with thousands of tiny fragments of shell and coral, washed ashore from the coral reef that protects the shoreline, giving the beach a beautiful pink hue.

Arriving guests find themselves in a vast, spacious lobby, with open sides and a lofty vaulted roof, given a laid-back chic by low-slung furnishings and a few Chinese tea chests. The decor throughout the resort is simple and unassuming, with light textured walls and white Italian linens softening the deep rich hues of the floorboards. The vaulted ceilings, and screen louvres in place of windows, give the building a charming colonial character.

Although Hermitage Bay has only one restaurant, it is renowned for the excellence of its world-class cuisine, and the resort makes it part of its mission for guests to savour gourmet cuisine at every meal. All menus are locally sourced as far as possible, and the resort has its own organic gardens, where fruits and vegetables are hand-picked for every meal. The executive chef even offers culinary classes to guests interested in learning about his "slow food" brand of farm-to-table cooking.

The gourmet experience begins with breakfast, which can be taken in the restaurant, in the lounge, or on the beautiful patio under the almond trees, right on the beach. There is an amazing variety of freshly squeezed juices or fruit cocktails to start with, such as a tropical medley of guava and soursop, or a fresh Antiguan fruit salad. The food choices include a made-to-order omelette with any filling you like, an Antiguan chop-up, pancake stacks dipped in local honey, or French toast drizzled with Cavalier rum and honey-roasted coconut.

In the evening, the stunning three-tiered restaurant, with tables spreading from decking on to the beach, is transformed into a romantic place for fine dining, with subtle lighting, flickering candles, and white drapes on tables and chairs. Menus change every day, and can range from Asian delights to modern European dishes and classic Caribbean flavours, including such dishes as spicy crab and shrimp timbale, Asian spiced duck salad or mahi-mahi with figs. Diners are serenaded every evening by live local bands, including jazz, calypso or steel drums.

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