The Inn At English Harbour, Antigua

The Inn At English Harbour

Steeped in historical charm and character, the Inn at English Harbour, resting on the beautiful wooded headland that guards the harbour entrance, is uniquely positioned to capture Antigua's rich colonial heritage, as well as its maritime influences. A major renovation programme has given this captivating hotel a stylish new look, while ensuring its old-world elegance is not only preserved, but is combined with the utmost in contemporary luxury. Boasting one of the Caribbean's most picturesque locations, and a member of the elite "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" group, this is truly one of Antigua's classic hotels.

From the main reception building on top of the hill, which is the hotel's original house, it is a pleasant stroll down through the hillside gardens to the infinity-edged pool, overlooking the sea and surrounded by sprawling green lawns and verdant foliage. The hotel's suites are housed in a central building and two lateral units beside the beach, while beyond the pool are the Beach Cabanas. All the buildings are shaded by luxuriant palms, and tamarind and bougainvillea trees.

Within the original house, the highly acclaimed al fresco Terrace Restaurant, with sweeping views over the English Harbour and its yachts, has gained a reputation as one of the finest dining venues in Antigua -- equally delightful for English-style afternoon tea, or fine dining by candlelight. Blending Caribbean cool with Italian style, the restaurant has been stunningly refurbished with new Jacquard linens, formal drapery, gleaming dishware and sterling silver cutlery, all personally chosen and shipped from Capri by the new Italian chef. The chef prepares inspired Italian recipes from his homeland, all blended with subtle Caribbean influences, and complemented by a wine cellar of exceptional scope and quality.

For more casual dining, the Reef Restaurant by the private jetty, just feet from the water's edge, has also been newly refurbished, with marble tile flooring and additional space. This open-air pavilion-style venue is open for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of rustic Italian dishes and Cajun local cuisine. Next door, the Reef Bar specialises in rum cocktails, including mojitos and a traditional rum punch, while in the original house, the traditional Stone Bar, a charming pub decorated with colonial bric-a-brac, is a perfect place for enjoying sophisticated pre-dinner drinks while watching the boats in the setting sun.

The refurbishment of the resort has also included the building of a new spa, next to the superb illuminated tennis courts. The spa consists of a massage room and a dedicated beauty treatment room, and offers a range of soothing massages and Warm Stone Therapy, using oils made from local roots, tree barks, leaves and flowers. The spa adjoins the hotel's cosy Library and Tea Lounge, with its supremely comfortable cushioned cane furniture, which is also the venue for the regularly scheduled Movie Nights.

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